As the hunt for Cinder continues, Asahi Sakurai suddenly sees the visage of Neo Politan, Mercury Black, and Emerald Sustrai. And in Mundy's apartment, of all places.

"YOU ASKED FOR IT!" Asahi fought back, and she fought 2-on-1 against Mercury & Neo. Emerald could only watch on in fright. She chose to not fight.

He hit a heel kick, but ducked. He landed a swift combo, but Asahi punched back. He said, "Not bad. For a legend in the Multiverse, you're the real deal."

"UH… Thank you?" Asahi smiled.

She gets hit by a roundhouse kick. Mercury punched down, and Asahi dodged away from the blow. Asahi kicked him off, and Neo slashed at her. Neo tripped Asahi off her feet, and stomped on her chest. Neo held up a spike from within her parasol, and lunged hard at her.

Asahi gripped the spike, using her Stand, Idol Diamond. She shoved her off, and Mercury landed a superkick, and a blow to the chest. Asahi crashed down onto the couch. She dropped down, and she groaned, "Dammit… That hurts…"

Mercury dusted himself off and said, "Hey, listen, now will you listen? We're not the bad guys. You and me… We're the same… as does Oscar said."

Asahi stood up and snarled, "And I told you I don't believe you! I'm going to jab my foot up your ass – forgive me for that threat – if you tell me that you are on his side! It better not be what I think it is…"

Neo pleaded, as Emerald said for her, "WHOA, WHOA! We're not bad guys! Not anymore… We all used to work for Cinder, and–."

"CINDER?!" Asahi gasped, "Cinder Fall? So you ARE EVIL!"

She dashed at them, and Mercury swatted her away. He barked, "She never listens." He and Neo punch and pick at her, and Asahi barked, "You assholes!" She shoved them away, and punched Neo with a huge right. She swept her off her feet, and slammed her with a massive body slam. Neo was shattered upon impact, as Asahi prepared. "No… I know what comes next."

Mercury jabbed at her, only to clash with his punches. They gripped hands and struggled. Neo emerged from the shadows, and slashed down on Asahi's back. "AAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Asahi dropped down, and Mercury landed a spinning kick to her. Asahi goes down, and Mercury smirked, "You still don't get it? You do now…"

"Ungh… mmgh… No… I… don't…" Asahi got up, bleeding from her lip, "What are you, a mandroid?"

Mercury said, "OH, these? Prosthetic legs. Lost them, long ago. But they can still kick." He grinned, "So, had enough? Maybe you can wake up to the truth."

Asahi kneeled up and smirked, "Never. I was only holding back a bit. You and Neo, you're good… for a bunch of criminals. Cinder Fall's on the loose, and her rap sheet's big… Arson to Arthur Watts' estate… Mass Genocide of a country… Even escaping arrest… And what makes you think you three are better? I am not letting you have your way! NO ONE! Not even Cinder! Or Torchwick! Or Salem! No one is letting you assholes live! NOT EVEN ME!"

Asahi held her bracelet and pressed the red button, "Strength!" She posed, "This is a portion of my power. Just you wait until I go Full Power!"

Mercury sighed, "She never learns. Emmy, Neo, step back. She's mine."

Asahi punched at his face and he was sent flying. He crashed into the table, and Asahi dashed at him, "HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" She hit a dropkick to the chest. Mercury bounced off the wall, onto the floor,and Asahi cried out, "IDOL DIAMOND!" Her Stand emerged and punched away at Mercury. Neo stepped in, deflecting each punch, despite the fact they cannot see it. Neo shoved her away, and Mercury was badly hurt. Neo lunged at Asahi, and they clashed at each other. Neo spun around, while Asahi cried, going on defense, "You can't make this easier! I am NOT the bad guy! YOU ARE!"

Neo and Asahi step back, and Asahi growled, "Go for broke…" She prepared her bracelet, as Mercury kneeled up, "NO, YOU DON'T!" He grabbed her arm, but Asahi headbutted him, and restrained him. "STEP BACK!" Neo stepped away, and Asahi growled, "You… are under arrest!"

