"Absolutely not!" Luther cried. He confronted Neo, who was pleading for him to bring back Miki's old friends. But Luther wouldn't budge. Neo even used his Semblance to create clones of Farra and Cassandra to make him do it. But to no avail. And given Neo's past, Luther would refuse to, anyways.

"I mean, sure… You know The Gang, but I know all about you, Neo. You're not fooling me! Even my own family can smell your kind from miles away!"

Neo pouted and sighed. Cassandra-Neo said, "Yes, I know… But what choice do we have? If Ran Kuzuryu enters Washington first, this world will be raining in nuclear rain. It'll be Atlas and Mantle, and Vale, all over again."

Roman said, "Yes, it's true. You see, if you don't help Naoki now, you'd doom us all."

Luther huffed, "Then I'd rather let hell rain down upon me, than work with a former criminal like you."

"Oh? Are you now?"

Luther heard a voice. It was Rook. Luther has in possession the hat and cane of Reginald Hadigan III, a former member of The Gang. Years ago, during their excursion in Egypt, Rook was killed in battle, saving his friends' lives. And during the Euphoria and Ritsu Tainaka debacle, Rook claims possession of Luther, who was originally meek and frail.

"Luther, my friend, you know it's true. I am sad to learn of what they will do. These girls are not my friends, just copies and clones. But Neo's becoming nice, and it rattles my bones. (Well, if I had any.)"

Luther cried, "NO! I won't let you–!"

Rook said, "Now-now, there's no need to cause an alarm. She means you no harm."

Farra-Neo asked, "What's wrong with him?"
Cassandra-Neo said, "Dunno."

Luther barked, "I'm not listening to you! I… I can't help her. Neo is a–."

"Criminal, yes, but she used to be. Her heart knows she's got a purpose now, to assist The Gang and your sister." Rook spoke to him, telepathically from beyond the grave, "Now, look at me, or rather look at her. See that look upon Trivia's face?"

"Trivia?!"

"Her real name. Trivia Vanille. Would you trust in Neo, or Trivia? Trivia wasn't a nice girl, yes. Neo only wanted closure from her long past. And Miki Naoki wants closure from her grudge against this evil psycho. And you may not have the powers to revive them, but the brooches…"

"But… I was told not to, until they are fully reformed."

"Are they now?" Rook said, "They have no Stands now, and they are without a body. Yet their souls are still intact. And inside their beautiful wooden bodies, they are still one in the same. But I believe that it's been long enough. Yuki… Kurumi… and Yuuri… I think it's time Miki Naoki got her edge back… Wouldn't you say?"

Luther seethed and gritted his teeth. Neo nodded, and she held his hand. He barked, "If only you'd say anything! NOT BE A DAMNED MIME!" He sighed and let go of Neo. "Fine… I'll do it."

Neo smiled, as she clapped. Roman smiled, "See? Was that so hard?"

Luther barked, "I didn't do it for you!" He referred to Roman, "On one condition… Never mimic my sister again!" Neo offered, but Roman said, "But on one condition… Neo becomes a mannequin, do not harm to her body."

Rook responded, "You have no choice. Neo is becoming a good person now."

Luther barked, "As of now, I don't trust you. Come by to my store, tomorrow morning. We'll discuss our terms there. Now, please leave."

Her clones vanished, as Neo tipped her hat, letting out tears from her eyes. She smiled, and then vanished. Rook responded, "See? Her heart knows what's right. She moved on from Team RWBY…"

Luther shouted, "But I'm not doing it. I don't care what she does… Semblance or no Semblance!"

A male voice said, "You'll have to." A man in spiky hair, in the shadows, appeared at the window. "I saw the whole thing. Please… Help Neo's friends, and Team RWBY."

Luther asked, "Who are you?"

He walked off, and Luther stepped out, following him. He cried, "HEY! Gringo! Quem é você e por que razão me estava a espiar? Hã? Saia da minha propriedade, seu sacana!"

He was a blonde man with white armor and jeans. He said, "You should trust in Neo. Believe me. I was there with Team RWBY and her. But you wouldn't believe me." He walked off.

Luther gasped, "I need to get out more often." He walked away, as the girl in orange saw the whole thing. "Was that…?"

The next morning, the store was closed, as Neo arrived alone, with Luther waiting for him. They sat together in the office.

