Meanwhile, in New York, Team RWBY was in a press conference.

The Newscaster said, "This just in – after the scandal of possible rigging the elections, moved by Weiss Schnee's speech from the other night, Schnee is now neck and neck with Rino Rando in the polls. Team RWBY has addressed a press conference to address the situation."

Weiss was at the podium, as she explained, "First off… ladies and gentlemen of the press… I want to apologize for interrupting this special task you're doing, just for me. See, now, no one has a right to mudsling at me. I'm going to set the record straight. I am NOT, nor will I ever be, like my late father, Jacques Schnee. I am NOT like him, and I am NOT like a bunch of corrupt politicians. I'm just me.
Anyways… let's go open the questions. You…"

A reporter said to her, "So, Miss Schnee, how do you feel about World Agency vouching for you, after they gave you a chance to run for office."

"Well, it speaks for itself. The Gang and the others are helpful to us. And since SDC has folded, I have nowhere else to go." Weiss responded. "I'm a little miffed that the dust company and mines had to be halted, but if I'm elected I plan to reopen the dust mines, and workers of a union will do the job, without any issues or problems whatsoever. And NO, no Faunus forced to."

The Press was amazed, as Weiss was confident. Ruby thought, "We're all in this together. Weiss is doing a great job. I know we're upset over the whole Neo & Cinder thing… but that's just it. If only we can assist them, rather than stand around and do nothing."

Weiss called, "Next question…" One reporter said, "In regards to current news, the sudden Los Angeles attack that's being stopped by The Gang, how are you feeling by this? Do you trust The Gang?"

"I do. And yes, Cinder Fall must be stopped. She's caused so much horror in Remnant, but she will NOT cause so much horror in this world. I say enough is enough!" Weiss boomed, as she went on about how she plans to stop Cinder.

XXXXX

Only problem is… The Gang have their hands full with her.

Episode 5 – Chapter 3: Road to LA (Part 3)
The Last Help…

Cinder flew off, with Farra & Asahi chasing after her. The rest were on foot.

Jace said, "I wish we could fly."

Mizuki stated, "Those two can tail her, in the air. In my view, Cinder's running out of gas."

Peter asked, "Really? She's like running endless Premium."

Mizuki explained, "Something about her powers astonishes me. But when I saw Neo jab her with a stabback technique, Cinder's body started to flash and shoot out light particles."

Kim asked, "So you're saying…" Mizuki stated, "I'm not sure. But Team RWBY knows. We'll ask them, when we're done."

Jace asked, "You think it's plot armor?" Cassandra said, "No… I believe it's somewhat armor. But she won't go far, thanks to Farra and Asahi."

Cinder cried out, "WILL YOU CUT IT OUT? You already asked me everything!"

Farra boomed, "We're not done with you! You and your damned ways!" Asahi called out, "That's right! We're making sure your evil ends here, after everything you've done!"

Cinder growled, "These guys…" She looked down, "And they're following?! Even him?" She saw Mundy lagging behind, catching up to the others. She hovered down, "I can't lose them! WHO ARE THEY?"

She touched down, as Farra & Asahi followed.

Peter said, "There. She's landed!"

Cinder touched down in the middle of a desolate park in Los Angeles. She stated, "If you won't leave me alone, then we'll settle this, away from casualties. I know about you. You're all in this for Neo and Team RWBY. Weiss running for office, Neo joining your side… and for what? Something I didn't do, but watched on and enjoyed? Roman Torchwick is a bad man! And he deserves to die! But then again… it's not my choice on who kills him."

The Gang prepared to fight. Mundy was already on the way, but Steven is still a no-show. Cinder laughed, "And without your leader, you are helpless against me. I mean, I get it. You are without a leader, yet you fight by yourselves! And yet, I made Steven Cooke leave The Gang, after your petty squabbles. Realizing that, killing you would make it very easy now."

Farra stated, "Keep talking. Make it look easy, but all you are spouting is bullshit!"

Asahi remarked, "Cinder, you don't understand! With or without Steven, we have survived by the skin of our teeth!"

Kim prepared, "And we won't back down. Not to monsters like you!"

