As the battle progresses, Blanc was beating down Rom & Ram, while K-Sha was fighting B-Sha. All the while, Peter & Mizuki fought against Uni, who has them overpowered.

The rest of The Gang was somewhere in the base. Kim retreated to her Ghost Room, with Jace, Mundy, & Cassandra. Steven, Farra, & Asahi are beelining to Chase's office.

But what goes on, outside?

Marin Kitagawa confronted a downtrodden and saddened Zero, who was fired by Chase Craver, the Master of the Secret Society. Marin didn't make a move, but just stood in place, letting out a cold stare.

"An OB Chip would suffice you under my control, but it'd be pointless." She said in a cold look, "Even still, the truth comes out, doesn't it?"

Zero nodded, saying nothing. Marin said, "I understand how you felt. And the truth hurts… As I said, an OB Chip would relieve your own calamity, but that'd be a waste. The only flaw to this is this… You don't even know who you are, anymore."

Zero bowed her head and sniffled. "My sisters… Why'd they have to die, by those nefarious barbarians? And to reveal that HE used them… I hate him and The Gang!"

"The Gang's not at fault. If they'd let them live, then the truth would be a heavy burden to you and your sisters… and it'd end badly for all parties. Maybe they knew about the truth, firsthand, and kept it from each other. You were the only person to know it, after they died. Had all four of you know it, chaos would engulf Gamindustri… beyond repair."

Zero's eyes widened, as she asked, "Who are you?"

Marin replied to her, "Only the common denominator to your despair. Yes… I was only continuing his work, to see where the fate of calamity goes… Because no one escapes from calamity."

"Why do you care about assisting him, after the way he hurt my sisters?"

"Did he? Maybe it's because they knew who they were… and chose the wrong path. Whereas you, Zero… or whoever you are… You are fondly remembering your actions."

Zero stood up and hissed, "This one will not listen. Not even you… I know my place. And I chose to accept my failures. Because I am NOT him. This one may not know who she was… but this one may figure me out. But the one thing I will never be… … …is a toy for a sex-crazed, bikini-clad fanboy of a pervert."

"Really? I thought he was using it for a paradise."

Zero walked off and said, "I'm done. Do what you want. I don't care anymore."

"Then permit me, Zero… or should I say…" Marin glared, "Nobara Aoyagi."

Miz-K NOTE: Nobara Aoyagi, aka "Non-Chan" from "My Dress-Up Darling" and its first episode. See the manga for more (around Ch. 104).

Non asked, "N-No… Non…?" She was remembering, as she whispered, "But… This one is… Zero…"

"You're starting to remember? Yes… The New World does wonders to people that deserve a new life, a second chance, and even… redemption. Aoyagi, do you remember now?"

Zero/Non was shaken, as she whispered, "I… … … I don't know…" She held her hands to her head and sobbed, "Just… Just who am I?" She started to remember memories of herself, as a child, before the Moji Mikisa (the AU Fusion, aptly dubbed as The New World) changed her, long ago.

She whispered a name, "Wakana…" She gasped, "NO! This one… cannot accept… I… This one rejects this Nobara Aoyagi! This one is NOT Non-chan!"

"Have it your way." Marin smirked, "I was trying to help you. Hopefully, when I learned who you really were, you would help me, too." She walked past her and said, "I'm simply not Black Lobelia. I'm merely a literal dress-up robot, for my own master. This is merely cosplay."

"YOU?!" Zero gasped.

Marin stared down at the base, "You may not remember who you were, but I do… And even so, my backstory is way worse. You wouldn't believe me."

"I don't believe you now. You can't be… Black Lobelia…"

"My name… is Marin Kitagawa."

"Kita… gawa?" She pondered, as Zero whispered, "You're Wakana's girlfriend…" She shook her head and cried, "NO! You can't be her! Marin-chan had long blonde hair and pink eyes. This one sees you as long flowing white as snow hair and heterochromia eyes. And I don't believe you're a robot. You look human to me, with your human functions, and that beautiful skin. You're like an angel from heaven to all men. And this one says you're NOT her! You're called Black Lobelia? Good. Your name shall be it."

Zero glared at Marin, "I don't care what sort of tricks you say, but Chase Craver is a slimeball, likewise Wakana Gojo! He likes Hina Dolls, but that's gross! Men can't play with dolls, let alone paint makeup on them!"

"Ahh, so you do remember, Non Aoyagi." Marin glared, "People like you make me sick. Men and women are all alike, because they have special talents. You dare say that to someone you know? You don't reject someone's true talent, as long as you understand clearly."