"I know I'm not supposed to do this, but… I should trust you." He said to her, "Believe me… Neo… Trivia… or whatever. If I do this, there's a slight chance you may not make it out alive. But I have to tell Naoki about this–."

Roman appeared and barked, "NO! This has to be our secret! A surprise for Naoki, when she arrives in DC. By the way, before you ask, I speak for Neo; on account she has never spoken. Ever."

"Oh, what do you know, bendejo?"

Neo nodded, and she stated that if Naoki needs more thrust in her heart of hope, she needs her friends again, this time for good. But Luther disagrees.

"You don't know the Gaoki Clan." He said, "Once allies to the vampire MIO… and servants to the Forces of Darkness. Yuki Takeya, Miki Naoki, Yuuri Wakasa, and Kurumi Ebisuzawa… they used to be high school students. No graduation, no grades, no perfect marks, no education. And they're not dumb. These girls are like that for a reason – They were survivors from a zombie invasion."

He explained the story:
"Long before the New World was introduced, these girls were once students of Megurigaoka Private High School. Yuki, Yuuri, Kurumi were carefree high school students. And their advisor was a teacher they befriended… Megumi Sakura. One day, as Miss Sakura was on her way to school, she was informed of an ambulance rolling by. She figured it was nothing, but she wanted to make sure that she does her job."

Roman asked, "Who was this Megumi Sakura?"

"A wholesome young teacher who helps students out. She goes by another nickname – Megu-nee. After a chastising from the principal, Megu-nee decided to continue her lessons. One troubled student who was failing badly caught her attention, and decided to teach her, during after school. She was Yuki Takeya.
That very same day, Miki Naoki was walking with her friend, Kei Shidou. They got out of school, because Miki wanted a new book she wanted to buy. They found a stray dog named Taromaru, who was once owned by a sweet old lady."

"Wait… a dog?" Roman asked, "Why are you telling me this, and who told you?"

"Miki told me her side of the story… but the rest before she met them, it was told by Yuuri, before she changed." Luther said, "The dog played a pivotal part of the girls' life."

He continued:
"As Miki & Kei went to get their book, the school was having troubles of their own. While tending to the Garden Club, meeting Yuuri Wakasa for the first time, they overheard noises. Megu-nee got a call from a fellow teacher. But…"

Zombies started to attack the school grounds, all while Kurumi and her friend escaped through the roof. They barricaded the door, as Yuki saw the carnage unfold.
"What… What is happening?" She sobbed, as the zombies were devouring the students.

"Yuki and the others were shaken in fright… and even worse, Kurumi's friend from track club, he was bitten. He became one of those monsters, too. Kurumi Ebisuzawa was helpless, until she found her weapon of choice, the one weapon she used to kill her Senpai, despite the chaos that occurred. She grabbed a shovel. And in one swing, he slain the undead zombie of the boy she loved. From then on, Megu-nee formed the School Life Club, with Yuuri as their leader, and the school becoming a stronghold shelter to prevent the zombies from getting in.
But while the carnage happened in the school, so did the city. Miki, Kei, and Taromaru were trapped in the mall, in a small room, as zombies emerged from the mall."

Roman said, "In short, where they are from, it was a hotspot for the Undead's Endless Buffet."

"It gets worse…" Luther said, "During the scuffle with the zombies, Megu-nee was bitten, too, and saved her students from further danger, sacrificing herself to save her students. Her students matter to her, and that's what she did. According to Yuuri, Yuki was devastated that Megu-nee was killed in the onslaught, and even pleaded to bring her back. But she didn't make it. Since then, Yuki would be delusional, believing that Megu-nee was still with her."

Neo heard Yuki's shrieks, screaming for Megu-nee. Neo shook her head. Roman said, "It's okay, calm down… Let him finish." He asked him, "What happened next? Just, you know, skip to the part where these brats became Lord MIO's minions."

Luther responded, "I was just getting to it. I didn't know too much about what happened next from Miki, but after the girls were able to stop the outbreak, for now, they departed on a Field Trip, around the world. From there, they arrived at Cairo… and it was there, they were shot and killed by an arrow. The same arrow that creates Stands. One-by-one, they all died by the arrow, but they survived. If you get killed by the arrow, and somehow survive, you get a Stand. Miki Naoki, as you see here, is a Stand User."