Neo kicked her off, and freed Mercury. Asahi hollered, "I'M WARNING YOU!" Mercury and Asahi exchange punches, and Asahi was able to win the fight. Asahi was grabbed by Neo, by the neck, and Mercury struggled to break free.

Click!
"What's going on here?"

Mundy appeared, aiming his rifle at them, stopping the fight. Mundy snarled, "Who started this? NO! I know for a fact it was YOU, Black!"

Mercury groaned, "Cut me some slack. She walked in. She knows you."

They dispersed and got out. Asahi got up, and Mundy gasped in terror. "Ohhhhhh, piss."

Asahi glared, "Oscar Gooden… What is the meaning of this?"

Mundy moaned, "I… I can explain…"

Neo helped her up and apologized. Asahi jerked her arm away and hissed, "Get your hands off me. What's going on here? Mercury, Emerald, and Neo? They're Cinder's men!"

"EX-Men!" Mundy barked, "And it's a long story. It's not what you think, but I didn't want this! Not in the first place, but…"

Asahi whimpered, "I don't even know you anymore… Why? Why are you siding with these criminals?"

Emerald said, "Uh, Miss Sakurai, was it? I think you better let me explain. I'm the only one playing peacekeeper here, and I can vouch for Oscar. See… I'm legit good now, and I got a job at a local bar, far from here. And Neo, her, she's helping out, on occasions. She even is his manservant… or you know…"

Emerald sighed in a titter, "You… don't believe us, do you?"

Mundy said, "Lads… I think I should explain fully to Asa. She trusts me."

Asahi sat down and hissed, "I'm listening…"

Mundy explained everything, as Asahi was shocked. Neo could only pout, folding her arms to her chest and let out a scoff.

XXXXX

At the news studio, Weiss was getting ready for her interview. Ruby, Yang, & Blake were waiting.

"This is it… Hopefully, the world will hear the Real Weiss." Yang smiled.

Ruby said, "Yeah." she felt dejected.

"What's wrong, Rubes?" Yang said, "Once we boost Weiss back in the polls, we can go ahead and stop Cinder."

Blake said, "Yes, but… We can't risk hurting Weiss, in general. Cinder is vicious."

"Yeah…" She griped, as she sobbed, "Ohhhhhhhh, I can't take it!"

She said to Blake and Yang, "Guys… There's something I never told you. Promise to keep this from Weiss."

Blake asked, "Sure. What is it?"

Ruby gulped and was about to speak.

Episode 4 – Chapter 3: Give Neo a Chance!
The Sad Story of Salem's Remnants…

"And that's everything…" He said, as Asahi was saddened. "Neo came to me to solve what happened to Roman Torchwick. Yes, I know he is dead, but the result was inconclusive. And she blamed either Red or Cinder. Since then, she offers to stay with us… on one condition… As long as we resolve her Torchwick manner–."

"NO! Enough!" Asahi pleaded, "I get it. You didn't have to, you know."

"I told Neo NO, at first… but I couldn't leave her in despair… especially since she and Red have had differences. I even tried speaking with Arthur Watts… long before Cinder got him. A Griffon Grimm ate him, but no one knows why and how – or who – caused the Grimm Attacks in Beacon. I was at a dead end… and Neo stayed with me, saying that she doesn't care… as long as Ruby Rose and Neo Politan agree that it wasn't right for Torchwick to go. I know… He's scum. But something about him made Neo felt light as a feather. A part of her was gone."

Neo was sad, as Emerald said, "Yeah… And he agreed that we could team up, maybe to help you guys. Like I said, I'm not a criminal anymore. Neo chose to go legit, and Mercury, he quit SALEM, a while back. Except…"

Mercury stated, "You guys got trust issues. We chose to keep a low profile, away from you… Until you mention her."

Emerald added, "And we're so sorry about Watts. To be honest, for a creepy scientist, he deserved it."

