In no way am I connected to Rooster Teeth

"Well, I would prefer talking to an ophthalmologist, but I do have a theory."

Mercury blinked and hopped down from the bed. "Nothing permenant though, right?"

Dr Waterbrook rubbed his temples. "Like I said, I would like to consult with an expert in this field, but I do not believe so. I think the problem is simple and will sort itself out in a few days. However…" He pulled out a drawer and withdrew a tiny bottle. "This may help in the meantime."

Mercury frowned in confusion as he took it. "And this is…?"

"Emerald? Would you like a look?"

Emerald took the offered bottle and looked it over.

Mercury's right eye had been working fine. It didn't look any different than Emerald remembered; only that it was a little odd to see it fine now. He said he couldn't see any differently out of that eye than his left. Two hours later and he was constantly tempted to rub it, though he knew better than to do so. Since then, she had been very worried she had done something wrong.

The mask that normally covered the right eye when it had been damaged had been in one of the laboratories. They had been trying to figure out how the runes and Dust worked. His clothes had been in a storage locker. Apparently, that was where Zephyr took the cufflink and knife from before sending them to Ozpin, not knowing Qrow's address.

Zephyr…

"This is…" The list of chemicals looked familiar and didn't seem like drugs. Actually… "Human tears?"

"Very similar, yes."

That obviously made Mercury more baffled. He took the bottle from Emerald and had a look at the list for himself. "Tears? What do you think is the problem?"

"I believe the eye is drying out. While it is normally an automatic process to rehydrate it, your brain most likely thought it unnecessary and stopped it. It would be very odd, but perhaps not impossible. With your medical history, I think this will be corrected within a few days at most, but two drops of that when the eye feels scratchy will ease that."

So Emerald hadn't done anything wrong. She let out a breath.

"Easy enough then." He dropped the bottle on the table near the destroyed console for the time simulator. Yang had trashed that very quickly. Qrow and Tai had had a field day on the machine itself. "Anything else? I feel perfectly fine."

"A warning I can give is to not engage in strenuous activity immediately and instead build it up. Your muscles and most likely aura needs time to adjust."

"I'll keep that in mind." That wasn't an agreement. Mercury would decide when he started training again.

"However, all my tests show you to be completely healthy."

Mercury gently rubbed Emerald's back. "Great." [Thank you.]

[Three times, Merc. I didn't even need one.] But she appreciated it.

Completely healthy and completely scar free.

As it turned out, silver Dust scars were healed quite easily by the Spring Maiden. For the first time since he was probably born, there were no tales of pain written in his skin.

Emerald's scars were gone too. Nothing there; not a word.

But I couldn't regrow his arm or legs.

Emerald had known that, but she had tried anyway.

Ruby and Yang were playing Go Fish, but weren't even trying to hide the fact that they were listening in to Mercury's little health update. Qrow was the same; sitting in a chair in the corner pretending to be playing on his scroll. Or maybe he was but he was listening too.

Tai and Qrow wouldn't let him overdo his training regime and Emerald could tell that Mercury wanted to jump straight back into it.

Dr Waterbrook nodded once and walked over to Qrow, discussing who knows what. On second thought, Mercury could probably hear it but he didn't seem to care. He headed over to the sisters and studied Ruby's cards.

With a smile, Emerald joined Yang. She had no matching cards.

"Got any queens?"

"Go fish."

Ruby scowled and snatched another card from the deck.

"Got any aces?" Yang didn't. A card hit her on the forehead. Ace of spades.

Tai entered the room with a huge grin on his face. And a box in his arms. "Mercury. I've got something here for you."

He certainly had Mercury's attention. Tai dropped the box on the nearby table and Mercury walked over to have a look for himself. From her angle on the floor, Emerald couldn't see what was in the box, but she could see Mercury liked it. A lot.

"Seriously?"

"Sure, but try it before mess with it."

"Spoilsport. But thanks." Mercury took something long and metal out of the box. "How'd you get it? Blackmail?"

It was an arm. A prosthetic arm.

"No need. He was working on this when I approached him. The most advanced technology Atlas has currently developed, he claims."

"Heh. We'll be the judge of that."

We?

Emerald turned her head slightly so she could see Ruby. The girl was almost bouncing up and down, awe sparkling her eyes.

The metal right arm just seemed to attach. It was much less hassle than the prosthetic legs, but then this was far newer. It was also the perfect size for him. Now she thought about it, Emerald had no idea what happened to the arm that was removed. They probably used it to try and isolate the poison, but maybe it had also been used for measurements.

