A.N: Hello again! This chapter was supposed to be up a day after the first one but I had some errors that were not allowing me to upload. So, I'm sorry for the inconvenience! Not much to say other than thank you all for your feedback and thanks for following this story! I know you guys want to see more so here we go! I Btw, I totally made up Leah the babysitter and yes she is gay if you couldn't tell. I would say she resembles this picture best if you guys want a more mental image: . Anyway without further ado! Please enjoy and review!

Rated T: For drug use and mature themes, might change in the future.

All rights and character of RWBY belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. I do not claim any of the material besides my originality.

Plot: Emerald is a 22 year old living in a run-down apartment with her 4-year old daughter. She steals and works for the wrong people in order to make money and put food on the table. One day she is face to face with the drug Lord, Cinder Fall, who offers her a job that could benefit Emerald with money, shelter, and food. She accepts the invitation and works under the woman. She soon meets Cinder's right-hand man, Mercury Black, who though sarcastic keeps an eye out for Emerald. How will the young woman's life unfold?


Chapter 2: Cinder Fall


"Momma momma, wake up!" A small childish voice rang, nudging Emerald from her sleep. The woman slowly opened her cardinal eyes to meet her daughter's bright green orbs hovering over her.

She greeted her with a smile, "Morning baby." She lifted a hand to play with her short dark hair. In the light from the window she could see the tinges of orangish-red lingering off each strand. Emerald ignored this as her thoughts were soon interrupted.

"Do I have to make us breakfast momma? Remember you showed me how to make pancakes?" Her innocence was well adored and Emerald chuckled at the girl's serious expression, "Jade baby, I'll make us breakfast okay?" She ruffled her child's hair and proceeded to sit up. Jade crawled off of the bed and hurried out the door, "I'll get the stuff ready!"

Emerald let out a giggle as Jade's small form scurried away. Her daughter was very smart for her age and was even told that when she had attempted getting her in preschool. She taught her a lot of stuff at home from basic reading to math, as well as house chores like cooking, which she especially loved to do. With this in mind, she didn't have an issue of her daughter finding the right ingredients.

The 22-year-old stood up stretching her limbs and headed for the bathroom. After doing her business, she washed her hands and took in her groggy appearance as she faced the mirror. She was still wearing the white tank top, and could easily pick out the outline of her breasts as she lacked a bra. "Gross," she muttered, looking at her messy hair and baggy eyes. She didn't know why but she couldn't sleep last night, something that has gone on for a while. She didn't know if she was just scared of her living situation or if she thought she was doing the right thing. All she knew was that she was very restless and uneasy all the time. She cupped her hands under the warm stream of water, and began washing away the crust from her face and maybe even the thought that plagued her mind.

Soon, she was in the kitchen, little Jade sitting at the small dining table watching non-cable cartoons from the tv in the living room. Emerald took a glance at the television. On screen was a bubbly children's show featuring little monsters that sang a childish theme song. Though a kids show she always thought it seemed kinda dark, "Baby Grimms? You love that show don't you?"

Jade quickly nodded, "Don't you momma"

Emerald laughed, taking a bowl out of the cupboard, "Of course I do."

She went to work, turning on the stove and mixing the ingredients to make pancakes. Soon laid one down on the pan to cook.

Bzzzzzzz bzzzzzzz bzzzzzzz

Emerald turned and noticed her phone was vibrating on the dining table. "Jade can you answer that for momma please?" She watched as her daughter successfully answered her cell and said a small "hello." Jade looked up at her mom saying "okay" to whoever was on the phone and took it away from her ear, "It's Junior."

Emerald quickly moved to grab the cell and placed it to her ear, spatula in hand, "This is Emerald…"

"Emerald baby! Good morning to ya and your cute little girl. Look, tonight is a big night and I don't want to screw it up. We got a very important person coming into the nightclub and I need you to look your very fucking best okay? If something goes wrong my head is on the fucking chopping block! So please listen closely, I got a guy coming in, also very important, who wants an escort and that's you. Please treat him nicely and do whatever he tells you…"

So far it sounded all easy to Emerald. Not only was she a skilled thief but she could also play with minds with good words and a bit of looks. She was used to this part of the job as well. She would act as a hostess and butter men and even women up with lies, some days even sleep with them. She didn't enjoy it but she had to do it in order to make these people happy in order to get them on Junior's good side so he could have more trade partners.

Junior continued, "Once you do this, invite him to the guest rooms and make him want you and once you get him into a tight spot, bam! You kill that son of a bitch!"

