Well folks I won't make any excuses for the massive gap between chapters. Honestly just lost the drive to write for a while and actually lost sight of what I was going for. Thankfully I have been getting the itch to write so stay tuned for more chapters, just don't expect anything too regular as I have thought up several new ideas and a lot more OCs to come into the story that I originally planned and I am still hammering a lot of the details out. Hopefully I won't fall off the face of the Earth again with my updates but make no promises. If I feel like it might be a while before my next chapter I will give a heads up. Well enough of my rambling, on with the story!


A Recut Gem

Chpt 8

'Breathing fire' has always been a common figure of speech to describe heated words between couples. In the Arkos household, unfortunately, the figure of speech was actually quite a factual statement as one Jaune Arc had found out to his personal chagrin early on in his marriage. Alas this was one of the pitfalls to being married to a Shaded woman with heritage from a Drake Grimm.

"JAUNE ARC! WHY IS OUR DAUGHTER RIDING ON THE BACK OF A HORSE SIZED WOLF AND WHY IS THERE A TANK IN OUR FRONT YARD!?"

Emerald winced as she, Nora, Ren, and Lizzy poked their heads around the door jam of the front entrance as they watched Pyrrha loom over her husband as small gouts of flames hissed through her clenched teeth with each breath. Pyrrha had never been one to anger easily, even after she became a Shaded and Emerald was glad as the Spartan was terror personified when irate.

"N-now Pyrrha sweety, she didn't ride home on one. She just wanted to sit on one and I said only when we got home and technically it isn't a tank but a armored fighting vehicle..." The hapless knight stuttered out as he shielded himself from the worst of his wife's heat with Croea Mors.

"I don't care WHAT the proper term is as the more pressing issue is that it is IN OUR DRIVEWAY." Pyrrha snapped before looking towards her daughter who was watching from the shoulders of a particularly scarred and grizzled looking wolf. "Praetoria Arkos! you get down from that thing right now young lady! Gods only know where that thing has been and what it has rolled in!"

Praetoria let out an 'aw' of disappointment at her mother's orders while pouting as one of the men of the group gently lifted her off. The man yelped in surprise as his armor glowed a dark grey before he was forcefully dragged towards the fuming woman of the house as soon as her daughter was safely on the ground.

"And just who ARE you people and WHY are you here!"

The man winced as heat washed over his face, causing him to squint. Emerald was now able to see that the man was actually a Faunus, a wolf if the lupine ears sticking up on his head was anything to go by. He was just slightly shorter than Jaune and wore a banded breastplate over a leather jerkin, the latter having intricate knotwork where the chest plate didn't fully cover. On his shoulders was a molted fur pelt of steel grey and white that matched his own hair color, Emerald idly wondered if it was natural or dyed to match. his right Eye was a milky blue-white sightless orb, the iris replaced with looked like a fractal knotwork pattern while his left was a golden hue flecked with black that had mortal fear written across it as he starred down the angry Pyrrha Arkos.

"M-my name is Fenris Frostmaw and t-they are my clansmen! We were hired by Glynda Goodwitch for a high priority relief mission and told to meet up with two other hunters on the Island of Patch to request their assistance!" Fenris babbled nearly incoherently before looking pleadingly over to Jaune. "I thought you informed your mate of our arrival?!"

Pyrrha switched her ire's target back to her husband who gulped as he went to cower partially behind his shield once more. "I did! Pyrrha, didn't you get any of the texts or messages I sent you? I must have left like five messages and a dozen text saying these guys found me and the group of Beacon students I was shadowing with a request from Glynda!"

"I haven't had any messages! At all!"

"When was the last time you checked your scroll?"

"I have it right wi-" Pyrrha stopped mid sentence before releasing her grip on Fenris's armor and began patting herself down, check her pockets for her scroll. Jaune peaked from behind his shield, watching his wife's face switch from anger to confusion. "I could have sworn I had it on me. I had it with me this morning..."

"You were going downstairs to do your morning routine when I left toady." Jaune stated. "You where in your workout clothing, did you leave it downstairs? You know that is a bad habit of your's since that outfit doesn't have any pockets..."

The silence that followed Jaune's question was deafening, the only answer Pyrrha could supply was her face going cherry red before she brought a hand to her face before heaving a prolonged sigh of frustration.