Cassandra shouted, "This is the end for you, Fall! You won't break our bonds of friendship!"

Cinder chuckled, "How sad… Then, let's fight, and show me this endurance you have!" She dashed at them, and Farra landed the first shot. She slammed a fist to the jaw. She stumbled down, and Farra shook her hand. "Damn, that smarts."

Cinder slashed at them, as they were fighting them off, in a group. Cinder kicked Peter down, and ducked Cassandra's right hook. She backflipped and hit a kick to the chin. She swept Jace off his feet, and punched down. Kim swatted down with a mallet, but Cinder swatted it off her hands. Kim smirked, and punted her face. Cinder staggered a bit, and Mizuki fired energy shots from her fingers. Cinder countered it with flaming projectiles, canceling out her attack. Peter got up and smashed his fist into her chest, but Cinder clamped onto his neck with her left claw, slamming him into the ground. Jace and Kim were pushed back by Cinder's flaming sword. She was about to finish Peter off. But Cassandra kicked her off of him with a Roundhouse. She changed into her Android Fool form and said, "Fight me, you coward!"

Cinder and Casssandra exchange blows, but Cassandra was losing the battle. Mundy arrived, as he loaded his rifle, "I got this, Cassie!" He fired, but Cinder used Cassandra as a shield. The bullets bounced off of her, using her fiery aura. Cinder backed away, and Cassandra smirked, "Sorry. No friendly fire here."

"GOD! You burn up my hand!" Cinder cried. "This hand, however, there's no skin."

POW!
Asahi landed a swift left to the chest, and Cinder was sent flying. She crashed onto the ground, and they headed towards her. Cinder growled, "It's on now." She hopped up, and flew up, "I was only holding back, you idiots! Now, face the wrath of The Nefarious Autumn Maiden!" Her flames grew bigger, and she dove at The Gang. They ducked, and Cinder turned around, slamming onto Mundy's back.

Mundy fell unconscious, and Cassandra cried, "NO!" Farra yelled, "MUNDY!"

"One down! 7 to go!" Cinder grinned, "You guys are useless against me." She fired a bow and arrow made of flames, and shot down at The Gang. They avoided it.
BLAST!
Except for Peter & Mizuki. They were caught in the blast.

"That's 3." Cinder cackled. She dove at Jace and Kim, and delivered a huge right slash, knocking Jace down, but Kim held her stance. Kim hollered, "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

She slammed a lead pipe onto Cinder, but it melted upon impact. Kim gasped, and Cinder clasped her neck, "You think your arsenal would stop me? I'm no pushover. I only want to set the world on fire. If you want, I'll send a message to Watts, since she–."

Farra slammed down hard and shouted, "STOP TALKING AND FIGHT!" Cinder slashed at Farra, but Farra jumped out of the way. Kim roared, "I'LL KILL YOU"

She jumped onto her and grabbed her neck. Cinder sighed, and she tossed Kim into Farra, nearly injuring each other. They were both down.

"I don't believe it…" Asahi was astonished. "She's beaten them…"

Cassandra said, "Not everyone, Asahi. Just you and me."

She and Cassandra prepared, and Cinder said, "That leaves you two…"

Cassandra hissed, "I won't let you have your way."

Asahi barked, "Cinder Fall! I'm going to make sure you NEVER haunt these world, again!"

Cinder smirked, "Well, that's too bad. I have no time for you… I should be off. OH! When next we meet, bring Neo. I'll personally kill her."

She flew off, but Asahi hollered, "NOT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT!" She pressed a button on her bracelet and yelled, "MECHA POWER!" She grew 50 feet, and grabbed onto Cinder. This was Mech-Asahi's true form. Mech-Asahi can grow up to 50 feet, and is known to be the Ultimate Kaiju.

"You're not going anywhere, Cinder Fall!" Mech-Asahi boomed.

Cinder cried, "A GIANT ROBOT?" She was swatted down.

"Cassie! Make sure that Cinder doesn't leave Los Angeles!" Asahi yelled, "The others will come to, but I won't give up!"

