Aurum spent the next week in monotony, filing forms and setting up records. Technically she didn't exist at all until a week ago, so most of it was explained away by saying she lived in a village that was destroyed in a grimm attack, and that she and her son were the only survivors. After that was 'training' for her job, mainly getting told things she had learned years prior by people far less qualified than she, and relearning the layout of Shade.

After that was done, Aurum settled into her new life, slow hours at work turned into days of repetition, which turned into weeks of routine. Before she knew it, the new year had come and gone, and with it came the new school year. Aurum had spent the past half a year getting to know her fellow staff, and the school she would be working at, though she had yet to make any real friends.

As spring came however, Theodore pulled her into his office to discuss her upcoming position change. Aurum entered the now familiar office and quickly took a seat, greeting Theodore with a polite hello as he worked on the last of the paperwork on his desk.

As he finished up, Theodore spoke suddenly, "Apologies Aurum, I'm a tad behind on paperwork as of late." Theodore filed through some folders on his desk, eventually coming to a rather thick one labeled 'Lazuli, Au' He opened the folder and laid it out on the desk for them both to read.

In the file was a portrait photo of Aurum, along with several other photos of her, one of her weapon, one of her newly issued huntress ID, a few newspaper clippings, and a whole ream of documents with the words 'After Action Report' at the top in bold letters.

Theodore spread the large stack of papers out to show the sheer volume of them, at least seventy individual mission files were there, all of them marked as solo and completed in full. Theodore gave Aurum a half glare, half sympathetic stare, and spoke softly, "Do you have a deathwish Aurum?"

Aurum shrunk slightly in her chair, Theodore continued, "You've been a registered huntress for just over five and a half months, and in that time you've undertaken seventy eight solo missions, and looking at these, these aren't run of the mill missions either! These are missions that should require no less than a full team of graduates!"

Aurum opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Theodore's continued scolding, "Honestly, that you lived through taking all of these is a sign of either unbelievable luck, unmatched skill, or some insane combinatio…"

Aurum smirked slightly, and stifled a small laugh. "You used the Relic of Hope… *sigh* Tell me, what were the average odds of completing these missions?"

Aurum's smirk died a little, and her face sobered, "Ehm… roughly ninety eight percent… Give or take a couple percent based on the mission…"

Theodore rubbed his temples while looking down in frustration, "Look. While your blue friend makes it easier for you, you understand what this looks like on paper right? A rookie shows up, takes the license exam, and starts decimating the mission boards?"

Aurum gave him a blank stare, and Theodore sighed, "You're standing out. Too much in fact, you're going to attract some unwanted attention if you suddenly become huntress of the century over the course of a year, your average huntsman puts away a solid twenty five or so missions in this amount of time, taking breaks for family and friends, life in general. About one a week usually. You did three a week, triple the average. That amount of missions is normally only done by people with nothing to lose. And usually not for very long, because that pace leads to those people with nothing to lose, losing the last thing they have left, their life.

"The fact you've lived this long while slamming out missions like this, shows one thing to whoever is observant enough to look, you're dangerous, either because you have legendary skills, or because you don't care what happens to you. In any case, It needs to stop, or at least slow down, at this rate, you're going to bring Salem knocking at our doorstep just to kill you off."

Aurum's mouth hung open a little bit, her mind processing Theodore's words slowly. After a moment passed where Aurum collected her thoughts, she responded, "Ehm, well, you have a point… I guess… It was always my dream as a girl to be a Huntress, to be the one to make a difference by protecting others… I guess now that I have the chance to be literally the greatest huntress to ever exist… I don't want to throw it away, you know? Why hold myself back when I have the power to wipe mission boards clean all on my own?"

Theodore sighed into his hand, "Look, Aurum… all I'm asking, is for you to take care of yourself. You have a Son, don't work yourself to death and leave him here alone."

Aurum nodded slowly, "I can do that I think… but… honestly, If I can? I'm going to try my best to be one of the greats. As a little girl I always wanted to be the hero who saved lives with a smile… But now, I want to be the huntress people always thought was just a fairy tale, the hero to as many people I can possibly save."

Theodore's look grew concerned, "Just please promise me you'll be careful."