Neo held her hand and pleaded with a sad face. Asahi asked, "What about her?"

Mundy said, "She's a mute. She doesn't have anything to say. Actions speak louder than words, which she has none."

Asahi said in a conflicted look, "I had no idea. And you kept this from me? From us?"

"My superior from Interpol, my boss… He said that I have to keep this secret… but on one condition, once I resolve this matter of Roman Torchwick's death, Neo goes to jail. She accepts the terms."

Asahi responded and said, "Mundy… Roman Torchwick is dead. You cannot resolve something from a criminal. Even so, you did right. Neo… You wanted…"

"She wants a new life. Hearing Cinder's name burns her up… and mentioning Red somehow agitates her. She chose to stay with me. She has no one to turn to. Not Watts, not Cinder, not anyone… Only Mercury & Emerald. And they chose to leave Salem behind."

Neo was in tears, as Asahi whispered, "I didn't know. Neo, I'm… I'm sorry." Neo hugged and sobbed onto her shoulder.

Mundy said, "I was too conflicted at Central City… I didn't want Steven Cooke to kill Cinder. That's why I did it. I wanted answers from Cinder Fall about Torchwick. I didn't care. I just wanted her side of the story… and I wanted answers. But Steven Cooke didn't listen. That's why I mucked up the mission. I let my own personal matters get the best of me. I got to see Red, and she admits that she saw Roman die… swallowed whole. Ruby Rose never trusted me or Neo… That's why she and I have a thing for each other, because we can't trust each other. I was aware of that, and I told them to not trust The Gang, until the time was right. That's why I did it, just to help them stop Cinder, and hopefully get the answers I long for. Only then, we can do what we want to that cunt. I just hope… you can forgive me, hiding this from you."

Asahi stood up and agreed, "Mundy… I forgive you. If what you say is true, I believe you. Neo… She has to know the truth. If Cinder didn't cause the Griffon attack, then it's best that we leave it at that. Neo has to move on."

Neo was sad, tears rolling down her face. Asahi said to her, "Neo… Listen, we're after Cinder Fall, and we hope you can help us. Cinder Fall has gone too far, this time, and we hope you will aide us, while Team RWBY is busy with the Earth Presidential Route. So, I am willing to let you and your friends cooperate." Neo held her hand, and Asahi added, "But on one condition… … … Once we stop Cinder Fall, you have to turn yourself in. I will pardon Emerald and Mercury, but you have to go to jail, after Cinder is defeated. I got no choice."

Emerald cried, "Are you insane? Neo's legit good now!"

"Is she?" Asahi barked, "I can overlook you two, but she's still trouble! Mundy told me much about her, and what she does, so I'm just pardoning you and Robo-Shorts there, but NOT HER! Neo Politan is still untrusted! Plus, since she's a mute, she won't talk."

Mundy said, "She only speaks in texts, on occasions. Neo said she never talked… ever."

"I see…"

"Asahi, could you do me a favor? Until Cinder is stopped, keep this from Team RWBY."

"I will. I won't say a word to them." Asahi remarked, "But this conversation is not over. I'm going to have a word with your boss, and I want his side of the story. As of now, I don't trust Neo. But I understand how she felt. But effective immediately, these three stooges are YOUR responsibility."

"I will accept it." Mundy bowed in defeat, "I'm sorry… Just please don't tell the others. Even Steven…"

Asahi stepped back and said, "I won't. But… After what happened, I think you need to apologize to him. I don't deserve an apology from you… but thanks."

He bowed his head and looked upset. Asahi said, departing to the door, "We'll talk about this later. I need to go." Neo grabbed her arm, and nodded to her, in a sad smile. Asahi held her hand and sniffled, "I know…" Asahi took her leave, as Mercury asked, "What the hell was that?"

Emerald said, "I think Neo asked Asahi to forgive her. She's… too conflicted."

Mundy groaned, "What have I done?"

Mercury said, "It's not your fault. We knew what would happen, and we'll accept it. It's best that we move on. Asahi Sakurai's right."

