A/N: Hello folks, Novus here with another chapter of my Fic! Thank you to those that have read and liked the story, it really means a lot to see even a few people enjoy my work. Still getting things off the ground but I have to say I am feeling somewhat hopeful that this story will actually turn out decently. Can't say when I will get the next chapter out as I am still juggling my work schedule as the week or two after Christmas and New Years is the busy season but fear not! I will endeavor to get it out within the next week. I might even up the stakes and try to squeeze in another thousand words. until then enjoy the new chapter and as always, review and comments are welcome.

Oh and as you might have guessed I don't own squat, all rights for RWBY go to roosterteeth and the great mind of Monty Oum.


A Re cut Gem

Chapter 2

"Well I think that went splendidly." Pyrrha remarked as she sat across from Emerald, a disposable cup filled with water clasped gently in her lap and received only a groan of disagreement from her mint haired friend.

Pyrrha and Jaune had been allowed into Emerald's waiting room several minutes after she herself had entered. The couple had been doing their best to support Emerald through the long and difficult process of being released since the start, stating they owed her for saving them and helping take down Salem and the better part of her forces. Even after knowing them several years and coming to call them her friends, she still found that their always positive and cheerful outlook on life annoying at times.

Emerald's response was muffled by the metallic hands that cupped her face. "The why do I feel like they are just going to stuff me in a concrete hole and leave me to rot? I might as well get myself stuffed and mounted on a nice bit of scenery that the kingdoms can put on display."

'Huh, do you think you would look better in a perched position on a branch or maybe a mid-flight pose?" Jaune absentmindedly asks as he rubbed the stubble on his chin, earning a glare from Emerald and a none to gentle elbow in his side from his wife. "Hey! I didn't mean anything by it, just wondering, geez."

Emerald could only look at Jaune in wonder and disbelief as he looked like a child be scolded by their mother as Pyrrha lectured him on thinking before saying such things aloud. She found it almost impossible to believe that this couple that were awkwardly fighting in hushed tones were two of the most skilled and renowned hunters on Remnant. If she hadn't actually seen the both of them in action she would have thought the entire planet was in on some giant joke she didn't know about.

Jaune had aged well, all things considered and like his wife wore his changed form like he had been born with it. His golden blonde hair had faded to a bone white with a streak of Crimson red that ran down the middle but even at nearly thirty years old he still had it in the same scraggly mess from when she first met him at Beacon what seemed a lifetime ago. He still retained his slim build but were as before he looked lanky and clumsy he could now be described as lean; with whipcord like muscles which belied the fact that in terms of strength he could hold his own against a certain blonde haired brawler. At least until she used her good arm that is.

His own Grimm heritage didn't end at his hair or slightly paler complexion she noted. The hands he used to try and placate his wife with were tipped with blunt claws and had bone plates dotting the outside of his arms up to his elbows. A Short spike jutted up from both his knees with the left having looked to have been broken or cut off in fight sometime recently. The last thing that visibly marked him as inhuman was the bone white wolf-like tail that extended from his back and was currently tucked between his legs.

It was only after he was infected that they had been able to figure out the specie of Grimm that had infected him. A new breed of much more feral-like wolf Grimm that Salem had created to lead or replace the more common Beowulf that had been christened the Dirgehowl. As the name implied, the Dirgehowl could unleash a directed shock wave in the form of it's howl that could be potentially lethal, a trait Jaune had inherited much like Pyrrha had inherited the ability to breath fire from the Drake essence that had be forced into her.

It took Emerald several moments to realize that Pyrrha and Jaune had stopped their talking and were looking at Emerald as she gazed at them. She blushed and hung her head, her bangs covering her eyes as she looked at the ground. "S-sorry, didn't mean to stare at the both off you."

"You still blame yourself for me and Pyrrha being turned into Shaded, don't you Em?" Jaune's voice was quiet and consoling in its tone as he got up and moved next to Emerald. "You need to stop beating yourself up so much and trust me, I'm a bit of an expert on THAT particular subject."