"...I'm still not happy about seeing Praetoria on a giant wolf." Pyrrha stated in a irritated voice muffled by her hand.

"Worried about old Hagar?" Fenris questioned as he hooked a thumb over his shoulder to the massive wolf who was now on his back with a hind leg kicking happily into the air as a gigling Praetoria rubbing his stomach with both hands. "Ah, he is a softie for little ones, couldn't bring harm to 'em if his life depended on it. Only thing he is dangerous to is Grimm and the clan meat supplies."

There was another beat of silence before a thoroughly annoyed looking Pyrrha spun on her heels and stomped back inside muttering darkly to herself as Jaune and Fenris collapsed onto their backsides before heaving a breath of relief in unison. Emerald and company flattened themselves against the wall as Pyrrha marched past on her way to retrieve her scroll. Once the agitated spartan had disappeared down the basement stairs the group moved outside to the still sitting Jaune and Fenris.

"You should probably get up and contact Glynda before Pyrrha comes back up Jaune. I don't think she is in the best mood right now." Ren stated matter-of-factly as he held out his hand to help his friend up.

"Would you like to also point out that fire is hot and water is wet while you're stating the obvious?" Fenris asked sarcastically as he pushed himself up from the ground. All-father and his sons protect who ever gets on lady Arkos's bad side."

"Good thing it is fairly simple to keep on her good side, at least for me." Jaune smirked slightly before his expression became more serious. "Did Glynda tell you any details about the mission Fenris? I know she was aware that Pyrrha and I were going to take a bit of down time to help get our friend back on her feet. It isn't like her to send out a pack of hunters and their giant wolves just on a random relief mission."

"She gave us a contract and files that stated we were to assist a settlement in danger and to provide whatever help we could to two of her most trusted huntsmen and that was about it. One thing she did tell me to say is that for you at least it would be a good fight to tell as a fairy tale and that old friends might be involved."

Ren, Jaune and Nora all stiffened at Fenris's last statement in such a subtle way that anyone not looking for it would miss. Fenris narrowed his eyes as he let out a displeased hum at the reaction. His hum cause the rest of the heavily armed and armored members of his clan to shift into a more weary stance, even Hagar rolled back to his feet and nudged a perplexed Praetoria out of the way any direct line of fire.

"She always was a little cryptic on some things, I'll contact her and iron out the details." Jaune stated with a reassuring smile, time and life having forced him to drastically improve his once notoriously bad poker face. "I'll fill you in on all the details once I get them Fenris, until then just sit tight and help yourself to some refreshments. Kitchen is in the back and don't worry about eating use out of house and home, we aren't strangers to big gatherings so we have plenty."

Fenris raised a eyebrow before nodding his thanks and giving a subtle hand gesture to which caused his tensed clansmen relaxed. "We wouldn't want to impose, especially in this our first meeting though I thank you for the gesture."

"Well the offer stands, I'll get back to you as soon as I am done talking with Glynda and getting the full details." Jaune turned towards his sister and scratched the back of his head gently. "Hey Liz, mind taking Tori and getting her a snack and set up for the evening."

"No problem." Lizzy smiled and beckoned the young shaded over to which Praetoria happily did. "if you do take the job don't worry, I can watch the squirt until you guys get back."

"Me and Renny don't have anything better to do so we can grab some stuff and keep you company!" Nora stated as she hobbled over to Liz and Praetoria. "Our apartment can get so boring when you are just sitting around eating pancakes all day. That and the landlord is such a wet blanket, he won't let me work on Maghild in the building."

"He has every right to limit what is allowed on his property Nora." Ren stated with a sigh.

"Oh, you are just taking his side because you are allowed to work on stormflower."

"He allows me to work on Stormflower as it doesn't classify as light artillery Nora..."

"Yesh, you cause several instances of structural damage and people never let you live it down."

Fenris blinked and looked to Jaune while Emerald covered her face as the two friends bickered back and forth. "Are they always like this?"

"Pretty much, they have been joined at the hip since before we met in beacon." Jaune replied with a shrug. "You get used to it pretty fast."

"I still think you guys are still WAY too cheerful all the time." Emerald stated but a small, tired smile crossed her face robbing her words of the malice they once held.

While Ren and Nora continued their good natured banter Jaune excused himself to the office and Emerald elected to follow him. While normally she would have left well enough alone she had seen the subtle reaction Fenris's message from Glynda had caused. She wasn't privy to the complete inner workings of the reformed brotherhood but she wasn't exactly stupid or oblivious either.

