As the battle continued, Steven Cooke & Ruby Rose team up, fighting Cinder Fall, in Los Angeles.

If you remember last time, The Gang and Team RWBY fell victim to the evil Cinder… without Steven by their side. He came to the rescue, as everyone else is incapacitated. Now, Steven & Ruby team up for one final showdown against Cinder.

Peter got up, with Farra pulling him up on her shoulders. "Easy, Big Guy."

He moaned, "Damn… Took his sweet time to get here."

Asahi said, "We'll ask Steven later. Right now, you two gather the rest of World Agency. Steven's got this, and it's our only chance."

Peter griped, "Yeah, but why did he take his time, while we got our asses kicked?"

Farra responded, "I know what. He needed time, because he may have lost his touch. When he selfishly fought Cinder alone, it's like he did it for the thrill… but it wasn't. He was upset to himself, after his recent battles."

Mundy asked, "So, that's why? He fought Cinder Fall on a whim?"

Farra said, "Could be. But I think he's found his step."

"I'm joining in, mates." Mundy said, "Red got to side with him, but he needs all the help."

Asahi stated, "You've done enough. Just get Neo. We'll get the rest. There's not much time. Grab Neo, and we'll gather the rest, and meet at the jeep. The BattleVan's in the garage, safely protected."

Weiss was with Neo, as she & Blake appeared, "Perhaps we may help?" Blake held an unconscious Yang, "Ruby can handle things. We'll take these two."

Asahi smiled, "Thanks. Neo, can you move?" She gave a thumbs up, and Asahi scolded, "Also, you're never mimicking Mech-Asahi or parodying my form again!" Neo pouted, then winces in pain.

Farra stated, "You better get out of here. We'll stay away from the battle." They head off, with Weiss, Neo, & Farra left behind. Weiss called, "Farra?"

"What's up?"

"You know of a Percival Gaynes?"

Farra replied, "My husband. Why?"

Weiss smiled, "When you get the chance… Tell him… Thank you." She and Neo head to the others, as Farra smiled, but paused and asked, "Wait… What did he do?"

Episode 5 – Chapter 4: Road to LA (Conclusion)
Silver and Gold

"This is where the TRUE battle begins!" Steven lands a barrage of punches to Cinder. Cinder jumped backwards, and Steven leapt up and did a flying kick. Cinder was kicked off into the ground. Ruby slashed down onto her, swinging her scythe around. Ruby slashed forward, and she yelled, "I'll teach you to harm innocent lives!"

Cinder griped, "WHAT MAKES YOU SO SURE?" She swung hard, and was about to claw Ruby down. Ruby avoided it, flying off, and over Cinder. She aimed her weapon at her, and Cinder dashed past her. But she was caught with a fist to the face by Steven. She spun around, and Ruby fired Crescent Rose at her. Cinder was taken down, but was unscathed. Just only in her face. And that's from Steven Cooke's onslaught.

Cinder thought, kneeling down, "How has it come to this? He's a monster!"

Steven punched her down and said, "I never hit a woman. But YOU are not a woman." He kicked her away, but Cinder hopped back up on her feet.

"And what makes you a man?" Cinder yelled, "You and Red want me dead? WHY? Because these assholes asked me about Roman Torchwick?"

Ruby gasped, as Cinder barked, "Yes. Remember now? This black guy came to me, asked the same questions… Did I kill him? Did I cause the Grimm to attack? Here's my answer…"

Ruby stated, "NO! You don't need to answer. It's my fault… I made Torchwick die… because of a chain of events."

"Ruby, no." He said, "She wants it that way. Don't give in to her lies."

"Lies? You don't know me! Beacon Academy was everything I wanted… Friends, school life, and even fun… until she came along. But… Cinder didn't exactly kill Torchwick. It was me."

She explained, "I was there, when it all started. Pyrrha's Semblance went haywire, slicing Penny into pieces. And when I saw it… My heart broke. Grimm can sense fear and sadness. And I had a bigger heartbreak than anyone else. Penny died… Pyrrha died… And I watched Roman Torchwick get eaten alive. But this…" She gripped her weapon, "This… You would be blamed for all this. Not just Beacon, but all of Remnant. You deserve to die, more than Torchwick! Demons like you don't exist in this world!"

Cinder grinned, "Really… I mean, you left out one small detail, Silver Eyes."

Cinder still remembered that day. After she killed Pyrrha Niko, Ruby's eyes flashed a huge beam of light, a silver-colored light, eviscerating all the Grimm. Cinder was caught in the light, and it cost her an arm and an eye.