Mundy got up, and then…
POW!
He socked Mercury in the face, knocking him out. He roared at him, "YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH, YOU CHROME-LEGGED DELINQUENT! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!" He stormed off, as Mercury cringed, "Wh–? What did I do?"

Emerald said, "You did start the fight. Idiot." Neo was dejected, as she said to her, "There, there. It's alright. We'll stop Cinder. We just don't know when."

XXXXX

Yang barked, grabbing Ruby's arm, "WHAT? HOLD THE PHONE! NEO POLITAN IS HERE?"

Blake was stunned, "N-Neo? You mean…"

"She's living with the guy I met, Oscar Gooden." Ruby confessed, "And he has been secretive about it. He told me that we keep it a secret… but after Cinder's chaos, I couldn't take it. I…"

Blake barked, "And you never told us?"

"I couldn't find you! YOU were lost in the wastelands, wanting a private place, and YOU were a mannequin doll!" Ruby bawled, "And Weiss, she doesn't care! Team RWBY split, because of what happened here, and I learned a lot!"

"But Ruby…" Yang asked, "Was this about The Fall of Beacon?"

"Yes it was… Roman Torchwick died… and Neo still blames me! But the guy… Mundy… He said to forgive and forget. But how can I forget? I watched Roman died, just as he was about to finish me off! I DID NO SUCH THING TO–." She paused, and she gasped, "Oh, god… OH my god…"

Blake asked, "Wait… What did you remember?"

"It's…" Ruby was in tears, seeing a girl in orange hair and a green dress being ripped apart by wires. "It was my fault… Penny… I saw… Penny die… and I… I…"

Blake hugged her, as does Yang, as Yang whispered, "It's okay. You didn't mean to."

Ruby's alibi was legit. Witnessing the death of Penny set up her sadness and fear, exploding into a gusher, which attracted Grimm, far from Beacon Academy. And as stated, they smell the scent of fear, sadness, horror, and other emotional means. And Ruby believes that Roman Torchwick's death… … …was her own fault.

Ruby bawled and cried, as she was upset that she made Neo hate her, because of Penny. Weiss was far from the group, overhearing the conversation. Weiss sobbed, as she sniffled, "Penny… So, Neo is with The Gang now… and they're legit heroes. Could it be?" She thought, "Neo Politan… She's with him, the black guy… and… Could they have reformed her, after the tragedy in Beacon?" She wiped her tears and pumped her fists, "I know what to do."

Weiss already knows, as she was set for her public interview.

"Welcome to another edition of Chat-2-Chat. I'm your host, Arfoire." A woman with long white hair was in her seat, in front of an empty audience. "As you know, the 2024 Presidential Elections are underway, and we have about 13 months to go before the upcoming Earth Elections. As you know, President Kazuto Iizuka will be stepping out of office, since winning the seat from Jake Morgendorffer, via an Emergency Election."

The show is Chat-2-Chat, by Arfoire, which was taped on afternoons and evenings, and airs only on late nights.

"Joining me is one of the candidates, who is dead last in the polls, but has recently earned the respect of some of the voters. Please join me in welcoming Democratic Nominee, Weiss Schnee."

Weiss was in her seat, as she said, "Thank you, Miss Arfoire."

"Miss Schnee, I have to ask this, to set the record straight – Why run for Earth President, if you're from a family that is as hated as The Trumps?"

Weiss replied, "Because, back then, I used to be heiress to the SDC."

"Ah, yes, Schnee Dust Company. And we heard the tragic story of how Atlas was washed away. No survivors, as everyone evacuated."

"Yes… Almost everyone. You see, during our evacuation to Vacuo, which was in Remnant, Cinder Fall attacked us, and most of us actually fell to below. Luckily, it was a small group, about a hundred, to the millions of people that were in Atlas and Mantle."