"You know you guys might want to rethink about your secret codes and phrases Jaune."

"I don't want to sound rude Emerald but as of right now I don't think you need to be involved."

Emerald gritted her teeth at the rather blunt statement and folded her arms across her stomach. "Oh cut the crap Jaune, I lost the ability to not get involved long before I met any of you. Hell it's my involvement that is a major reason you guys didn't want me to sit and rot in a jail cell and it was either let me work with you guys and put my experience to good use or plant my birdy ass in an unmarked grave."

Jaune paused as his hands hovered over the holo-screen and keyboard before he sighed and nodded wearily. Jaune tapped silently away on the screen as the gentle hum of noise cancelers built into the wall sprung to life and a soundproof shutter silently slid into place blocking out the bay window.

"Sorry Emerald, I get a little surly when brotherhood matters pop up. Honestly I hate the cloak and dagger crap that follows my family around like a shadow." Jaune sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel the aggravation and frustration he was emitting which caused the darker urges to bubble to the surface. The thought of ending the sources of these emotions and indulging on the negative emotions he could draw out was banished before it fully manifested.

"I understand that you want to be kept in the loop, but right now you aren't in a position to help. Well at least not directly, we will need someone to take care of Tori while we are away."

"Didn't I say I wasn't going to be a glorified nanny?"

"It is only until you are armed and ready to head back out." Pyrrha reassured as she appeared in the door way before stepping in and closing the door. "Besides I don't think Glynda or any of the head members of the brotherhood wanted you back in the field on these kinds of assignments just yet."

Emerald gave a huff of annoyance. "Well seeing as being useful is directly related to keeping me breathing that old hag can kiss my ass when I want to stick my nose in."

"While your self preservation is admirable Miss Sustrai I would advise from prying into things that you shouldn't, seeing as that is what got you into your current position." Replied a cold and stern voice which caused the former thief to go ridged.

Behind Emerald on the desk the holo-screen of the computer had blinked into life as soon as it registered the room secure, allowing the latest headmaster of Beacon to listen in on Emerald's statement. Glynda Goodwitch's features showed the wear from years and events. Once shimmering blonde hair was now streaked with grey and her face was marked with worry lines and Nevermore's feet. Despite these obvious signs of aging Glynda wore them well and could still be considered attractive by any standard. Time had also not affected her most important feature.

Her glare.

Emerald slowly, haltingly, turned around as a bead of sweat forming at her temple. Baleful green eyes greeted her own red and bored into her with laser like intensity, causing Emerald's fight or flight instincts to kick into overdrive.

"GAH!"

Emerald jumped away from the desk, quickly ducking behind Jaune and forcing him to Bring Croea Mors up and deploying the shield. The bewildered knight had little time to react as the unfolding segments caught him in the chin, the force making him go cross-eyed. Emerald poked her head around Jaune's shoulder and shield, her own glare of annoyance locking onto Glynda's.

"Watch were you point that glare of yours lady! Libel to kill someone!"

The faintest traces of a smile tugged at Glynda's lips as she spoke."I didn't think you spooked so easily miss Sustrai."

Emerald's scowled deepened as she emerged from behind Jaune who shook his head trying to regaining his wits. "Listen Goodwitch, I have stared down a pissed off Cinder and the closest thing to evil incarnate on several occasions so I am a bit of a expert on what constitutes a 'evil glare'! Let me tell you that you gave both of them a run for their money so excuse me for flinching!"

"I can't tell if I should be flattered or insulted by that Miss Sustrai."

"Back handed complements are a forte of mine so take it as both."

The slight smirk that graced Glynda's lips disappeared as quickly as it had come

You do like to walk a fine line, don't you miss Sustrai? So other than testing my patience is there any particular reason you are gracing this private meeting with your presence?"

"You already heard why." Emerald stated before crossing her arms across her chest. " I Just want to be kept in the loop. Since I'm going to get sucked back in sooner or later I might as well get right to it. Saves you the trouble of catching me up any more than you have too."

"Not the worst reasoning I've heard Glynda." Jaune stated as he collapsed Croea Mors back down to a sheath before clipping the venerable weapon back to his belt. "She is quite literally in the middle of the lions den and we have her under as heavy surveillance as the brotherhood can allow without tipping our hand to the councils. She has promised to go on the level and Pyrrha and I believe in her."