Cinder glared, "I haven't forgotten what you did to me, Red! So, yes… Thank you for taking the blame of Torchwick's death. He was simply an underboss to me. And his usefulness, likewise Neo's… and Mercury's and Emerald's… and Hazel's, and Tyrian's, too… was no longer needed! I don't need anyone to side with me! I work alone. I'm the mastermind and ringleader to destruction! And NO ONE can stop me! You foolish girls stopped me before, but I turned the tables on you! And now you wallow in your salty tears, blaming me for what you did?"

Steven stated, "Ruby isn't the guilty party. You are. The signs all point to you, the destruction you caused. Ruby Rose isn't Roman Torchwick's murderer. You are. YOU let him die."

"Uh, excuse me? You heard Red. It's a confession–."
"It's an alibi."

He continued, "A real leader would've protected his underboss from danger. You were his boss, and Torchwick was your underling. But you didn't care. Cinder Fall, your lies are all I needed, just for Mundy's sake. Roman Torchwick's murderer… … … was you, all along. You let Roman Torchwick die."

Cinder seethed, as she was cornered. Steven Cooke was right. A real evil ringleader would've saved his minions, let alone spare them a grizzly fate. But Cinder was pure evil that she'd sacrifice her own employees to the depths of destruction.

"Shut up…" Cinder snarled.

"Now, you face judgment…" Steven's aura shone, as he said, "Ruby, this one's mine. Step back, and take the rear."

"Right."

Steven went forward, and Cinder snarled, "Shut up! I didn't kill him! I didn't let him die! He deserved every bit of it! HE WAS A BUMBLING IDIOT! HE LET HIMSELF GET ARRESTED BY IRONWOOD!"

He paused and cracked his knuckles, "I've heard enough of you. Are you going to fight? Or are you going to kneel down in your own despair?"

Cinder smirked, as she hovered up, "You forget one thing, o Man of the Heart Scar. I still am powerful as a goddess. With The Autumn Maiden, I can still burn you into ashes, just as I did Pyrrha, and how I did Watts. I mean, it's all too easy. You and your glorified bastards have interfered in my presence… FOR THE LAST TIME!" She dove down, and shot fire into Steven's body. The flames exploded into a ball of fire.

"STEVEN!"

Cinder cackled evilly, as the flames grew bigger. Steven's body emerged from the flames. Unscathed.

"WHAT?" Cinder cried, "BUT HOW?"

Steven's jacket was burned to ashes, showing his muscular chest. His pants were lightly burned, but they remained. He walked forward, with the souls of many he had sided with in his aid… including Pyrrha Nikos.

"I remember her… from Ruby. I never met her, but she told me… I'm sorry, Ruby." He said, as Cinder was angry.

"WHY WON'T YOU STAY DOWN?" She fired at him, but he was unaffected.

Steven's power is of Hokuto Shinken. He can create a powerful and deadly arsenal, but has learned to hold back his killing instinct. Muso Tensei is his ultimate move, combined with Divine Moon, which gives him invincibility. However, only those that also possess Muso Tensei are able to counter.
On many occasions, this was Steven Cooke's last resort.

"I don't get it!" Cinder cried, as she continued to blast at him, "Why won't he go down? I got him, dead-on! I had him! I HAD HIM! THAT SON OF A BITCH IS INHUMAN!"

Ruby gasped, "No way… He speaks the truth… Then, what happened to Pyrrha… and Penny was…" She sobbed, "No… Cinder did this? Nooo… Penny… Pyrrha…" she was crying, as Cinder turned to her, "Hm?"

She grinned, "That gives me an idea." She aimed at a helpless Ruby. Steven gasped, "You wouldn't!"

"Let's see you save her, Mr. Ultra Instinct Douchebag!" Cinder prepares a fiery shot, "One blow, and her body is reduced to dust. You shall be dust, too, because this blast will incinerate BOTH OF YOU, SO STRONG! NOT EVEN THE GODS THEMSELVES WILL PROTECT YOU!"

She grew a bigger fireball, and Ruby couldn't see it. Steven yelled, "RUBY!" He dashed towards her, as Ruby looked up. Cinder fired and smiled, "YOU LOSE!"

Ruby was petrified in fright. Steven roared, "NOW! AT RANGE!" He leapt up, "HOKUTO! THE WORLD!" He and Ruby disappeared, and the fireball exploded into nothing, before it reached the ground. They emerged from another spot, and Steven sighed, "That was close."