Cassandra barked, "Oi, estupida! Wanna tussle with me?"

Cassandra and Cinder stared down. Cinder snarled, "You… You are freaks! I don't want to fight you!"

"NO, but causing so much chaos in this world, including what you did to Arthur Watts, that's too far!"

Mech-Asahi called, "Unless you wanna be stepped on, surrender!"

Cinder hollered, as she lunged at Cassandra, "NEVER!" Cassandra avoided the claw attack, and Cassandra jabbed her spinal area. Cinder gagged, as her spine was punctured.

"You have time to repent… All I did is ground you. Until the time's up, you will fly again. I only marked a spot in your body, and jabbed through. I'm careful around other people, but when it comes to you, that's when I study their inner strength."

Cinder was down one knee, and she coughed, "Damn… You damnable freaks." Cassandra hissed, as her aura went in flames, "This is the part where you run."

Mech-Asahi fired laser shots at Cinder. Cinder ran off, running from the massive barrage. She was running away from the blasts, on foot. Cinder cried out, "Oh, mama!"

BOOM!
Cinder was pushed far, from an impact of one of Mech-Asahi's blasts. She griped, as she was on one knee, "Dammit… These guys… they won't leave me alone."

Mizuki responded, aiming at her, "Cinder! Fall into hell!" She paused and said, "Hm. Not a bad pun. I should tell Yang that."

Mizuki fired, but Cinder dodged out of the way. She hovered up and said, "Ah, good. My flight ability has recovered. I have to leave, before that android jabs me again."

Mizuki leapt up, using her jets. Cinder griped, "She's a robot, too? Offffff course…"

WHAM!
Mizuki hovered over to the sky and landed a swift left. Mizuki landed more punches, "ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA! ORAAAAAAAH!" Cinder was plummeting down. She crashed in the middle of the street, and Peter, Jace & Kim were waiting for her. Still in pain, they refused to go down. The Gang's fighting a losing battle, knowing that they can overcome. But against Cinder, it's a task too difficult.

"Ugh…" Cinder crawled out of her spot and seethed, "Why… you…" Her aura emerged in flames and hollered, "BASTAAAAAAARDS!" She flew up and hollered, with her flaming pour out of her eye, "YOU'RE ALL GONNA DIE!"

She fired a flaming shot at Peter, but he avoided it. He said, "What's the matter? Cindy having a tantrum?"

Cinder gasped, "Cindy?!" She then roared, "I DON'T CARE ABOUT RUNNING AWAY, WASTING MY TIME ON YOU JERKS! YOU WANNA FIGHT ME? FINE! Let's dance."

Cinder went full power, and The Gang prepared to fight. Mizuki asked, "Anyone still able to fight?"

Peter nodded, as does Kim. Farra landed and said, "I'm alright." Jace smirked, "Likewise."

Mizuki beeped, "Damage sustained. Repairs needed." She groaned, "Sorry, I'm out of commission."

Mundy nodded, "You rest up. Anyone else wanna rest up?"

Cassandra responded, "I'm in need of a cooldown. So, I'll sit out."

Peter stated, "I'm staying to fight this bitch."

Farra huffed, "I was supposed to say that. But still… I'm in."

Mizuki & Cassandra stayed behind, as the rest of The Gang began to fight. Mech-Asahi was over Cinder, as she called, "Did you forget about me, firebug?"

Cinder smirked, "I can take down a giant like you. I faced Grimm, bigger than you!"

Asahi stated, "True. But I'm not a Grimm." She lifted her fist high and boomed, "I'm a real fucking hero, bitch."

BAM!
Cinder avoided a massive right. Peter, Jace, & Mundy attack her with punches, but Cinder brushed them off. Mundy landed a swift kick, but Cinder swung him around, throwing him onto Cassandra. They crashed down hard, and Mizuki shrieked, "CASSIE! MUNDY!"

Cinder roared, "I'LL TAKE ALL OF YOU ON! ONE AT A TIME, I STILL WIN! NO ONE DEFEATS ME, NOT EVEN TEAM RWBY!"

She flew down. Farra prepared, flying upwards, trading blows.