While we have seen fit to make use of Emerald's knowledge and... talents, we of the brotherhood still have our reservations about giving her access to certain knowledge and have need of her to prove herself before we can start to place any amount of trust into Her." Glynda stated before gently pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Pyrrha clicked her tongue at the response, causing Glynda to turn her attention to the red-head. "Really Glynda? After everything Emerald has been through with us, all of the times she could have slipped away or turned on us and she still isn't trustworthy? Do those actions and our belief in her really count for so little?"

Glynda hesitated for a heart beat, seemingly choosing her next words carefully. "I trust you and Jaune implicitly, Pyrrha. However due to Miss Sustrai's semblance and her prior actions we cannot say just how genuine your belief in her is."

The silence that follows the statement is complete enough that the whine of servos straining as two robotic fists clench can be clear. Pyrrha and Jaune turn to see Emerald with head bowed and teeth gritted.

"It's always because of my semblance... Ever since it awoke I have been alone, untrusted, and feared." Emerald's voice is barely above a whisper as she speaks. "It only got worse when I realized not only could I alter perception but memories and emotions as well. Do you really think me messing around in someone's head doesn't have serious drawbacks? It's a two-way street, to get into someone's head I have to let them into mine and the experience is far from pleasant for either parties. Why else do you think I almost never used my semblance to do more that alter a person's physical perceptions?"

Pyrrha placed a hand on Emerald's shoulder comfortingly as she met Glynda's stare head on. "Our faith and belief in Emerald isn't forged Glynda. I wouldn't expect a human to fully understand but Shaded are connected in a way humans and Faunus aren't. We are empathic beings now Glynda, trying to mess with our thoughts and feelings is nearly impossible at this point and even if she were to succeed then Jaune or I would be able to sense the irregularity in each other."

Glynda arched an eyebrow as she digested Pyrrha's explanation. The fact of the matter was very little was known about the just over decade old new specie other than base physiological information. The mental changes and quirks of the race had barely been looked at let alone studied and most likely would take decades if not centuries of study and research to be fully comprehended by anyone outside of the species. "I suppose that is very true. Forgive me for my earlier statement but you must realized that I must think of this in terms of what Miss Sustrai is capable of doing to a human mind."

Jaune gave a mirthless chuckle as he shook his head. "Just another thing we will add to the list of things the you and the brotherhood need to apologize for."

Glynda sighed heavily knowing that despite continued relations she and the actions she was associated with had had caused a rift between her and her form pupils. "I realize that your involvement with the Brotherhood has been less than ideal and your joining the ranks less than willing but we do value your assistance and continued involvement despite the past."

"Well it was like we were going to just let the Brotherhood continue without some sort of oversight." Jaune retorted. "We wouldn't want you to go all "the needs of the many outweigh those of the few" again and try shoving the weight of the world on some poor girl's shoulders. There are enough martyrs as it is without people actively trying to create them..."

"Jaune..."

Jaune held up a gauntleted hand, effectively cutting the older huntress off. "We've been over this Glynda. Apologies won't change the past or undo the trauma. What you can do is let us help you not make the same mistakes twice."

Jaune cast a brief glance to the still quiet Emerald, noting that her eyes flickered dimly as she sought to keep a level head. "Some people at least know and admit that the wrongs they have done are too great to totally be forgiven but will strive to atone for them as much as they can. The brotherhood must do the same."

Glynda sighed and gave a sad smile, allowing her business like mask to fall off as true emotions crossed her face. "It saddens me to think when I first saw you all those years ago that I had such little faith in you becoming anything let along the hunter and person you are today."

Jaune could only return the sad smile, his own reserves of mental stamina draining from keeping the build up of negative emotions from getting to him. "It saddens me to have learned that people I thought were heroes were capable of sacrificing others."

"Yeah well life sucks, get a fucking helmet."

The rather blunt statement snapped the gathered hunters out of their melancholy and bitterness as all eyes turned back to Emerald. "The only options are between bad and worse so we have to suck it up and make the bad options as good as they can get so the blind masses can keep believing in black and white with happily ever afters."

Glynda blinked in surprise at the statement before schooling her face back into it's customary neutral expression and nodding. "While rather crass Miss Sustrai's words ring true. I feel that we have picked at old wounds long enough, might we continue with the mission briefing?"