Cinder gasped, "What the–? NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

He smirked, "Nice try, Cindy."

Steven stopped time, and smashed the fireball with his fist. He then grabbed a frozen Ruby and carried her to a safe spot. He called out, "Time starts again!" and restarted time.

Cinder cried, "I don't get it… He stopped my biggest attack, and called my bluff. But how did he do it, superfast?"

He turned to Cinder, "Whatever your next move is, know this… You will be defeated. My power… is way stronger than any Maiden in Remnant."

Ruby stood up and glared, "You just don't know when to quit, do you? You blame me, you hurt Neo, you ruined Weiss's chances for office, and now you're going to kill all of us? Oh, no… You want an apology, you've wasted your time! Because YOU DON'T DESERVE ONE!"

Cinder glared, "Then face me, Red! THIS IS MY VENGEANCE FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ME! But I paid you back, sending you to your fated demise… BUT WHY DID YOU EVEN RETURN?"

Ruby smirked, "Ohhh… You'll never know. Because…" She held Crescent Rose up, and it grew bigger, "You weren't even there." She grinned.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, the rest of Team RWBY and The Gang were at the garage. Many of them were badly hurt, with Asahi, Weiss, Blake, Peter, Farra, & Mundy still able to walk.

"That's all of them." Farra said, "So, now… We have to wait until the battle ends."

Blake said, "Guys, I'm so sorry we had to come. Even we were ordered to NOT come… because of The Secret Society."

Mundy said, "It's alright, love. As long as you came for our assistance. However, I'd like to know why and how you came."

Weiss replied, "I'll explain later. Right now… We have to rest up, and wait and see if Ruby's going to make it."

Peter responded, "Knowing Steven, he can get the job done."

Mundy was forlorn, as Asahi said, "It's alright. You got your answers… and now, what about Neo?"

Neo was sitting alone, feeling sad. Mundy huffed, "What about her?" He walked off and moaned, "It's all my fault. I didn't mean to keep all this a secret… But my boss insisted to help her. Neo thinks of me as a friend… but it makes me sick to my stomach, knowing that this harpy used to work for that cunt! The fucking cunt that – mind you – destroyed Atlas AND Vale, and burned alive Arthur Watts!"

He was in tears, and he placed his hands on the jeep's hood, feeling upset, "And we almost died… because of me." Everyone else was upset.

Weiss said, "You remind me of Jaune…" she said, "Oscar, I mean… Mundy… I know how much you did all this for Neo. But still, you cannot change face. Neo's wicked to the core, but when she was stabbed by Cinder, it's like she's got no purpose left. Neo belongs… to this world."

Neo heard everything, and she nodded. Weiss said, "And don't worry. You didn't fail. I once told Jaune this, when he lost a village he was to protect. Sometimes the most legendary huntsmen and huntresses started out strong… and they failed. But they were brave. And good…"

Weiss said to Jaune, as he comforted him, "We've been telling ourselves that failing means we're no good. But I can guarantee even the best Huntsmen in history… they've all lost. But they were still incredibly brave… and good…"

Jaune teared up, as he said, "Thank you, Weiss…"

Mundy wiped his tears and said, "No wonder you're going to be Earth President… Thanks, Ice Queen." He corrected himself, "NO. Weiss."

Weiss smirked, "Anytime. Besides, none of you have failed yet. Remember my words wisely. We've told ourselves that failure means you are finished… that we're no good! But where I come from, even the greatest heroes in history… They've all lost. But they were still brave, strong, and good. The Gang, Team RWBY, we're amongst those. We're not failures. We're heroes. Even if we fall, we fight back. But when it comes to risking everything, you go out there and do your best! Because miracles can be a reality… or it could mean the end."

A lone applause was made, as The Gang saw a figure near the entrance, "Brava, Madame Schnee… You'll make a fine president."

They all gasped. Satsuki Kiryuin had arrived. "SATSUKI!" The Gang cried out.

They prepared to fight her, but Kim yelled, "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT!" They stopped, as Kim got up, "Don't hurt her! I can explain…" She bowed her head, and she sniffled, "I'm sorry I lied to you."

Satsuki said, "Kim Cheonsa… There's no need. I came to see how the finale will progress. And I thought I would join in from the sidelines."

Asahi barked, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Satsuki said, "Kim was nice enough to spare me. In return, I offer her guidance, and to help you fight back. Back then, I considered her a weakling… but in time, her heart may be stronger than you would think."

Peter asked, "Come again?"