The comment got a sad smile out of the former thief even as she shook her head. "If it wasn't for me... you and Pyrrha-" "Might or might not still be human." Interrupted Pyrrha as she moved to gently take one of Emerald's prosthetic hands in her own. "Even had you never met Cinder, there is no guarantee that Jaune and me could wouldn't have ended up like this anyway. What IS certain is that Without you or Mercury we wouldn't be here. We can't change what happened in the past, we can only go forward and make sure not to repeat those mistakes."

"I might not even have a future, at least one outside of a cage." Emerald scoffed gently as her two friends sat beside her. She smiled soft as Pyrrha gave her a loose hug and Jaune rested a hand on her shoulder.

"You will just have to trust in us and your actions Em, you breaking ranks from Cinder and Salem is what gave us the information to finally take the fight to them. No one can say what you did was easy or didn't shift the tide of the fight." Jaune smiled before the sound of the sole door opening caused him to look up. Standing at the door was a well dressed clerk with combed back hair and a nervous demeanor.

The man clear his throat causing Emerald and Pyrrha to look up. "T-the council has come to a decision, the defendant is to be led back to the court room for final verdict." Jaune chuckled at the man, able to feel the fear and anxiety that rolled off him in waves from being in a room with what he perceived as three monsters.

"Well at least they were quick about it, lets go get this over with so that we can get you out of this hole." Jaune smiled as he and Pyrrha we forced to step away from Emerald as the guards once again to up their positions. Once in position Emerald gave one last wave to her friends as she was led from the room to hear her future.

The court room that Emerald entered was missing several people from the audience, most notably the scientist and what little other non-functionaries that had been allowed to witness. The only new addition was a black haired man in his early thirties with eyes of green flecked with yellow standing near the double doors. Emerald knew him to be Oscar, the successor to Ozpin and the latest man to be burdened with the title of the wizard.

The sound of the head councilman's gavel rapping sharply on the lectern caused Emerald to jump as her eyes were drawn to the aged Atlisian councilman's features before he spoke. "I must say Ms. Sustrai that this has been on of the most interesting cases I have had to preside over in my long career as a councilman of Atlas. The role you played in the fall of Beacon alone should see you swinging from the gallows, not to mention the other myriad of acts that you have committed against the kingdoms in your time working with Cinder Fall."

Emerald gulped as her hand gently rubbed at her neck without her notice as she imaged the tightening of the noose as she looked at mixture of emotions that graced the different faces of the representatives as the head councilman continued. "That being said, we of the council cannot over look the role that you played in the taking down of Cinder and her master, this 'Salem'. If it were not for your efforts and your sacrifices, the Kingdoms would still most likely be at each others throats while the forces of Cinder and Salem continued on their quest for control of Remnant."

"When weighed against each other we, the council, have come to the agreement that your actions and the faith of some of the most prominent hunters and headmasters place in you outweigh your sins. You crimes have been pardoned but do not mistake that with them being forgotten. This chance you have been granted at a new life is not without it's restrictions and provisions. You will be under strict supervision by several different agencies from the kingdoms for as long as we see fit. One misstep and you will find yourself back in a cell and there will be no second chance, is that quite clear?"

Emerald could only nod dumbly in silence as several guards moved forward to unhook the several restraints on her arms, legs and wings. She was still having a hard time comprehending and even more so believing what was going on even as the councilman continued on. " For reasons quite beyond me you have been allowed to not only carry the weapons of a huntress but will also be given the position of apprentice hunter as your own skills, and new species, make you a potent weapon against the forces of Grimm. You will shadow a pair of elite hunters who will be both your teachers and your parole officers, reporting to them and receiving missions until such time as they deem you fit to be left to your own devices."

The Councilman gestured to Oscar as he stepped up beside the still distant looking Shaded woman, gently taking her by the shoulder. "Professor Oscar Solomon, deputy headmaster of Haven, will be escorting you to the huntsmen that will be your minders, they will have all possessions that were confiscated from you at the time of your arrest. With that I call the council of the four Kingdoms to an end."

