AN: This is an experimental storyline I decided to write that's my own interpretation of Emerald's backstory in the world of RWBY. To let you know ahead of time, none of the dialogue is in quotations, and there are a few scenes taken straight from the RWBY series but with a few additional lines of dialogue and actions included by me to expand on the material, so I'd say this is a slight AU because of that.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this and please let me know what you think!

Emerald. Emerald is a beautiful name. But that doesn't always mean the name belongs to someone with a beautiful heart.

The name belonged to a young dark-skinned girl. Her mint-green hair tied up in a ponytail was stuck to the blood on her back. It hurt to try and dislodge it from all the scarlet. Hot tears stung her eyes and fell to the cement underneath her. Every muscle in her body ached and her head felt like it was caught in flames.

I can't do this! I can't do this!

Those were her own words that no one ever heard. It didn't matter that she said them. She was going to go out and do the same thing first thing in the morning to find something to eat, something, that would keep her frail body alive.

She had chosen as best a spot as any to keep her body out of sight from everyone else. She was completely topless, but she had managed to snitch a pair of dark green pants from someone's apartment. She kept her knees gripped against her chest in case anyone did come by, but it was only her in the alley. The rain came pounding down on her head, her shoulders, her knees. Fresh blood dribbled from her chin. She spat a scarlet wad out of her mouth.

I have to go, I'm sorry, I have to go.

Don't! Don't leave me!

I'm sorry, honey. I'm so, so sorry.

Please!

She grabbed her head with both of her hands and rocked her whole body back and forth. She could feel the rain soak through the few clothes she was wearing.

When sleep finally managed to take hold of her, she was welcomed by violent nightmares.**

*A few days later in the same alley, Emerald was confronted by a woman. This woman was beautiful, but the intention behind her smile was deceptive. Her crimson dress was held up by straps tied around her neck in a bow.

Despite the intense hostility she felt, Emerald felt a sense of gratefulness that she was finally wearing a top. Though it wasn't much, it covered herself up enough now to prevent complete humiliation. Though it wouldn't seem like much, she felt a little more powerful now because of it. She intended on standing her ground against this new person, who continued to observe her with keen interest.

How did you do that?

When the woman spoke, her voice purred with a seductive undertone, and for one brief moment, Emerald wondered with worry if the woman was fascinated with her in a romantic way. The thought brought her hands to the duel-wielded pistols clipped to her belt behind her.

Don't.

The power in the woman's voice made Emerald stop, even though she didn't want to. She gritted her teeth, making it so that the stranger could see them, and know that she wasn't messing around.

Unless of course, you want them to hear you.

For a moment, the sounds of policemen could be heard as a small group of officers tried looking for her. Emerald didn't fear them. They wouldn't find her. They never have, at least not for a long time.

What do you want?

I've already told you. And I don't like repeating myself. The woman took a few more steps forward in an intimidating way that forced Emerald to raise her voice.

I didn't do anything, just leave me alone!

The smile on the woman's face didn't disappear. In fact, it widened, and the focus in her yellow eyes broadened.

I know my fair share of liars and thieves. Stealing is an art of patience, coordination, and in a pinch, sleight of hand. But you didn't steal that ring in your pocket. You took it right before the jeweler's eyes. And he smiled.

In shock, Emerald's hand went right for her pocket, fearful that the woman might had taken it while she wasn't looking. Thankfully it was still there, but she was still outraged that the woman somehow knew what she did.

I had to. You have no idea what I've gone through.

You're someone with the determination to survive at all costs. That's what I see in you, and that's what I like about you.

I eat people! Okay?!

That wasn't the truth, not really, but Emerald wanted to say something that would scare the woman away.

The woman's grin shifted into a frown and her eyes narrowed as the sound of footsteps could be heard coming closer. The police had heard Emerald's outburst.

The woman turned to face the officers as they rounded the corner, and two sword constructs formed in her hands. Emerald watched without moving a single muscle as the woman lashed out at the officers and easily cut them down with her black swords like they were nothing. By the time she was done, they were all out cold with slash wounds leaking blood and Dust all over the place. The swords vanished in brief bursts of fire.

Emerald watched on with her eyes wide in both panic and surprise.

Who are you? She asks slowly and carefully, getting a better sense now that if she said one wrong word, it could get her hurt, possibly worse.

The woman's smile increased and her eyes darkened, as if some twisted idea had just dawned on her. But Emerald could almost feel what the woman was thinking. She was hers for the taking. Emerald's defenses had lowered a bit, and now, she was going to hear the woman out.

Come with me, and you will never be hungry again.

Those were the woman's last words to Emerald in the alley before Emerald felt herself suddenly drift off to sleep. Before she could even summon any muscle to fight the mysterious urge, she passed out.