Note: Neo is a huge talking point in this chapter, but there is VERY little of Neo herself. This is by design, as next chapter is going to almost entirely follow her.

Chapter Eighty Two: Planted Flowers

"Well, zero to pissed in a moment." Carmine grumbles under his breath as he and Roman come to a halt near the hotel the group had stayed in the night before. He looks to Roman. "Didn't expect you to just destroy the information like that. I kinda feel like we could have only pretended to go get it in the first place."

Roman's deep grimace lightens as he gives a side eye. "Actually..." His hands fiddle with the real drive in his pocket, containing all robotics advancements made by the SDC for the past few years.

The drive he'd destroyed to set up Hazel was a dummy drive, taken from a market. All it had was some note details Roman can easily do without.

The man smirks for the boy and scoffs. "Oh well. What's done is done." He fails to mention the real data, moving on. "Guess we've made enemies of cultists."

That pulls at Carmine's mood. "And put us in Atlas's cross hairs. Can't believe that guy found us underground." He notices Roman's scowl return. "You know him?"

The conman clicks his tongue. "No, I don't. Which only makes it more infuriating since he knows me by my series black designation."

Carmine double takes. "Whoa, wait! We knew AZRL was in the SDC, but that was a damn Atlas agent." He looks to Roman wide eyed as the conman says nothing to add. "The equivalent of a top class Huntsman! How would-"

His lips smack closed as his face shifts with grumbling thoughts and realizations. "Right... They're lead by a fat, grudge holding man whose spent half a century at his goal while training child soldiers. Guess it's not that far fetched to think he private funded a kid through the ac-" He shakes his head. "No! Because if he can funnel some kids into the academies, he'd have done that to so many more."

Roman scoffs. "It's simple. He's been bought off." At Carmine's scowl, he rolls his eyes. "Oh, get over your self righteous morals, Silver Streak. Does it hurt you so if someone of repute decided 'screw this, give me something off the top'?"

Carmine winces, looking at the tall buildings all around him. "All my life, people referred to Atlas as the strongest kingdom." He grimaces and shrugs. "Tell me about corrupt business? Sure. Accepted. Tell me about military traitors? I'd think they'd all be dead by this point."

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Roman sing songs, twirling Velvet Valentine as he leans on an alley wall. "Just waiting on the altruistic blowhards to realize that." He nods to the boy. "Now, give Barbie another message. We can't wait around long."

"Do not bother..." A winded voice calls from the side, both boys whipping around to find Blair. The blonde's Shatter illusion disguise finishes breaking off as she doubles over, hands on her knees in vice grips. "I am certain that we do not wish to linger in Atlas any longer."

Carmine frowns. "So... Stein is done?"

"According to Neo and Makara, yes." Blair straightens herself. "Which means AZRL has lost a bulk of its medical resources, which will deeply hinder its recovery and operations."

Roman scowls and looks off. "So... she's staying for good? Back down to four of us?" At Blair's solemn nod, Carmine and Roman both sour. "Shall we skip town-"

"Where's Neo?" Carmine butts in.

Blair purses her lips. "... So, Neo had an idea..."

One explanation later, and the people on the streets all cringe at the loud shrieking boy... "WHAT!?"

. . .

Neo sits pretty in her Shatter illusion disguise, remaining as a slightly rougher looking Vanille. She smiles peppy and hums a tune as a dour looking police officer glares at her across the small room. The girl is handcuffed to the table between them.

"Are you going to cooperate? We need to contact your parental guardians. Any numbers? Names?" The officer implores.

The girl makes a dramatic show of thinking before holding her hand out. The man grimaces and offers a pen and paper.

. . .

Carmine's scroll rings out, catching the attention of the three. The boy smiles and looks at the device. "Ah! Technology back to life!" He answers the call, gaining a thoughtful look. "Yo!" Some time passes as he listens to the voice on the line. Roman and Blair eye the boy. "Oh! Yeah, uh." He plays up a scoff. "Yeah, that's my sister, yeah..."

As Roman snickers at that, Carmine looking uncomfortable referring to Neo that way, Blair remains at attention for the boy to continue the conversation. Carmine soon comes to attention, smirking before looking horrified.

"She did WHAT to a cop car-" He shakes his head. "No wait. Of course she fucking- Alright, where is she?" Slowly, he nods before his gaze falls upon Roman and Blair. "Uh... Yeah... I can pass the message to 'Mom' and 'Dad'." His voice is stiff as he refers to the adults by the monikers. "Alright, thanks officer Barbrady."

He hangs up and purses his lips. Eventually, he gets a look from Blair. "So... What's the issue?"

Carmine scoffs. "Well 'Mother'," He speaks in a mocking tone. "One of Neo's parental guardians will need to collect her from the Far Side station on Twentieth and Sheridan. Proof of relation will be required since Neo is 'refusing to talk or provide her own identification'." He does air quotes before putting hands on his hips. "So... we got a little issue there. Proof of relation..."

Roman and Blair share a look before the conman smirks. "Wow. If only we knew someone who is familiar with civil documentation!" The man looks to Blair. "Barbie and I can get with the lawyer to get the right stuff."

Blair raises a brow. "I am fairly positive that he will be having more than enough of a headache today since his primary client and his client's daughter are now arrested in Atlas custody. Will George have enough time to make dummy paperwork?"

"Enough money will make that a yes." Roman quips. "Give him a ring." He then notices a frown from the boy. "Got a brighter idea, Silver Streak?"

Carmine sighs. "... We could just... go to her actual mom..." He mulls it over and gives a halfhearted gesture. "Neo kept pulling up the address she's supposedly at and closing it out over and over on her scroll last night. Took some patience to gather the context."

The three CRBN members momentarily silence within the alley way.

Blair grimaces. "I feel that may be a... red flag. Being a government official, she is certainly notified of Team CRBN being placed under a microscope right now."

"Maybe, but individual crimes and such can often fly under an official's radar. Especially since our cult friends did some significant sabotage downtown from what Silver Streak and I gathered on our way back here." He looks to the boy. "If we get to Neo's mom fast enough, she might not be inherently biased against us."

"Hopefully." Carmine crosses his arms. "Ya know? You two go to George. I'll go say hi to her as a backup plan. Worst case scenario, I can Recall out of there." Carmine turns to march off.

Roman calls after him. "Mind the skies for drones. Favor the alleys in day time. Only march out in the open with full confidence. Don't draw attention!"

The boy leaves, and Roman looks to Blair. The blonde is already using her scroll to look up George's number from their prior contacts. She catches his eye and slouches. "Really?"

He grins wicked. "Did I say something, 'Ma'?" He chuckles. "I feel we've moved a little fast for kids."

Blair slowly face palms. "It's going to be false paperwork..."

Roman places his hand over his chest in mock offense. "You're saying it isn't meant to be?! I'm so hurt, Mama Barbie!"

"Please stop."

. . .

Downtown. Outside the construction site.

Qrow suppresses a wince as the medic finishes taping a wrap around his shoulder. The medical officer inspects the shirtless Huntsman. "All is in order, here. You're good to go. Aura healing should finish you up within a few days."

The Huntsman grunts. "Clean bill of health, then. Thanks Doctor."

"It's DuFresne, and I'm not a doctor. I'm a medic." The man says without heat, attempting to be cordial.

Qrow flaps his jacket as he pulls it on over his bandaged torso. "Yeah, I'm not pronouncing that, so I'm sticking with Doc. No offense." He side steps the pouting medic while giving the officer a pat on the shoulder. "Thanks!" No sooner than four steps, he's confronted with Winter. "So..?"

Winter narrows her glare on the man, standing tall. "I'm bringing you to the General to report."

A slow blink. Red eyes half lid in dull annoyance. "... I am sure James can wait for me to refill my drink."

"Perhaps the General can, but-" Winter brandishes her hand over her saber hilt. "-we're going now-"

A ring of a scroll.

Both the Huntsman and Agent look to Winter's pocket as she fishes out her scroll. Funny. It's an uplifting piano tune. Qrow smirks at the slight whimsy of the stoic woman's choice in ringtone. She catches the smirk and glares.

Turning away, Winter answers. "Agent Winter." She answers. Within moments, she tenses wide eyed, whipping her head to another direction. "A break in WHERE?!"

Qrow loses his mirth and wonders what's in the direction she's looking-

The SDC Headquarters. A break in...

"... I hate setting off traps." He mutters yet again. "Why do I feel like a certain team of trouble makers is involved here?"

. . .

SDC Headquarters...

Penny feels so... exposed...

Her body, despite being manufactured, has enough synthetic materials that are capable of sewing back together with aura. Her own form of aura healing. Her body was damaged heavily against Stein. While her synthetic skin had mostly patched up, her exoskeleton is still hindered.

Not to mention, the large gash still over her back. Thankfully, it stopped sparking, but she keeps it covered with a change of shirt. Her other four swords have been gathered and pinned into the floor by her, the remaining two connected with wire are retracted into her back.

Power: 3 percent.

If she wanted to put up a fight right now, she very much couldn't...

Still... She has to put at least some form of front for the situation before her.

"Miss Penny. Stand down and hand over the infiltrators!" An Atlas offer commands, flanked by an armed firing line ready to take down the individuals behind her.

Behind Penny is Stein, tied into place with ropes by the egg shaped drones from Garland's pod. The scientist remains in place, chunk of his pectoral torn out with neither of his arms on. He remains in place, eyeing the android's attempts to explain that she cannot cooperate.

Garland himself is sitting patiently in his pod, the device powered down at Stein's computers. He'd finished compiling the little remains of Stein's research to dismay. Not much left for evidence. Beside the pod, Makara sits cross legged, leaned against the pod for ease. Almighty Circuit sits across her legs as she remains focused on Penny.