Morbid thoughts. Move on.

"Feels pretty good. Almost feels exactly like the original. They did a good job."

From what Emerald could tell, the prosthetic arm was moving naturally. Mercury didn't test punches or anything extreme like that, but he seemed satisfied with it. Happy. And this was before he and Ruby inevitably took it to bits.

But there was something that could make this day even better.

Emerald looked at Tai and used her Semblance so only he could hear her. "Mercury's just been given a clean bill of health from Waterbrook. Can we take him home now?"

Still watching Mercury study his arm, Tai managed to catch Emerald in the corner of his eye. Then he did the same thing with Qrow. Qrow was very obviously in a good mood.

"So doc, anything I need to know?"

Dr Waterbrook shook his head with a sigh. "Other than me being sure he is going to ignore my advice on restricting his training regime, I can confirm there is nothing more I can do for him."

"Oh, he'll stick to that, don't you worry." Tai was very chirpy there, ignoring Mercury's scowl. "Well then, who's ready to head back home?"

They all perked up at that. This place was depressing and creepy.

But Emerald thought she saw something flicker across Merc's expression before it settled on the smile as if there was nothing wrong.

Qrow left the room first. Ruby and Yang followed, both talking at a ridiculous speed over each other about something or other. Probably what they were going to do when they got home.

Mercury followed, but he stopped at the door and looked back. "Thanks for everything doc. Don't take this personally, but I hope I never see you again."

Dr Waterbrook chuckled. "That would be nice, though I would settle for not seeing you unless a friend has a training accident and you were visiting. Do try and keep out of trouble, though with this family that might be too much to ask."

Hey!

Mercury chuckled and left the room.

Tai shook his head, obviously amused. "He wasn't trying to be rude."

"Oh I know. I could name a few students I see so often for ridiculous reasons that I couldn't say the same. His problem is that he doesn't do things halfway."

"Don't I know it."

Emerald chuckled. "Goodbye doctor. And thank you."

"My pleasure Miss Sustrai. I hope you do well in the future and don't pick up his bad habits."

"Oh, don't worry. I won't."

Tai lingered in the room a few more seconds before following Emerald out. Probably talking about the eye doctor Waterbrook wanted to talk to or possible mental problems.

The others had stopped at the lift to wait for them. Emerald could now make out that Ruby and Yang were discussing quiz shows and were complaining that 'celebrities' often got easier questions than most people. She actually agreed with that. Even Mercury was amused at the huge gap in difficulty.

That was the trip. Ruby and Yang chatting about inconsequential things with Tai pitching in every now and then. Mercury would just listen, calm and relaxed. Qrow was more tense, but did well to hide it with only his eyes betraying unease.

The airship dropped them off in Vale. A security measure so as few as possible would know where any of them lived. Emerald hadn't thought it necessary until quite recently, though she knew Qrow had been doing it for years.

Ruby and Yang had only hidden it since they met Emerald and Mercury.

Is it just me or is the house somehow closer to the port than it used to be?

Obviously it wasn't, but still.

Mercury hesitated near the front door. Now he was finally home, he seemed…unsure.

Ruby noticed. She came back out of the house and took his hand. She tugged gently, then let go to head back in.

Mercury stepped forward. He glanced in his hand at the winged fox cufflink. He followed Ruby inside.

Emerald smiled.

Yang called out, asking who was up for a game of Conquering Remnant.

Hazel was not surprised at the news Cinder was dead. The problem with her aura made her as vulnerable as a civilian and while Maidens were protected from long range attacks, brute force was a real risk. It only took one lucky hit.

Cinder had been young and arrogant. She should have known better.

However, they had learned a few things. It was what they didn't know for certain that was dangerous.

"Hazel. You have spoken to our informant in length?"

"Yes ma'am. There is some evidence that the previous subordinate Emerald is a Maiden, likely Spring. She was seen with Qrow Branwen with her hand on his snapped spine. Cinder used a fireball that somehow got redirected to hit Azure. It would also explain Mercury Black's position; he chose his co-worker over his boss."

Dr Watts shrugged. "So. Black lied back then. That makes this Emerald an easy target."

"A protected one," Hazel reminded him. "She also has a very dangerous Semblance in a one-on-one fight."

"There is also evidence against." Salem thought for a moment before continuing. "That Semblance makes it very difficult to trust eye witness accounts. Azure is also not familiar with Maidens, so would not be able to identify one. I also sensed no deception from young Mercury Black while he was interrogated. He said he did not know the Spring Maiden's name, but she wasn't a student at any academy. I believe he was being truthful."

