This idea was stuck in my head, and I couldn't leave it alone! As I said before; I'm not a big fan of fics with feels, but that won't stop me from enjoying of writing about them. Please do enjoy.

"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." - Gandalf, The Hobbit movie

Remnant; a world where a constant war has raged since the existence of its participants. The humans; bigots and warmongers by nature, peaceful and just in their darkest times. But even in an peaceful age, even the brightest lights can dim. The Faunus; abused, and filled with hatred for the humans, their peace with them spawned in desperate times. Like the humans, the Faunus are capable of great morality, however, old resentments inevitably emerge with even the slightest act of bigotry. Finally, the Grimm; heartless and soulless, as proclaimed by the humans. These beasts see the other two species as children who've abused their power by hunting down the Grimm, and even their own brothers for the sake of sport. Recognizing the threat, the creatures of the Grimm waged a war that lasted over a millennium.

However, even in their darkest states, some gentle and kind hearted souls manage to shine as a beacon of hope for those who've lost faith. Sometimes, a single act of kindness can spark the dimmed light of a blackened soul. To a child, whose life has been nothing but sorrow and pain, this single act of affection can make all the difference in their lives. And for one young girl in particular, this act would come from the least expected soul.

Emerald Sustrai, one of the many children in Remnant born to an unforgiving environment. Upon reaching the age of six, she had already witnessed many forms of crime, committing some of her own. The school she was supposed to attend was rundown, and near the point of collapsing. Students themselves were dark, cruel; acting human. They preyed on the weakest among them, releasing their anger the best way they knew how; on others. Emerald herself was no exception to their taunts and abuse; however, no soul would listen to her pleas for help. They turned their heads, covered their ears, some watched for fun. Not even her parents would extend their arms to comfort her, to them; she was just a waste of space.

The fear of the abuse went so far, that she felt the need to hide during breaks between classes. She lifted money from strangers along the way to school, using the lien to buy her lunch. During classes, and even before, she prayed her tormentors would leave her be just so she could enjoy her food. Most days, she was lucky; they found others to harass. Today was not one of those days.

She stole just enough for sweet bread, and a small box of milk. Did it matter that she was hungry, tired, or even begging not to have her food taken? No. Instead, they fed off her reactions, as well as her food. Today was the worst; they wolfed down everything she had in front of her. The teacher didn't bother to help; instead he ignored them, just as he always did. She cried, quietly, and softly as the kids around only laughed.

During break, her usual hiding spot was her sanctuary; behind the cafeteria, by the dumpsters. No student had business there, it was secluded and smelled. But, what other choice did she have? She sat down, cupped her face, and cried, just as she always did. She was small, little to no strength, no friends, and shun by her own parents. Crying was all she could do. There was no end to this life.

The echoes of footsteps caught her attention, her mind filled with fear. Her heart beat faster as the shadow of the figure was approaching. As they turned the corner, she closed her eyes and shielded her body, waiting for the punches to start.

But they never came; she opened a single eye to see a pair of blue eyes staring at her. He was dressed differently than what the kids at this school wore, and he wasn't bruised or bandaged.

"Hi, do you mind if I sit here?" He asked politely. Emerald couldn't respond, it was the first time anyone actually spoke to her without any harsh or physical outbursts. The boy waved his hand in front of her, believing she was daydreaming. Instinctively, Emerald flinched; her arms blocked her face, while her eyes were shut tight.

Flinching again when a hand gently placed itself on her shoulder. She slowly lowered her arms to find the boy smiling. "I'm not going to hurt you. I saw you come over here, and thought you might be lonely."

When he saw her reddened eyes, his own widened. He slowly pulled his sweater's sleeve, showing a newly wrapped and bloodied bandage. "You thought I was one of them, huh?"

She nodded shyly, opening just slightly to the boy who shared in her pain. He sat down beside her, his smile never fading. It was clear he was beaten the worst if they made blood spill, and his movements were sluggish. Wincing slightly as he tried to avoid opening another wound, from within his backpack, he pulled out a simple sandwich. The mere sight of it made Emerald's stomach growl. She blushed, embarrassed though also fighting back the pain. The boy split his food, handing over the larger piece to her.

It was there that Emerald was taken aback by his kindness; it wasn't a luxury she had the pleasure of enjoying so often. She hesitantly reached out, the boy frowned. He gently grabbed her hand, opened it and placed the food in her hands. His smile wider than before, "It's tuna, I made it myself."

She took a single bite, and found tears running down her cheeks. It wasn't just the nourishment that eased her, but this was the first time anyone ever showed her such kindness. The happiness in her heart couldn't help but run rivers, for once someone actually cared enough to help. The boy reached into his backpack and pulled out a few napkins, wiping away any trace of tears.

"What's your name?" He asked.

"Emerald. And yours?"

"Jaune."

He reached back, and retrieved two juice boxes, giving one to Emerald.

"So, they hit you?" She asked, relaxing a bit from her defensive pose. Jaune chuckled lightly "I got lucky, all they did was beat me...did they do anything to you." That last part almost sounded demanding.

She nodded "I'm used to it, today they ate my lunch. I probably deserved it, the lien I used; I stole from people." Realizing she had just admitted to being a thief, Emerald buried her head in her knees, waiting for Jaune to regret helping someone like her. Instead, he placed his hand on her shoulder again and gave her a reassuring grin. "Don't steal anymore; I'll bring extra food for the both of us. And if they ever give you trouble, just call for me. I promise I'll be there, that's what friends are for."