Neo nodded, as she was saying "Tell me more". Luther continued, "After they were cursed with the Stands, they went on a rampage in New York, working for the vampire android called MIO. They emerged, following MIO's death, and they terrorized the city. The Gang came to their beck and call, and were able to subdue them. However, we were horrified to learn the truth. The arrow somehow altered their memories of their past, and they have forgotten what occurred in Megurigaoka High. Until now.
Once we were able to convince them, they could not go back to the world, not after the trouble they caused. Cassandra and I helped fix that, creating brooches of their pet dog, Taromaru, and if they wore it, they become mannequins. It was a way to escape their past, and give them a future, without any pain, whatsoever. Naoki refused, but it was the right decision. Miki Naoki deserves to live… and the rest, they wanted to sleep forever and mannequins, until the time was right."

He showed the brooches and said, "These are the three brooches that Yuki, Yuuri, and Kurumi used, and they have remained that way, since. Time passed, and they transferred their Stands to Miki's Stand, making her powerful. They say if you lose a Stand, you die. Stands are physical manifestations of the soul, as Cassandra told me, who Farra & Asahi told her. Yuki, Yuuri, and Kurumi's Stands are forever out of commission. Yet their bodies remained whole, and their souls were still inside."

Roman gasped, "No way… And they live, after their Stands were gone? Screwy world…"

"I agree. I didn't understand it, but… Miki has hope now, since her friends are gone. But I cannot free them, without Cassandra's permission." He explained, "See, once they are ready to go, they cannot go back to their dark past. Plus, I fear that they die, after they return to normal. But Miki still wants to see them again, so she comes here, every day, working in Casa de Munecas, and gets to visit them, hopefully to talk to them."

Roman asked, "Say, whatever happened to the dog? Did the mutt become a mannequin, too?"

Luther bowed his head and whispered, "The dog died, during the conclusion of the zombie outbreak. He was bitten, turned into a beast, and was saved… only the injuries were too much."

Neo wept, knowing that their dog was dead. Neo sniffled, as Roman said, "You made Neo cry… but it was a touching story. She understands now."

"Neo… That is why I cannot let you save them, until they are ready. Even if I return them, there's a chance they turn evil again, or worse, their bodies would cease to exist. We all live in a world to live and to die… and no amount of Semblance can bring the dead back to life."

Neo sighed and bowed her head. Luther stated, "There is another way…" Neo lifted her head up and was stunned. "I know it's been done before… with Senora Farra and Weiss. I want you to go inside them, and–."

"WHOA! Hold the phone! You're turning Neo into a mannequin, just to search inside the girls?"

"Yes." Luther said in a smile, "And in our terms of conditions, I promise. No harm shall be done to Neo Politan… but I forbid you from ever using your Semblance to mimic my sister or The Gang, when they're not around!"

"What if you need someone to talk to?" Roman asked, "Neo talked with Mundy, whenever she was blue… When they first met."

Neo nods her head, and agrees to Luther's orders. Roman sighed, "There's no turning back, Neo. I'm still with you, all the way." Roman vanished, as Neo smiled. She said, "..." and nods.

Luther smiled, but then huffed, "I'm gonna regret it." he added, "Neo! Wait… Before we begin, as par to your request to keep it a secret… I'll try not to tell The Gang, your allies, or Naoki… unless you want more despair within her…" He agreed to help Neo, as long as they can keep it between them.

Neo left to go change, as Luther sighed, "I knew this was a bad idea… but I can't say NO to that face…"

Rook smiled, as he watched on, in spirit, "I knew you could do it. I have a good feeling about this."

XXXXX

Neo was in her bra and panties, as she was shaken and timid. She was instructed to remove her clothes. Luther offered her a brooch, in the shape of a mouse. He said, "I don't mind the ensemble for your lingerie, but we'll let it go. Here. Put this on, above your chest. Skin contact."

Neo nodded, and she puts it on. But Luther warned her, "Once you change, you'll be in another world. Be careful. When you find whoever it is you're looking for, convince them. I don't trust you… but… … … …" Neo changed into a mannequin, as in her perspective, Luther's voice was fading away.

He sighed and said, "Good… And good riddance." He took her apart, piece by piece, and he said, "I will take you to them. I promise… They won't be used for the displays, per Miki's request. Unless she says otherwise." Neo was placed in a box and smiled, "I hope it's right–."

"OH! We're about to open!" A woman called, "We need that mannequin!"