Satsuki said, "By sparing my arrest, I offer to assist her in her training, to make her stronger and more courageous. But it seems I haven't taught her enough. Yet, she somehow held her own, and never gave up" She walked forward, "Kim, my dear… Not only you failed me, but you made me proud. You have much to learn, and I haven't much to teach you. Perhaps they will aid you."

"But, Lady Satsuki… They still don't know." Kim pleaded.

Jace moaned, "Believe her. Kim wanted to be stronger… so she had to find Satsuki Kiryuin… in return, she goes back to jail, if Cinder Fall is defeated."

Asahi was stunned, "Kim? Why didn't you say anything? We would've helped you! But–!"

"YOU CALLED ME A GODDAMN GREEN! YOU SAID I WASN'T READY!" Kim hollered, "WHO WAS IT THAT ENDED RITSU TAINAKA FROM ARMAGEDDON IN THE MULTIVERSE? ME! WHO HELPED KRYSTLE GIESE SURVIVE PRISON LIFE AND IMPENDING DEATH FROM THAT PSYCHO PRIEST? ME! AND WHO HELPED STEVEN COOKE FIND HIS CLOSURE TO THE DEMON, ONIGIRI? ME! IT WAS ALWAYS ME! SO, DON'T LEAVE ME IN GODDAMN SIDELINES!"

Kim panted, as everyone was amazed. Blake nodded, "Then… I believe you are worthy."

Weiss nodded, "Same here. You have heart. You remind me of another Oscar."

"I do?" Kim sniffled.

Asahi said, "We'll talk about this later, Kim. But… … … I'm sorry." She bowed her head and said, "I should've listened to you. You have grown stronger, since you and her trained. But you didn't have to lie to us!"

Mizuki said, "It's alright, Asahi. Kim, you learned your lesson, right?"

"Yes." Kim sobbed.

Mundy said, "What do you say? It's her first offense."

Farra stated, "Stupid, she's on our side. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And what she did was desperation. Mundy, you lied to us about Neo! So, why blame just her?"

The Gang glared at him, as Kim stated, "No… Harboring a criminal is the worst of them all… Satsuki insisted on me. Neo, on the other hand… I know she can't talk, but… she wanted peace…"

Neo nodded, as Satsuki said, "You… You agree with this?" Neo confirmed it. Satsuki replied, "Very well. You may go and watch the carnage from afar… while the rest of us stay here."

Kim stated, "Right. Lady Satsuki, if and when Cinder loses… You have to turn yourself in. That's part of our deal, for training me."

Satsuki smiled, "So be it."

Asahi replied, "And knowing Steven Cooke, it's a done deal. Satsuki Kiryuin, you're to stay with the fallen. Tend to the injured. Peter, Farra, Mundy… Let's go!"

They head off, as Jace nodded, "You did the right thing."

Satsuki smiled, "Of course. But don't think it makes us friends."

Kim whispered, "Lady Satsuki… They… I cannot bear to tell them about Steven."

"Don't. When the time's right… you will know your answer."

Satsuki joined, as Riho asked, "Why is she helping us?"

Kim said, "Don't worry. We did all we can, so… All we can do now is wait."

Riho hugged her and smiled, "Right. Just… Let's hope we survive this ordeal."

XXXXX

As the fight continued, Farra, Peter, Asahi, & Mundy were heading to the battle. Ruby and Cinder were deadlocked. Ruby slashed up and down on her, nicking her. Cinder brushed away the strikes, and Steven joined in on the battle. She ducked a fierce kick, and landed a palm strike on Ruby. Ruby swung hard, and slashed through a shadow of Cinder. She appeared behind her, and then prepared to pounce.

Steven appeared from her side, and fired a beam from his heart scar, "Tenha Kassatsu!" He blasted the beam onto Cinder, pushing her away. Cinder held herself in the air, and fired a blast at him. He punched it with his fist.

"Wha–? His fists! He smashed my attacks?"

POW!
"Hey, stupid! Pay attention to me!" Ruby landed a kick. Cinder was being double teamed, and was losing the battle. She thought, "This is bad… I'm losing this battle. I need to get out of here! GIVE ME ROOM!"

Cinder pushed them away, and Cinder roared, "ENOUGH! I HAVE HAD IT, WITH ALL OF YOU!"

Ruby's eyes shined, and she said, "Right… You've asked for this for a long time!"

She called to Steven, "This one's mine! Steven, stay back!"

Farra appeared in front of Ruby and said, "Hold your fire!"

The others arrived, as Steven asked, "Eh? What are you guys doing here?"

Mundy said, "We came to help."