Oscar could smile at as he led Emerald down the corridors of the Vale Central Courthouse halls, the dazed expression on her face a clear indication that she was still trying to process the fact that she had been pardoned and been give a rare second chance at life. "I hope you appreciate all the trouble that I and your friends have gone through to secure you this chance Emerald. I had to call in quite a few of my favors... well my predecessors favors, to see this happen."

Emerald only nodded as her mind was snapped out of her daze at Oscar's words as they continued to walk. The sharp clack of her talon's on the hard marble floor was the only sound that punctuated the air as she finally found her voice.

"So... I'm really free?"

Oscar looked over his shoulder and gave a small smile and nodded silently in response.

"Like I won't walk out of this place only to be tackled and thrown back into a hole?"

Oscar could barely suppress the mirth in his voice."I would hope not, it would be a rather cruel joke on the council's part for that to be true and I have yet to witness any form of levity to come from them, in this or any of my past lives."

"I still can't really believe that... I'm actually getting a second chance, I mean how many people who have done things like me get to say that?" Emerald's words were barely audible to Oscar but they still caused a sad smile to cross his face.

"Far to few if I were to be honest. Most who have followed a path similar to yours have had no real drive to seek redemption, and the few that have were rarely given the chance. You have been given quite the gift Emerald, I hope you do not squander it." Replied Oscar in a more serious tone as the pair approached a door.

A look of determination and resolve crossed Emerald's face as she trained all four of her eyes on the back of Oscar's head. "Trust me I won't, I made a promise to Pyrrha, Jaune, and Mercury. I may have been a thief and a cheat but that doesn't mean I don't have my own code of honor. So who are these Hunters that I am going to be shackled to for the foreseeable future anyway? I'm guessing that are some bad-ass no bullshit paragons of all that is good and holy, right?"

Oscar could only laugh and nod his head as he opened and held the door open for the former thief. "Oh they are indeed the most feared and honored hunter Remnant has seen in generations. To cross them in even the slightest way would be folly as they would hunt you down and bring you to swift justice."

Emerald gulped gently before taking a breath and stepping through the portal only to be nearly tackled into a rib crushing hug by an all too familiar red headed female.

"Oh I'm SO happy for you Emmie! Congratulations on earning your second chance! We couldn't be more proud or happy for you!" Pyrrha bubbled as she lifted her friend off her talons in a vice like hug, causing Emerald to struggle in discomfort.

"GAH! Personal space, personal SPACE!" Emerald gasped out as she managed to wiggled out of her friends grasp before looking around the near empty room only to see Jaune chuckling silently as he stood by several cases. "W-what are you two doing here?! I thought I was meeting up with the two hunters that I would b- wait... Oh no, Nononononono you are shitting me right?!"

"Nope." Pyrrha chirped, popping the P as Jaune moved forward with a large silver case in his left hand while wrapping his arm gently around his wife's waist as she continued. "We will be your parole officers and mentors while you re-enter society as a law sworn huntress."

"Honestly Em, did you really think we would let anyone else keep an eye on you to make sure you would stick to your promises?" Jaune asked as he watched Emerald groan and cup her face in her hands.

Emerald sighed and could only nod slowly as Oscar walked up behind her as she answered. "I REALLY should have but I thought that they would at least pick a pair of hunters that didn't have a few screws loose."

"Sadly, there has yet to be found such a hunter, let alone two that have had a full playing deck as it were." Quipped Oscar as he led Emerald to one of the vacant seats that were positioned around the room. "Of course, there are actual reasons for Mr. and Mrs. Arkos here to be the ones chosen as your, I feel mentors would be the word with the best fit."

Emerald nodded slightly, taking note of the more serious tone Oscar's voice had switched to as well as the professional looks that both her friends now sported. "I can only imagine that it would have to do with some of the 'inner works' of the world I was privy to when I was with Cinder, right?"

"Among other reasons, yes. Given your first hand experience with not only the maiden's but other secrets best kept from public knowledge I thought it best that you be watched by those already in the loop so as to minimize the risk of you accidentally revealing this knowledge." Oscar replied before taking out a intricate pocket watch from his breast pocket and popping the lid to check the time. Had anyone looked closely they would have seen the reflection of a mild aged man with spectacles and silver hair in the reflection on the inner surface of the watch.