Cooperation means assisting if need be. She had hoped Penny would have immediate access to her superiors, but Penny only had a short one minute call with her commanding officer before these soldiers filed in. Her hands remained where they could be seen, but not far from the grips of her own rifle.

Penny remains steadfast. "These people are under arrest by the authority of Agent Winter Schnee." Penny states for the fourth time to the man. "You do not have the authority to take them from my custody without authorization from Miss Winter."

The officer groans his answer. "And as I've told YOU, child, I've got orders by Agent Whis Palmo to bring those two in and check the authenticity of keeping the doctor here. Why are you holding one of the SDC's top personnel captive?"

"That... is classified." Penny speaks slowly, frowning as she realizes she's not alleviating his growing anger. "Agent Palmo does not supersede Agent Winter in authority, thus your authority to complete his order does not negate my own."

"A fine statement, little lass."

The group turns to find Whis entering. His body is covered in dirt smudges and the odd scorch mark as he breathes heavier than most have seen him. He wipes sweat from his brow as he straightens his cowboy hat and smiles for the little ginger. "Hello there. Penny short for Penelope? Agent Whis Palmo." He extends his hand for her.

Penny frowns.

This is the man that supposedly inspected and tested Neopolitan Rhodes... And failed spectacularly. Were it not for her outing with Winter, Penny would almost warm up to him immediately. "Actually, sir, Penny is my full designation- Erm... Name." She gives a concerned look, trying to make something of the man. She hesitates before taking his hand in a shake.

He smiles for her from the hand shake and stands tall. "Good hand on you. Now, I'm afraid I've gotta take those three out of your hands."

Penny blinks and reiterates. "I cannot do so-"

"I've got express authority by General Ironwood in this matter. Give it up, kid." He smiles as Penny snaps her mouth shut, unsure of a retort to that. At Penny's silence, he takes the consent and signals to his men. "Alright, round em up-"

A whir sound hums as a white barrier glyph spins into existence between the soldiers and Penny's side!

For just a second, Penny sees a dark scowl appear over Whis before he presents a bright smile. He turns to see Winter entering. "Agent! I'm just about done here-"

"You are done." Winter snaps as she marches by the soldiers, posture tight. She brushes by the man and comes to a stop upon taking Penny's condition in. She hastens her pace and stops at the girl. She kneels and speaks low, only for the android to hear. "I sent you home to NOT get into trouble. What is this?"

"This is no time for a private conversation." Whis scowls and crosses his arms. "Report what you have, loud and-" A black feather trails down and catches his eye nearby. He closes his eyes and grumbles as a whistle catches all the men by surprise. Qrow appears, sitting leisurely on a broken piece of flooring half a level up from the firing squad.

Qrow smirks, but his eyes are critical of Whis. Taking in the damage, Qrow nods. "Yo. You look like crap."

Whis scoffs, nodding to Qrow's bandages exposed at the top of his open jacket. "Howdy. Hard day's work for both of us, it seems. But, this is an Atlas exclusive issue. Beacon's got no business here."

As Qrow and Whis engage, Winter turns to Penny and whispers. "Report Penny."

Penny blinks between looking at Whis and to Winter. "I have three prisoners. One is the doctor of AZRL, as I suspected." She flicks a gaze to the Rivieras. "The other two are allies of Team CRBN. They surrendered to me to act as witnesses against Doctor Stein..." Winter's eyes widen at each piece of information. "Doctor Stein destroyed much of his information before he could be apprehended. I entered the fray in support of Team CRBN to prevent the destruction of evidence, and to save them when Stein meant to kill them outright."

THAT drops Winter's jaw, but she recovers with a furious glare. "I sent you back to stay OUT of trouble-" She shakes her head. "Right. I'll handle this."

Whis turns from Qrow, seeing Winter approach. "Come on, Agent. This is a pointless squabble."

"Then why fight it?" Winter counters. "They're mine. Go after your own leads."

The man narrows his gaze. "Where's this attitude coming from? Winter, I know you've been sore 'bout me getting to head the AZRL operations, but that's no reason not to cooperate. They're under my jurisdiction."

"How does that figure?" Qrow speaks up from the side.

Whis growls under his breath. "Because CRBN was here! That means this incident is related to MY operation."

"Except." Winter cuts in. "This happened at the SDC, which, if you care to notice, is MY post and responsibility."

"ENOUGH!"

The new authority cuts all the arguing down...

All parties present turn to find the leader of the military entering the room with his own retinue. General Ironwood enters with a firm scowl. He looks to all the regular soldiers. "All of you, scour the area for recovery of evidence and coordinating damage evaluation."

The firing line and his own retinue all move from the room, leaving the two Agents, the Huntsman, the General, Penny, and the three prisoners.

Ironwood looks to the remainder and narrows his gaze. "Those three are under whose custody currently?" Winter straightens at attention, Penny seeing this, flinching, and mimicking her. "You've been busy, Agent. First, arresting a quarter of our day shift surveillance team, now this."

Winter really hoped he wouldn't know about that yet...

Whis tenses and whips his head to Winter. A dangerous glint flashes as he almost speaks up until Ironwood cuts a look his way as well.

Instead, the General addresses Qrow. "Huntsman... The next conversation is heavily tied into Atlas operations. Do you have reason to be here?"

The Huntsman huffs. "The Cult sets up a distraction downtown, so I assume they're in league with this. That's my business."

Ironwood grimaces. He'd rather deal with this matter without Ozpin being notified later. Penny is still secret from him. "Agent Winter, Agent Palmo, Huntsman Branwen..." He looks to Penny. His stern gaze makes her shrink in his vision before he moves on. "You will all report to me within twenty minutes." He shares a small look with Winter before turning to Whis. "Agent Winter will be given time to secure the prisoners."

Whis grimaces at that. He nods. "Yes, sir." He leaves the area.

Winter receives a similar glare, wilting slightly.

Qrow watches him leave, then gives a small look to the General. "As the peanut gallery, I feel like I'm watching both Mommy and Daddy get yelled at by you, James."

Before James gives Qrow an exasperated response, Winter clears her throat. "Qrow... would you repay my saving you earlier with assisting me? I need to escort these prisoners in a secure way."

James raises a brow towards Qrow. The Huntsman snorts. "Saving is a strong word for kill stealing." He smirks, noticing Winter's chill her glare at him. "But sure."

. . .

Elsewhere.

Near the edges of the City of Atlas, Roman and Blair hide out at a sheltered area of a bus stop. The two peer around until spotting the faunus coming. George hastens his walk as he finds the two, approaching with a grimace.

He's sweating. He's winded. He looks like he's been scrambling around for literally a day and half. Well, perhaps because that is exactly what he's been doing.

The faunus huffs a breath and looks at the two. "Can we PLEASE make this quick. I'm still gathering the reading materials to prepare for Mr Riviera's legal defense." He sucks in a long breath. "I've got to manage the affairs for his business which, is STILL left in the air after yesterday. I have to gather the formal papers to prep for argument for the judges." He pauses, looking up in a sudden realization. His eyes widen as he slouches. "Oh, I need to find a second chair to overlook my work so I leave no stone unturned-"

"George. Breath." Blair approaches, hands up. "You must remain calm with what's to come."

Roman smirks and can't help himself. "Also, you'll be called as the defense for Makara also. She stayed behind voluntarily."

The faunus double takes. "WHAT?!" The well spoken faunus howls in a shout! He checks around them, finding themselves relatively alone. He pats down his suit, straightening it and growls. "I've never done criminal defense! I volunteered for one, and you give me two?!" The man's composure was quickly crumbling to dust under the pressure building.

"GEORGE! In through the nose..." Blair slaps a hand on his shoulder and steadies him. Talking him through the breathing. "... Good. Out through the mouth."

George gives a mild glower. "... Those are problems for later... What is it that you need at this moment? You seemed hesitant to answer."

Roman clicks his tongue. "Alright, Cool Cat, we need you to fudge some paperwork for Barbie and I here." He smirks.

George grimaces hard at the man. "Address me correctly, or not at all."

The conman drops his smirk, unhappy. "Damn. This one has more backbone than Dory."

Blair pushes back. "Neo was arrested." George's body flinches, but Blair holds her hands up in surrender. "NOT in relation to our operation. She needed to hide, so she committed a petty crime to get taken to jail to hide from the military."

George slouches at that. "... By gods, she's still the same..." His lip almost quirks at that, but he shakes his head. "But, I fail to see what..."

Roman finishes. "Either we check her out legitimately, or we break her out. We want to sneak out of Atlas tonight, so we need to check her out as her 'parental guardians', get back to Mantle, to our van, and we run of gods damned bastards."

George scowls. "I... see..."

"We want to pose as her parental guardians to get her out." Blair adds. "It's the best idea we have right now."

The faunus slowly blinks, taking it in. "So... On top of Mr and Miss Riviera's pending criminal defenses... you want me to FORGE fake papers for you to pose as Miss Rhodes' parents to get her out of police custody?" He sighs. "I suppose Mr Uhlric is also needing legal guidance?"

"He's currently working on a backup plan... Going to see Neo's real mother." Blair states.

George whips a look back at her. "... Oh, that won't end well. Mrs Rhodes is... notoriously foul to make deals with. You agree to her deals, not the other way around..."

Roman nods. "So, you see why you're our current front runner."

He grumbles silent for a moment. The three stand long enough that Roman and Blair share a look. The faunus seems deep in contemplation before looking back. "I've got you." He looks to a nearby inn. "I will return with the paperwork, then you all may use my personal transport to depart Atlas for Mantle."

Blair deflates with a small ghost of a grin. "Thank you-"

"Do not thank me yet." George grumbles unhappy. "That inn has a conference room. Most do." He hands them a business card. "One of you hand that card to the front desk and meet me inside the room in one hour." He then scrutinizes the two. "And perhaps try some form of disguise since I'm positive the city is looking for you."