Aurum nodded slightly, "I will be. I promise."

Aurum was currently straight up not having a good time.

A few weeks of monotony and routine had passed since Theodore had pulled her into his office, her first classes were set up, and she had been going over the curriculum she wanted to teach. She had also slowed down on missions 'slightly', In reality, doing what equated to one less mission a month.

Though, currently, none of that was the source of her displeasure. At this point in time, Aurum was struggling her way through battle with a, frankly, stupidly massive blindworm. She had accepted what had been listed as a 'team' difficulty level mission, and had expected a challenge, but upon arriving at the cave where the Grimm was, she realized that the mission description had undersold just what exactly was awaiting her.

The end result, was that Aurum was forced to use her trump card for the second time since she had come up with it. One second, Aurum was inches from being swallowed by the beast of a Grimm, her Scythe held in front of her in a vain attempt to block the worm from swallowing her whole.

The next, a streak of bright blue light surrounded the worm, and an extremely loud crack resonated through the cavern, the worm had dozens of large gashes in it, and Aurum was stood several yards away, sweat sheening on her forehead and adrenaline pumping through her veins, her ears rang from the noise she had just created in her wake, and her breathing was labored. But she had made it out alive.

Later that day, as she arrived back at haven and collapsed in bed, but exhausted as she was, sleep didn't come. Instead she laid in contemplation. She really had nearly died. Almost entirely wasted her second chance because she went in like she was a one woman army.

After a few minutes of musing on how she was going to somehow not die while keeping up her recent pace, an idea popped into her head. Quickly, the world around her slowed to a halt, and Rose appeared from within her weapon as it rested in the corner.

"You know, That was risky what you did today, you won't always have enough time to bail yourself out with that trick, nor can you use it to get away. Once you do that you have about 5 minutes, and about 1000 feet of wiggle room. Any longer or further and you're out of luck." Rose spoke as she appeared, chiding Aurum for her carelessness

Aurum frowned, "I know… though I didn't know it had limits… Anyways, the reason I summoned you is I have an idea, but I don't know if It would work…"

Rose raised an eyebrow, "And that idea is?"

"You're me right? You have all the same experiences?" Rose nodded, and Aurum continued, "So, you know how to fight right?"

Rose's eyes widened slightly, understanding now what Aurum was asking, "U-uhm… I don't… know if that would be allowed? I can ask though, give me juuuust a second here… Mmmhmm… oh!... Okay… Cool!" Rose nodded and mumbled to herself for a few seconds, "Wow… I can't believe I'm saying this but uh, at least while I'm summoned, I can totally fight alongside you, like, in whatever way I want!"

Aurum blinked, "Wait really? Cool! So, just like any time you're summoned you can help out?"

Rose smiled brightly, "Yep! I can't wait, I haven't fought anyone seriously in decades!"

Returning her smile, Aurum hugged Rose, thanking her before dismissing her, allowing time to resume.

Time passed, as it tended to do. Days turned into weeks, which turned into months. Aurum fell into a comfortable routine, toning down missions as the school year started, finding a surprising amount of joy in teaching the student hopefuls of the future.

As the months flew by, the mission boards across Vacuo slowly began to thin out, at first, there were just over a thousand outstanding missions and bounties, but after another half year passed of Aurum steadily taking over a dozen missions a month, the mission boards fell under a thousand for the first time since they had been established over 50 years prior.

Aurum noted that on the occasions where she ventured into the city proper, there was an air of recognition that she had never quite felt before. A feeling like people knew just who she was.

In her first year back on remnant, she had taken 119 missions off of the board, nearly a new world record, beaten out only by the Grimm Reaper, who held the record at 143.

Other than teaching, and going on missions, much of her spare time was spent caring for Cobalt, who had done quite a bit of growing from the adorable baby he was, he had taken his first steps a few weeks after Rose had started fighting at Aurum's side, and had said his first word a couple weeks after that, "Ma-ma".

As shortly after the year turned, Cobalt would turn two, with Aurum learning that Cobalt was a surprisingly calm toddler, with his so called 'terrible twos' being incredibly mild, limited to some complaining and whining when not getting his way.