No one questioned that.

It did leave a problem.

Tyrian spoke up. "The girl would have a death wish if she used an illusion that she could have Maiden power, especially as a decoy."

"I asked specifically," Hazel stated. "There was no eye glow. Having fought a Maiden, she would not miss that detail out if it was an illusion and it does cast doubt on the idea she is an inexperienced Maiden." That was part of the reason Hazel wasn't completely convinced. "Taiyang Xiao Long and Qrow Branwen also didn't use Semblances, so they could have been responsible."

Dr Watts considered. "What do we know about Taiyang Xiao Long? Is he going to be a threat?"

"He is the one who killed Cinder when her attention was focused on Emerald. I did not have much time to investigate him. All I know is that he is a teacher at Signal and a retired Huntsman. I would say he was no one of interest, if it wasn't for the fact he took in those two and he was a member of team STRQ." A team that had been no end of trouble.

Tyrian chuckled. "I could arrange an accident. Maybe even for a few of the children."

"That won't be necessary." All eyes went to Salem. "It is possible Emerald is the Spring Maiden. That would mean she would be in Haven at the same time of their hosting. Unlike Beacon, we have easy access. We will let her and her family be for now. If she remains in Beacon and doesn't compete, then we will know and we will also know that Leonardo is no longer trusted. There remains the possibility she is not."

In other words, wait and see.

Hazel could see the wisdom in that. Along with two powerful Huntsmen, with the time cell and simulator now in their possession along with the Spring Maiden owing him a huge favour, Mercury Black would almost certainly be with her and fighting fit. He was just as much of an annoyance, if not a bigger one, than Qrow Branwen.

"The Winter and Summer Maidens remain unknown. You are to continue your search for them Tyrian, unless our informant reports a problem."

"Yes, milady."

"Hazel, your training of RNBW was excellent and we only lost them because they were told not to fight on the same terms as their target. Train another group to infiltrate Beacon next year."

"As you wish." It was easy to find the right candidates. Many were desperate for an opportunity and they did not need to be told everything.

"Dr Watts, I wish for a more accurate situation on the White Fang. While Adam Taurus is certain of his leadership, there have been movements that are not beneficial to us."

"Understood."

Hazel was sure the uncertainty stemmed from a Faunus winning the Vytal Festival the year before and, more interestingly, the cameras showed Weiss Schnee cheering for her. Adam Taurus was sure to be furious.

Hazel had waited years for his revenge on Ozpin. He could wait longer.

Leonardo claimed there had never been a student that had travelling by lightning as a Semblance.

Ozpin rubbed his temples. He was very sure now he couldn't trust Leo, but…he sighed. He could be telling the truth there.

The issue was that the next Vytal Festival was held at Haven. What would Leo do? He had allowed a dangerous team into Beacon and he must have known what might have happened. Their plan must have changed after the team arrived and that was odd.

Ozpin also feared for the students of Haven.

There had been a few relationships established between Beacon and Haven students, so as long as they were in contact, then things were manageable. But what would happen if Leo had to choose between his students and whatever was wrong?

James was almost certainly heading to Haven for the Festival. Ozpin had not intended to. The Fall Maiden was known and Beacon still needed protectors.

There was also the huge problem that Emerald was the Spring Maiden. It was likely they knew that now. There were many ways they could force Emerald to get the Relic for them and they didn't even need to get her to Haven. She would already be there.

Ozpin hesitated.

How much did those two know?

He would talk about it with Qrow. The man had called him to ask about rainbow Dust that day, but Ozpin had had to be the bearer of bad news. The whole crystal had to be used and, although he had never experienced a Dust crystal that was two types, he knew the one they had couldn't be used to heal.

However, it was an answer to the source of black Dust and why there had been less rainbow Dust found recently. But why and how did rainbow Dust become corrupted?

Qrow had recently messaged him about a problem with his magic as well. That would be a topic Ozpin needed to address soon. They could drain Maiden magic; they could take Qrow's shapeshifting. But then, Qrow would have noticed and mentioned it.

That would be in a few days. Qrow's focus was on Mercury's recovery.

Mercury Black.

James' report was late. That was unlike him.

Ozpin opened up the previous report and read it again.

The room at the end of the control room at LiaGuard had held a teleporter. They had not known that as there were no records of what the device was anywhere in the building and there had been many things in the labs they were trying to decipher. The machine had been destroyed after the security breach, but there was no evidence to suggest where the teleporter connected to. If they still had the notes, they could build a new one provided they had the materials.