Farra stated, "Like last time, only we're helping you win."

Peter smirked, "Anything for a friend."

Cinder snickered, "I knew it… THIS IS MY VICTORY! The Gang's already fallen!"

Asahi barked, "What are you talking about, Cinder? This is the Power of Friendship! Even if we fight amongst each other, we're still a team."

"But don't you get it? Steven Cooke and I are destined to fight. After all, he says he wants Cinder all alone, right?"

Steven paused and turned to them, "I appreciate the offer… but Steven Cooke says that this is his fight." he turned to Mundy, "You, you had your answers about Neo, Ruby, & Cinder. And you guys, you've done enough, and you're still beaten up. But for once, let me be the hero."

Farra boomed, "Goddammit, Steven! You're going to start this again?"

Peter cried, "We're all in this together! We're allies and friends!"

Asahi stated, "This isn't an order, this is a fact. We're a team."

Mundy replied, "And yes… it's my fault I let this happen."

Cinder smirked, "Ohhh, that's too bad. But I must be going now."

Ruby stopped her and said, "NO! Your fight's with me. The Gang will stop you, either way. You've caused enough chaos already."

"Get out of my way, Red!"

"Make me!"

They began to fight, with Ruby holding on from Cinder's attacks. As they fought, Steven was against the idea of The Gang joining him, "But you've done so much against Cinder! And I can't let you guys die trying!"

Peter said, "Maybe so, but we all survived by the skin of our teeth, once before."

Asahi stated, "Steven, we're not fully powered, but give us a chance. You're still fresh, and we need you. Just know this… Some of the greatest heroes fought against evil. But even the most legendary heroes can fail… but they turn out brave, and good." she held his hand, "So, please… This isn't a personal issue you have. If you are hiding something from us, tell us first. Don't say you want to do things your way. I'm not saying this as your boss… I'm saying this as your friend."

Farra nodded, "Get your head out of your ass, and fight! You lost your touch? You're not the same Steven Cooke you were? BULLSHIT! Steven Cooke is still the same douchebag I met, and he became a world savior. But he didn't do it alone."

Cinder clashed with Ruby. Ruby struggled, and Cinder kicked her down.

Peter said, "Remembering Egypt. You fought for yourself, because you wanted to prove something. But as a fellow member of The Gang, I know the ordeal. Steven Nevins used to be the righteous leader. But that belongs to you. And he'd never abandon his friends."

Asahi stated, "But he did. Steven Cooke didn't."

Steven bowed his head and said, "You're right. But there are times I want to prove myself, all by myself. And you guys are my friends. If I lose any of you… what then? Ruby Rose needs me. And you guys…"

Farra nodded, "We're a team. Gang Forever. Remember that."

Ruby was planted down, as Cinder was ready for the finishing blow. Cinder laughed, "This is the end of you! You shouldn't have ever existed, no matter which world you're in!"

Ruby avoided the blast, but Farra intercepted it, and swatted it back to her. She gasped, avoiding the blow.

"You never learned to quit, do you? Forgot what it's like to lose?" Farra smirked, as The Gang went to Ruby. Steven huffed, "Cinder Fall… Know this… You say you broke up The Gang… You never did."

Cinder grinned, "Ohh? That's too bad. Well, now your friends die, while you stand and watch. But lemme ask you a questio–."

"NO!" Steven said, "Lemme ask you a question. How long do you have, before your powers fail you? Because the answer may surprise you… while you're on the ground, faced down."

"Endless. Because I am all but invincible. I am all-powerful than you! And you five want to dare destroy me? Well, I'd like to see you try." Cinder said, "Now, what will you do? Bow to me, or face my wrath?"

Steven smirked, "We're just gonna kick your ass. Obviously."

"Eh?"

He pointed and bellowed, "GANG! LET'S GO!" They prepared, and charged at Cinder. She cried out, "NO, WAIT!"

Peter leapt up and hit a huge right. He cried out, "Glad to have you back, A-Fist!" Farra swooped down and smashed her chest, "HEY! I'm the one who should thank him, fatass!" Peter slammed a left to Cinder's head, and said, "Says you, Faux Maiden!" Farra grabbed Cinder and tossed her down, "YOU SHUT UP, DEVIL MAY NOT CARE!"

Mundy aimed, "They never learn… but that's the way it is!"

Cinder went falling closer to him. He gasped, "Too close, too close, too close!"

Asahi jumped in, and cried out, flinging Cinder up into the air, and cried, "HEADS UP!"