"The Fall of Atlas, a shocking, touching story of Remnant's Most Natural Disasters, since The Fall of Beacon. Miss Schnee, I understand that World Agency handpicked you to be the next Earth President. How is that reflecting on your past life in Atlas?"

Weiss responded, "Well, they chose me, because I wanted to a be a leader, and make things right. Our current President is a complete idiot, but… and no offense to President Iizuka, he can be a bit goofy… but he knows how to keep the planet clean and straight."

"And your thoughts about running in his place, if you win?"

"I could do better. But only because I want to clean up something that my Father, Jacques Schnee, would never do. My father was a disgrace of a man. He married my mother, all for a seat for power! I will never be like him! He took my role as heiress, he stripped me of my fortune, he ruined my life, but I am more than a Schnee. I'm more than a name. My grandfather was Nicholas Schnee. He was a hero to Atlas. And I idolized him. And since then, I wanna follow the Schnee Name… in MY WAY. And not be like my father, Jacques."

"Well, it says here that you were stripped of heiress and handed over to Whitley Schnee, your brother. However, due to his role being stripped, after Jacques Schnee was caught, and Schnee Dust Company tragically was destroyed… The Schnee Family has no heir. Will this affect you, heading into Earth Presidency?"

"I have ways. But it's going to be a long time before I gain trust in my people again. I am not a bigot, and I'm not a racist. I respect all people, including the Faunus and the Blacks."

"Then explain what and why you asked for Blake Belladonna as your vice president?"

"In America, we have a female Vice President, and she's black. Blake is a Faunus, and she's a well-liked member of our community. I chose her, because we're different. We used to hate each other, until I learned the truth. Blake used to be with The White Fang, only she was usurped by some guy, who's also a Faunus, mind you, and used The White Fang for war and violence and terrorism. Blake's White Fang wasn't like that. They were an independent peace rally."

Arfoire said, "Hmm, interesting. Well, as seeing as you are dead last in the polls, that won't stop you, right?"

"No, not at all."

"So, next question, how do you feel about the Cinder Fall calamity?"

Weiss then whispered, "Sorry, Ruby…" She said, "Cinder Fall is a scumbag. She's evil, and she works for Salem. I know that people like her don't change, but I know some who turn over a new leaf. If it were me, I'd choose to reform someone from Cinder's faction. From Mercury Black, to Tyrian Callows, to the late Arthur Watts. But if I have to choose someone to reform… it's the dreaded Neo Politan."

Ruby gasped, and Blake whispered, "Neo?" Yang whispered, "Did… Did Weiss know?"

Weiss responded, "Neo Politan was a criminal for Roman Torchwick. Sure, she never talked, and she was always spiteful to us huntresses. But if I am elected President, I could reform the scummiest of scums, especially Neo Politan – no – Trivia Vanille. And if Neo ever watched this show… then I know this. Neo, if you're watching… I can change you. But I can't change Cinder. Arfoire, if anyone is to change criminals such as Cinder, don't. They have already fallen. But criminals like Neo, they can get a second chance. Because there's evil all over these worlds… and I want to be the one to die down criminal activity to a limit. Leave no crooked crook alive! Reform them or incarcerate them, I don't care!"

"Well, why Neo Politan? And how do you even know about Neo?"

"We've… had our confrontations, long before. Neo used to work for Torchwick, and then Cinder. And we met her, only we hoped to fight back and stop the scourge. I don't care about your other Earthly Problems, that comes later. First things first, we end Cinder Fall's reign of terror, and lock her up. But if you choose to kill her, learn this from my sister, Winter – All shall turn to dust at the end… That is the law of nature."

Arfoire said, "Thank you so much, Miss Schnee. And good luck on your upcoming campaign."

They shook hands, as Arfoire said, "We'll be right back after this."
"And cut!"

Arfoire smiled, "Passionate speech, Miss Schnee. You have my vote."

Weiss walked off, as she said, "Thank you. Please excuse me."

Ruby was amazed, "Wow… Weiss, that was amazing!"

Weiss glared at her, "Ruby… It's about Neo."