Roman accepts the card and shrugs. "Alright. Easy."

George glares at them. "I suppose... let me know if Carmine somehow blows up a gas station and gets arrested himself." He groans as he stomps off.

Roman can't help but laugh. "I think we're breaking him."

"Be easy." The blonde sighs. "Let's hope Carmine doesn't have much trouble."

. . .

Knock knock...

Neopolitan flinches at the sound.

Inside her home suite, she's been shaking and tending to her looks all day since Winter and Penny left this morning. Now, it's going into the dead of night. The sunset is almost finished, but the girl feels like it's six hours beyond midnight.

She watches the late night news, seeing the images of some terrorist attack in a construction site. Elsewhere, there was an attack on the-

The teen girl leans forward on the edge of her seat. Someone broke into the SDC Headquarters?! Details are few, but holy cow! That's going to cause a massive stir! Plus the rerun of that supposed attack at the charity festival in Mantle yesterday... Just what the hell is going on in Atlas right now?

Knock knock.

Oh, right!

Neopolitan moves to her feet, gulping down a fear lump in her throat.

"Would you get that door before I have to, Missy?!" Her mother's voice calls from the other room...

Misty Rhodes had returned from the Mayor Office twenty minutes ago.

Neopolitan sighs and approaches the door.

Outside, Carmine rocks on his feet.

No plan, really. He's just winging a 'reunion' of sorts. Neo didn't want to say whether she'd gone to her Mom or not, so Carmine might need to play up some ignorance. Yeah! Feign like he's here to visit Neo to warm up Misty before popping the real information.

Yeah... blackmail her with knowing she left Neo out to dry, and guilt her into getting Neo out from jail. It's perfect!

He raises his hand to knock again. It'll at least be interesting to see how she is. Maybe she can be an ally. Maybe Neo isn't as abandoned as she felt.

He knocks.

Tap ta-ta-tap tap. Tap tap-

The knob turns and opens the door to reveal... Pink and brown eyes meeting blue...

At his own eye level... As in... Neo is suddenly here... She's here looking at him at eye level... Why isn't she short? She's the exact same height... as...

Carmine's wide eyes look at the hair. It's wrong. The pink is only in the one side favored bangs. The girl's head shape is similar, but... slightly sharper. She's more slender. Softer... Not athletic...

… His own words become quite apt... Zero to pissed in a moment. Eyes shrink in a ferocious look of a very, VERY angry predator.

Neopolitan sees the boy and slightly blushes. "Hi there." She brushes her pink hair back as she smiles for him. His hair is cute- Wait... She saw that in a sketch... on the news of possible suspects... A member of those that attacked-

Freezing in realization of who she's looking at, Neopolitan reels back and attempts to slam the door!

Carmine's armored left hand catches the door... and slowly pushes the entrance open, the feeble civilian girl's feet sliding on the floor as she pushes against it. Carmine looks Neopolitan over, looking hauntingly still. He cocks his head. "... Hello there."

Neopolitan flinches from the door. "MOM!" She shouts and falls back onto the couch.

Carmine's face twists in a sneer. This copycat is referring to Neo's Mom as her own?! His left hand twitches for Heulin Noon, but he suddenly remembers why he came... The real Neo.

"What?! What is the commotion!" And suddenly, Misty Rhodes steps into the room. The woman's work clothes have been mostly discarded, replaced with a more comfortable deep violet cardigan sweater over a gray shirt. Her violet hair has lost a touch of saturation over the years from Carmine's memory, but he recognizes the woman. She eyes the boy with complete ire, cocking her head in confusion.

Her brown eyes lock onto Carmine's own before briefly looking up to his hair.

Carmine's look of utter fury washes away complete with... mischief. He smiles wide, his mood change terrifying the fake Neopolitan sitting on the couch. "Hey, Mrs Rhodes! Long time, no see! Wow, you look great!"

Misty slowly removes her glasses, the dimmed shades being removed reveal her chocolate brown eyes... and her semblance hitting him full force. "... What messenger of hell brought you here-" She shakes herself and puts on a bright politician smile. "Why, hello, dear! My... you've grown! What's it been? Six years? Seven?"

Carmine's eye twitches under the woman's semblance. He feels the pressure, but he remembers it. He always felt... compelled to her way of thinking when she'd looked at him as a child. Now, well. He feels exactly what it's doing. It's giving him a headache, but he's recognizing it. He maintains a smile. "Ten going on eleven, but who keeps count anyway? Old people just lose track!"

Misty's eye twitches at the old jab. "Well, it's late, so why are you harassing us?" Her gaze flicks to Neopolitan, a slight nervous tick. "I mean, paying a graceful visit?"

"Aw come on!" Carmine reaches up and scratches the back of his head. "I seem to remember you offering me to come to you for help anytime I'm in Atlas. So, here I am!" He then side eyes Neopolitan. "I even wanted to say hi to Neo."

Neopolitan pales... He knows she's fake. Of course he does. He's on the real one's team! Why is he entertaining this conversation? The fake Neopolitan gives a shaky smile and twirls her hair. "It's super nice to see you again... er..."

Misty likewise catches up. "Yes, listen. Clayton-"

"Carmine." The boy forcefully corrects.

"-It is late, and while I would LOVE to catch up and learn what you and your uptight father are up to these days, I think you should come back tomorrow. Or never." Misty adds with a smile. Her semblance meets the boy. Aura transference through the eyes to manipulate and bewitch the brain.

She can never turn it off, hence the reliance on sunglasses to contain the semblance in day to day operation. She wants him to leave...

Oh. She's going to be THAT bitch, huh?

Well, Carmine's suddenly in the mood to be a bastard, himself. He twitches, head aching from the power. "Yeah..." He plops down into a side chair in the living room area. "I'm thinking no."

Misty immediately is taken back. "Excuse you, young man?"

"You're going to explain something to me, then you're going to give me a reason to ONLY blackmail you." The boy glares at the woman. His eyes flash as magic courses through his veins. His eyes flash golden, the burning color obscuring his pupils in twin sun like orbs staring at the woman. "See. We're going to have a little talk about proper parenting..."

Misty reaches behind her-

BOOM!

Carmine fires Heulin Noon in a snap draw, the shot chipping at the wall by the woman and making her flinch. "Nope. Nah. Yeah, nah. We're gonna talk." The casual words would work better if not for the furious growl underpinning them.

Neopolitan shivers in fear on the couch, shifting slightly.

"Blue, sit there." Carmine his left hand jauntily wags his revolver in her direction. "Just a nice visiting talk."

. . .

Inside a secure military jail...

The doors of a cell open, allowing the father and daughter inside. Makara stood normally, but her father was presented a wheelchair, courtesy of Penny grabbing a spare from her father's lab. Upon the two being stowed away, Penny faced them and nodded. "I promised that my superiors would listen. Please, put faith in Agent Winter."

Makara's face scrunches at the name. "Winter... Winter... What's her last-"

A loud clang sounds outside the cell, pulling Penny's attention. "I apologize! Winter will be back for you." She exits the cell, the door closing on the odd duo.

Down the halls, Winter finishes escorting the tied up Doctor Stein into his cell...

Stein huffs. "Such a stay will be temporary, I assure you." His voice remaining even despite the horrific damage to his body puts off the woman. "I'd like to request a lawyer." His tone clearly indicates mocking. Winter narrows her gaze and turns to leave. "It's no wonder Ironwood chose you to train that one." He refers to Penny.

Winter glares over her shoulder at him. "You will speak no further of Penny. She will bask in the fact that she outed you." The Schnee gives a superior, cold glower looking down at the man. "Whatever resources you attempt to use will be looked under a microscope for corrupted origin. You will hide no longer."

Stein hums. "Sunlight indeed may act as disinfectant, but it will do little to impede my work." His puppet like posture turns slightly to her, a creeping sensation rattling her to see him move like that in this condition. "Unlike you, I'm not replaceable."

The Schnee tenses.

He continues. "After all the potential you show, you placed your all in a profession that by definition values your life less than the populace. You, a prodigal child of a girl born to any means chose the route of self sacrifice for the sake of the mediocre."

Her blood burns... but she remains in place. What is he gaining by trying to bait her? She shakes her head and takes another step.

Stein's head cocks slightly, uncomfortably, as he wonders out loud. "I suppose it fits the profile from another angle. You certainly had a repressed childhood. It's no wonder you jumped at the opportunity to play with dolls masquerading as little girls."

Metal on metal.

In the blink of an eye, Winter's saber impales the man's remaining shoulder, but no further. "For each mention of Penny you make, I will add another charge and condition to your stay, you monster." She withdraws the blade and sheathes it before exiting the room. "Keep poking at us, and you will find how disposable even you are."

A moment of angry weakness aside, Winter feels much better upon leaving the cell and finding Penny in the halls. "Alright. Full report. Leave nothing out."

Penny nods, standing straight despite some pain receptors firing in her back. "After we parted, I traveled with my escort back to the SDC, per your orders. However, upon arrival, the compound shield was down due to an EMP attack." Winter narrows her gaze and nods. "Seeing similarities between the situation and Malum, I acted on a hunch and sought out Doctor Stein's lab to confirm his connection. En route, I met Neopolitan Rhodes of Team CRBN already in pursuit of the doctor."

She continues. "Chasing after Neopolitan, I came to the Doctor's lab, where he was already on the verge of killing the intruder." At Winter's slight gaze shifting, Penny clarifies. "The doctor had prepared his lab with traps, and it is clear that they were not hastily placed. The doctor was well prepared ahead of time for exactly this event. Neopolitan stood no chance on her own, but her ally came. However, the newcomer is not one of the CRBN original four, but introduced herself as Makara Riva."