"Still want me to take a hike Goodwitch?" Emerald asked in a tired tone while hooking a thumb over her shoulder at the study door. "I think I've caused enough distractions for one day and am too drained to argue further."

The aging huntress paused for a beat before shaking her head. "While I should ask you to leave I doubt you will not find out as I cannot physically stop Jaune or Pyrrha from relaying the information."

"Splendid, do please continue Glynda." Pyrrha stated as a warm smile gracing her face.

Glynda nodded before promptly beginning. "While I do understand that both you and Jaune were to take several days away from missions to assist Miss Sustrai acclimate to her new life the unfortunate passing of the winter maiden, Elsa Evergreen, has come earlier that anticipated."

As she spoke, Glynda's window shrank as a portrait of a elderly woman appeared in a new window along with texts and files that scrolled beneath it. The now deceased maiden had a grandmotherly air to her, with long steel grey hair done into a modest bun in a traditional Valian fashion common to the northern most settlements. The text files that scrolled beneath her stated the maiden had lived to the ripe age of 78 and listed several descendants and a spouse.

Jaune pulled out his scroll and opened it to tablet form and began skimming through the available data. "Was she killed or anything suspicious about her death?"

Glynda shook her head. "None that we can see from the medical reports that are available but that is one of the things the brotherhood would like you to look into. Elsa was a somewhat reclusive person with a nature befitting the winter maiden. She was still actively traveling until several years ago and had settled in with her son and his family. She and her family had been living in a small satellite village just outside Atlas's border but just over a year ago she and her family moved to a newly settled village due to her son being offered a lucrative job."

"What does he do for a living?" Pyrrha questioned as she began sorting through the files collected on the maiden's family.

"He is a foreman for dust mining operations who was in the employ of the former Schnee dust company." Glynda answered as she once more gently pushed her glasses up her nose. "He now works under the NEW Schnee dust name. The site of the mines and village is actually one with quite the history. It was originally a proposed settlement site for both Vale and Mistral, one of the many contested areas that lead to the great war."

Another window opened showing what looked a volcano on the coast that had blown out it's side, leaving a horseshoe shaped caldera with the open side facing the ocean and a near third of the inner area forming a natural and well protected cove. Jaune let out a low whistle as the tactician on him could only appreciate the site.

"I can see why that it was a contested area, that place is a dream come true in terms of natural defenses. Mountainous terrain all around, clear open access to the ocean and if that volcano is extinct then it must be just riddled with dust veins!"

"Which is why one Whitley Schnee has taken interest in the colonization of the site." Glynda agreed.

Emerald gave a humorless chuckle. "And just what do you think the odds of ol' Shitley Schnee picking a foreman that just so happens to be related to an aging Maiden who happens to have several granddaughters?"

"Highly unlikely." Glynda supplied as her tone darkened. "He has also only paid lip service to the defense of the town proper while most of his forces are continuing mining operations with a drive bordering reckless. Add to the fact that the Lost contingent that has taken to leading the sieging Grimm forces seems extremely driven and well coordinated even by their standards yet are 'repulsed' at the eleventh hour make this all highly suspect."

"He is looking for something, not just the maiden." Pyrrha concluded. "And someone is helping him use the Lost. The only person with that kind of knowledge on how to control them would be."

"Watts..." Emerald hissed through gritted teeth. "Doubt he will be on site, that fuck won't fight unless he has too."

"Regardless of where he is, it is vital that we both secure the maiden and save the town." Glynda stated. "As of now Vale is mobilizing a relief force in the form of the newly established Vale Defense Force but they won't be able to mobilize for at least a few more days. In the mean time Vale has commissoned several large scale hunter contracts as a stop gap measure. They are only for large groups of hunters which is the only reason I hired this Fenris Frostmaw and his clansmen. All they need to know is that this is a relief mission, I would advise you to stick to that story. After securing the maiden and her family your secondary objective is to find out as much as you can on if Watts is truely connected to Whitley Schnee and what the two are looking for besides the maiden."

Jaune let out a soft growl as he crossed his arms in front his chest. "I REALLY don't like the idea of Whitley getting wind of magic and the maidens but I hope you are not expecting us to use this Fenris guy and his group as cannon fodder."