Luther gasped, as he looked in the box. He said, "Ahem… I, uh… Well… I'll fit her into a new wig, and–."

"Nonsense. She's like Modern Edge. And perfect colors – Pink and brown. Please, sir? Lemme use her?"

"Okay… but just for today." He moaned, "Sorry… … … It's a new mannequin. Forgive me."

Luther thought, as he was bringing Neo to the display area, "Foda-se! Why did we have to open now? Hm? It's 9 already? I hope Miki doesn't see it…"

As Neo was being put together, Miki was leaving with Mercury and Emerald, on their way to Washington. They were aboard a plane. Mercury sighed, "Neo's been gone for so long… Can you imagine how long I was in security?"

Emerald said, "It's not a problem. I'm sure they'd believe your story."

"Yeah, well… How I was cursed with metal legs, I'll never know. But hey, sturdy and strong, just as I like 'em."

Miki was by the window, feeling dejected. She whispered, "I just hope we're not too late."

Neo emerged from within, inside a huge dreamscape. She was at a high school, as the sky was blue. She was walking down, wearing her old clothes and hat. She smiled and agreed that she was dressed properly. She saw a girl in a blue and white uniform, wearing a black cat ear hat. She found Yuki Takeya.

Yuki arrived at the school, and she sat down at the table. Neo followed her, and arrived at the destination – The School Life Club. Neo was astonished. She stepped back, but Yuki saw her.

"OH! Hello." Yuki said, "Who are you? Are you one of Mikun's friends?"

Neo nodded and smiled. "GREAT! You're just in time! Ri-san and Kurumi haven't arrived, so I wanna get ready. I'll give you the tour, if you like." She asked, "Oh, sorries… I never asked for your name."

"It's Neo."

She gasped, widened her eyes and covered her mouth. "Wha–? What th–?" Neo suddenly spoke. She said, "I… I can talk? No way… I can actually speak! No way! This… This is amazing…"

A male voice called, "No, my dear Trivia, this is only your voice from within… While you cannot talk in real life, your voice resonates within you."

"Who said that?" Neo gasped.

"Oh? What's wrong?" Yuki asked her.

Neo turned away and whispered, "Where's a mirror?" She pleaded, "GIMME A MIRROR!"

"WHOA! Calm down! Here…" She pointed at the mirror in the corner.

Neo felt her mouth and widened her lips. She moved her jaw around and whispered, "Syllabus… Silly… My…" She held her neck, "If this is my voice, then… The only other time I spoke was in The Ever After, when the damned cat possessed me."

"Cat? What cat?" Yuki asked her. "Is something wrong, uh, I never got your name… Who are you?"

Neo turned to Yuki and asked, "You… You heard it, did you?"

"No… why?"

"Oh, Yuki, you're early." Kurumi arrived. "And who's your friend?"

Yuki smiled, "She's Mikun's friend. Uhhhh… But she started to act weird."

Yuuri said, "Oh?" She stepped in, "My goodness, Miki told me a lot about you… You're… Neo, right?"

Neo nodded, saying nothing. Yuuri said, "You can speak, if you like. We're all friends here."

Neo cried, "BUT I CAN'T SPEAK! THIS DOESN'T COUNT!" She covered her mouth, as Yuuri asked, "Hold on… Aren't you supposed to be a mute?"

Neo bowed her head and sniffled, "It's a long story… Also, I'm sorry if this is indecent. Do you have any extra clothes I can borrow?"

Kurumi smiled, "Here." She gave her a pink jumpsuit and said, "It's your size, right?"

"HEY! That's my tracksuit!" Yuki whined. "Jeez! You two are so mean!"

Yuuri said to her, "Yuki, it's alright. She's Miki's friend, after all."

"Yeah, the ex-criminal. Heard she was reformed… In a pig's eye." Kurumi boasted.

Neo said, as she was changing, "But I am. It's just, in all my life, I was born without a voice… But now, it's like a What If."

"A What If?" Yuuri asked her, "You mean, you could never talk?"

"No… This is more of a temporary voice. To be honest, I never learned to talk, from the day I was born. Mother and Father always scolded me… treating me strictly. And that makes me sick, being treated wrong… locked inside a room, smacked upon… Me, Trivia Vanille, aka Neo Politan, abused since childhood, and not once I get to speak!" Neo calmed down, "You wouldn't understand. This isn't a real world…"

Yuuri said, "We know." The sky turned dark blue, showing colorful clouds and sparkling lights. "This isn't Remnant anymore, Neo. Now… Take a seat, and I'll fix you girls up some morning spaghetti."