"I will not lie to you Emerald, despite the trials you have gone through and the invaluable help you gave us against Salem I still do not fully trust you. It would be hard not to take such knowledge personally but the fact still stands that you aided in the killing of a maiden and the near destruction of an entire Kingdom. While you have made massive strides to prove your resolve of truly turning to walk on the path of the light I will need to see you continue this change for you to gain my full trust."

"I apologize but I must take my leave, the flight to Haven leaves soon and Headmaster Donovan has always been one for punctuality." Oscar nodded in way of goodbye to both Pyrrha and Jaune before turning and making his way out of the room.

Emerald was surprised to hear a low growl, causing her to look behind her to find Jaune as the source. She raised her hands defensively and smiled to disarm the tension that suddenly filled the room. "Calm down Jaunny boy, I honestly can't blame him for still not trusting me fully. I would actually think him a fool if he did."

"So does that mean you think me and Pyrrha are fools then?" Jaune asked, earning a scowl from Pyrrha and a soft shake of the head from Emerald.

"Hardly, I would like to think due to our time together as well as our shared change in species we have a slightly better understanding of each other. Also almost dying several times as you run for a sociopath scorpion-death stalker Faunus hybrid and his horde of Grimm tends to make it clear just who you can trust in a pinch." Emerald chuckled as she spoke, glad to see the serious look drain from the white haired man's face to be replaced with his normal good nature grin.

"I suppose you do have me there Em. I suppose I should be more used to no caring what other people think given our new forms but I've always worn my heart on my sleeve." Jaune smiled before hefting the case he held in one hand up. "Moving on from that pleasant chat, Pyrrha and I have a bit of a 'getting out of prison' present for you. I just hope they fit, would be kinda awkward if we go the measurements wrong."

Emerald tilled her head, a look of curiosity and anticipation crossing her face. "Oh you guys shouldn't have, what did you get me? A new pair of handcuffs in case you need to drag me back in for jay walking?"

"Well why don't you open it and find out Emerald?" Pyrrha replied with a hint of eagerness in her voice.

Emerald shrugged and undid the catches on the case as Jaune held it for her before lifting the lid. The sight that greeted her caused a lump to form in her throat as her eyes began to water. "Y-you guys... You really didn't have to do this... These must have cost a fortune."

Inside the case, secured in shock resistant foam sat two gleaming sliver prosthetic arms. Both had a segmented look as the outer layer was composed of multiple separate bands of elastic metal, contoured to give the impression of gently muscled arms and to provide a flexible housing for the artificial muscle bundles, pistons and circuitry that lay within. On each shoulder was stamped Emerald's personally heraldry, painted in a metallic emerald color.

Tears openly slid down Emerald's cheeks, landing on the softly shining arms as Pyrrha and Jaune simply smiled. Jaune set the case gently down on the vacant seat next to Emerald and pulled her into a gently hug, one the usually reserved woman returned. "You have been through so much Emerald, I doubt anyone other than me and Pyrrha could truly understand just how much. Despite all of that you still helped Pyrrha find each other. That alone is more than reason enough for use to see that you get the treatment that we know you have earned. So, do you need any help trying them on to take them for a spin?"

Emerald laughed, wiping the tears from her face with the crude prosthetic she had used for so many years and nodded. "I wouldn't mind a little help. It is more than a little tricky putting your arms on by yourself."

"We are more than willing to give you a hand or two Emmie." Pyrrha stated with a look of mischief in her eyes, causing her friend and husband to groan in near physical pain at the horrible pun.

"Remind me to beat Yang into the ground the next time I see her Emerald. She has corrupted my beautiful wife's mind with those horrid puns." Jaune sighed as he began taking the first arm out of the case while Emerald nodded and began to unhook her right arm from the connection point that had been surgically placed where her original shoulder had been. "I think the first think I will use these arms to do is help you with that Jaune, I have suffered enough in life already to have to hear jokes as bad as that."


A/N: if you need an actual visual aid for what Emerald's new arms just think the arm from the Winter Soldier from marvel as that is what I was trying to base them off.