"I don't expect you to Jaune. If things look like they are going badly I want you to get as many civilians out of harms way as possible. This might be the first time a lead on Watts has surfaced in years since he went to ground but it most certainly won't be the last. We will have another chance to learn more and now we at least have a perspective link between him and Whitley Schnee."

Jaune gave a small sigh of relief and nodded. "Well at least we can agree on that then. We will make sure the new maiden is safe and get her and her family out of the reach of anyone looking to exploit her. If thinks get really bad we will do all we can to evacuate as many people out of there with her, would actually be easier to keep this from looking suspicious if that were the case."

"Are you saying you WANT the Lost and the Grimm to wipe this town out Jaune?" Pyrrha asked as she turned her gaze to her husband.

"W-what!? N-no! Of course I don't! I'm just saying that it would be better cover to evacuate large groups of people instead of just one particular family!" Jaune spluttered as he waved his hands defensively in front of him causing all present to smile despite the rather dark humor.

"Hopefully you will be able to find a good cover story as to why you are evacuating just one family that doesn't include letting a town fall to the Grimm." Glynda stated levelly though a ghost of a smile crossed her face.

"I have sent all the information we have on the area and the forces in them, both Schnee and Grimm, that we have available. I wish you both luck and do pass that on to Fenris and his friends. Just make sure that you keep them as unaware of your secondary goals as possible, I needn't remind you that keeping the maiden and her family safe is only matched in importance to saving this town."

Jaune nodded. "On that we can agree. Just one more thing Glynda, what is the plan in regards to the Maiden and her family after we get them out?"

"That... Well we will cross that bridge when we get to it." Glynda sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose as exhaustion crept into her voice. "Right now priority is saving both the maiden and this town. We can work out the details as we go."

"Never thought you'd be one to fly by the seat of your pants Goodwitch." Emerald chuckled dryly which caused Glynda to frown and sigh once more.

"I'm not but fate rarely gives us the time or the means to do little else. Don't think you will be able to feel smug for too long Miss Sustrai, I intend to make sure you work to earn the second chance you were given."

Emerald scowled as with those parting words Glynda cut the transmission with Emerald throwing several crude gestures to where the holo-screen once was. "Geez she needs to get laid."

"To be fair Emerald you aren't exactly the easiest person to get along with." Pyrrha commented causing the form thief to grumble in grudging agreement.

Jaune nodded silently as he briefly scanned through the files Glynda had sent once more before closing his scroll. "I actually would have liked you to come with us on this one. Next to Blake you are probably the best choice when it comes to intel gathering. I think it is best to not test Glynda too much though, we are probably going to catch hell from the other heads of the Brotherhood for allowing you to sit in on this let along taking you along."

Jaune began shutting down the privacy measures as he spoke, once more allowing natural light to filter through the bay window as the shutter retracted. Emerald was surprised at the color of the light that came in. By the look of it they had been talking for the better part of an hour.

"How long do you think you will need to get ready Pyrrha? I'd like to get moving before too long."

"Not long Jaune, I just need to reassemble Psíthyros and get my combat gear and traveling equipment ready."

As the couple began discussing the particulars and whether or not their airship could accommodate all the great wolves Emerald could only smile. "Well while you two get all geared up I will run back to the guest house and grab some stuff for me and Liz. I doubt you need it but I'd be a crappy friend if I didn't wish you luck."

"Well we aren't the only ones that will be needing luck. I hope you are ready to for your first taste of day-to-day life at our humble house." stated causing Emerald to chuckle.

"Oh please, I'm not the one that has to rescue a maiden and stop a horde of Grimm lead by a group of Lost in the middle of a Schnee occupation. Granted Nora will be lurking around but between me, Ren and Liz and Nora's injuries I doubt she will give us TOO much trouble."

"It isn't Nora you have to worry about..." Pyrrha warned which only caused Emerald to chuckle even more.

"Oh come on, are you actually trying to imply that Praetoria will be more trouble then a Nora? She is five, how hard can it be to keep her in line and occupied?"

Jaune and Pyrrha looked to each other as each gave a tired knowing smile to the other before walking past Emerald. The avian Shade raised a eyebrow as both gave her a consoling pat on her shoulders as they passed before exiting out the door without a word. She watched the couple shake their heads as the turned the corner and out of sight, leaving Emerald with a questioning look on her face.

"Guys?"