Yuki cheered, "OH BOY! Spaghetti for breakfast! WOO-HOO!"

Kurumi said, "It's all we have. Once you think it, you can have it. Besides, we always eat this stuff, out of schedule."

Yuuri said, "While we're all here, a subconscious mind has to have strength. But also, take your vitamins, too."

Neo barked, "The heck? Wait, is this for real? I mean, maybe for a zombie survival, but… You're freaks."

Kurumi said, "Well, you weren't here in our school, Trivia."

"Luther told me… and it was sad. I'm surprised you had it bad. Me… I'm the worst… Parents treated me rotten, and I murdered them…" They gasped, "But that's life. I wanted a second chance… and I'm worse off. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." Neo got up, "I should go–."

"No, sit down." Yuuri smiled, "You'll feel a lot better, once we have spaghetti and meat sauce." she winked, "After all, we're all amongst friends."

"Friends?" Neo blushed.

Yuki smiled, "What you've done for Mikun… I'm so grateful." She held her hands, as Neo thought, "What the hell is wrong with these girls?"

After having spaghetti, Neo said to them, as she was sitting with them, "Listen… Now that I have your attention, and with some free time, I need your help." She said, "Miki's in danger."

"How so? Another zombie attack? Or a Stand User?" Kurumi scoffed.

Neo said, "I know you don't hear me, since I am usually quiet… but it's about Ran Kuzuryu."

They gasped, as Yuki cried, "The same android that tried to demolish us?"

Neo bowed her head and said, "Subconscious mind or not, you don't belong here. You see, Miki misses you, and you know how much you wanted to see her again. The Gang is currently in another world, stopping the OB Chip Epidemic. And meanwhile, a crazed robot ninja is about to unleash Armageddon."

Yuuri gasped, "You mean? What are you saying?" Yuki said, "Yeah. Miki destroyed her, if we recall."

Neo responded in disdain, "You don't know my issues, even in Remnant. All I can tell you is this… If Miki doesn't need a boost of confidence from you guys, the world is doomed."

They were confused, as Yuki asked, "Sorry… What now?"

Neo sighed in disgust. "Lemme start from the beginning."

She explained to the others about what had happened, while they were changed. Only Neo knows, since she was with World Agency for a while now. Yuki & Yuuri were shaken, as Kurumi was shocked in disbelief.

"A Maiden? Wait… What kind of Maiden?" Kurumi asked.

Neo shook her head and said, "The worst kind. I met four women in three different Maidens."

As Neo continued, Yuki was torn in disbelief, "Mikun… She's in danger? And a nuke? No… Ran Kuzuryu is going to… NO…"

Yuki was torn apart, knowing that Miki is risking everything.

XXXXX

Ran was flying towards the East Coast, as the plane arrived in Washington. Ran's speed was slower, as she was near Memphis, already making Music City a Concerto of Chaos.

Until finally, Miki, Mercury, and Emerald rushed to Capitol Hill. Team RWBY was waiting for them. "MIKI!" Ruby cheered.

Emerald cried, "HEY! Hey, you guys!"

Yang asked, "Where's Neo?"

Miki said, "She's running late. Did you convince the President?"

They shook their heads NO, as Blake said, "We didn't get passage to the Earth President." Weiss scoffed, "We did meet the Vice President. And he's as worse as Neo; yet he's a mute, too."

Yang asked, "So… What did Ran say?"

Miki said, "This is my fight. All of you are to not fight her. I wish to fight her. One-on-one, as we agreed."

Yang smiled, "Swell. Here's hoping you finally jab her heart out with that shovel."

Ruby agreed, "If you need backup, you come call us."

Emerald said, "But Ran Kuzuryu hasn't arrived yet." They waited, as Mercury whispered, "So, when are they launching the nuke?"

Blake said, "They said until Ran Kuzuryu arrives. They will launch it."

Weiss whispered, "There's a chance she may deflect it, and destroy us all… Basically, if Ran arrives, it's a lose-lose."