Emerald's eyes widened again, did he really just say; friend?

"Friends?" She parroted, hoping he'd nod. Waiting eagerly for his response.

He nodded.

Without warning she attacked him with a hug. And for the first time in what seemed like a very long time, she found herself smiling. This wasn't a façade, no, this was genuine happiness she was feeling. Jaune groaned from the initial shock, then almost quickly started laughing. Emerald giggled at his reaction, and just like him, found herself laughing. This warm feeling in her heart was unlike anything she ever felt before. Could it be; friendship, joy, or love? Perhaps all of the above.

The two would continue to meet in the same spot, every day, with smiles and time to share. They grew closer as time went on, Jaune inviting her to sleep at his house was one of the most awkward visits she ever had. What she encountered; seven sisters, whom played constant, but rarely harmless, pranks on him. An overprotective mother and sister. Adding a father whom was a mirrored image of Jaune. You'd think it would be a quiet and peaceful sleepover, correct. Well, add a mixture of seven sisters with unique imaginations, the two were always out in 'difficult' situations. Nevertheless, those moments were some of the best she ever had. Memories she treasured. On her birthday that same year, she only made on wish; that they'd always remain together.

It was an innocent, yet simple desire. However, fate had other plans set for their futures. The next year, Emerald went to school with lighter steps than before, confident she wouldn't run into the people from last year. Just as she entered her new class, a hand gripped her shoulder and pulled her back.

"Hey there twerp, you haven't forgotten about us? Have you?" Came the chilling voice from the leader of these brutes. They grinned at her with devilish intentions, one of them tried taking her knapsack, only to have Emerald instinctively push him away, causing him to land on the floor, hard. The others lost their playful grins, shooting dangerous glares at her. She ran, as fast as her legs could; only to have one of them catch her by her hair. They threw her down, and began kicking. Laughing all the while.

"Jaune!" She called out.

"That blonde wimp!? He's not gonna help you!" One of them shouted.

"Jaune!" She tried again, still no help.

"Go on! Scream! It ain't gonna do you much difference!"

Emerald cried again, they weren't gonna stop now. For hopes sake, she tried one last time "JAUNE!"

The kicking stopped, followed by a large thud. She glanced up and saw one of the tormentors lying on the ground, and her blonde knight standing before her with his fists clenched tightly. "Leave Emmy alone!" He growled.

The others backed away slightly, before a few charged towards him. Their fists were thrown wildly, but Jaune was holding his own. Holding off three at a time was something to be admired, more so that he came to her aid when she truly needed him.

Emerald found the answer to her question the day they first met; yes, this was love she felt. Not only did he stand be her through thick and thin, he never broke his promises no matter how old. Just as it seemed Jaune would win, one of them came back with a bat.

"Jaune, look out!" Emerald's warning was a bit too late. The boy struck him in the chest, then again in his legs, the others returned and began beating him senseless with all their anger.

She tried to stand, to go over and help, but her bruises from the earlier attack made moving her legs unbearable. All she could do was watch, painfully and helplessly. By the time they finished venting, they left a bleeding blonde in the middle of the school courtyard. Emerald crawled to him, shouting his name in the attempt to keep him awake. To no avail. The pain was excruciating, one could only imagine how Jaune felt.

Luckily for her, someone outside the school saw from behind the fence. It was quite the scene; two students viciously attacked and left for dead in plain view. Those exact words were headlined in broadcasts and publishings.

It was a whole week before Emerald retuned to school, her mind still clouded over being so helpless when her best friend needed her. The day before, she prepared a small batch of pastries she learned to make with Jaune's mother some time ago. That day, she waited for him, but he didn't show for the first break. Emerald waited; yet again he didn't show for the second break. After school, she walked to his house, with the pastries in a small bag, eagerly waiting to give them to him.

As she turned the corner, she saw something her heart wasn't prepared for; a 'for sale' in front of the house, from the windows she saw the inside was completely empty. They wasted no time in leaving the house, this neighborhood, and her behind. There wasn't at the very least a single 'goodbye'.

There it was again, the feeling of abandonment. Her mind clouded itself with guilt filled questions. Did they leave because she did nothing, or was it her fault Jaune was beaten so badly?

What was there to do now, but cry again? Her best friend left, leaving no trace behind. She'd have another 6 years having to live with the same life she lived with before meeting Jaune. So, she cried, it was all she had now. The world was unfair in many ways, learning it the hard way was the only way to learn it in this city.

Just as a light can spark a dimmed candle, a single gust of wind, if strong enough, will put them both out. As time went on, Emerald grew up the way most did; a criminal. Her skills caught the attention of many well-known individuals, and the crimes she committed, were always without remorse. It was how she grew up, but her 3rd year, all her tears were dried up, there was nothing left to do then except; fight back. Yet even after 10 years, she always dreamed what her life would be like if her childhood friend was still with her.

Little did she know, the very plan she was currently apart of would have the two meet once again, but this time; fighting for different sides.

I tried my best to make this story just a bit more dark using real life experiences…my own in fact. I'm going to try and update this story as soon as I update my others. Until next time.