"Thanks, mate! OPEN FIRE!" He fired Hierophant Sniper to Cinder. She was blasted away, and Asahi flew up, using Idol Diamond, "NOW!"

She landed a massive punching barrage, and tossed her to Peter & Farra, "GUYS! NOW!"

They dropped down and landed a Double Dropkick to her waist and abdomen. Steven caught her with one hand, on her spine, and said, "This Maiden… is about to Fall."

He punted her upwards and said, "HAPPY LANDING!"

Cinder cried, flying in the air, "Wh–? WHO ARE THEY?"

Peter, Farra, Asahi, & Steven waited for her to come back. They jumped upwards and attacked her in the air, landing punches and kicks to Cinder's body.

"HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
They landed a massive right, each, and Cinder was sent plummeting to the streets of Los Angeles, through a hole in the pavement.

Cinder emerged from the hole, flying slowly up, and she hissed, "Are you… absolutely done?"

Mundy said, armed with his rifle, "No."
SLAM!
"JA-RATE!" He slammed the butt of his rifle to Cinder's skull.

Steven waited, and he said, "You are already… defeat!"

Cinder asked in confusion, "Nani?"

"WHAAA-HA!" Steven landed a massive barrage of punches to Cinder, "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH-ATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA! WAAAAAAAAAA-TAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

KAPOW!
"GNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGH!"
Cinder was sent flying to the road, skidding onto the center of the street. She groaned, picking herself up, "I was… so… close… Why? They're… They're inhuman!"

Ruby was behind her and said, "Sorry, did you forget about me?"

Cinder turned around, and Ruby flashed her eyes, crying out, "DIE!"

A huge beam of light engulfed all of Downtown LA, and Cinder was caught in the blast. She was burned alive, and collapsed on the ground, badly hurt and destroyed.

Cinder Fall was defeated, once and for all. The Gang had won.

The Gang watched on, as Steven nodded, "It's over."

Farra cheered, "HELL YEAH! WE WON!"

Steven laughed, "That's my line!"

Ruby stood over the fallen Cinder, and she said, "You never learned your lesson. Leave Team RWBY and Remnant alone. You've done enough. Once we finish our goal here, we finish our settlements with Salem. Who's pitiful now, Cinder? And don't worry… Roman Torchwick will be waiting for you, when that day comes. I will never ever forgive you. And neither will Neo."

Asahi hovered over Cinder's body, and she said, "Cinder Fall… … …" She turned to Mundy, "Would you do the honors?"

He stomped on her chest, planting her down, and he said, flashing his badge, "Cinder Fall, you're under arrest."

Cinder sighed, shutting her eye. She said, "You win… I'll come quietly." She said under her breath, "Idiots…"

[Cinder Fall: APPREHENDED]
[MISSION COMPLETE!]

Police came and took Cinder away. The Gang, World Agency, & Team RWBY watched on, seeing Los Angeles protected. The policeman saluted to Asahi, and she said, "Anything for a fellow hero. And we're sorry about the damages."

"Hey, it's cool. We've had a lot of earthquakes here." The policeman said, "We've had worse."

They left, as Asahi said, "Well, despite our differences, this mission was a success. While we all came to near death, and almost not believing that we could make it, it was the worst thing we ever did. But we won. And that's all that matters."

Riho was happy, "My first big mission! And we won! We won!"

Miki asked, "Uh, she hardly did anything."

Yang said, "Yeah… You guys were great help, but there were a lot of you. It's like an army."

Miki stated, "Yeah, but we're all doing great."

Mizuki said, "Cassandra, January, and Jason are all in treatment in LA. The rest of us will stay here, until they are discharged."

Asahi nodded, "Right. Now then, since we have covered the main briefings… Kim…" She turned to Kim and said, "Where's Satsuki Kiryuin?"

Satsuki said, "Right here." She walked in and said, "Don't worry. I came here to say goodbye." She said to her, "Kim Choensa, kneel to me." She kneeled to her and said, placing her katana onto her shoulder, "I commend you, Kim Cheonsa… my successor. Do not make the same mistakes I made."

"No, I will never abandon you, Lady Satsuki… My mentor." Kim bowed and praised to her, "Thank you for everything."

Satsuki gave her handcuffs and said, "Now… Would you do the honors?"

Kim nodded, but was nervous. Peter said, "You've earned it."

Kim handcuffed Satsuki and said, "Satsuki Kiryuin, you're under arrest." A tear fell from her eye, and she said, "And goodbye…" She wept, as Mizuki escorted her, "I'll take her away for you."