Emerald's eyes widened in shock. She blinked a few times in order to make sure what he said was real, "I'm sorry what did you say?"

"You are to kill him, with a knife, slit his throat for christ's sake!" Junior said nonchalantly.

Emerald trembled slightly, "B-But I….I never…."

Junior sighed, "Look if you want a heaping wad of cash, bigger than before, than you'll kill that man got it? You do want to provide for your family right? Besides, you signed a contract."

Emerald felt sick to her stomach, her appetite fading. She had never killed someone before nor did she desire to and now….what choice did she have? Junior is paying her good money for his jobs and she couldn't just leave...he could kill her or hurt Jade. She glanced up at her little girl who was giving her curious look. It was for her. It was for Jade. Whatever she needed to do….it was for her daughter's sake.

Though hesitant, Emerald spoke up, "I-I'll be there…"

"That's my girl! Be here by 8, wear your best dress and doll your face up. 8 I mean it - click"

Emerald slowly wthdrew the phone from her face and placed it on the counter, proceeding to lean back against the fridge, letting a shaky sigh from her lips. Jade noticed her mother and stared with sad eyes, "What's wrong momma?"

Emerald looked back at her and gave a small smile, "Nothing baby, everything is alright." Suddenly the stench of something burning hit her nostrils which instinctively made her turn back to the pancakes. The one in the pan was burnt, making Em frown. She threw it away and started fresh trying her best to recover from the news she was given.


It was nearing 8:00 and Emerald had been getting ready for the past hour and a half. She wore an astonishing red dress that hugged her body and had an opening that showed her lower back. The dress went a little under mid thigh and a slit started on the right side and went up to almost her hip. Quite slutty in her opinion as it was picked out by the Malachite twins, but it helped with her job. She was currently in the bathroom putting on makeup, applying a deep red lipstick.

Jade watched her mom from the side wearing a pair of purple footie pajamas, "Can you stay home tonight momma?"

Emerald put a cap on the lipstick and sighed, "Jade, you know I would but momma has to go to work during the night, you know that."

Jade looked at the floor in sadness, letting go of the stuffed bear she held in her arms. Emerald saw this and instantly moved to kneel in front of her, "Jade, you know I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than being here with you. Mommies and daddies got to go to work though in order to buy food and toys for you to have, because they care about you."

Jade turned her head to the side, her little side pony swaying, "Where is my daddy momma?"

Emerald's eyes filled with horror as she realized what she had said. She cleared her throat, "Baby, your daddy...remember what I told you?"

Jade frowned, "When me and Leah went to the park, every kid there had a daddy…"

Emerald got uneasy again. What was she supposed to say? Her dad wasn't a good man and she didn't want him to be any part of her child's life. She gathered her thoughts and gently held onto Jade's shoulders, "Jade, some people don't have daddies because sometimes momma's can be both."

Jade's expression grew surprised, "Really?"

Emerald smiled and nodded, "I'm sure of it."

Jade smiled back and hugged Emerald tightly, "I'm glad you are momma."

Emerald felt her eyes get glossy and hugged her child back. Soon after a knock could be heard at the door, "It must be Leah," Emerald got up with Jade holding onto her hand and headed to the door. Opening it she saw the teenager who couldn't help but stare at Emerald in awe, "Wow miss Sustrai...you look gorgeous…"

Emerald laughed at her comment, "Why thank you Leah." She let the girl in, Jade running to her arms shouting her name. Emerald loved the sight of Jade reacting to the babysitter, and if she had to admit, she would say that Leah was somewhat part of her family.

Emerald got her things together and saw that it was 7:45. She grabbed a black coat and headed toward Jade picking her up and planting kisses on her cheek, "You be good okay? You are to be in bed by 9:00 no buts."

Jade giggled as her mom tickled her, "Okay momma okay…"

She gave her one last kiss before setting her down, she than turned to Leah who spoke first, "No need to worry Miss Sustrai, I got it all down."

Emerald walked up and pinched the teens cheek earning an "ow". Emerald gave her a look, "And for the love of God, please call me Emerald, the whole Miss thing makes me sound so old…"

Leah let out a laugh and nodded rubbing her cheek, "Will do."

Soon Emerald was out of the house and on her way to Junior's club. The temperature was even colder than yesterday and it didn't help that she had such a short dress on. Her black heels clicked against the concrete and her breath could be seen in the chilly air.

She had to kill somebody tonight. She had to kill somebody tonight. The thought wouldn't go away. She couldn't kill somebody could she? No, no...she had to...she had to in order for her family to be safe.