"Hmm." Winter nods. "Walk and talk. I will have questions for them. This Makara sounds like someone I should... recall..." Winter frowns deep before she walks ahead of Penny to the cell containing the Rivieras.

Entering to find Makara and Garland, Winter stands before them. Her eyes scrutinize the lavender haired sniper. Something familiar...

Rather than engage with conversation, Winter remains in place and bobs her head to Penny. "Continue to debrief. I'll get statements from all three of you."

Garland scoffs. "All business and rude. That fits." He mutters under his breath.

Makara frowns and chides lightly. "Penny said she's a friend. Be positive."

"I see that my ward is making promises on my behalf." Winter states in a monotone as her glare slowly shifts towards the android. Penny blinks like a deer in headlights before Winter sighs. "Just continue the debrief."

Penny nods. "Upon her arrival, Makara here sabotaged the doctor's trap and part of his weapon while engaging with him. However, she did not disable the doctor's final trap, using black dust to poison the air and disable everyone's auras. Myself and the doctor were immune to this trap, for-" She pauses, shifting her gaze away from the prisoners since she's talking about her robotics. "-bio-mechanical reasons. The doctor then committed to killing both intruders with extreme prejudice despite myself stating proper procedure to hand them over after they were defeated."

Winter looks over the two, nodding. "After I leave, inform the on duty officer to get a medic from unit 47 to look the two over. I'm aware of Mr Riviera's condition given the incident report yesterday, and Miss... Riva... will need some attention to dilute the black dust inside her and build her aura back up."

Penny nods. "After it became clear that the doctor was hiding something, I was left with two choices. I could interfere in order to preserve all possible evidence that could be used against him, or I could allow him to kill the two girls and undercut my- our investigation." Penny frowns. "I knew I would face repercussions, but I felt it necessary. I intervened on their behalf and engaged the doctor in combat."

Garland spares a glance at his daughter, frowning knowing she's only alive because this... mechanical girl of sorts weighed her options conveniently.

Makara, on the other hand, smiles appreciative, but her eyes squint in confusion. This Agent questioning Penny appears familiar for some reason. Yet, she can't place her in her crippled memories.

Penny clears her throat and continues. "I underestimated how powerful the doctor would be. He defeated me soundly, but I managed to nearly fully disable his combat capabilities. He revealed to us that his goals supersede the morality of those around him. He... actually believes he is on the cusp of inventing a way to place humanity beyond death." Winter's eyes dart to the girl's at that. "Before he could destroy me, Mr Riviera broke into the tower from above to save us."

The man scrunches and works his mustache in a flaunting way at that.

"Mr Riviera disabled the last of the doctor's traps, and the doctor began a sequence that would delete his data. In the time that Mr Riviera would disable the deletion, myself, Neopolitan, and Makara defeated and detained Doctor Stein. Upon discovering the data CRBN was after from Stein was deleted, Stein mocked their efforts declaring himself legally immune to them. Their only choice would be to kill him. However, Makara here willfully turned herself over to my custody on the conditions that her sentencing could be used to allow her as a witness for the Doctor's crimes." Penny leans to Winter. "Ma'am... she's the one Team CRBN broke out of Malum and saved."

That gets Winter's full attention back on Makara. "... I see. And the remainder of Team CRBN?"

Makara smiles warmly at the mention. "Likely out of the city by this point. Penny allowed Neo to leave for my cooperation."

Winter narrows her glare on the sniper, but her pragmatism starts to kick in. Between Neopolitan as an anonymous witness and Makara here as a star victim for the case... Even barring hard evidence, they could build a strong enough case against the doctor for a jury trial.

Yeah... She could work with this in everyone's favor... depending on how things go against Whis. This sniper-

Winter blinks and darts her gaze between Makara and Garland. "Mr Riviera, this woman is..?"

"My daughter." Garland states proud, though weak as the day's stresses wane away at him.

Snap! That's where she knows her from. Winter's eyes widen on the sniper. "Maka?" Makara perks at that. Winter shakes her head confused. "Why are you going by Makara?"

Makara smiles. "Well... some memory issues started that with my condition. Habit has set in-" The sniper pauses. "Wait. You know me?"

"You were one or two years behind me at Atlas prep prior to me joining the Academies." Winters speaks softly. "I heard you disappeared while I was in my first year of Atlas. I remember you getting in trouble for vocally protesting a professor for misstating facts around faunus culture."

Makara looks embarrassed. "I... am afraid I remember none of that." She then looks a bit chipper. "So, I did go to Atlas prep."

That makes the Agent recoil suspicious. "Well, yes. How do you forget your place of schooling?"

The sniper snaps her mouth shut, frowning as she figures how to word things. "I... am afraid my time with AZRL resulted in the development of an illness. Aurstigma." Winter's eyes widen, a pang of sympathy and irritation both coming in equal waves. "I've got fairly strong memory of recent events, but the further back it goes, the less and less I have..."

Winter has heard of cases of Aurstigma. The fact that Makara is this cognitive is surprising to the Schnee. It must be a recent contraction of the illness-

Shit... This pressures things. If Maka is to be a valuable witness in an ongoing trial, this illness will massively hurt her credibility. They'll need to process charges for the girl and get her case finished FAST. And that's not even accounting for how much time and effort will need to go into Steins' own case...

"How long do you figure you have?" Winter asks softly. "Before it progresses too much?"

Makara shrugs. "I've had the condition for the better part of a year." That freezes Winter in place. THAT should present itself more than it is. "I cannot recall when the contraction occurred. I was then placed in Doctor Stein's, or Doctor Near's, care for experimentation since I became too damaged to sell. I'd have died months ago if not for Team CRBN unhooking me from Stein's machines draining my aura."

She adds quickly. "We had possession of Stein's master work, a Soul Servo meant to preserve someone's aura indefinitely beyond their body dying. I was forced to destroy it to regain untainted aura that had been drained from me. That bounced my aura back to my current levels." She shrugs. "I've no idea how long I have before I deteriorate again."

Silence fills the room as Winter looks over to Garland. The fact that the primary victim is his daughter fills absolutely all the gaps for explaining his behavior. That also means the attack on him yesterday is the result of Stein's doing, not CRBN.

"Penny." Penny perks. "After you've contacted a medic, please contact your father about cybernetic advancements that could combat Aurstigma." She looks at Makara, seeing the sniper frown. "Regardless of whether you're willing to, we will NEED your memory as intact as possible for having you as a witness. So, please listen to any options. Also, any funding for your medical services can come from my military account."

Makara straightens up, positively shocked at the resolution.

Winter turns to leave. "Thank you for your cooperation... I will not allow it to go to waste." She spares one more look to Makara. "I will also be interested in learning more information directly from a member of team CRBN."

"Former." Makara clarifies and smiles. "And I will only give information that is needed. I will protect them from you if need be."

Still hostile towards any threat to whom she's tied to. That sounds like the girl Winter vaguely recalls. The Schnee nods and leaves.

Now, she needs the General to agree with her...

. . .

Okay...

So, perhaps Carmine's anger completely spiked at the sight of the fake Neo. Perhaps, he's learning, this may have been why Neo was distant over what happened while she was up here in Atlas, the others in Mantle at the time.

MAYBE, coming here was the worst possible decision he could have made in the pursuit of helping Neo out of jail.

But, above all else, Carmine did learn that anger and offense can boil at such a way, one's appearing mood circles right back around to being almost... whimsical. A whimsical anger. Doesn't that sound like the most psychotic- Oh, so THAT'S a psychotic break.

This mental evaluation occurred in the two seconds Carmine closes his eyes to take a deep breath before the situation. Here he stands, in the home of the mayor of Atlas, who herself is sitting on her own couch at gunpoint beside her fake daughter. Misty appears unbothered by the firearm, crossing her hands and eyeing a bottle of scotch on the bar top near the kitchen.

"So, years of public grace and acting the model citizen results in being held hostage in my own home. I do hope your father taught you proper manners, Mr." The woman mocks, leaning so she can reach from the couch for the alcohol.

"HA!" Carmine's wide grin hides the burning volcanic fury tensing his joints beneath his skin. "Ozpin. Teach me something. That's funny. Almost as funny as you being a model citizen. Tell me, how IS AZRL, these days?"

Misty's eyes cut to meet his own. Her hard stare dies quickly at his burning magic golden gaze. "Oh, don't tell me, dear. YOU'RE part of that barbaric Team CRBN?" She scoffs, playing off her unease. "I heard they liked to play Huntsman, but now it makes sense with a brat like you in it. Bunch of children."

"Two teens. Two adults, actually." Carmine cuts in then smirks condescendingly. "Though, yes, I AM the leader."

"A wonderful accomplishment Cayden."

His eyes twitches. "Yeah, I'm not gonna give to the playful bad memory shtick. Whether you're a just a manipulative bitch or losing your memory with age, you know who I am."

"Begging the question why you're here." Misty cuts a look on him. Her aura flickers for a millisecond. Her semblance washes over him upon eye contact, almost willing him to submit to her. Seems while she can't turn it off, she CAN focus and strengthen it. That's interesting.

It's a damned migraine to fight. His eyes quiver as he resists. "Oh, well, I was GOING to extend an olive branch and ask a favor. Figured you'd at least, ya know, care that your daughter was taken by a trafficking organization, buuuut..." He drawls out the words before blinking. "But then I find that not only did you play into that to get a new daughter, I also remembered your husband got his dumb ass killed playing with trafficking himself."

He shrugs and grins. "So, favor might come with blackmail, but the rest of this conversation is just catharsis." Neopolitan shrinks in on herself, only for her to flinch at his golden gaze landing on her. "Ah, ah. You stay still." His dull, magic glower instills fear in the girl. "Much as I sympathize with your position, I need to process you wearing Neo's life before I give you any charity."