More months passed, with Aurum picking up her pace on the mission boards, becoming more and more confident in her skills. By now, she had gained considerable renown. Single handedly pulling the mission boards down by another eighty missions, some of which had been on the boards for over a decade. The active listings now sitting just a hair under nine hundred active missions.

Her skill would improve by leaps and bounds as she got more experience, and her popularity would continue to grow. By the time the second year came around, she had nearly matched the Grimm Reaper's record, with 139 missions done in one calendar year.

Cobalt was now talking coherently, and had grown out of his slight selfishness. He had even started to talk in a strangely formal manner, not liking the idea of contractions once they were explained to him.

He had also shown signs of something else, though Aurum wasn't quite sure of it yet. Time would prove her suspicions correct though. Due to being born in the inbetween, and to the parents he had, Cobalt was a complete soul, more akin to the first wave of humanity than he was to Ruby or any of the other people still alive, because of that, he could cast magic, though not very well.

For now he was simply able to conjure lights to entertain himself, and in time would stop doing so, not entertained any longer, and not thinking to explore it further. Aurum was relieved at that, counterintuitive as it seemed. By the time he had stopped, he had grown to be three and a half, and had grown bored with it.

In the meantime, Aurum had fallen into what some people (Theodore) would consider a nearly suicidal routine. Her average week consisted of going on 5 missions, teaching her classes at shade, and raising Cobalt in the downtime.

Eventually, as most are wont to do when working nearly 80 hour workweeks for months, going on a year on end, Aurum burnt out. Coming home on a brisk November evening to the sound of Cobalt playing with Rumpole in her apartment, Aurum plopped down onto the couch she had bought for the place the year prior, and passed out within a minute.

When she woke, it was dark and quiet. Clearly in the middle of the night, Aurum took account of her surroundings, she felt a warm mass on her left side, sure enough settled between her body and the cushions was a sleeping Cobalt, snuggling up to her and hugging her tight. There was a blanket over the two that hadn't been there before.

In the silence of her apartment, after ensuring there was no threat, she realized she had just woken due to restlessness. Aurum let out a massive sigh, sinking into the cushions and embracing her son's sleeping form tighter than before. Not feeling like going back to sleep just yet, Aurum thought about her new life so far, and her son's new life… Her cheeks were wet.

"Wha… Why am I crying?" She said aloud softly, "Rose?"

In the darkness of the apartment, Aurum could barely tell the difference, but the room got imperceptibly quieter as glowing blue smoke pooled around the couch, taking the form of Rose, who was now the only source of light in the dark room.

Rose, now fully formed, had a sad smile on her face. She reached out and brushed some of the tears away from Aurum's cheeks, saying softly, "Hey…"

Aurum's confusion compounded, as did the waterworks coming from her eyes, her mind wandered slightly to the future, and what would happen to her son should one of these countless missions go awry. It was then that she felt a strange feeling in her chest. And saw Rose's sad smile turn to a concerned frown, her face being flashed every so once in a while with faint blue tinted light.

"Hey, hey… you're okay, nothing's gonna happen to you, Cobalt is right there, he's gonna be fine."

Aurum internally realized she was hyperventilating, but her mind was muddied, her thoughts and feelings were blending together, the internal struggle within her clouding her thinking.

"R-rose? What's? Why…" Aurum struggled to speak

"Shhh shh, petal, you're having an anxiety attack, remember what future me did? The cards? I want you to hyperfixate, just pick something, anything, and focus on it."

Aurum did so, choosing Rose's face, as she hyperventilated and tears poured from her eyes, she focused intently on studying Rose's face, how her skin glowed a soft blue light, her silver eyes glimmering in the dark.

Aurum's hyperventilating began to slow, her breath steadying as her mind slowly began to relax. Aurum calmed down quickly after that, her panic and anxiety settling to 'normal' levels. As she did, she heard a small voice from her chest. "Mama?"

Both Aurum and Rose's gazes drifted to the previously sleeping form of Cobalt, now rubbing his eyes as he woke, "Who is the cool blue lady mama?"

Aurum's eyes widened, "U-uhm, that's your uh… Auntie Rose, kiddo, she just came to visit me, and I didn't want to wake you.