She headed in through the front of the nightclub, the music loud enough to be heard from blocks away. Upon entering, bright lights filled her vision and thumping beats raced into her ears. People were dancing in the center of room, some drunk some sober. Tables and booths lined the outside of the dance floor where chatty rich people gloated and hostesses that looked similar to Emerald in terms of attire walked about. Said woman walked into the back in order to get to Junior's suite, outside 2 bulky bodyguards blocked the door. Emerald tried to appear kind to the men, "It's Emerald, I'm here to see Junior."

The guy on the left nodded to the guy on the right and they opened the doors for her. Emerald said her thanks and walked in through the corridor and up into Junior's hideout. There was at least ten times the amount of women than the last time she came in, some in the hottub, some at the bar, on the couch. If Emerald didn't know where she was she would have thought she stepped into a brothel.

Looking over the hoards of girls, she tried to pick out Junior's tall frame, finally finding him enjoying a strip show in the back corner as his room did come with poles. Emerald sighed and approached him as he tucked bills into the girl's thong. She gave him a tap on the shoulder which caused him to turn, his face beaming as he looked her up and down, "Emerald! Wow are you fucking sexy," He whistled and Emerald scrunched her face up, "Just tell me what I have to do dammit!"

Junior let out a laugh, ignoring what she just said, "You know Emmie girl, I am very willing to grant you with a second child if you allow me-" He reached for her cheek.

Emerald grew irritated and slapped it away, "Shut the hell up, I came here to work for you not for you to pester me with your perverted shit."

Junior suddenly grabbed her by the neck hard and brought her close to him, "You best stop talking to me like you know better you dumb little bitch, now I suggest you get your shit together otherwise I may do something I regret."

Emerald held onto his strong arm trying to ease the pressure, his alcoholic breath blasting her face, her eyes wide as she was frightened by his aggressiveness. Then again, what was she thinking. She signed a contract and if she gets on Junior's badside for her attitude, then it could mean putting her and Jade in danger.

Junior's dark eyes glared into her soul, his grip tightening. Emerald gave in, "I-I apologize sir."

Junior let her go allowing Emerald to gag a bit, "Now get the hell ready to impress this fuck and leave my sight! Melanie will show you the way."

Emerald regained her composure and stood straight, following the white clad girl out of the suite. She could feel Junior's eyes like daggers on her back. She was glad to have left the room, feeling her body still shaking from the scare. She had to focus on the task though, and that's what she would do.

Melanie pointed to a table in the far left corner of the club, "He's sitting at that booth, he's expecting you." Emerald nodded and headed over there, changing her expression quickly from sullen to delighted as she approached the booth where a tall man with spiky red and brown hair sat. She let out a breath, reassuring herself of what to do as she walked up to him

"Is this seat taken?" She asked in her kindest most sultry voice. The man turned to her and grinned, scooting over for her to sit, "Not at all."

She sat next to him taking note of his appearance. He wore a black suit and dark shades covered his eyes. She was curious as to why he would wear them in this place, but didn't want to question it, "So what's your name?"

"Adam. Adam Taurus," He replied smiling, "Care for a drink?"

"I would love one," She returned the kind gaze. She could tell he was checking her out through his glasses by the way he observed her, though she wasn't bothered. Adam had an oddly charming feel to him.

The two received their drinks and began happily conversating. Adam explained how he ran an organization that brought in a good amount of money and how his fame grew in Vale City. Emerald listened intently as she was supposed to, sipping her alcoholic beverage.

"Tell me about yourself beautiful," he urged.

Emerald blinked, "Oh well, I've been working for this club for a while now-"

Brrrrnggg Brrrrnnggg

Adam stood up pulling out his phone, "I should take this, excuse me." Emerald nodded smiling as Adam left. She let out another sigh, bringing a hand down to the side of her dress, lifting it slightly, feeling at the knife that sat attached to her thigh. She grimaced slightly as she reminded herself that she would kill Adam with it. For some reason she felt like there were eyes on her, so she instinctively turned and looked around landing on a pair of amber irises and a smug smile.

Who is that woman?

The one staring at her was like a goddess. A strapless black dress that hugged her curves and allowed for slight cleavage to show, glasslike heels on her feet and long, flowing brown hair that was swept to the left side. She was exceptionally gorgeous and Emerald couldn't help but keep her eyes locked and the woman didn't move either. She just say there smiling intently at Emerald. She than noticed her amber gaze go down to where Emerald was messing with the knife and the green-haired girl quickly composed herself and looked away. Her heart began to race.