Misty lets out a haughty laugh. "Oh! That's lovely that you can tell jokes, but the only catharsis here is when I have my security arrive and kick the teeth in of the ten year old in my home."

Carmine raises a brow. "16, soon to be 17."

"Oh, who remembers." Misty scoffs and dismisses it. She looks to the scotch bottle. "Now, if we're going to chat, will you mind me getting properly motivated?" He gives a dull look before shrugging. She moves and snatches the bottle, bringing it to the couch and settles a neutral stare on him. "You mention my daughter, but I assure you, she is to my left here."

"I see a trafficking victim with her face made up to look like Neo." He cocks his head to pin a stare at the girl. "Let me guess. Dr Near?"

Neopolitan flinches at mentioning the doctor. Her hands flinch up, but she forces them down. Carmine sees all of her reaction and notes it for later. She cringes in on herself, wrapping her arms around.

Misty flicks a look at the terrified girl before turning her harsh gaze back on Carmine. "You speak of Neo as if you're familiar. You saw her for what? A day a decade ago?"

Carmine raises a brow, blinking at that. "You... don't know much about CRBN, then? I guess that's all military info and not civil government stuff."

The mayor sneers at that. "Just what does that mean? If Neo's still even alive, she's been sold off to somewhere I can never find." She uncaps her scotch and goes for a drink.

"Well... yeah. We bought and freed her." Carmine smirks condescendingly for the woman as she freezes mid gulp. "Oh, yeah. I've been living and traveling with Neo for years." His smirk grows to a full grin as he watches the woman shell shock at his revelation.

Okay. Perhaps some fun can be had here.

. . .

Shouting.

That's a productive means of discussion between high ranking military members. Still, Ironwood sits and observes his agents and guest Huntsman each fuming in heated discussion.

Whis scowls. "Darling, nuance is only hindering us here. Team CRBN has raided SDC property and circumvented our authority twice now! This can't be overlooked!"

Winter narrows her gaze on the man. "I am not asking it to be overlooked. It merely opens more to know. Team CRBN being looked at means looking at WHY they were doing it. That means investigating the SDC and Stein!"

"Sure. Great! But perspective is needed. They brought the damned cult here! Whether they know who they're working with or not, they need to be made priority number one and put down, now!" Whis scoffs.

Qrow cuts in. "Without understanding their operations, we can't up and decide that four vigilantes are suddenly working intimately with Salem of all people!" That earns Whis's glower.

"I SAW them with top class criminal Hazel Rainart! Ya can't BS a way around that." Whis enjoys a smirk at Qrow recoiling slightly. "Now, I know Vale has a very soft spot for this team, for whatever reason, but much like Hazel, it wouldn't be the first time Ozpin's invested in something that made more problems than before!"

That earns a furious red glare. "Speaking of contributions, then? Last I checked, Winter was the one who assisted downtown, and you SAY you managed to see the groups working together, but what proof of motive do you have? If they were all working together perfectly, they should've been running from you. Not having a chit chat!"

Winter cuts in on the man's behalf. "For that matter, how did Hazel escape you? Did Team CRBN assist him in escaping?"

Whis opens his mouth to retort, but realizes nothing to say as he growls under his breath. He sighs and answers calmly. "Hazel's crowd control risked my squad and nearby train cars as the next train was coming. He escaped then. CRBN escaped the moment the fight started."

Qrow smirks at that. "Good. They're stubborn bastards, but loyal. They'd fight to the end for their 'partners'. Leaving Hazel behind only proves my theory correct. They were attempting to use the cult for their own means. So, we should focus on the Cult and AZRL. Not a team trying to help!"

The cowboy turns to the general. "Sir. Huntsman Branwen is clearly biased in this matter." Qrow locks a death glare at the man as the cowboy puts hand on hip in a flippant manner. "His mission in Atlas pertained to the Ripper, which he's succeeded in. Far as I can tell, he lacks any authority in matters further, so please eject him from this meeting."

Ironwood listens to the plea, and registers the sense it makes. On paper, the man is right...

"Any activity with the Cult is mine and Ozpin's business." Qrow's voice dips dangerously. "That includes properly identifying our problems. Not jumping the gun like Atlas does."

"Properly identifying?" Whis parrots back to Qrow, mockingly. "Ya say CRBN wouldn't leave a partner behind, but she's got two of em in handcuffs! Clearly, you don't know em near as much as ya claim!"

Winter steps forward between the men, looking at the general with her icy glare. "Sir. Request for individual debriefs before you make a decision."

Ironwood raises a brow at that, still stiff in his measured posture. "Agent. These matters need dealt with quickly. Everyone present has authority to know the details the others mention." He cuts a look at Whis, then Qrow. "Even Qrow has a point. If CRBN is truly aligned with the Cult, then Qrow's mission here grants him clearance to this meeting."

Winter grimaces, but presses further. "Sir, I have information from sensitive sources that require discretion. Neither Huntsman Branwen or Agent Palmo should be present. Information involving the SDC."

Ironwood narrows his eyes on the woman. To him, she's talking about Penny, which Qrow at least is not privy to her full origin. Still, he knows Winter will not bring something like Project Polendina up, so barring that... "I'm afraid you will have to give more than that. Out with it, Agent."

Damn it... Winter can't speak. Not with Whis present. "... Then I cannot, sir."

Whis's stare bores into the woman's back. "What's with the cloak and dagger? All SDC information that's relevant is only because of AZRL, which, need I remind you, is MY investigation, Darling."

Ironwood nods. "The man is correct, Agent." He sends a hard gaze at Winter, giving her pause. "We've been over your ambition regarding the AZRL case. It is not yours to venture into at will. So, if you cannot speak with present company, I dare say that you are willfully defying my orders."

… Fuck it. Winter maintains her icy glare. "I am defying your orders." She states clearly, shocking the other two. She then realizes she needs to go ahead with it. "And I have more than sufficient means to question Agent Palmo's performance regarding his work."

Whis turns a dour glare as he steps forward. "Come again? Tell me. Do ya wanna stick that knife just a bit further in? The hell are-"

"Agent Palmo, Huntsman Branwen, you are dismissed." James Ironwood cuts the agent off.

Whis directs a horrified look at his superior. "S-sir?" Upon seeing Ironwood's stone look locked on Winter, completely ignoring him, the cowboy scowls. He salutes. "Sir." He turns to leave. "I've got vigilantes to find." He exits the room, leaving the remaining three.

Qrow looks to Winter, then to Ironwood. His red eyes linger slightly on the ice queen, but he smirks. "Thanks." He pats the stone rigid woman on the back, making her tense up like a tiger preparing to lash out at its prey! He moves for the door. "I'll update Oz. Later."

The two are left alone...

Winter feels the same way she would back when she'd first begun talking back to her father. Standing on the other side of a desk feeling a business calculated stare on her threatening to snap the woman like a tooth pick.

Ironwood speaks clearly. "Agent." Her spine tightens in her posture. "You took Penny from SDC grounds for field work without approval, entered the jurisdiction of another agent, arrested and hauled in half of our Surveillance staff that is affiliated with said agent..." He lets the building reprimands hang before finishing. "-and you come back to top it off with a flagrant accusation of your senior comrade with the promise of leads you yourself can follow. Is all this correct?"

Winter swallows the lump in her throat. "Yes, sir."

He stands, meeting her eye level. "And, you acknowledge that, to let you get away with all of this, would also quite easily advance your own career, granting a bias to your own investigation. This is recognized?"

Her gaze narrows, a silent wince at the hit to her credibility. "Yes, sir!"

Ironwood steps around the desk to come to a standing authority directly in front of the woman. He leans back against the desk, his hands coming from behind his back to crossing over his chest. He's clearly not happy with her as he speaks deathly low. "Well then... I hope you understand. If this accusation you've made fails to hold water... I will demote you from the agent program entirely. Do you understand, Agent Winter Schnee?"

Her eyes sting at that. A direct threat to the career she left her family for. She grimaces, but knows her prideful answer. "Sir, yes sir!"

Ironwood nods. "Then... by all means. Report."

And she tells him everything. From Neopolitan to Whis's lacking performance, to Whis's pre accusations of Team CRBN, to Qrow pointing out the inconsistencies in the Atlas information, to Makara, to Garland...

Everything. She can't afford to leave any stone unturned.

She hopes it's enough...

. . .

Roman leans back in the rented conference room. His feet are kicked up on the table, his hat draped over his eyes as he waits patiently.

He hears the door open. Blair's voice calls out. "I told you to wait until I came in. Not break in."

"Too late. Wanted to rest my eyes." Roman brings his legs down and removes the hat. "I didn't feel like wearing a disguise to come through-" He pauses, blinking at Blair...

Blair stands... with fake glasses and her hair swayed the other way... Exactly like Glynda's. It's uncanny... Save for the amber eyes, she looks completely identical to her professor sister. She seems aware of it as she narrows her eyes on him.

Roman blinks at it. "... Is this a sister swap? I certainly hope you're as good in bed as Barbie."

Instant strike. Blair draws Fluorescent and slashes at the man's smiling face! He blocks it with Velvet Valentine, the metal clang ringing in the private room. He smiles just enough to piss her off. "Voice fantasies like that, and I will cut it off."

"Can we save dirty talk for later?" Roman grins at her threat.

She pulls her weapon back and sheathes it. "No. None for two days after that."

He chuckles. "Aw, why?" He coyly asks. As if he doesn't know.

"Because now you're going to intentionally say her name instead of mine just to piss me off." Blair crosses her arms with a chilling glare.

That gets a full laugh out of him. "You know me well! Although, feel free to dress up as a saucy secretary sometime."