"Oh…" Blake asked, "You… knew?"

Weiss said, "Every… word."

SLAP!
She slapped Ruby, and Ruby sobbed, "Weiss…"

"How many times do I have to tell you? The next time you have a problem, you talk to us!" Weiss scolded, "You can't keep this a secret!"

"But it's true!" Ruby blubbered, "I'm… I'm the one that killed Torchwick, after I saw Penny die!"

Weiss hugged her and said, "No… It's not your fault. Penny… She's… She's dead. She's gone… And we failed…"

Ruby sniffled, as she wept, "My… Penny…"

Yang asked, "What about The Gang? Mundy knows, but the rest?"

Weiss stated, "We don't. As long as they keep it a secret, we–."

XXXXX

Asahi slammed her fist on the table, in the meeting room. She barked, "We're baiting Cinder!"

World Agency was in a meeting (sans Farra, Kim, & Steven). She explained, "After some clues we received from Mundy, we are going to lure Cinder Fall to us, and hopefully put an end to her crusade. Martinez!"

Cassandra said, "After Weiss's touching speech on Chat-2-Chat, Weiss is now in dead last, at 24%. McGee has bowed out of the running, and Weiss is moved to 3rd place. Rando & Fink are neck and neck, as autumn approaches. Cinder could make her move there…"

Asahi said, "Her next move is in Los Angeles. We're heading there, and ambush her."

Peter asked, "How shall we do it? Do we have a relic waiting for her?"

Jace asked, "Should we taunt at her, guns-a-flailing?"

Mundy responded, "Nah. We have someone that knows Cinder well." The door knocked, as a woman in blonde hair and a red dress appeared, holding an umbrella.

Mizuki gasped, "Is she?" Cassandra whispered, "She's beautiful."

Miki asked, "Miss, who are you, and how do you know Cinder Fall?"

The blonde said nothing. Mundy said, "You may."

She changed into her true form… Neo. Neo smiled, as everyone gasped.

Riho cried, "She's a changeling?"
Mizuki gasped, "I knew it!"
Cassandra whimpered, "You're…"
Jace gasped, "HOW DID SHE–?"
Peter gasped, "Hm?"
Miki shrieked, "WHAAAAAAAAA?"
January was stunned, "Eh?"
Asahi said nothing, as she turned away in confidence.

Mundy responded, "Gang, meet… Neo Politan. She's formerly Cinder's henchman, but…"

Neo tipped her hat and bowed, "..."

Asahi said, "Guys… This could be our last chance. This time, Cinder Fall must be stopped… once and for all. Any questions?"

Peter asked, "Mundy? How long have you known about it?"

They all gasped, as Asahi cried, "PETER?"

Mundy said, "Lads… Mates… I'm afraid it's time I tell you the truth. Neo will help us to stop Cinder Fall. But how I met her, it's a long story."

XXXXX

Farra was in a room at Casa de Munecas, contemplating her thoughts. She got a text from Steven.

"Farra…
Tell Asahi that I need more time. Whatever you have against Cinder… stop her."

She replied, "We need you. I can't help, because I'm suspended. Wherever Cinder is… We'll stop her for you."

She sighed, as she lied down, "Jesus Christ. I hate being left out."

She got a text from Asahi. Her eyes widened, as the text says:
"You're reinstated. Get your ass to LA, at once! I'll explain later.
PS – See if you can contact Steven, and have him join in.
Asahi"

Farra smirked, "Then again…" She texted to Steven:
"Hey Steven… Off to LA.
We found her. Reply me back."

She stepped out of the building, and locked up. She flew off and said, "To the rescue!"

XXXXX

As Mundy told the rest of The Gang, Emerald was at the bar, cleaning up the place.

"So, this is where you are, living a new life." Cinder appeared, as she entered the front door.

"Wh–? Cinder?" Emerald gasped.

"Relax. I come in peace. I just want a favor." She hissed, "Where's Neo?"

Episode 4 – The End

To Be Continued…