"You're kidding…"

"I'm not the one to be joking at you. I want to know where you go from here. Are you going to abandon your master?"

Marin glared at her face, "But know this, dear… No matter what decision you make, know that calamity and chaos befalls one or the other. Whatever decision you decide, think twice. Because the decision you make affects how chaos and calamity will fall onto only one." She walked past her, "Take your pick. It's a one-way choice, and you cannot turn your back on it. Then again… You were pretty close to him, weren't you? The choice is yours. But the path you choose, there's no escape… Nobara Aoyagi."

Non was conflicted. She remained in place, as she started to remember. "If I'm Non… then who were… the others?" Non said, "No… I cannot… accept this. I am Zero, this one is called by Zero, and this one obeys–. Obey… That's right. This one was fired from Chase… This is all Chase Craver's fault."

She was furious. "He let my sisters die. He made The Gang hunt them down, while we did all the work. And for what? For his perverted fantasies of… … …swimsuits, bare skin, and disgusting porn? THAT'S GROSS!" She covered her mouth and was shaken. She whispered, "Just… who am I?" She bawled, "Just who in the hell am I? Am I weak? Am I frail? I'm… I'm not…"

She seethed and growled, "He can't fire me…" She roared, "This one… QUITS!" Non ran back in the base and hollered, "This one will not be forgiven… So be it. Once I eliminate Chase Craver, The Gang's next! They killed my sisters! But only because he sent them! Now I'm confused! But this one knows what to do now!"

Marin chuckled, as she was behind the tree, "So, she decides to go after him, to meet her fate. Astute choice, Nobara Aoyagi… but let's see what happens next." she went back to the base, just as soon as Zero entered the entrance. "No one can escape calamity… It's simply a disease. Chase Craver's calamity will begin, if Non-chan does it right. Either way, calamity and chaos always comes… regardless of who unleashes it first." She dashed inside.

XXXXX

Kim and the others were in her room, as Mundy told her everything.

"And that's it. Blanc came and rescued us, and the Goddesses have joined the fight. Sad thing is, Rom & Ram are brainwashed."

Cassandra sobbed, "How horrible."

Kim stated, "So, the others are elsewhere… I'm trying to figure out how to exit this place, just to meet the others, but it's usually random. But still…"

Jace added, "We have to help the others. I know the four of us are the new fish in the market, but Jace Be real here."

Mundy remarked to him, "Oi! I've been with these mates for years. She, and you two little bits, are only part of the task, because we wanted the help."

Cassandra nodded, "He's right. Farra came to me, when my store was in trouble, and that was before we met you two."

Kim sighed, "So… We're in a dead end. We need to find the others, ourselves. It's not just Zero, it's everyone we've encountered. This is scary that I can't take it."

Cassandra said, "So, our only option is to withdraw?"

Kim said, "For now. But I say that it's endless… that we're not getting any sleep."

Jace barked, "Yeah, how long are the hours here in Gamindustri?"

Mundy said, "Listen, while everyone is fighting for their lives… let's not forget who's out there in our world."

Ran Kuzuryu was waiting in Texas, as she was watching Houston fall into chaos, thanks to her.

"Houston, we have a problem." She chuckled, "And that's me! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAA!"

She flew off, as a figure in orange was watching her. "Oh, no… I knew this would happen. She said she's going to Washington. But that's in six days."

She head off, hopefully to beat Ran to DC.

XXXXX

Back in New York, Neo returned, tired and exhausted. She collapsed onto her desk, as Miki cried, "NEO!"

Mercury said, "Look who's here!"

Emerald asked, "You alright? You didn't get injured, didn't you?"

Neo gave the OK sign and nodded. Then she fainted.

Moments later, they regrouped at Casa de Munecas, as Neo was lying in bed.

"So, until we do something about what happens in DC, you three have to stay here." Miki remarked, "Team RWBY is already planning to stop the nuke, before Ran arrives."

Mercury asked, "How are you gonna do that?"

"It's my fault I let this happen. But I won't want to do this alone. Yuki-senpai would've wanted this, if she was around."

Emerald said, "Then… You train for yourself, and we'll head to Washington, too. Those girls need backup."

Miki cried, "I SAID NO! Ran strictly said ME, not anyone else!"

Mercury barked, "She said to fight you, right! We're only helping Team RWBY, when they evacuate DC! Ever thought of that?"

Emerald shouted, "Come on! You're being selfish!"