Emerald said, "We only have four days left. She said a week. And who knows what sort of chicanery she has…"

Blake viewed the news and gasped, "Uh-oh… I think Ran's sending a message. Look!" She viewed Ran's carnage on her scroll, "Memphis, Seattle, Phoenix, Tulsa, Houston, St. Louis, Cleveland, Alabama, and so on. Ran was only showing off her power to the cities she arrives in. She's only building power with every city she destroys."

Yang growled, "Stopping a maiden like her… It's impossible."

Ruby said, "Maybe it is… But we still have a shot. Remember one thing… She's not Cinder…"
Weiss nodded, "Or Winter."
Yang added, "Or Mom."

Miki smiled, "I appreciate your hard work, but… Ran said if I bring you with, she'll destroy Washington DC, either way. A promise is a promise. So… I'll do what I can to save your chances of becoming President. Just try to convince the President to stop the nuke."

"That won't be easy." Yang said. Ruby replied, "We're going to wait until the Earth President is available. Then, we'll prevent a nuclear holocaust."

"There's no need for despair, everyone." A woman giggled, as she appeared from the shadows.

Blake cried, "SHE CAME!"
Yang yelled, "Dammit! Ran Kuzuryu is early!"

"Who's Ran Kuzuryu?" The same girl in orange called, "Uzume was only trying to help."

Ruby asked, "Uzume?"

Miki asked, "Who are you?"

"Hello, Team RWBY, and fellow allies. You can call me Orange Heart. And I come from Heart Dimension to bear my assistance… Yes, I know. Ran Kuzuryu is a Maiden, like in Remnant, but she's unfortunately… so much more. She's got a power hidden inside her that Uzume recognizes it from before."

They all gasped, as Ruby cried, "A new power?! What is it?"

Uzume said, "Sorry. But… When you see it, you'll know. It's Ran Kuzuryu's Ace."

Weiss growled, "Grr! Why do they always come to distract us? What is this power? TELL US!"

Mercury said, "Ice Queen doesn't want to wait, so… Best you tell us now, sweetheart. Okay?"

Uzume pouted and said, "Rude! Uzume cannot forward it to someone who acts righteous like you, Robo-Jorts."

"Eh?! Jorts? These are pants!" He complained. Emerald giggled, "Roasted by an Orange Heart. Uh…"

Blake asked, "Wait! Uzume, was it? What are you exactly?"

Uzume smiled, "Thank you for asking. I'm from Gamindustri. I'm a Goddess."

Team RWBY gasped in confusion, "A Goddess?!"

Uzume giggled, "Sorry… I never fully explained. Please. It's not safe here. Let's talk privately."

Miki said, "I trust in you, since you're on our side."

Emerald cried, "WHAT? You're actually going to trust her? We don't even know her!"

Miki stated, "Yes, I know… But she is against Ran Kuzuryu, I believe. If she knows Ran's true power, there's no way she'd be on her side."

They all agreed, as Yang said, "I say that's a good point. Alright, we can trust her. For now."

Uzume followed the others to a safe place. But where?

Back in the subconscious world, Neo finished her explanation. She said, "That's all you need to know… See, I'm not from here. But inside me, it's my inner voice; a voice that should've been. And I wish to enlist your help."

Yuuri whispered, "I see. We wish we could help you, but… We're… Powerless."

Kurumi sighed, "Yeah. We gave our Stands away to Miki. Now, we cannot return."

Yuki sobbed, "Sorry… Wish we could help."

Neo pouted and she growled, "You're… You're giving up? I'm ashamed of you three!" Neo was angry. "You girls left Miki Naoki to die, and you chose to quit?"

Yuki sobbed, "It's not that… We are without a Stand… and I'm without Megu-nee."

"I see… Miss Sakura…" Neo whispered, "Do you miss her?"

They nodded yes. Kurumi whispered, "She was the one that told us to live… for everyone. We all loved Megu-nee."

"Then…" Neo said, "May I see her? I can't go to the real world… but maybe I can find her… where she died." Yuuri whispered, "I… I don't think so…"

Neo said, "Where was she, when she died?"

Yuki said in a sad voice, "Megu-nee… died where we last saw her."

Neo pointed her umbrella at her and said, "Take me to her!"

Moments later, they arrived at a door. It was the same spot where Megumi Sakura died. And Yuki Takeya was torn apart mentally, when she died.

"Hello?" Neo called, "This is, uh… I'm Trivia Vanille… or Neo Politan as I am called now. Are you Megu-nee?" No response. "Please… can you let them be free again? Miki Naoki needs them."