The door opens again, pulling their attention as George enters the room. He's rubbing his head to sooth a migraine while approaching. The faunus looks plenty stressed, but has a bundle of papers in hand. He sighs on approach to the table in the rented room. "At this rate, it'll be dawn before I sleep... tomorrow."

Blair moves around the table and sits down next to Roman. Oddly enough, Roman finds it funny. It's like they're a real couple organizing some legal concern. He chuckles and opens his mouth, but Blair beats him to it.

"Laugh about it when we have Neo back." She curbs his humor.

He laughs, giving a smarmy grin for the faunus. "Mama bear has been stressing, obviously." Her glare narrows at his pet name calling.

"You were able to forge the papers?" Blair presses on from the mocking. "Hopefully, we can get this over with quickly for you."

George grimaces at them, flipping through the papers as he sits across from them. "Yes and no... Actually... to answer your question most accurately. Just no."

The CRBN members tense and share a look. "Explain."

The faunus clears his throat. "In a moment. I actually have some questions to clarify before continuing." He eyes the two for a moment, frowning. "Despite my prior choices in employers, I wish to state for the record that I do NOT appreciate nor admire broken homes. As such, I want to know... How is Miss Rhodes?"

Blair and Roman each blink at that. "... She's alive." Roman mutters, blunt.

George narrows his gaze. "Is she happy? How does she feel about your lifestyle?"

Having earned a glare from the faunus, Blair answers honestly. "When our team first formed, Neo was quick to anger and not overly trusting. Over the years, being around one another has become second nature. She's completely adjusted. She confides in Roman in how to interact with the world, unfortunately." Roman cuts a look at her for that. "She comes to me sometimes for personal issues. Carmine is her core source of socialization. The two are practically attached to the hip, but have remained responsible with their relationship... A responsible decision I believe stemming from Carmine's own issues, so it may be coincidence that the two have as healthy a relationship as they do."

George sits up straight and absorbs the information, until pulling out a specific paper. He begins scratching down some notes as the woman speaks. "That's... good..." He looks to Roman. "What are her hobbies?"

"Stealing with sticky fingers is her main one." Roman mocks.

"Answer for real, please. I'd like to know the point behind these questions." Blair chides him.

Roman rolls his eyes. "Neo's got a boundary issue. She takes things on impulse, though she's smart enough to reign it in, and Silver Streak's a straight lace with paying off or making her buy anything she nabs. She's also competitive and enjoys physical challenges. I've taught her plenty of sleight of hand among other things to occupy her skills and interest." Roman shrugs. "Additionally, she enjoys the mental challenge of messing with people, which makes up a lot of her interactions with Silver streak. Keeps her sharp and one step ahead of where she would be, otherwise."

Blair fills in after. "She and Carmine watch plenty of movies as we travel. She's taken to becoming a film nut. It's like her semblance. An illusion. She looks for what breaks her suspension of disbelief."

Roman frowns and looks at the blonde. "Wait, is THAT why she hates Terror Movie? Breaking suspension of disbelief is one of its major draws."

George's mouth cracks a smirk at the mild bickering as he continues to jot down notes. "She's always had boundary issues. That's not a habit. That's built into her." He remembers the little girl who routinely tricked him to go where she wasn't allowed. "Has she given thought to where she what she wishes to do with her life beyond your team?"

Roman's eyes cut at that.

The blonde answers though, not honing in on the conman's slow realization. "Far as we've decided, upon finishing off AZRL, Carmine will make amends with his father and be heading to one of the hunter academies. Neo wants to go with him. If things go the way they are, either they can make it into Haven this fall in Carmine's age group, or wait a year and enter next fall with Neo's age group."

The lawyer allows a smile to fully form. "I see..."

"Cut the questionnaire. This was supposed to just be forge papers and go." Roman's tone shifts slightly. His skin prickles feeling something underhanded. "What's your angle?"

George hums. "My angle... is that I aim to serve. Always have. Always will... For her first eight years of life, I watched that girl grow, so forgive me. Even now, I feel slightly responsible for her development."

Blair frowns. "If... that is all?" She scrutinizes the papers before her. "We can take the papers and go?"

The faunus shakes his head. "Oh, no no no. Like I said. No, I did not forge documents for you, I'm afraid."

Both CRBN members tense. "So... what DID you do?" Roman asks, tone warping with accusation.

George smiles a polite, inoffensive, curve of the lips. "I did forge one thing... Is that these papers are dated as if they were filed four years ago, around the time of your team forming." Roman and Blair share a look, so he continues. "However... everything else is real."

"... Excuse me?" Blair hesitates to ask, gut sinking.

"If you want my cooperation, I'm afraid you two will have to formally adopt Neo. Legally. Binding. To be your lawful child, you as her parental guardians." The man lays it out before them.

Roman kicks up from the table to standing. "I knew something iffy was up with this." He scoffs. "We're not her parents."

"Aren't you?" George counters, cocking his head. "Far as I can tell, you two adults took two young adolescence and have cared for them... in your own odd ways."

"Our team leader is literally one of those said kids." Roman bites back, fuming angry. "What the hell kind of- Barbie! Help!" He flippantly waves to the still sitting blonde, noticing her frozen in place. He gives a lidded stare, snapping his fingers by her ear. "Barbie?" Suddenly dawning on him, he shakes his head. "Right. How did I forget? You went from denying being their big sister, to accepting it, to becoming their gods damned mother hen. Of course, you're on board with this."

That snaps Blair out of her trance, double taking. "I have shown no approval of this!" She shakes off her fake glasses of her disguise, sighing. "George, is this the best time for... this?"

George snorts. "I was removed from that girl's life, and everything I THOUGHT was going well for her was a lie." He sucks in a breath and slowly lets it out. "You've placed me in a position of authority over her situation, and I don't regret taking advantage."

Seeing their doubtful looks, he ends with one final, powerful stance, fingers laced over the paperwork in an official manner.

"That girl deserves a home. Not just in sentiment, but in name as well... These are my conditions to help you."

Blair stares forward until she slowly slouches forward. "I... am ill equipped to... I-I am not-" She sputters slowly, stuttering her response. Floundering, one might say.

Roman glares at the lawyer. "You're asking a former mobster and a mad scientist to be parents. Are you daft?" He flicks his hand about to exaggerate his flippant reaction.

George remains unfazed, shrugging. "And yet, your responses to my questions are more than I could have expected of her mother. AND, you've already been doing the job for years."

The CRBN members slowly share a look. Somehow... Blair shows more fear of this than she would facing a Behemoth. Roman simply looks furious. Roman scoffs. "Guess Silver Streak is our last chance."

Blair sighs. "Roman... Putting it in name wouldn't change anything... It'd be asinine to let it change anything."

George smiles politely as he adds. "Much as your line of thought delights me, I am afraid to tell you it does change dynamics often. Remember, I practice civil law by interest. Ask me if marriage changes dynamics in couples that already lived together. Often, yes."

Blair grimaces. "So helpful..." She sarcastically lets out. "... Rowa is going to go more crazy over this than our actions today."

Roman double takes, and the blonde merely raises a brow. As if to say it isn't the WORST thing that could happen. He narrows his gaze before looking George in the eye. "This changes nothing between our group."

George has a small smile.

"For that matter, this is why lawyers are more bloodsucking than any murderer." Roman sulks as his butt hits the chair to sit.

Blair side eyes him. "This is why Carmine says you should be one."

George perks slightly. Roman forcefully cuts in. "No." He then side eyes Blair for a moment. "So... does this require... both of us?"

The lawyer smirks. "It's possible to adopt as a single parent in Atlas, but that would require more strict attached proof of employment, precise measurements of your homestead, standard of living-"

Roman sinks back and waves him off. "Blast it all. Fine!" Blair mimics Roman as the two adults suddenly look like guilty teenagers in trouble, sinking into their seats unhappy with the situation. "How's it feel, honey." Roman pokes the bear with a quip despite his growling tone.

Blair lets out a low, barely audible whine. "... I always said if I had a child, I would adopt... I figured it would remain a joke."

George grins. "Very well! Let's start signing!" He brings up the paperwork, clearly less stressed now that he'd gotten his way...

. . .

"Liar." Misty scowls at the boy, speaking absolutely certain.

Carmine smirks. "I'm serious. Whose name did you think the N in CRBN was for?"

Neopolitan shivers on the couch, grimacing as their voices raise.

"Call her." Misty orders, standing from the couch. Click, Carmine's gun is raised at her in a flash. "Call her and let me speak with her!" The girl near her darts her wide eyes to her adoptive mother. A worried glance bounces between each party.

"Sit your ass down and try to earn the right to that, coward." Carmine retorts.

Her brown eyes widen furiously. "Excuse me?!"

"You sat back and took the loss. She screamed for you, and you let it happen." Carmine's blood heats up as his growls out each word, his scowl deepening. "You sat back for YEARS, KNOWING that you could have reported what happened to Atlas at the very least!"

"Atlas and Beacon killed my husband, you snide little bastard." Misty snaps back.

Carmine rolls his eyes. "Oh, here we go! Let's talk about the honor of the husband who ALSO trafficked kids. Gee, I wonder why he got executed. I. Am. Shocked. As. You." He sneers at her as he stands up. "Now, sit down before Neo and her fake copy there both have to share the experience of watching a parent get themselves killed in front of them!"

A snap movement nearly drawls Carmine's trigger finger before he stops. His golden eyes dim to his normal blue... shocked.

Neopolitan stood from the couch and moved herself directly in front of Heulin Noon's barrel muzzle. The girl's eyes are filled with fear, but she stands between the boy and her 'mother', eyes misting with fright.

Misty pauses, a slight shift in her eyes as she orders. "Neopolitan, sit down!"

