Well, here we are again.

This chapter will continue where the last one left off.

Not all the chapters will be directly connected like that, only those of characters that are connected. For example, Cinders will be connected to this one as well, while for example Hazels, will have no connection to the ones of Mercury, Emerald and Cinder.

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When she opened her eyes she did not recognize her surroundings, this was not where she had fallen asleep.

Panic gripped her as she quickly took a look around her surroundings.

She was alone, Cinder and Mercury were nowhere to be seen.

But she also did not seem to be tied up in any way, that was a good sign.

She seemed to be lying in some kind of small cave she didn't recognize.

Before she had a chance to think more about her situation Mercury entered her field of vision, a single rabbit in his hand.

''Sorry Em, this was all I could find, you know how hard it is to find animals nowadays.''

He didn't seem overly concerned, this was good, it meant that they weren't in any imminent danger.

That said it still did not explain what was going on, or were Cinder was.

''What the hell is going on Mercury? Where are we? Where is Cinder?''

Her questions caused Mercuries expression to morph into nervousness and... guilt?

''Yeah, funny thing about that.''

She just raised her eyebrow.

''I genuinly doubt that.''

Mercury just sighed.

''Kinda figured you would react that way.''

She slowly grew impatient, she was not used to waiting.

''Merc, just tell me already.''

''Fine, here is the short version. I decided to call it quits, waited until you and Cinder were asleep, took you and made off as far as possible before she wakes up again... oh and I caught a rabbit.''

And as if to prove his words he held up the rabbit in his hands once more. But Emerald cared very little about the rabbit right now.

''YOU DID THAT WHAT? ARE YOU COMPLETELY CRAZY? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT SHE WILL DO TO USE WHEN SHE CATCHES US?''

But Mercury just shrugged his shoulders.

''She won't, we have too much of a lead up and she does not know where we have gone. If she even cares enough to search for us in the first place.''

''Of course she will.''

But her quick answer sounded hollow, even to herself. Mercury just looked her into the eyes until she could not take it anymore and turned away.

''She will, she has to be.''

Turning back to Mercury she could see him shaking his head.

''You know she doesn't care, not anymore, probably never has in the first place. I know that you feel like you still owe her but look around you, look where she has lead us. The world is gone Em, there is nothing left. At the very least I want to try and at least make something out of my life instead of continuing to wander this barren wasteland without even having a damn goal.''

She wanted to speak back against him but knew that she couldn't, what he said was completely right, yet she did owe everything to Cinder. She couldn't just leave her behind like that... could she? But that still did not explain everything, she had to be clear.

''Then why did you take me with you?''

''Because what would the point be otherwise? If I went alone I would just do the same as before but alone. But together with you I hoped that maybe we could make something out of this situation, you know, together?''

This surprised Emerald, she had never thought that he would feel that way. It was certainly flattering but she just couldn't leave behind Cinder like that. Just as she was about to tell him that he spoke up again.

''Look, I know what you want to tell me Em but please hear me out first. Cinder won't care that we are gone and she won't care if you return to her but I will. Please, I need you, ever since we joined Cinder you have been the only one I could truly trust. I know that we had our troubles but you are still the only person I can feel comfortable with. You are the only chance I see to at least find some kind of happiness in what is left.''

''Please, don't leave me Emily.''

His words shocked her more then she had thought possible. She wanted to deny what he was saying, that he was not thinking straight, that he was not being serious. But he was and she knew it. Mercury was a prideful person and she knew just how much willpower it must have cost him to speak about his feelings like that. She had not expected her to be so important to him, he always seemed so detached from everything. But still, she needed to return to Cinder, she owed that much to her... but did she really?

Had she not paid her back already? She had followed her from the start through everything. Their fight was over, Cinder had finally 'won', so did she really owe her anymore? Wouldn't it be alright for her to move on, to take a chance with someone who actually showed that he cared about her? Mercury was the only person besides Cinder she had ever gotten close to. But could she really? Before Cinder took her she had nothing. She took one last look at Mercuries pleading face before finally making her decision.

''Em, what are you doing?''

It seemed as if he had noticed that she had used her semblance on him, well, it would be hard for him not to, after all from his point of view he wasn't even in the cave anymore.

His voices sounded sad when he spoke again.

''So this is your answer?''

She closed her eyes for a few seconds before finally opening them again, she had made her choice, she would stick by it. Slowly she closed the distance between them before giving him a soft kiss.

''Yes, it is.''

His voice was shaky, as if he feared the answer to the question he was about to ask.

''Are you...?''

She gave him a small smile, she didn't know when she had smiled the last time.

''I am real.''

Upon hearing her words Mercury mirrored her smile with one of his own. Yes, she had made her decision, in this wasteland almost barren of all life she would try to find at least a bit of happiness, for herself, for the two of them.

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Well, that was Emerald's turn. This chapter came out way more idealistic and cheesy then I had planned but well, here it is. The next character will be Cinder and assure you, her part won't play out as... can you call this one happy? Anyways, point is that not every of the character will get such a 'happy ending' but what can I say, I always like Mercury and Emerald. Also in case anyone was wondering, the illusion Emerald showed Mercury was them suddenly standing on a green field with a small house in the Background. Yeah, I know how that comes over, sue me for being overly romantic. As always every I welcome every kind of review.

This chapter has not been beta read yet.