"I'm being selfish? There's a crazed android with Maiden Powers that is terrorizing America, and if I cannot beat her, we'll lose everything! If Washington is nuked, it's all over!" Miki was sobbing, "I lost a lot of friends, before I came here, and I'm not gonna lose it all again! I WON'T ACCEPT IT!"

Mercury sighed and stood up, "You're pathetic. You'e gonna lose, you know. You wanna talk Maidens, start with Cinder." Emerald said, "And Penny… and Winter…"

"Who?"

"Never mind." She and Mercury stepped out. Miki was all alone, as she was unsure of herself. She held her knees, and was worried, knowing this is a battle she'll lose.

As Miki was thinking, Neo was awake, hearing the whole thing. She let out a confident look and nodded, away from Miki. What is her plan?

Bullets and shots fired, as B-Sha and K-Sha were exchanging fire, and every time, they avoided the shots.

"Give up! You cannot escape The Master's hold!" B-Sha remarked.

K-Sha cried, "Not while I'm alive, you're not! Chase Craver used me, as he did you!"

"You make it sound like a bad thing!" She fired more bazooka shots. K-Sha nearly avoided the shots. "Admit it! I've already seen the light! K-Sha! You should've never betrayed The Master, nor should you ogle at Lady Noire constantly!"

"What do you care? You're not old enough to know carnal pleasures!"

"You mean like the Ferris Wheel?"

K-Sha huffed, sarcastically, "Yes… Like the Ferris Wheel." She shouted, "That's not the po–!"
BLAST!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" K-Sha was struck down by a missile.

B-Sha smiled, "BULLSEYE!"

"Why you…" K-Sha roared. She thought, "Wide range and long range attack is my specialty… even though I'm not into close combat, like the others. B-Sha can use long range attacks, too. And her weaponry is massive."

B-Sha shouted, firing huge fireballs, "Say goodnight! Ba-Ba-BOOM!" K-Sha shot down the fireballs, using her railgun.

"Hey, how is that fair?" B-Sha whined.

"We know our moves very well. B-Sha, I know it's you. You wouldn't hurt me, would you?"

"No… But for the Master, I'll take my chances on hurting a traitor like you!"

"There's no reasoning with you, is there?"

"Not at all…" B-Sha posed, "Bandam, let's go!" She raced off, aboard Bandam, heading towards K-Sha.

"Oh, no, you don't!" K-Sha held her golden pistols up and fired, "I won't let you defeat me!"

Bandam charged at her, deflected each bullet. K-Sha jumped up and cried, "Now, missiles launch!"

"BANDAM, ACTIVATE!"

BOOM!
Bandam smashed the missiles, and K-Sha smirked, "Try and counter this!" Her weaponry opened, and prepared, "Railgun and homing laser deployed!"

B-Sha shouted, as she fired a tri-laser, "MAXIMUM LEVEL BEAM!"

K-Sha shouted, as she fired, "FIRE!"

They both hit each other, creating a huge blast. K-Sha and B-Sha were caught in the explosion, and were pushed back. They both dropped down, and were exhausted. Their Gold Forms were gone, as soon as they crashed to the floor.

K-Sha moaned, "I… I didn't… even… lay a…"

B-Sha groaned, "Ungh… She's… gotten…"

They both collapsed at the same time. K-Sha sobbed, as she was losing strength, "I'm… sorry… … Noire…" Her eyes closed and passed out. B-Sha was unconscious, as well. As she was out cold, the chip on her neck shattered. Although K-Sha failed her mission, she succeeded in freeing B-Sha.

XXXXX

Peter & Mizuki were in pain, as Uni held her rifle, "Now, you two will be captured. Master will be well-pleased in the capture of you two. Soon, The Gang will fall."

He growled, "She's… She's a freak."

Mizuki moaned, "I can't move. What the hell is she?"

"UNI!" Nepgear arrived, and she shrieked, "No… Uni?"

"Nepgear?!" Uni gasped.

Neptune called, "Uni! Stand down! Don't hurt our friend!"

Uni glared, "NO! The Master wants them dead! And you two, you will fall in line, as slaves to him!"

Nepgear said, as she was hurt, "Uni, what's wrong with you? We… We had no idea. Why are you doing this?"

Uni shouted, "SHUT UP!" She slashed down onto Nepgear. Peter noticed the chip, as Uni was yelling at Nepgear. He said to Mizuki, "I got an idea. Charge up a blast… and on my cue, fire!"

Mizuki said, "This is not a lot, but…" She charged up a plasma fireball and said, "Here goes!"