Kurumi pleaded, "Megu-nee… I know you can't hear us, but…"

Yuuri asked, "Please… You have to. We're not ready to go, without our powers."

Yuki said nothing, as she was sad. Neo pleaded, "Wherever you are… Please. I want to go home. And so do the others. Please…" She begged, "I beg of you…"

Megu-nee's voice called, "No…"

Yuuri cried, "NO?"

Megu-nee's spirit appeared from the door and said, "You only gave away your powers to make her stronger. But tell me… Would you accept your fate, trapped forever in your subconsciousness, free of the madness, or go back to the despair that occurs?"

Neo said, "The real question is, Megumi Sakura, did you do this? Did you give away their Stands, and sealed them away?"

Megu-nee said, "I didn't. They chose the path… but… Are you all happy?"

The School Life Club was stunned. Kurumi whispered, "I… I thought I would be free, after seeing my senpai changed… he was my one true love, but… I'd never said my feelings for him…" Kurumi said, "But you taught me that lesson, Megu-nee."

Megu-nee spoke with Kurumi, while in the hall, as Kurumi was nervous.

"I think your upperclassman knows the risk… and I think…"

SMASH!
Kurumi kills her senpai, as Megu-nee narrated, "You're braver than you know."

Kurumi said, as she held herself, "I only needed your advice for this boy… but I murdered him, because of the undead. It was a sacrifice. Our families and friends… all died, and we lived…"

Yuuri sobbed, "And you only protected us, right up until the final moments. Megu-nee, I'm…"

Yuki bawled, "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Megu-neeeeeeeeeeeee!" Yuki was crying on Kurumi, as Neo sighed. She barked, "I've heard enough. Were you suited to be a teacher? Or were you suited to be a sister to them?"

Megu-nee bowed and said, "I'm… Well, I only did it for my students… even Miss Takeya. But sometimes, I can be of great help, when someone needs to talk to, in private. Miss Ebisuzawa, I am sorry about him… I was there when it all happened. And Miss Wakasa, I did appoint you as the leader of this club, to protect your friends. Miss Naoki… She is a grade lower, but… You were happy to welcome her, when you needed her the most. And, you, Miss Takeya…"

Yuki sobbed, "Megu-nee…"

Megu-nee said, "Sometimes… You need to let go of the past. Deep down, you still miss me, like nothing ever happened. I believe you have to move on…"

Yuki sobbed, "No… No, I can't… move on… Don't you get it? I love you, Megu-nee! We all do!"

Neo huffed, "Gay."

Kurumi barked, "Could you just shut up? I mean, you always do." Neo huffed, "Excuse me for a touching moment. If it were a man, then it'd be a touching moment to me…"

Megu-nee said to her, "Miss Vanille… or Miss Politan…"
"Call me Neo."
"Neo… You are here to bring them back to Miss Naoki. And you wish to help them live, right?"

"Miki will lose, if she doesn't. Otherwise, this world will be doomed. And no telling what happens to New York… and what happens to them. Once their mannequin shells are destroyed, that's it."

Yuuri gasped, "Wait… If they crack or snap off…"

Kurumi whispered, "No one told us that!"

Megu-nee said to them, "Then, what's it going to be?"

Kurumi whimpered, "Miki…"

Yuki stepped forward and called, "Mikun… Mikun needs me… Why is this… happening? That does it! I don't wanna be a mannequin anymore… I want to go home!" She was crying, "I want to see her again!"

Kurumi said, "Me, too…"

Yuuri said, "Neo, what'll we do? We can go as we please, but…"

KABOOM!
She saw a view of the city, producing smoke. Neo gasped in shock, as does everyone else. Yuki sobbed, "NO…"

"Dammit! Not here, too!" Kurumi cried.

Neo was stunned, as she moaned, "Why? Just why? Quickly! To the roof!"

They head upstairs to the roof, as Yuuri said, "This was where we first saw the zombies unleashed. We head up there?" Neo said, "Maybe there's a way to reawaken your powers. Your Stand abilities, or whatever!"

Kurumi cried, "HOW? We were shot by an arrow!"

Neo shouted, "Less talking, more running! COME ON!"

Neo led the School Life Club to the roof, the same place where the zombie outbreak began. Can Neo pull off an impossible feat, and revive the School Life Club?
Time was running out.

To be continued…