Intro: Well... no turning back now. The fifth volume of RWBY has come and gone, so might as well discuss a ship that I was a bit hesitant on shipping, but after that finale, I realized I was in too deep. Hopefully I can keep in a rant about the issues of Volume 5.
Proof: First, let's start with who they're based on. Emerald is most likely based off of Aladdin (not confirmed, but implied), which seems to fit her character, being a thief and all. Then there's Mercury, based off of Mercury/Hermes, the Roman/Greek god of thieves (as well as a lot of other things, but we'll just focus on that). Just that bit of info that connects the two could send the shipper mind reeling.
Now, on to how they relate as characters. Both are lackeys of Cinder, picked up by the soon to be Fall Maiden whilst they were in major trouble. After that, they kinda have mutual trust and respect for one another... but they also insult each other a LOT in the volumes before Volume 4 (aka before they were reduced to cameos). And since they're Cinder's minions, that makes them the minions of a minion, making them literally at the almost bottom of the food chain in terms of main villains, second only to the White Fang grunts.
These two also seemed to be the ones most hesitant about the whole idea of Salem, if the first chapter of Volume 4 suggests anything, especially Emerald, who I did suspect would turn on Cinder... but considering how loyal she is shown to be after Volume 3, that became highly unlikely. But now that Cinder's MIA (I absolutely REFUSE to believe she's dead) and her two lackeys, along with Hazel, have escaped, I long for more scenes with these two just talking. Judging by the Volume 5 Finale, Mercury does definitely seem to care about her, there being a lot of emotion in his voice when telling her they needed to leave.
What I think: A lot of what makes this ship great is the speculation. Considering the elusive nature they had in Volume 4, with Emerald only getting one line and Mercury getting none, it really makes you wonder what was going on off screen.
There is so little fanfiction for these two that it's not even funny. I NEED MORE OF THIS STUFF. HELP.