Nepgear yelled, "UNI! SNAP OUT OF IT!"

Neptune yelled, "NEP JR! FIGHT HER!"

"I… I can't…" Nepgear wept, "I can't hurt her. Uni, please… I'm sorry…"

"Why are you resisting? All you can do now is obey The Master!"

"Chase Craver is a scumbag!" Neptune said to Uni, "What she did to Noire was horrifying! And we all fought hard to rescue them! Are you going to let this man turn our country into his own 18-Plus Hellscape?! Think of the shares!"

"Shares, my ass!" Uni yelled. "The Master never cares about Shares. He cares about beauty and love."

Nepgear sniffled, "How? How can I reach you within? You've changed…"

Uni then turned around, as she fired at Mizuki, "OH SHIT!" Peter blocked the shot with his arm, but was mildly hurt.

"Whatever it is you're planning, it won't work." Uni smirked. "YOU WON'T LIVE TO SEE THE MASTER!" She prepared to fire, but Neptune yelled, "ENOUGH!" She and Uni clash, as Peter & Mizuki evaded the range.

Mizuki cried, "I have to release it! It's strong!" Peter cried, "Not yet! Make sure that Uni is preoccupied! I'm going to make sure the aim is right!"

She thought, "What is he planning?"

He raced in, as Uni fired at Neptune, avoiding the shots. Peter landed a huge barrage of punches on her, but Uni blocked each shot. Uni did a kick to the chin, and he stumbled down. Neptune slashed hard onto Uni, but she rolled out of the way, and fired at Neptune. Neptune was struck down, and she dropped to the floor.

"NEPTUNE, NO!" Nepgear cried.

Neptune yelled, "I won't fight you, either, but this isn't you, Uni! I'm left with no choice!"

Uni laughed, "Oh, really? How can you stop me? Or even those two losers? Neptune, this is how you fall, in the name of my Master!" She fired a beam, but…

BOOM!
Nepgear blasted her with a beam of her own. Nepgear shouted, "Enough…"

"Oh? But it's me, Uni! Nepgear, you'd never hurt me."

Nepgear aimed at her with a cannon and said, "You're not her."

"Yes I am! I'm your friend, Nepgear."

"You could never be." Nepgear hissed, "MULTIPLE BEAM LAUNCHER!" She fired down onto Uni, and Uni avoided the blast. Uni shouted, "YOU BITCH!"

She and Nepgear clashed, with Nepgear swinging her sword around, and Uni deflected each blow. Nepgear cried, "You're not Uni! The Uni I know would care for Noire! And she's never harm my sister!"

"Nepgear…" Neptune sobbed.

Peter cried, "Nepgear, hold her down!"

Nepgear cried, "I'm trying!"

Mizuki sobbed, "Uhhh, Nepgear?" Her arm was about to glow brightly, holding in her attack.

Neptune thought, "What is she planning?" She figured it out, "THAT'S IT! MIZUKI! OPEN FIRE AT UNI!"

Mizuki roared, "ROGER! And it's about time! ENERGY BLAST! FIRE!" She fired her plasma ball, but Uni avoided the projectile. It was heading for Nepgear, as Uni dashed towards Mizuki.

"So, that's it…" Neptune thought, "It wasn't after Uni…"

Peter hopped up and hollered, "NANTO! THE WORLD! TIME STOP!"

He stopped time, and raced to Mizuki's fireball. He grabbed it and winced in pain, gripping it in his right hand. "Smarts… But enough to incinerate Chase Craver's stranglehold!"

He chucked it towards Uni, nearly hitting her neck.

Neptune concluded, "IT WAS AFTER THE CHIP!"

Peter smirked, "You lose." He snapped his fingers, and time restarted.

KABLAM!
Uni was struck in the neck, nearly eviscerating the OB Chip on her neck. Uni screamed, as she changed back to normal, and collapsed.

"UNI! UNIIIIIIIIII!" Nepgear ran to her, as Neptune smiled, "Thank goodness." Nepgear cried, "Uni… Speak to me! Uni! UNI!" She held an unconscious Uni, and was crying.

Mizuki moaned, "Oops…" He said, "She's alright. We only destroyed the chip on her neck."

Neptune nodded, "So, I was right. It was visible to us, so you wanted to destroy it."

Mizuki said, "We would've done it sooner, if not for Uni's awareness."

Neptune changed to normal and said, "Phew… I'm beat. Even so, Nep Jr. is happy that Uni's safe."