She and Peter left, as Satsuki bowed her head in defeat, "A deal's a deal. I'm going back to jail. But maybe, this is a start of a new Satsuki Kiryuin. A new destiny for me–."
Peter nudged her and barked, "Tell it to the judge, criminal!"

Satsuki sighed, "Fine…"

Mizuki pleaded, "Go easy on her."

"How can I? She's an escaped convict!"

"God, you're such a jerk!"

"Well, I'm right, am I?"

Blake smiled, "Hm, these two are something." Yang smiled, "Yeah. Glad we never fight."

They held hands, as Asahi said, "All's well that ends well. Except…" She turned to Neo and said, "Neo Politan…"

She and Neo saluted each other, and Asahi said, "World Agency thanks you for your participation. With Cinder Fall behind bars, I hope this will avenge Torchwick."

Neo shook her head and agreed that it doesn't change everything. Ruby said, "Neo… I…"

Neo smiled to Ruby and winked. Mundy handcuffed her and said, "I'm sorry, Neo… Time to go."

Neo was sad, as Asahi said, "A deal's a deal. Neo Politan, you're under arrest." They escorted her to a separate police truck and said, "Let's go."

Steven called, "HEY!" Mundy stopped, as he asked, "Me?"

Steven beckoned to him, and Mundy said, "Go on ahead. I'll be right with you."

The boys stared down, as Steven held his hand and said, "I'm sorry."

Mundy smiled and replied, "Why are you apologizing to me? I'm the one that started this. I didn't mean to drive a wedge bet–."

"Stop. Steven Cooke understood it… but… I knew all about Neo. From Miki." Steven said, "Steven Cooke already knows. Miki called me, on the way here, and she confessed everything. You did it to cheer Neo up. Reformed or not, Neo is avenged of her fallen boss. But she should know by now… Revenge is never the answer. But I was upset, knowing that I lost my edge… only to realize that I let myself agitate you like that. I shouldn't have lashed out at you. I'm sorry."

Mundy bowed his head and pleaded, "Steven, I'm sorry I went and let my anger get the best of me!"

"I don't care. You were only trying to help."

Mundy asked, "Are we still friends?"

Steven smiled, "Always."

They shook hands, and Farra laughed, "Finally! You guys finally kissed and made up."

Mundy barked, "Farra, shut up!"

Farra pouted, "Don't tell me to shut up…"

Weiss smiled, "Well, all's well that ends well. Now what?"

Ruby said, "It's finally over. Only… Why do I have a strong feeling it isn't?"

Ruby Rose was right. Ran Kuzuryu was in the shadows, watching the aftermath, and she responded, "So much for Cinder Fall. World Agency is a bigger threat than I thought… especially you, Miki Naoki."

Zero said, as she was with her, "This one says we strike. Wouldn't you agree? Team RWBY is here, as a whole. Let us jump in."

"No." Ran said, "Change of plans. I say we welcome them to our world."

She walked off. Zero cried, "But… You cannot be mistaken! We cannot bring The Gang here!"

Ran said, "We can… and we will." She responded, leaving Los Angeles, "I say that it's about time The Gang meets The Secret Society, upclose."

She and Zero departed, as The Gang wrapped up their trip to Los Angeles. Cinder Fall is apprehended, and The Gang are back as a whole.
But what awaits them in their beginning as "World Agency"?

Days passed, and Neo was in Prison Island, alongside Cinder.

Neo Politan was sentenced to four months in prison. Cinder Fall, however, was sentenced to six years. Both ladies were locked away in Prison Island. However, by special order from Venus Otomegawa, they are to be given separate cells, and are to be 50 feet from each other. An order made, as insisted by Neo, herself.

Cinder was sitting in her cell, in a dark underground hall, and her eye flashed a bit, showing flames. She wasn't finished with The Gang or Team RWBY, not by a long shot.

"I'm not finished with you…" Cinder thought, "So… Neo chose to reform… And Ice Queen is running for Earth Presidency… Very well. One day, when you least expect it… I will return… and get my revenge on every single one of you… Even you, Red."

Cinder bided her time, until she was ready.

XXXXX

Asahi was at Prison Island, and she came to visit Neo, who was in the room, wearing only a pink jumpsuit.

"You have 30 minutes, Miss Sakurai." the guard said.

"I won't be too long. Thank you." Asahi said.

Neo gasped, as Asahi sat down. She said, "Neo… I believe I came to see you. As you know, Neo, World Agency praised you for your hard work in the capture of Cinder Fall. And I had a talk with ICPO (Mundy's boss), Miss Otomegawa, and the rest of the World Government… and we agreed to give you a full pardon."