Rose flashed a smile before adding, "Hi sweetie! It's nice to meet you! Your mama has told me lots about you. She loves you lots, you know that?"

Cobalt smiled through his sleepiness, "Nice to meet you Auntie…" he turned to look at Aurum, "I'm sleepy mama, can I sleep in your bed tonight?"

Aurum smiled softly, "Sure sweetie, me and Rose were just finishing up."

Aurum stood and picked up her son by his arms, letting him curl up against her chest while she walked them to her bedroom.

The next day, Aurum awoke to the sound of her son's voice, "Mama! Mama! Someone is at the door!"

Aurum groaned as she sat up, her eyes were heavy, and her body was achy all over. Slowly, she walked to the door and answered, not caring for her disheveled appearance, as she pulled the door open, she was greeted by Theodore, though he paused slightly upon seeing how she looked, "Ah, Aur… hm. Aurum, I've come because, to put it frankly, you're working too hard. I'm asking… no, I'm telling you, take a week or two off. You're no good to anyone waking up at…" Theodore checked his watch, "Two in the afternoon on a wednesday. Looking like that, and coming home from missions so tired you can't even make it to your bed."

Aurum opened her mouth to retort, but was cut off as soon as she tried by Theodore continuing, "No arguing Aurum, I've already arranged for a substitute teacher, and approved your paid time off, enjoy the next two weeks, recharge, maybe go somewhere."

Aurum sighed, though she was secretly glad, especially given the events of the previous night, "Alright Theo, I'll give it a shot."

Aurum shut the door before Theodore could respond, walking back to her bedroom and into the bathroom where she took account of how she looked. Her hair was mussed, a definite case of bedhead, worsened by the fact she had slept on the couch for half the night. There were large bags under her eyes, and slight stress lines on her forehead.

Sighing to herself, she began her simple routine, making herself somewhat presentable, though almost nothing could hide the tired look on her face. After a shower and makeup, she left her room to find cobalt playing with one of his toy sets on her bed, idly making small noises to himself as he played.

As Aurum came out of the bathroom, Cobalt looked up and smiled wide at her while tilting his head questioningly, "Hi Mama! Who was at the door?"

"Oh, it was just Theodore kiddo… Say, do you wanna take a trip with me Cobalt?"

Cobalt's face lit up, "A trip? Where are we going Mama?"

Aurum smiled warmly, thinking for a moment before speaking, "I was thinking, I want to show you where I grew up! Does that sound like a good idea sweetie?"

"A trip where you grew up? Where is that, mama?" Cobalt asked curiously

"Vale"

Aurum had texted Theodore her plans, and given the timeframe, he arranged for her to be on a flight to Vale that departed later that very day. After quickly packing her bags, Aurum and Cobalt were off to the air docks to catch their flight.

It was a short flight by bullhead to the docks, where they both boarded the interkingdom airship just in time. Aurum made a few calls while the ship was still in CCT range, but after a half hour the last bit of signal died out, and Aurum was left with nothing but her son, who was staring out the window in awe of the landscape, and her thoughts.

Thankfully, the flight between Vacuo and Vale is the shortest of all the Interkingdom routes, so within a few hours, the kingdom of Vale was on the horizon. Soon they had landed and made it to the hotel where they would be staying. Aurum unpacked for the stay, while Cobalt watched shows on the Holo screen, entertaining himself.

Really, Aurum thanked her lucky stars with how low maintenance Cobalt had turned out to be, the boy was three, nearly four, and he was already speaking full, complex sentences, keeping himself occupied fairly quietly, and was very respectful for his age, discounting his selfishness in the year prior.

Soon, Aurum found herself yawning, and called over to Cobalt, "Hey kiddo, time for bed."

Cobalt looked over from his spot on the couch, his focus temporarily drawn from the kids show he had been entranced by, "Wha- oh, okay Mama."

He then fumbled with the remote for a bit, before the holo screen flickered off. Crawling off the bed he walked over to the bed Aurum had been getting ready to get into and gave his mother a pouty face, "Mommy, Can I-"

Aurum sighed with a smile on her face, "Sure sweetie, but you really should be able to sleep in your own bed."

Cobalt pouted, "I can do it! It's just that this isn… is not, my bed."