There was also a worrying amount of research conducted on drugs aimed specifically at disabling Huntsmen.

A far more pressing concern was that Venus Solgale and her accomplice had yet to be found.

Beacon's most recent graduates had stayed close to Vale. That wasn't unusual, but it was a relief. There had been far less reports of human Grimm and there were now a select group of Huntsmen that now carried silver Dust weapons, but it was unknown how many there were.

It was unlikely LiaGuard was their only base of operations on that topic.

Ozpin refilled his mug. He did plan on wandering the school grounds for a while to help clear his head, but then he spotted that someone was in the lift. A few moments later, there was a knock.

"Come in."

Blake Belladonna entered. "Good evening professor. I've just come to say I'm needed home next week, so I won't be in classes."

"Thank you for letting me know. If you don't mind me asking, is everything okay at home?"

"There's nothing to worry about." Her cat ear twitch most likely gave away her reason. Ozpin did know her family history, especially her father's past occupation.

"Then I won't pry any more. Do you require an airship?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine."

"Safe travels, Miss Belladonna."

She nodded and headed back to the lift.

Ozpin took a sip of his mug with a soft smile.

Mercury opened his eyes. He wasn't surprised to see the clock read 3:26am. Five and a half hours sleep. That wasn't abnormal.

He had had enough of being in bed though. He got up, pulled a shirt on and left the blanket corner folded. Emerald would know he had gotten up for a sleepless night then and hadn't just vanished. It was a habit they had started when working under Cinder, though it had always been Emerald that left in the middle of the night.

The rest of the house was still asleep.

But right now, he needed to be outside.

Talaria tilted her head and followed him. He didn't bother arguing. She wasn't going to bother him.

Mercury sat down not far from the front door. The light would make him visible to those inside, but he expected them to get the message and leave him alone for a while.

Two facts. One: they wouldn't kill him so long as they had use for him. Two: LiaGuard was too valuable for Ozpin and Ironwood to leave in Salem's hands. Who needed hope to get through a bad time? He had just expected it to take much longer than it did. He wouldn't have been surprised if it took a year or more.

He had also expected it to take much longer for him to recover, though he suspected there were long term problems and he wanted to get those fixed as soon as possible.

Emerald had been willing to make herself a prime target. For him.

For once in his life, Mercury wanted answers. He also knew where he wanted to get them from.

The area was…peaceful.

How weird.

20 weeks.

He had missed Emerald's birthday. Ruby's was up next now, but he had an idea for her. Emerald though would take some thought.

Mercury frowned.

There was something in him that was off. It wasn't physical, but it didn't feel like there was something wrong with his aura though. It was almost like…it was something extra. It hadn't been there when he was imprisoned, but his memories before being healed were fragmented.

I think…It was there almost from the beginning. Not in the simulator, but not long afterwards. What is it?

He would need to investigate some time.

Footsteps.

They were Qrow's.

"Hey Silvertongue," were his words, but Mercury could tell he was really asking if he could stay.

"Felix."

Qrow settled next to him and offered a mug of what smelt like hot chocolate. He took it and nursed it for a moment. He didn't fancy burning his mouth yet. After a few moments though, he took a sip.

"This tastes different from the others. Richer, not sweeter."

"It's dark chocolate. Thought white might be too sweet."

"Probably. This isn't bad." Hot chocolate wasn't really his thing, but he would prefer that now over coffee or tea. He would give it a few more minutes before taking a proper gulp.

I've been really spoiled here.

Even more bizarrely, he had gotten used to it.

"Can't sleep or already up for the day?"

Mercury considered that. "Up for the day." What was he going to do today?

Qrow hummed. His stance became more relaxed; stretching out his legs and leaning back on his arms. "Any long term plans or just day by day?"

Seriously, how did he do that?

"Both."

"That had better include not doing anything stupid until we know you're fully recovered."

Mercury knew the physical effects. But come to think of it… "What sort of things are normal?"

"Depression. Flashbacks. Triggers for flashbacks and depression. Things like that."

"Oh." He had seen those before. In Emerald after Mountain Glenn. He would owe Luna forever for her help. "I don't think that will be a problem."

"Yeah, that is your problem." Qrow was still casual, but that bothered him. "But I'm more worried about your control."

"Fair point." He had forgotten what it felt like to be at full aura and out of pain. That would also take some getting used to. He didn't need to get back into fighting; he needed to be sure he was in control of his aura.