XXXXX

"That is why we can do whatever it takes to stop Cinder. She has set ablaze an innocent victim, but we won't stand by and let them get away with it."

One reporter asked Weiss, "Miss Schnee, how do you know about Miss Fall?"

Weiss stated, "We have had our issues with Cinder Fall, before. Only it was in Remnant. However, we failed. Cinder works for an evil deity called Salem. And she has two relics. If she collects all four relics, our worlds are doomed."

The crowd gasps, as Weiss reinstated, "Which is why, as your future Earth President, I'll do whatever it takes to put evil scum like Cinder Fall off the streets."

A voice called, "Then why not now?"

Team RWBY gasped, as a man in brown hair and glasses, wearing a black suit, was in the middle of the audience.

"How about you get off your ass and help The Gang?" He said to Weiss.

Yang barked, "EXCUSE ME?"

He glared, "If you truly are running for Earth President, why not do what your predecessor has done; and that's fight to protect this planet from the scourge of nefarious demons like Cinder?"

The reporters were stunned, as Weiss was shaken in fear. The man was Percival Gaynes, The Gang's longtime ally. But why did he show up to speak to Weiss?

"Who are you?" Yang cried, "And what do you want about Weiss?"

Blake refuted, "Yeah! She's in the middle of her campaign!"

Percival said, "Tell me, Weiss Schnee… When Asahi Sakurai selected you… NO! Wade Barrett selected you, he wanted to make this Earth a better place. Given your past, because of Jacques Schnee, it's like you're letting The Gang fight Cinder Fall, and not you."

Ruby stated, "Sir, you do not understand. Cinder is terrifying. We're not ready to challenge her again, being we wanted to. You don't know who we are! We're Team RWBY, Remnant's #1 Huntress Squad! Weiss Schnee is running for Earth President, and it doesn't matter–."

"ENOUGH!" Weiss glared, "You… I don't know who you are or what you are. But I agree with your words. But in the past, we fought Cinder… and we failed. You don't know Salem, more than we do. But given our track record, once we take the Earth, we'll make sure that our world and your world are protected."

Percival said, "Then… Is that what you want? A real hero will go in and save the day. Kazuto Iizuka is a hero, as he is our president, and he does sit on his butt, all day, to protect the world. He goes into action. And that's what a president does."

"Eh?" Weiss gasped.

"Our presidency is in crisis mode. We knew Rino Rando, long ago. But seeing she's already freed from the K-850 Cyborg that brainwashed her, she's a threat… because of her sentimentality. Not to mention the cheating ways she's done."

Yang gasped, "Eh? Wait… You knew Rino?"

Percival smiled and said, "Yes. But I want to ask Weiss. Will you or won't you? Will you go out there and save the city from threats like Cinder Fall, or are you going to stay right here, preach about the promises you will keep, and not become like your father? More importantly, will you stay here, and watch and command from the Oval Office? Or are you going to go out there, and fight alongside the many heroes that fought and saved this Multiverse? Answer me, Weiss Schnee! You deserve better! And it's no wonder you're down on the polls."

The press applauded, as Weiss was shaken. Ruby nodded and said, "He's right. What are we doing here? We're not fighting against the corrupt people in this world… We're not helping The Gang!"

Blake whispered, "My god… What have we done?"

Yang said, "Sir, you do not understand. The Gang ordered us to, because The Secret Society–."

"NO!" Ruby cried. She paused and said, "You can campaign to the press… But he's right." She held up Crescent Rose and said, "Weiss… I'm sorry."

She zipped off, as Weiss gasped. She cried, "RUBY!"

Percival smirked, as Weiss was shaken. Yang growled, "Dammit. Rubes need her sister! Come on!" She and Blake raced off, as Weiss responded, "WAIT! I…" she bowed her head and snarled, "I… I am sorry. But I cannot help them. Cinder Fall is devious and invincible."

"No one's invincible."

"I…" Weiss clutched her fist and said, "Ruby… Yang… Blake…" She stepped back, "This interview is over! No further questions!" She raced off, as they caught up to the rest of Team RWBY.