Neo was amazed, but Asahi stated, "No… Don't get too excited. The pardoning will take place in a couple weeks. And soon, you will return to the streets, lively and carefree. And I don't want you to be bad again."

Neo crossed her heart, but then a figure appeared from behind Neo. "No need, Asahi… She knows that she's moved on."

Roman Torchwick appeared, as Asahi was shocked, "R-Roman Torchwick?"

He was a clone by Neo, as he said, "It's alright. I'm speaking for her. Neo says that she's moving on. When I left… She lost a lot. First Cinder… then Red… I taught her everything, when we first met! I thought I gave her the world. But we knew what happened that day. Cinder did it, Red did it, who cares? I'm gone. And Neo knows when to let go of me."

"Amazing… But still, why choose to reform now? And why go after Mundy? You knew he'd say NO, after an offer like that."

Roman shook his head and said, "Neo needed someone to talk to. She was born without a voice."

"Yeah, I know. Trivia Vanille was born with abusive parents."

"Because of her Semblance." He said, "Neo… could not control it. And she came to me, and her life changed forever. But when I died, she was without counsel. She came to Cinder, and wound up joining her nefarious scheme, creating her evil within. But we all knew how that went."

Cinder stamped on Neo's hand, and she and Ruby fell into the dark abyss, leading to the Ever After.

"Neo never forgave Red or Cinder. That's why she came to you guys. She wants to start again, leading to Mundy siding with her. And somehow, Mercury and Emerald joined in… saying they want to help out."

"And that led to you working with Mundy. He told me it was sickening… but he did it for you and Neo."

"Maybe so… But I cannot be changed." Roman sighed. He turned to Neo and said, "I'm sorry, Neo. You cannot find the answer you seek… Just leave it alone."

Neo sobbed, and held his face. Roman smiled, fading away, "No… It's alright. Your friend, Oscar… He's not me."

He vanished into nothing. Asahi bowed her head and said, "I have heard enough." She got up and said, "Neo… I'll do what it takes to give you your freedom. But I promise you… It won't be easy. Just know this… You have to accept Torchwick's death and move on. And please, don't take it out on Ruby Rose."

Neo bowed and smiled, holding her hands and giggling a bit. It was her way of saying "Thank you" to her. Asahi smiled, "I know. But I can't promise you it may happen. Okay? Just stay strong."

The guard said, "Alright, time's up." Asahi said to the guard, "Go easy on her. She's lonely."

The guard said, "Well, she has four months to think about. That's how long she'll be here for."

Asahi smiled and agreed, "I think so. I pray Neo gets her happy ending."

Asahi left Prison Island, as the seasons changed.

October 2023

And those four months… became two.

Neo stepped out of Prison Island, in her clothes, and she smiled, seeing the sun.

The newspaper read out:
"Ex-Criminal Neo Politan was pardoned for cooperation with World Agency in stopping the nefarious Cinder Fall, last summer. Neo, whose real name is Trivia Vanille, was sentenced to four months in Prison Island, while Cinder Fall received six years in prison. As requested by World Government, Neo Politan is officially pardoned, after two months, for good behavior."

Neo let out a smile and nodded, pumping her fist high.

Neo then texted to Mercury and Emerald:
"I'm out. I'll see you soon."

Mercury chuckled, as he got the text, "Hey-hey! They did it!"

Emerald smiled, "I knew you could do it."

The doorbell rang, and Mundy headed off. Emerald called, "Hey, good news!"

"Not now." Mundy rushed to the door.

Mercury asked, "Eh? Wonder what he's going on about?"

Mundy arrived at the door and answered, "Yes? Can I help you?"

"It's me. The guy you met, during the drama with Team RWBY?"

Mundy opened the door and asked, "Oh, you. Chase, right?"

It was Chase Craver. He said, "I know it's been too long, since you were busy, but… I say it's time we talk in your HQ."

"Is it about The Secret Society?"

"Yes."

Mundy said to Chase, "Then, we'll meet at World Agency, tomorrow. I'll give Asahi the word."

They agree to meet tomorrow, as The Gang's problems with the Secret Society have resumed. And they have Chase Craver on their side now.

And thus, one adventure ends, and another begins… … …in what was the start of their biggest adventure yet.

Episode 5 – The End

And we wrap up the Cinder Arc, and move on to the Secret Society Arc. Stay tuned for the next installment of "The Gang: World Agency", next chapter.

To be continued…