She wouldn't be able to tell would she? How long was she watching her and Adam?

She looked back out of the corner of her eye only to see the woman still staring. But Emerald needed to focus and so she ignored her until Adam came back.

"Business call?" She asked curiously.

Adam nodded, "Yep, those guys can't turn an oven on without my help."

Emerald laughed loudly, earning a laugh from Adam, "You know you are honestly very exquisite Emerald, I don't think I've met a woman quite like it."

Emerald blushed, "Oh stop, I'm sure there are plenty of girls at your feet who are way better than me."

"Nah, nah, I mean it, I do," He placed his hand on Emerald's thigh drawing closer to her ear, "Say...why don't we go somewhere private."

Emerald blushed even more and winked, "You can just follow me handsome."

Both left the booth and headed towards the back of the club. Emerald feeling uneasy as she made her way past the mystery woman's table. And just when she thought it wouldn't get worse….

"Adam, who's the lovely lady?" The woman called out. Her voice was strangely sexy and seductive. Emerald and Adam turned to the woman, Emerald avoiding eye contact.

Adam snorted in annoyance, "I don't think it's any of your business Cinder."

Cinder was her name. She let out a tiny laugh and motioned towards the empty spot in front of her, "I just wanted to know where she got her stunning dress, may I have just a quick word?"

Adam looked at Emerald who nodded at him, "I'll meet you at that door over there in a minute."

Adam gave Cinder one last irritated look then walked away. Emerald soon took a seat right in front of woman who instantly spoke, "Tell me...how do you plan on doing it?"

Emerald's eyes widened in disbelief. Had she really caught on? She gave Cinder a look, "What do you want from me?"

Cinder kept smiling, "I just want to know why you're about to kill Adam."

The darker woman's breath hitched. She knew. But how? She couldn't see the knife from her view. Emerald grew nervous feeling sweat start to build up. Would she kill her? "Wh-Who are you?"

"Cinder Fall. Vale City's top businesswoman. I run the largest drug ring in the country. It's interesting how you've never heard of me," Cinder explained taking a sip of her martini.

When Emerald thought about it did ring a bell. She had heard of some famous person who ran the streets, but she didn't know it was her. But what did she want from her? Cinder noticed Emerald's shocked expression and went ahead and started talking, "Look, I'm not here to pesterize you, I simply caught you in the act. But I can't help but say I've taken an interest in you. You seem to have...second thoughts…"

Emerald felt at the knife again. She felt nauseous at the woman's accuracy, "Y-You're not wrong."

Cinder nodded, "I see...tell me what are those marks from?" Cinder motioned at her neck. Emerald felt her own neck and could feel the slight tinge of a bruise from Junior's assault. She guessed it was quite noticeable seeing that Cinder could see it in the dim lighting.

"I...uh…"

"Did Junior do that to you?"

How did she know everything?

Emerald stayed quiet.

"I'm thinking of giving you a offer," Cinder announced, causing Emerald to listen in, "I want you to work for me."

Emerald was stunned at this. She didn't understand why she was so interested in her, she didn't even do anything. Besides she signed a contract. She turned her head to see Adam waiting impatiently.

"Look lady," she began, "I can't accept your offer, I have obligations to Junior's company and-"

Cinder frowned a bit, "Well I would offer you things that Junior could never give you. Good food, better pay, even a place to call your own, besides...Adam could be a valuable asset, I don't think you should kill him."

Emerald froze at such an offer. A place to stay that wasn't her crappy apartment. A better environment for Jade to live in without fearing for her every night. But. She couldn't just leave. She was on Junior's contract and he could come after her. She barely knew Cinder and she couldn't guarantee her daughter's safety.

Emerald stood up facing Adam. Cinder's smile grew and she closed her eyes, "Very well then...I'll still be sitting here if you refuse to kill him but if you do... than I won't beg."

Emerald gritted her teeth but continued to walk forward to meet back up with her client. Cinder continued to watch them disappear into the back corrido as she sipped on her drink, the same smug look still gracing her face.


~To be Continued~


Hope you enjoyed chapter 2! A good amount longer than chapter 1 so I hope you stayed intrigued. Stay tuned for the next chapter and feel free to message me for clarification and such.

Also, if you can't tell I'm throwing out hints as to who Jade's dad is, unless you caught on. It will all be revealed eventually.

Please follow and review!

Thanks loves!

~Tati