Carmine shifts away slightly. "H-hey! What are you doing?"

Neopolitan gulps, body shaking as she squeaks out her voice. "P-please... d-don't hurt Mom."

Carmine and Misty both just... stare at the girl between them for a moment. So long so, the former AZRL Blue gulps and speaks again.

"She loves Neo... She really does... She's... b-been so kind to me. Letting me live in this illusion. Please... She's a victim too. Don't hurt her. She doesn't deserve to die." The Atlas mayor stares at the back of her faux daughter, speechless.

The same goes for Carmine, whose blue eyes begin to dart between the girl and woman. "... You're right, I guess." His voice comes slowly. Creeping down, he lowers Heulin Noon and holsters it. "But how you've lived is still an affront to the person whose name you took. That's not something that can be overlooked."

"I know!" Neopolitan's voice cracks as she yells it back. "That's what I told her!"

"What?" Misty's voice is much quieter, confused.

Carmine's on the other hand comes out relaxed as he eases up. "Ah... So Neo DID swing by here." That gets a double take from the woman. "I... take it she chose NOT to engage you then."

Misty looks to Neopolitan for answers, the fake daughter looking down, arms hanging loose at her sides. "She disguised herself... You saw her... It broke after you left and... she saw my room." Neopolitan shrinks and looks away.

The woman is shell shocked, hearing that her daughter, her REAL daughter, came and went right under her nose. "... The silent beggar girl?"

Carmine snorts. "As if Neo begs for shit." He scoffs and steps aside. "She takes what she wants. It's endearing, if annoying." He smiles speaking of her. He then look to Neopolitan, frowning. "Look, I-"

Ring Ring.

His scroll begins to sound off, spooking him. So, he pulls it out, checking the caller ID before turning away and answering. "Yo." A short bout of silence before he perks. "He came through? Awesome-... No~." He draws out the no, turning to the mother and daughter for a moment. "Uh huh."

As he speaks to whomever, Misty and Neopolitan look at one another, the mother grimacing. "What did you mean, 'that's what you told her'?"

Neopolitan looks down, unable to meet the woman's gaze as she shrugs. "I'm living her life. Of course, she would kill me. That's what I thought, anyway... She..." The girl flippantly waves her hand to help get the words out. "... She left after I noticed it was her. I told her I understood and... to make it painless?"

She's swatted over the side of the head, meeting her scowling mother's gaze. She squeaks as Misty sneers. "You ass. What part of that situation means you just offer yourself up?"

Neopolitan blinks and shrinks. "I mean... I'm not your-"

"Half a decade raising you, and you wanna put that to waste? Is that all that my parenting is worth?"

The girl's shock begins to wane to what seems to be a mother daughter dynamic, her stuttering starting to disappear. "N-Now wait, hold on." Her weak defense continues to get trampled.

"Honestly. Have some pride somewhere. Are you a lioness or a measly mouse?"

That gets Neopolitan to dull her look. "You know I'm a mouse-"

"I mean figuratively!" Misty cuts off.

Neopolitan smirks. "Figuratively isn't as good as technically, which I'm technically correct. The best kind of correct."

Misty crosses her arms with a narrowed gaze on the girl. "Ass." Both mother and daughter turn to look at Carmine...

The boy is staring dumbfounded at the two, still holding his scroll. He pulls it closer and mutters. "Yeah... I'll be back soon. Later." He hangs up and stands awkwardly at the side.

For a moment... it almost seemed like Misty was fretting over the girl. That seemed... out of character for what he expected of her. Does she truly care?

He sighs. "Okay... gun is away... and, turns out I don't need anything from you anymore." He puts the scroll away and looks to the gun shot hole in the hall wall. "Sorry bout the wall. That was unnecessary."

Misty scowls. "Well, it's about time you apologize, Mister. That's twice in my life you've annoyed me, now. So, what in the gods names did you need me for anyway? I'll do it, and then you can let me speak with my daughter."

Carmine grimaces. "Like I just said. I don't need anything from you anymore, so this trip was pointless." He steps back. "Neo isn't available for you to speak to, not that speaking over a call would mean much anyway. Be pretty one way."

"Carmine 'the bastard' Ozpin or whatever the hell your last name is, you will let me speak to my daughter!" Misty raises her voice.

He cocks his head at her. "Uh... what the hell do you think the end of that looks like? What? You take Neo back and suddenly just have two of them?"

Misty snorts. "Of course! I literally only need to say one is adopted, which is literally the case."

Huh... straight to adoption lies. Carmine blinks and flicks a gaze to his scroll. "Same idea, I'll be damned."

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Carmine answers and feels... oddly uplifted from when he entered. He looks to Neopolitan. "Look, just... answer me this. How do you actually feel about her then?"

"She's my daughter." Misty states as if he said the most stupid thing she'd ever heard. Neopolitan perks up straight at that. "Both are. Now, let me speak to my daughter, please."

He frowns, looking away. The silence in the room holds until he formulates his answer. "Look... You got screwed over. I get that. You also held grudges and did the exact opposite of what you should have." He holds a scowl as he meets her gaze. Her semblance screams for control of his actions the entire time, but he resists it. "Hurt or not, you don't have a right to her. You aren't entitled to see her. She isn't yours to claim."

He continues. "If you ever see her again, it will be because she chooses to come to you. I won't bring her to you, nor will I allow you to demand a damn thing. Got it?" His gaze then moves to Neopolitan. His look softens. "Your look... is that the work of Doctor Near?"

Neopolitan tenses, but slowly nods.

"Something else you and Neo have in common, then." Carmine mutters.

Misty glares. "Excuse me?" The boy raises a brow at her, but Misty clenches her hands to fists. "You want to lord your power like those bastards do, go ahead, but I'm more than capable of some pull now. Give me something to work with. What did that bastard do to my daughter?"

Carmine huffs. "What happens to anyone that talks too much." Ambiguous, he shrugs. "He took something away from her." An idea comes. "But, you know what might grant you some brownie points? The same scientist that operated on Neo- erm... both Neos." He looks to Neopolitan for a moment before smirking. "He JUST got taken into Atlas custody."

Misty stares wide eyed. "Is that what all that mess at the SDC is about?"

The boy grins. "You want to show some good faith? Show you mean it. You're mayor of the governing body. Even without military power, I'm sure you can influence the trial if you pleased." His grin grows devious. "Just a thought."

Before he can leave, Misty asks softly. "How is she?" The tone is the most vulnerable the frigid woman's been. Carmine stares back, eyes wide. "My girl is still stubborn and strong, right?"

The boy raises a brow at her and smiles wide. "Oh, she's a handful. Impossible to control and does not give a damn." He chuckles as his gaze trails off. "She's one of the strongest people I've ever met, and ironically you can't ever ignore her." His smile shifts slightly. Almost sad. "She deserves more than I or anyone could live up to giving her. A real pain in the ass, though."

Misty purses his lips, but Neopolitan notices the corner of her mouth smirk. "... Yeah, she's always been a pain in the ass." She nods to herself and recovers her authority to speak clearly. "So? SDC top scientist arrested? Consider him defended by a public defender. I'll twist a string into any lawyer whom he may contact. Is that all?"

Carmine laughs and scratches the back of his head. "Wow. That was easier than expected-" He pauses and blinks in thought. He mutters. "Maybe... Hmm." He eyes the woman. "You know about the Music Charity Ball next month?"

The woman snorts. "That pathetic event? It's nothing but a circle masturbatory victory lap for Schnee profits."

Carmine smirks. "Yeah? Well, is there any chance you could give us some tickets?" He adds quickly. "Business, not pleasure. I'm sure I'll want to kill myself there, but..." He shrugs.

She scoffs. "You fools couldn't get in with how strict they are on checking reservations. I've reserved a seat, but I'm not going. I just wanted to buy the last spot before that shrill council woman, Beakman, could go." The woman smirks. "Plus, I despise Jacques Schnee over past interactions."

"Sensing a theme with anyone whose interacted with the guy." Carmine mutters. "But thanks anyway."

"But." Her voice stops him from leaving.

He leans in as he hesitates. "Yes?"

"Since they barred all faunus from the premises, they've reportedly been quite short handed. I'll tell the venue owner that I'll be offering some workers probono as my own form of charity."

The boy's face lights up. "R-really? That's-" Misty's finger comes up.

"Only... if you tell Neo that I wish to see her again." Misty glares at him.

He snorts, but smiles. "That all? Sure, but she holds grudges like you do. It won't mean you earned much back from her." He sighs and nods. "Thanks, though." His gaze comes to Neopolitan, unsure of what he should say. He frowns as he faces her. "I hope you're happy here."

The fake daughter smiles brightly. "I am." Carmine doesn't miss Misty looking slightly smug at that.

That gets a smile from him. "Alright... Then I'm off."

Blink...

He's gone.

Recall!

Misty and Neopolitan flinch and look about for the now missing boy. The mayor crosses her arms and grumbles. "Cocky brat."

Neopolitan gulps and gives a shaky smile. "Yeah. He was cute though."

"Oh, brothers, she's afflicted with stupidity too." Misty dramatically rolls her eyes, remembering Neo's own odd references to the boy at some points in her childhood.

The girl gains an odd look, but says softly. "I'm happy for you... You found her, almost." That gets Misty to stop and look the hidden faunus head on. She could feel her mother's semblance clench her, unable to look away.

Misty raises a brow. "Neopolitan Rhodes." She cocks her head and hums. "Brainstorm over the next week. We're going to change your legal name."

Neopolitan jolts in shock, eyes bulging out. "Wha- what?!" She blinks in shock and confusion at her mother. "Why would-"

"Because when that girl comes to see me someday and wants back in my life, I want to show off my pride in TWO unique daughters rather than two models of the same mold." Misty states in a grouchy tone, her words processing a step behind her rude delivery.