Aurum chuckled lightly, "Alright kiddo, whatever you say."

The following morning, Aurum and Cobalt woke up at a more normal time, and wanting some breakfast food, Aurum opened up her scroll and found a nice place a small distance from her hotel, 'The Changing Seasons', a small family owned cafe.

The walk was a short one, and soon they came upon the place, The Changing Seasons had a sign above the entrance, with its name displayed across said sign, with letters colorized like each season, from pink, to yellow, to burnt orange, to ice blue. There was a cup of coffee on the sign beneath the letters, the steam forming said letters above. The outside of it was wooden and understated as well, with windows that wouldn't look out of place on a house, rather than a business.

The floors on the inside were wooden as well, and there were booths both against the left and right walls when looking towards the counter. There was a jukebox in the back, playing some easy listening music, and a few round wooden tables in the middle of the area, providing more places to sit.

Aurum walked in and was greeted swiftly by the hostess, a middle-aged woman with brunette hair tied in a ponytail that fell to her upper back, and ice blue eyes. She was wearing a dark green T-shirt, a pair of jeans, a red apron, and black work shoes, along with a name tag that read 'June, Owner' on her chest. "Welcome to the Changing Seasons! How can I help you?"

Aurum smiled and replied, "Just two, getting breakfast for me and the little one."

June smiled back and replied, "Sure! And what would you like?"

Aurum thought for a moment, but was interrupted by Cobalt tugging on her shirt, looking down, she asked, "Hmm, what is it kiddo?"

To which Cobalt shyly replied, "Can I have the red syrup waffle mama?"

Aurum looked up at the menu displayed behind the host stand, seeing an illustration of a waffle with red syrup on it, next to the illustration was the words: 'Special: Forever Fall Red Sap Waffle'

Aurum chuckled and replied, "Sure, sweetie." Looking back up to June, she continued, "Can you do a kids version of the special?" June nodded, and Aurum continued, "And I'll have an Argussian Waffle Combo, Eggs over medium, and bacon please."

June smiled while writing on a notepad, "Anything else, drinks perhaps?"

Aurum thought for a moment and replied, "I'll have a white chocolate mocha, extra whip… and he'll have apple juice."

June finished writing quickly, and then spoke, "Alrighty, If you'll just pick any open table and take a seat, one of my kids will be out in a moment with your drinks."

Aurum and Cobalt walked over to a nearby booth and took a seat, Cobalt crawling in first, followed by Aurum sitting down next to him, leaving one side of the booth open.

They didn't have to wait very long before someone came, bearing their drinks, and…

Immediately, Aurum was taken aback by her.

She was beautiful, there was no other way to put it. She had black hair that fell to the middle of her back, with bangs that framed her face and a general fluffy look to it, making Aurum silently wonder what it would feel like to run her fingers through it. She had pale skin, and ice blue eyes that were somehow warm with kindness as she set the drinks down for them. She wore a black turtleneck sweater, a pair of black jeans, black work shoes, and had a nametag over her chest (moderately sized, Aurum couldn't help but notice), that read 'Nevica'.

As she set the drinks down, she smiled at the two. "Here's your drinks, apple juice for the cute little guy, and a white chocolate mocha with extra whipped cream for his cute mom."

Cobalt silently took his drink, not really seeming to understand how to respond to what had been said, nor was he expected to. He also didn't register the second part of the comment being what it was, but Aurum certainly did.

She had to restrain herself from immediately blushing, but a bit of redness still found itself crossing her cheeks as she cleared her throat. "U-Uhm… thank you, Nevica. Y-You, uhm…"

When was the last time she'd been complimented like that? When was the last time she let it have any affect on her? A lifetime, it felt. Maybe longer. She wanted to try and respond, to say something back and be as cool about it as she could, but 'Aurum Lazuli' and 'cool' were listed as antonyms in the dictionary. At least, as far as she was concerned. Finally, just as it looked like Nevica was ready to step away, she managed to whisper a hushed reply, "You too…"

Weak? Maybe. For a moment, she wondered if Nevica had heard her, and she silently hoped that she didn't. ''You too?' What the hell was that?'