He really didn't want to hurt his family in a spar.

Where was he even at in comparison to them now?

"The girls wanted me to ask what you wanted for your birthday."

Mercury blinked. That must have been at least a month ago. Maybe two. What was the date? "I take it freedom isn't going to count?"

"We're back to human rights, not a present."

Human rights.

And hadn't Emerald and Mercury given them very bewildered looks during that chat.

"So by this logic, Emerald can't refuse when I get her something."

"True. So…Any ideas? I know Yang's got something to pay you back for getting her hair scissors on hers."

Mercury chuckled. Somehow, they had both agreed to one joke gift and one proper gift, provided money wasn't an issue. Hair scissors and a CD of her favourite band with a code for free download onto her scroll had been his gifts to her.

"I…never gave it any thought." Mercury thought about, then decided to just get it over with. He put the mug down on the grass. "How much of the house did you see?"

Qrow didn't immediately reply. "The whole first floor, except for what was actually in that cupboard in the hall. Never saw the basement."

That was better than Mercury had thought. He would have much preferred Qrow seeing none of it, but it could be worse.

"How accurate?"

Mercury shrugged. "Save for the cupboard, which had his tools of the trade in it: all of it." He didn't look at Qrow. "Matter of interest, if you knew back then what you know now, what would you have done?"

Qrow had never lied to him.

Mercury needed to know he could still trust that.

Again, Qrow didn't answer right away. This time though, he was considering the answer himself. "I would like to say I still wouldn't throw you away. I probably would have got an apartment in Vale for the two of us and only had you meet the others under controlled meetings."

"That has a lot of problems." Mercury could have attacked him, could have snuck off…The possibilities were endless.

"For me, yeah. Though maybe you wouldn't have minded a little more freedom. As I remember, you found the girls very irritating. Especially when Ruby decided you could only spend a certain amount of hours alone a day."

She was almost certainly going to do that again for a while.

They were very affectionate in LiaGuard. When they got home though, Ruby and Yang had been very uncertain about actually touching him. Before, Ruby had been determined to get him used to it. Emerald hadn't changed, still was openly affectionate whenever she wanted or thought he needed it, but never tried to sneak up on him.

Honestly, Mercury didn't mind the affection, but he was a little grateful to Tai for deciding he was going to sleep in his own bed for his first night home. He could tell by the way the sofas had been moved that they had slept in a pile a few times. He didn't mind it before, but he needed some personal space for a while.

"Zwei was worse," Mercury responded to Qrow's words. He glanced up at a nearby tree. "And Talaria's not happy with me."

Talaria snarled playfully, but nodded fiercely once.

Qrow chuckled.

Freezing. Exhausted.

Mercury shivered as he panted a little. He understood his aura had just shattered, but he had no idea why. Now he was very cold and very tired.

"Sorry Silvertongue."

Before he could figure out what Qrow was apologising for, he felt the man's arms around him, pulling him closer with his head now resting on his chest. Qrow was warm and had obviously done it to try and warm him up, so Mercury didn't mind too much. The apology for not asking permission was nice though.

"Shit." Qrow must have looked up. "Talaria, fetch a blanket." Qrow's hand went to Mercury scalp, carefully massaging. The same spot he had before. It did help calm Mercury a little. But he was struggling to keep his eyes open. "Any idea what happened?"

"No." Something hot nudged against his hands. He grabbed the mug without much thought. "Doesn't hurt, but really tired…" Cold went without saying. "Should just sleep it off."

"You hope."

Qrow wasn't wrong.

But Mercury wasn't going to tell him that.

Qrow sighed. "Drink up. Do you still want to stay out here?"

Mercury took three proper gulps. He barely noticed the taste as the heat rushed down his throat. "Yeah." He swallowed the rest quickly. That went quite a way to warm him up. He dropped the empty mug and allowed his muscles to shiver.

The hand left Mercury's head. Something wrapped around him, keeping the wind out. The blanket.

"Go to sleep Silvertongue. We'll figure it out later."

Wasn't much to figure out, really. Apparently having your aura ripped out of you three times and never being allowed to regenerate to 100 had side effects. Who knew?

Mercury resisted a yawn.

He would think another time. He was actually very comfy, now warmer and felt safe. He closed his eyes and ignored the fact he was curled up in Qrow's lap.

That hand returned to its resting place, gently massaging his scalp.

It only took a few seconds for Mercury to allow himself to slip into sleep.