Neopolitan's mouth parts, unable to respond as Misty is looking over the bullet hole in the far wall.

"Well? Are you going to stand there and collect bugs with that mouth, or are you going to help me patch this damned hole?" Misty calls in a commanding tone.

The insulting demeanor bounces off the disguised mouse faunus as she grins splitting ear to ear. She responds sarcastically. "Now, we both know 'help' from your mouth means 'you do it'."

"You ass." Misty huffs, but the insult has a good nature behind it.

Not her original, but absolutely hers it would seem.

. . .

The pen stroke sounds... Blair sliding the last of the paperwork from herself.

The woman is pensive, anxious for reasons she can't explain. It's irrational. Roman is right. Nothing is changing. She watches George look it over. The man smiles and nods. "Congratulations. You're a mother."

Blair rubs her head to will the headache away. "Silence. You will stop enjoying this."

"I am certain I won't." He smiles and slides the paperwork to Roman, who still sits with his arms crossed. A grumpy look on him. "I do wonder why you did not sign together."

"I don't know his last name." Blair states bluntly. This jolts a shock out of George, who then directs focus of the situation on Roman. "Not that I need to, it isn't relevant. However, I do await the day he willfully tells me."

Roman narrows his gaze and sighs. "You'll find out the same day I willingly give to charity." He moves to begin signing.

George frowns. "Well, that is a bit of an issue. Miss Rhodes cannot keep her last name as is. This plan hinges on her background being that of an orphan. Having the same exact name as the mayor's child is a glaring issue with anyone doing even routine record keeping."

Blair hums, not aware of Roman narrowing his gaze. The blonde grimaces. "The Goodwitch name is known only in Vale and Mistral. It shouldn't bring attention in Atlas-"

"It'll be mine." Roman states unhappily as he rapidly signs all the dotted lines needed. At Blair's side eye, Roman mutters under his breath. "Your last name draws attention if the wrong eye looks at it. Mine can fly under the radar with hunters... and grant possible utility." Roman looks to Blair and nods. "Barbie?"

George frowns as he removes his vehicle keys and places them on the table. He'd almost forgotten that he promised that.

Blair nods. "I'll find out your name someday. The wait is one of the only romantic things about you." That earns a smirk on the man as she takes the keys. "Which terminal is your transport at?"

"Seven, one kilometer from here. East." George answers. The woman nods.

"I see. I'll call the station as to inform them I'm coming." She steps from the room as George is left alone with Roman.

Conman and law man.

"She really should be privy to the signatures. Why send her away?"

"Because I'm sure you'll have a reaction to this." Roman finishes signing and hands it back. "There. My autonomy is legally signed away to the vestiges of asinine responsibility."

George nods. "Thank you, Mr..." He reads Roman's name... "... Rose." He nods before freezing in place. Eyes wide. His eyes fly up to lock on the conman's. Roman does have to admit enjoying the lawyer's reaction. "You're-"

Roman smirks deviously. "Like I said. My name can fly under the radar if need be, but can open utility if the right... or in this case very wrong circumstances occur." He flippantly waves his hands about. "But, by all means. I'll die before I set up such circumstances."

The faunus slouches. "I can't believe... I've heard of you. Your family... Brock would even..." He runs a hand over his head, groaning.

"Starting to regret this?" Roman grins wide at the tables turning. The faunus looks up with a dour look.

"It'd be hard to find someone whose affiliated with a crime family who is also a flower person because of them. That name holds weight to older generations. Granted... they all but disappeared. You're the first one I've ever met."

Roman nods. "Yes, well. I'm no longer a part of them, but I do know that they're active again." That gets the faunus to pause. "That was my reaction. Something for me to work out someday if I'm bored." He smiles at the faunus letting out a breath of relief. "So, has our business concluded?"

George narrows his gaze and grumbles. "Very well, Roman Rose. And congratulations. You're now father to one Neopolitan Rose as recognized in the Kingdom of Atlas."

"Hopefully, she won't ever need to know about it." Roman quips.

. . .

Click.

The door to the cell opens as an unhappy officer shuffles in to see Neo. The girl sits cross legged with her knees bouncing. Her chipper giggle tested her throat. Her body was starting to recover from the black dust. She smiles for the officer, who narrows his gaze.

"Your mother is here for you."

Neo freezes, for a moment wondering about Misty, but remembers that she's disguise. She grins and lets them lead her out. Even more happy to the point of suppressing a cackle when she sees Blair... Blair looks EXACTLY like Glynda. Upon seeing her, Blair scowls.

"You will contain yourself." Blair orders before checking the girl out from the jail. And the two leave as quickly as possible...

Neo makes sure to turn around and stick her tongue out at the grumbling officer while she leaves.

. . .

Blair and Neo march along the street in the dead night. Exhaustion was starting to seep in, but at least one was lively.

Neo smirks, still disguised in her blue haired Vanille look. Blair had already given her a bottled water to rinse down her throat and keep it from getting dry. All to ease the irritation and ill feeling left by the black dust. Her aura levels were still incredibly low, so she'd need some long rest soon.

She signs at the woman. "I knew that would all work out. Wasn't that hard to just pick me up, 'Mom'." She hums a laugh, not noticing the blonde jolt upon reading her sign hand.

"Yeah... No complications at all." Blair looks away, a creeping realization of how awkward it'll be to tell Neo that she actually... is... her mother.

Good brother. What did she get herself into?

Still, they needed to focus on the task at hand. Getting the HELL out of Atlas as fast as possible.

The duo gets to the field terminal, where personal flying transports are kept. They find a black transport ahead, Carmine and Roman outside of it. Roman smirks. "Well, darlings, are we finally good to get the hell out of this authoritarian hell house?"

Neo snorts, smiling big for Carmine. He matches the look, the two high fiving. Carmine looks accomplished. "Ya know? I don't care that the action out of context is bad. Makara included, five of us plus one jerk managed to bust into the the freaking SDC. I feel like a trophy is in order."

The girl pokes his side and mimes in front of her chest as a Shatter illusion gold medal appears. It reads 'Smarter than the Po-Po' in bold lettering.

"Exactly! Let's all get those."

Blair purses her lips. "Carmine. You're supposed to be the moral one among us."

"I am!" He defends in a huff, then smiles slightly. "But come on. How many people actually are as badass as us today?"

Blair rolls her eyes as Roman smirks approving at the boy's celebratory mood. Slowly, her lip curves as well. "Well, if we are so grand, how about a grand order from our gracious leader?"

Carmine grins. "Well, I know our next AZRL target. We're sure to piss off the SDC again, but..." He shrugs. "Eh. First, let's get down below, get our van, and floor. That. Shit." He leaps up the transport entry ramp. It's smaller, smaller than a typical carrier, maybe only room for a small group.

Neo looks to Roman and Blair, blinking confused as she sees odd looks from them. She darts an eye between them as both adults look elsewhere. The girl raises a brow, but shrugs and follows Carmine up the ramp.

Blair and Roman shuffle closer as the conman grumbles. "Yeah, I vote nothing changes and we move on."

"That would be irresponsible." Blair states, but both stair after Neo disappearing into the transport. "... But agreed." Blair mutters.

The boyfriend offers a low hand, the girlfriend smoothly slapping five down in agreement before both march into the transport.

Blair feels a buzz in her pocket. Her scroll.

From George?

"Erase this number. Do not contact it ever again."

Blair frowns, wondering if Neo should be allowed the chance to speak to the lawyer, but... she knows such a thing must be necessary. She follows the instruction.

Team CRBN uses the lawyer's transport to complete their getaway... Flee. Flee this city as fast as they can.

. . .

George finishes wiping all communication and contact information with Blair. All his capabilities of speaking with them go with this deletion, as he sighs.

With that, he enters the Military jail, intent on defending Maka and Garland Riviera. Precautions are needed. He's so not ready for this, but... he'll have to be.

It's a shame though... He really wants to see how Miss Rhodes- Erm... How Neo is...

He does manage a smile. She's clearly surrounded by people who love her, and that's a safe place for her. Perhaps he'll get a chance to meet with the girl again someday. For now, he must serve his clients.

He aims to please.

And now, we get to the other thing I've been meaning to rip from Roman and Neo's backstories in another fanfiction.

Neopolitan Rose... renamed as a means of her 'parental guardian' picking her up from jail.

Which is also the reason for the chapter name. Seeds planted for later exploration. Even if Neo currently has no knowledge of said relation change.

This plot point is from another fiction, Linked Through Life and Love, of which I'm a reader of. The circumstance is similar, but different in motivation and urgency. Here, it's done because the lawyer, George, is forcing Roman to do it for real instead of entertaining the thought of faking it.

Also, this chapter, while Neo is a major topic, does not feature Neo all that much. That's by design. Each of our remaining three CRBN members are each prodded to specifying some way they see their relationship with Neo.

Roman sees her as capable and self sufficient, thus teaching her practical things. This is ironic given that in canon, Neo derailed after losing Roman, losing purpose in life. Is that the same in this story's history? Well, we'll see.

Blair sees Neo as someone to connect with. This speaks to how few connections Neo has by circumstance and how few Blair has made in her life by choice. Of course, it specifically calls to how Neo can't fully communicate some issues with just anyone. Again, with the possible idea that this story is a prequel to RWBY (In my universe), a tragic thing to think of this type of relationship being lost.

Finally, Carmine sees Neo as impeccably strong and deserving of more than someone like him can give. This speaks to Carmine's self worth, but also sets Neo on a pedestal of sorts in his perception. This outlook will come into play someday. Someday. In the far, FAR future.

Before that, we have a buffer chapter next time in Chapter Eighty Three: My Will To You.