Yet, it was clear she did. She smiled a charming and cool smile that could have made ice appear hot. Nevica responded with a hushed, "You really are cute." before she left.

Aurum's heart was beating out of her chest, and she found herself just staring at her drink for a minute. However, she was able to recover somewhat, taking up her drink and sipping from it. 'Relax, Aurum… I'm sure she says that to all the women here.' She looked out at the clientele, and watched as Nevica continued to bring drinks to people.

Yet, she noticed that, for as many women that were (in Aurum's opinion) far more beautiful than her (and weren't with a child, notably), Nevica just wore an easy smile and handed them their drinks without saying much other than the usual customer service spiel. Nothing like what she'd said to her…

'Okay, don't panic Aurum…'

Oh, it was a little too late for that. She was beside herself!

For several minutes, she sat and enjoyed her drink in silence, finding that Cobalt was quietly enjoying his drink, although it seemed he was getting a bit of it on his face and shirt. Aurum took a napkin and began to wipe off his face, and while Cobalt scrunched up his face in response, he didn't protest.

That was when Nevica returned, this time with their food. She smiled at the sight before her, setting down the food in front of both while saying softly and warmly to Aurum, "A good mother too?" She reached at her side and produced a small rag, placing it next to Aurum's plate—clearly meant to be used to keep Cobalt clean. "You really are the whole package."

Aurum couldn't help it this time. She blushed deeply and stammered. "I-I… ah… we-well… I just… I'm…" Yet, try as she might, it seemed that the racetrack in her mind was full of potholes. "Y-You too? Wait-" She resisted the urge to swear under her breath, not wanting Cobalt to pick up any bad habits. "I-I mean-"

Nevica giggled, shaking her head and smirking. "Don't worry, I know exactly what you meant." Her smirk grew into a smile. "Enjoy your meal." She winked and then walked off.

Aurum shifted in place, rubbing her cheek and feeling grateful that Cobalt was far too focused on his food to notice the state she was in, knowing him he'd probably think she was getting sick. '...Fuck.'

She was able to recover enough to eat, although the drums in her heart certainly didn't seem intent on slowing down. 'Should I…? I mean… I'm not supposed to be here for super long, but, that doesn't mean…'

There were daycares… she could try and get a date…

'N-No way… she's just being nice…'

She tried to reason that line of thinking into herself the entire time she was eating the admittedly delectable food—it was clear this place prided itself on good food and good service. She could see it becoming a regular stop for her, if she decided to stay in Vale any longer…

Cobalt was silent while he ate, far too focused on the food, and again Aurum was thankful for that. When it came time to pay, he was still eating the last of his food, and so Aurum got up and told him to stay there while she went to pay.

Nevica was at the front this time, it seemed that she'd switched places with June. She smiled when she saw Aurum approaching, and just looking at her smile was making Aurum's heart get right back to beating its drums loudly in her ears. "Uhm…" Aurum began, taking out her card. "Here." She held out the card, trying to avoid looking the other woman in the eyes for too long.

Yet, if she were trying to play it cool, she was clearly failing. Nevica giggled and took the card. "So, you're single?"

"U-Uhm… yes." Aurum answered, although she felt Nevica was already able to tell that and was just asking as a formality. A formality as a prelude to what, though? "Work's kept me busy, and I'm a mom, so… most people don't… really… look at me like that."

Nevica shook her head in disbelief and took out a scrap of paper, writing something on it as she said softly, "Well, those people are blind." She looked up at Aurum. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

It was as if Aurum's mind had been in a car crash, casualty count? One. Her composure. She stuttered, her face a bright red as she tried to brush down her outfit. "I-I- W-Well- U-Uhm- Y-You- u-uhm- I… ah…" She looked away, giving up on talking and brushing some hair out of her eyes.

Just in time for Nevica to slip her a piece of paper under her card, once the payment had cleared. "Here. Maybe we can see each other in a less… busy setting? Text me. Or call, I don't mind either way."

Aurum's hands were shaking. Was this the real deal? Was she being asked out? 'Oh my Gods, it's happening-' She took the card, and the note, putting them both in her pocket as she smiled. "I-I will." She then turned and hurried off.

It was going to take awhile for her brain to fully reboot from this…