Percival nodded and smiled, "My work here is done." He walked away, as he quietly narrated, "And Percival Gaynes exits the scene." The reporters tried to ask him questions, as he was heading to the car.

XXXXX

Cinder was fighting back, taking down every member of The Gang. But Kim, Farra, Asahi, Mundy, and Peter were standing. Jace, Cassandra, & Mizuki were unconscious.

Cinder punched down Peter, crashing him to the debris. Mundy fired back, but Cinder shot fire into him. Farra struck back, flying through her. She and Cinder clash, as Kim was armed with a mallet, while Mech-Asahi was over the battle.

"Kim! Hold her off! The others are still hurt!" Asahi called.

Peter groaned, "Dammit… She's too strong." Jace moaned, "We cannot beat her, at her full power."

Cassandra sobbed, "It's the end for us… We failed."

Farra struck down, but Cinder stabbed her with a fiery spear. She cried, "I'm still standing!"

Cinder landed a huge kick to her head. She was sent plummeting down. Lasers shot down from the sky. Asahi was firing at Cinder. She was avoiding the shots.

"HOLD STILL, DEMON!" Asahi yelled, "The Gang isn't licked yet!" She thought, "Where the hell's Steven? He cannot abandon us!"

Kim struck forward. Cinder threw the hammer away, and Kim started to punch at her face. "DAMN YOU! YOU FUCKING MURDERER! I HATE YOU!"

Cinder caught her fist, and grabbed her neck. Kim was choking, as Cinder glared, "All shall be turned to dust in the end… You shall be turned to ashes… as you're the first to go."

"A–, Asa… Asahi…?"

"Die!" Cinder prepared her killing blow, but Mundy grabbed her arm and yelled, "LET GO OF HER!"

Cinder pushed him off, and he armed himself with the machete. He stabbed at her, and she let go of Kim. She broke the machete in half, as soon as he lunged deep. Cinder turned to him and hissed, "You're first… then…"

POW! POW! POW!
"YAAAAGH!" Mundy was lambasted down, badly hurt, bleeding.

Cinder looked down and smirked, "Ha-ha-ha! Don't you see who your curiosity got the better of you? Neo was a fool to take granted, but–."

BLAST!
Cinder was shot at, as Riho & Miki arrived. Riho said, "That's what you think, devil!"

Miki said, "We couldn't stand by and watch this, any longer."

Kim groaned, "Th-Thank… goodness…"

Peter kneeled up and groaned, "Guys… Cinder's too strong! Where's Neo?"

Jace asked, "Neo? Huh? Who?"

Cinder stated, "Permit me, but… Do you know where she is?"

Asahi appeared behind her and she grinned, flashing her brown and pink eyes. She slammed her fist into her face. She posed, and then changed into Mech-Asahi.

"Show-off!" Mech-Asahi said, "Also, she cannot transform, like I do. There can be only one!"

Cassandra asked, "You mean…?"

Mizuki cried, "It's Neo!"

Neo (as Mech-Asahi), teamed alongside Miki & Riho, as they were World Agency's last hope.

"You can drop the disguise, Neo." Cinder smirked, "No one can guess it's really you."

Neo spoke in Asahi's voice, "No. But even so, this gynoid of Neo will be helpful." She posed and said, "Mecha-Neo!" Neo appeared from the shadows and grinned, holding her parasol.

Miki gasped, "That's Neo?" Riho said, "It must be her semblance."

Cinder gasped, "WHAT? YOU EVOLVED YOUR SEMBLANCE?"

Mecha-Neo transformed, as she was a robot version of Neo. She posed, "I have learned from this power, thanks to you. I thought I would give you a little demonstration, traitor!"

Neo winked, and then pointed at Cinder. Asahi changed back to normal and touched down. "I'll handle the evac, you guys take care of her!"

Kim hopped up and said, "I'll still fight!" She held her neck, and Asahi cried, "WAIT! You and I can tend to the others. Riho, Miki, & Neo will hold them off. Believe me, I am grateful for your progress, but…"

Mundy said, "No. Let her go." Farra leapt up and said, "We'll stay back, and let Cinder be softened up."