Mizuki asked, "But at what cost, huh?"

Neptune held Nepgear by the shoulder and smiled, "It's alright, Nep Jr."

Nepgear sniffled, "Why? Uni, Rom & Ram, Gold Third… even Vert & Noire… That awful man…" She seethed and bawled, "Vert… Uni… WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Neptune sniffled, "Stop it, you're gonna make me cry, too…"

Peter sighed, "Gimme a break, Miz… That was too hot." He blew his hand, as it was singed a bit.

Mizuki roared, "IF THAT WAS YOUR PLAN, YOU SHOULD'VE SAID SO, MORON!"

He said, "All that matters is Uni's safe. But it's best we withdraw, back outside. And away from Chase's view."

Neptune said, "Ooooooooh… Yeah, if you're thinking of returning to the Basilicom, forget it. We agreed to storm the base, and not come back without victory. No matter, though, we'll pitch camp, away from Chase Craver's dirty hands."

Peter huffed, "Man… Miz, what do you think?"

Mizuki said, "I'm afraid we'll have to retreat, but somewhere safe. Histoire will give us details…"

Asahi said, "Won't do you any good." The rest of The Gang arrived (sans Mundy, Cassandra, Jace, & Kim). She continued, "Even if we escape, Chase will no doubt launch whatever he's planning. I say we storm his office, and learn more."

Steven said, "Besides, it'd be a waste to leave now and regroup our injuries."

Farra stated, "I wanted this done, and that asshole barbecued."

Mizuki asked, "What about the others?"

Mundy appeared with the rest, with Cassandra carrying an unconscious B-Sha and K-Sha, "I say we leg it."

Cassandra moaned, "Blanc's still fighting Rom & Ram. We can't join in now. Chase Craver won't stop until he wants us dead."

Kim pleaded, "We have to go. Not just to withdraw, but plan the next attack."

Asahi moaned, "Guys, I'm sorry… but…"

Peter stated, "We're all here, so… it's best we leave, for now. Chase won't miss us. He wants us dead. But we're to stay near the base, away from the cameras."

Asahi stated, "We're not leaving without Blanc." Neptune said, "I agree. No way I am leaving without Blanc, and Rom & Ram!"

Nepgear sobbed, "But if we stay here, we're liable to get hurt, and even leave casualties behind. Uni, she's a casualty…" Kim nodded, "Likewise B-Sha and K-Sha."

Steven said, "It's your call, Asa. Steven Cooke says we leave. But Asahi Sakurai says…"

Asahi barked, "Nnnnnngh! OKAY! YOU WIN! We'll leave! Regroup our losses, tend the fallen, and plan ahead for Plan B." She sighed, "Besides… no telling what Blanc and the twins are up to."

Nepgear said, "I'll find Blanc. You get everyone out of here. Just take Uni and go!"

Neptune cried, "Wait! Nep Jr, you can't!"

"We lost Vert & Noire to that man… If we lose Blanc, we'll be at a disadvantage!"

Jace said, "She's right. Three goddesses in one evil palm… Bad news."
Mundy added, "And all four Goddesses in his hand means we're screwed."

Asahi said, "Find Blanc, and then get the hell out of here. The rest of you, withdraw!"

They all fled, as Nepgear raced off to find Blanc, who's fighting Rom & Ram.

Chase was watching in the control room and growled, "Let them go. Nepgear insisted on saving the bitchy flat-chested girl. But Nepgear fell right into my hands. The Gang may have fled for now, but they'll be back. My base is open for all lucky worms that dare to stop my dreams of a paradise… and then I can show those two whores the end of my boot!"

Elly was caged up, as she was howling and seething, trying to break free. He said to her, "Elly, you dear little wolverine… I know you failed me, but you should know better than to turn rabid on me. Let alone you had to use this damnable drug, this Euphoria! Have you learn nothing?"

Elly sobbed and moaned like a puppy. He sighed, "I can't stay mad… I'll find a way to reverse the drug. Besides, I can't have sex with a werewolf, can I?"

He turned to the monitors, viewing Blanc fighting off Rom and Ram, shooting ice at each other. Blanc used her hammer to wield down any attacks, while the twins raised their wands to create elemental magic. It was a stalemate, pitting Lowee's Goddess and Goddess Candidates. Nepgear was racing towards where Blanc is.

A couple guards were waiting, as they were heading to Nepgear's direction. Chase called out, "Attention, all personnel… Stand down! Nepgear, one of the Goddesses, has entered your direction. DO NOT engage in capture! Let her find her friends." He grinned.