Asahi cried, "BUT WE CAN'T! Neo and the others are all we have! We're helpless!"

The Gang could only watch, as Neo, Miki, & Riho fight off the evil and nefarious Cinder.

Team RWBY was in the air, flying in one of Strike Force's jets, heading to Los Angeles. Ruby looked away and said, "A couple hours… We should reach LA."

Yang replied, "Yeah… The Gang needs us. It's the least we can do."

Weiss replied, "Girls… Trust me on this. This isn't Remnant. And I'm running for presidency. And no damned Maiden is going to tell me what to do. Team RWBY needs to remind Cinder… who we are."

The jet headed closer to Los Angeles.

XXXXX

Neo's clone was pushed back, while Cinder clashed with Riho & Miki. She landed a swift kick to both of them, and they fell down easily. Cinder growled, "You won't quit? Good." She stomped down on Miki and cried, "GIVE UP! AND NEO! COME AT ME–!"

BLAM!
Mecha-Neo struck down, as she used an umbrella to swipe and slash at her. Cinder and Neo continued to clash, but Cinder was gaining the upper hand.

"Not… even… YOUR CLONE!" She shattered the clone with a massive claw slash. "CAN STOP ME!" Neo stepped back, but Cinder reached to her, and she hissed, "I GOT YOU!" She held her neck high and hissed, "Now… I'm going to make you wish you never threatened me. Neo… When I was asked if I believe in destiny… Do you?"

Neo nodded, as Cinder grinned, "So do I…"
SMASH!
Neo's aura shattered, and Cinder grinned, "Too bad… Now, you are destined to join Roman Torchwick. Goodbye, Neo…"

Asahi aimed her gun at Cinder, "Freeze!"

Cinder hissed, "You never quit, do you, Asahi Sakurai? You're the last one standing in Los Angeles… I broke up The Gang, and I have beaten them. Steven Cooke is a no-show. Don't you see? There's no one left to stop me. I am all but invincible." she growled, "AND ONE FALSE MOVE, AND I TURN NEO INTO ASH!"

Cinder held her hand out, as Asahi glared, "You son of a bitch…" She put her pistol down, and she seethed, "The Gang… defeated by you. Our first mission… and we failed… You're impossible."

Cinder grinned, "Indeed. You chose to surrender, as the rest are still incapacitated."

Kim cried, "NO!"

Asahi yelled, "STAND DOWN! It's over!" She stepped back and sniffled, "We lost."

Cinder grinned, as she went closer to Asahi. Farra groaned, "No… So, this has come to this?"

Cassandra sniffled, "We failed…"

Peter groaned, lying on the ground, "Ow…"

Cinder held her flames up and said, "Now… What was the question I was asked? Do you believe in destiny? Because I always do."

Asahi said, "I do. Now I ask you another question? Why all this? Why would you do such a thing? Here?"

"Because… I wanted to see the world burn. You and goody two-shoe heroes already ruined my fun! Tyrian, Mercury & Emerald, and now Neo! You want me for something ridiculous? Roman deserved to fry… much like you, Asahi Sakurai…"

Asahi bowed her head and said, "Do what you want. But I ask you one more thing… What will you do next? Who will you go after?"

"Obviously Team RWBY." Cinder smirked, "Maybe join in on their Presidential Campaign, and burn it to the ground. After that, maybe I'll join the Secret Society… and offer my services… Because that's what I want. To lead my own world. Once we kill you, and your friends… No one is safe. You bowed down to defeat, Asahi… World Agency…" Cinder smiled, grabbing her collar, "And now… The only thing left of you… is your hallowed breath, dying… as Los Angeles will burn down. And believe me… No one can save you."

Asahi grinned, "Is that so?" She snickered, "Well, you forget one thing… I only did it to stall for time. Because…"

The jet arrived, as Team RWBY jumped down from the air. Cinder cried, "WHAT? NO!"

"You forget, asshole!" Asahi punched her down and said, "We're in numbers!"

They touched down, and they prepared their weapons. Ruby cried, "Hey, Cinder! Remember us?"

Weiss barked, "You made me ruin my press conference for this! But I don't care!"

Blake cried, "This ends now!"

Yang grinned, "Game on, Cindy!"

Cinder barked, "Why do people keep calling me Cindy?"

Neo was down, as Ruby said, "It's okay, Neo. We got this." Neo smiled and gave a thumbs up. Asahi offered to help, as Cinder glared, "So, five against one? That figures. I have always won, because of huge numbers… and the last time we met, ladies, I ended you."

Weiss nodded and said, "Winter said the same words to you, Cinder Fall, the moment I fell from to the Ever After…" She held Myrtenaster and cried, "YOU! Are going to pay, for everything you've done!"

Cinder hollered, "GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" She charged at them, as Asahi transformed, "STRENGTH! IDOL DIAMOND!" Her aura went red, and her Stand, Idol Diamond emerged. She and her Stand charged at Cinder, but she dodged the attack. Yang and Blake exchange punches and kicks to her, but she deflected each blow.

Cinder was pushed back, and Weiss used glyphs to shoot ice shards at her. She leapt off each glyph, dashing towards her. Ruby appeared from behind, and used Crescent Rose to slash and hack down on Cinder. Blake split into two clones, and surrounded Cinder, with a barrage of kicks. She fired Gambol Shroud, and Cinder avoided each shot.

Weiss said, "She's too much! Cinder's too fast and strong for us!"

Ruby fired, and Cinder was struck down. "But she's not invincible. I see her aura is gone."

Asahi stated, "Then lemme assist you!" Yang winked, "Shall I give you a hand?"

"MECHA-BARRAGE!"
"RAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
They landed rapid-fire punches to Cinder, and she was sent flying. Weiss leapt off, and slashed down onto Cinder. She stabbed and jabbed, shooting ice onto Cinder's body. She landed on a black glyph, and stayed in the air, blasted by Cinder's wayward fireball.

Ruby and Blake slashed at her, with upward slices and strikes. Blake hopped over Ruby and landed a swift kick to the face, and Ruby dashed forward, using her semblance, and landed a kick to the back. She roared, swinging up her scythe, "THIS IS FOR NEO!"

POW!
Cinder was taken down. But she groaned, "No…"

Ruby said, "What gives? She won't go down?"

Cinder hovered up, as Blake snarled, "The Autumn Maiden."

Asahi asked, "So… there's no way?"

Yang seethed, "Not for long…" Her hair was ablaze and her eyes went red. She dashed at her, but Cinder was ready. "Not learned your lesson, after last time? Then…"

SLASH!
Yang was taken down, and her aura was shattered. "YANG!" Ruby & Blake shrieked.

Cinder smirked, tossing Yang to Ruby. They caught her, and Cinder dashed at her, "NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, RED!"

She went closer, and Cinder unleashed her killing blow. But suddenly, she was flung backwards, into the building. She crashed through the brick wall. Ruby gasped, "Huh?"

Blake moaned, "We're alive." Weiss asked, "How did–?" Blake asked her, "Miss Sakurai, did you do this?"

Asahi gasped, "No… I didn't–."

A figure appeared, as Cinder groaned, jumping out of the hole. She snarled and said, "Well… It's about time you showed up… but you're already too late."

A male figure appeared in black and red attire, with a shoulder pad on his left shoulder. Everyone came to, and they gasped in shock.

"STEVEN!" They all cried. Steven Cooke returned.

"You came at a bad time." Cinder grinned, "The Gang is finito… as does Team RWBY. I broke up The Gang! And broke them completely! You lost! You are a loser! And I rule all! This world will burn now, and you arrived too late! So, now, what can you do to stop my nefarious rule? It's all over, except your pleas of failure. Your friends are defeated, and Team RWBY was of no help."

Steven went forward, and Cinder grinned, "Always the silent killer. But it's a shame that your pedestal is knocked off. I, the Autumn Maiden, will rule your realm, as does Remnant. So, tell me, Steven Cooke, how will you enjoy the first day of my new rule?"

Steven glared, as he stopped near Cinder, hovering to him, six feet apart. Cinder asked, "Now… I ask again… and I'll be simple. What will you do, now that I have won?"