He turned to the 4th wall and said in a lecherous grin, "Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?"

The Gang was flying off, heading back to Planeptune City. Farra, Asahi, Mizuki, and Neptune all took flight, carrying Jace, Kim, Cassandra. Peter, Steven, and Mundy were taking the injured by foot, following them.

Marin was watching from far away, viewing The Gang retreating.

"Seems to me that they knew about Chase Craver and ran…" She said, "No matter. This isn't over. And when The Gang returns here, then… let's see how far you go from here, Nobara Aoyagi."

Zero/Non was near the base, as a couple guards from Leanbox were waiting. One guard shouted, "You! What are you doing here? The Master already banished you!"

"I want a word with him… This one wants to know what his end goal is." She said to them, "I may not be in his army, anymore… but I want to know."

The guards refused to budge. Zero sighed and said, "Fine. Is he here now?"

"No. He is sleeping with his quarry. He wishes not to be disturbed."

Zero giggled, "Hee hee hee hee hee hee…" She glared in a demonic smile, "Good!" She held up her talons and shrieked, "DIE!"

The guards screamed, as the wild and vicious Non slewed each guard, one by one. She thought, continuing her bloodshed, "I don't know who I am anymore… but for one thing, when Chase Craver wakes up from his sex doll party, he's due for a big surprise."

Zero was helping The Gang, for once. But will it be enough, come the next morning?

Back at Casa de Munecas, that night, Neo was searching for the warehouse. She found the mannequins of Miki's former friends, Yuki Takeya, Kurumi Ebisuzawa, and Yuuri Wakasa. She held her hand out and nodded.

"HEY!" Luther cried, "What are you–? Ohhh, it's you… The lovely woman in pink and brown. Such colors of ice cream. You are very exqui–, What are you doing?"

Neo bowed and begged. She wanted to help Miki. Luther asked, "Uhhhh… What?"

Cassandra said, "Luther… Mi Hermano… She's trying to tell you… Wake them up." Cassandra was a clone of Neo. Farra, also a clone, said to him, "She's right. Naoki cannot win, without her backup."

"Sis? Senora Farra?" He gasped, "Wait… You're not them. What's going on here?"

Neo glared at him and said nothing. Roman Torchwick appeared behind him and said, "You need to do the right thing. Just mannequins of former villains… but they learned their lesson. Do you want them to stay like this forever? Or do you want to save the world from a pseudo Maiden?"

Multiple clones of various girls in the store appeared. He whispered, "Who are you?"

Neo bowed, as Roman went to her, "She's Naoki's friend. You heard of Oscar Gooden, right? Right. Mind you, she's not evil. She used to be, but–, anyways. The point is… Would you risk your home for a psychotic robot?"

"I heard about her on the news." he said, "But I'm not waking them up. They are not fully conformed, like you. And you! Masquerading as my sister, and this Roman Torchwick man… Who or what are you? Cassandra and I are rebuilding a store where hopes and dreams are made! You have no right to come here!"

Neo approached him and offered. Farra-Neo said, as her eyes shone in Neo's eye color, as did the rest of her clones, "Neo wants to meet them, personally." Cassandra-Neo said, "Si. Neo has to meet with them. By one thing only…"

Luther asked, "And that is?"

Neo posed and offered a brooch. Roman said, "Make her a mannequin, too. I mean, sure, her Semblance will not respond in this form, but we are aware of what goes on. Think of it as a spiritual journey, much like how Neo had her own journey."

Luther asked, "You mean… A mannequin? As much as I want to help you, I refuse. But if it's for Naoki, I won't say NO to her. Besides, I just couldn't do it. What if I shatter you, beyond repair? If that happens, you die. Plus… Many people already know who you are or were. Even if you masquerade as someone, and become a mannequin, using this Semblance of yours…"

"We are aware." Farra-Neo said, "But this is just it… Neo doesn't have to appear in your store. This'll be our secret."

Luther was worried. He was unsure, as he whispered, "I… I don't know… How you mimic my sister, I can never do it. It's… It's bizarre… and uncalled for…"

He couldn't make a decision.

XXXXX

At Mundy's place, Neo left a note, before she went to the store, addressed to Mercury & Emerald.

To Emerald and Mercury,
I'm off to Casa de Munecas. Do not tell Miki I was there. It's a secret.
Goodbye…
From, Neo

Neo knew the ramifications of becoming a mannequin, especially from the Martinez Family. Will Luther Martinez cave into her demands?

To be continued…