He silently said nothing, and Cinder growled, "Not talking, eh? Yeah… That's a laugh. Well, fine… I guess I'll be on my way. Oh, and Neo? I'll come back for her, later… But just to give you a taste of what's to come…" She aimed an arrow towards Mundy and said, "This is to help you annex one of your former friends. Oscar Gooden dies today… and I be off. One step forward… and he dies. Say the word, and I'm off. And thus, you all suffer the wrath of Cinder Fall." She turned to Mundy and grinned, "And that's… Checkmate."

Asahi cried, "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

She fired, but the arrow exploded into cinders. It exploded in front of her, and she cried, "AAGH!" She gasped, as he stared at him, showing a golden aura. He went forward, and Cinder gasped, "You… DON'T MOVE! I warned you about–! Wait… Why are you staring at me, with that golden aura?"

Steven said, "Steven Cooke always comes out on top… even against scumbags like you. I realized that, but only to arrive too late. Steven Cooke isn't here to make amends." He went forward and stared at her face, "Steven Cooke is here…to make you suffer."

Asahi cried, "Steven! We have to go! Let Cinder go! We failed!"

Steven boomed, "Steven Cooke quits, when he's ready. And I say…" He tapped his chin and smirked.

Cinder grinned, "Ahhh… Surrendering… You READ MY MIND!" She landed a fatal blow to Steven, but her arm phased through his body. Team RWBY and Asahi were shocked, as did the rest.

Peter gasped, "Was that?

Mizuki moaned, "His body… is translucent."

Mundy grumbled, "Bugger…"

Asahi whispered, "No way… That's…"

"WAAH-TA!" He landed a swift kick, knocking Cinder down. He posed, as Cinder was shocked. She didn't land a hit on him.

Steven called, "EVERYONE! This battle is mine. I had a bit of an epiphany on the way here… And I figured… I will fight her, myself. Everyone, you did great. But let me handle her."

Cinder growled, "I don't get it! You already lost! You are too late! Everyone is defeated! I WON!"

Steven said, "Steven Cooke is never too late… because you obviously made me angry… Hokuto Shinken is invincible. Not the Autumn Maiden."

Cinder growled, "Why you…" She slashed at him, but he didn't flinch. Her swipes were phased through. He landed a right punch to the face. Cinder dropped down, and Asahi was in shock.

"That move… He… Is that what I think it is?"

Steven Cooke has tapped into his Ultimate Form – Muso Tensei, combined with his Spirit Caller – Divine Moon.

He boomed, "DIVINE MOON!" he roared, as his golden aura shone. Cinder cried in fright, "WHAAAT? DIVINE MOON?"

Ruby zipped in and joined Steven, "Steven Cooke, correct? Allow me to help."

"I said to stay back."

"No… Cinder and I have a score to settle. But I want to know… About what happened in Beacon…"

"Do not let your past despair consume you, Ruby Rose. Do not let your failures be your stepping stones. Pave the road to redemption… and destroy the evil within."

"I, uh… Huh?"

"You were troubled, over Roman Torchwick, yes? Neo understands completely… as I can hear her heart. She forgives you… as do I. Neo Politan – no, Trivia Vanille – if Cinder is defeated, you will be avenged, and forgiven."

Farra smirked, "He knew about the ordeal with The Fall of Atlas."

Miki whispered, "We have a chance."

Ruby insisted, "I insist… Let me aid you. What's better than gold? Silver." Her eyes shone, as Cinder hissed, "No!"

Steven & Ruby team up, as he said, "Heh… Very well. Watch and learn, Ruby Rose. Steven Cooke isn't the leader of The Gang, for nothing."

"You're not the only one showing who the leader is… Might I suggest a friendly duel, once we're done?"

They nodded and stared down at Cinder. She said, "Enough of this! You two may be friends, but you're no match for me! I have already won!"

She boomed a fiery aura, and then flew towards her. Steven & Ruby dove up and prepared to fight.

The final duel is underway, as Steven Cooke & Ruby Rose join forces to fight Cinder Fall. But…
Will it be enough?

To be continued…