Stiofan Ua Binn
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Ever since Lady Weiss left, an inundation of silence drowned the room, and it lasted an eternity.
The Faunus of Black sat there, rigid as a statue and fixated to the floor. Her only movements were the finger taps on her lap and the soft flexes of her jawline. It was understandable why she was so apprehensive, considering the person who attempted to end her life laid before her.
Stiofan was at a loss as well.
How unfortunate this was—to be thrusted into the very situation he preferred to avoid or at least save for a later date. His mind scrambled, overexerting itself to deduce her reasoning for being here, how to act, what to say, and prepare for the worst in case this wordless conversation found a violent end.
Perhaps, in order to save themselves from suffocating in such a painful and thick cloud of awkwardness, it would be best to not think too much about it and avoid the small talk.
Straight to the point it was.
Stiofan reclined and sighed at the ceiling. "I didn't think I'd be seeing you so soon."
The ears hidden beneath her bow perked, and the Faunus of Black scoffed. "You can say that again."
"Were you that eager to meet me again?"
"I'd rather be anywhere but here." She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Weiss. . . convinced me otherwise."
Knowing how demanding Lady Weiss could be, it was understandable.
The Faunus of Black drew a long breath. "And as strange as this may sound, I want to apologize."
There were no words that could describe the amount of bewilderment welling within him.
"Pardon me?"
"It's my fault for not trying hard enough to speak with you. All that anger and hate you held, I know what it could do to a person—change them into someone else completely." She closed her eyes and clenched her hands. "I failed to stop it once before. That's why I wanted to spare you from that fate, but I was so afraid and unsure of myself that I ended up running away like I usually do."
The revelation reminded Stiofan of her actions at the docks. "Is that why you decided not to defend yourself?"
"Violence only breeds more violence." She shook her head. "I hoped for another way to get through to you."
"You mean to say despite everything I've said and done, you still had hope for me?"
"You aren't the only one with a pair of eyes, you know." She smirked and crossed her arms. "At heart, you're a good person doing what you thought was right. I was the same way when I was with the White Fang."
Guilt burned his conscience.
"You thought I could change just like you did. I expected you to resent me in all my worth."
"Inequality, corruption, violence." She straightened, shoulders squared with a palm over her chest. "Remnant is so full of disarray, I don't know how I'm supposed to undo so many years of hate. But I aim to get there in at least five steps. Leaving the White Fang was my first step in the right direction. Becoming a student of Beacon was my second step, and graduating as a Huntress who can face everything wrong in this world will be my fourth step."
Stiofan furrowed his brow. "And the third?"
"You."
"Me?"
In the most casual yet astute manner, the corners of her lips raised. "What I say also applies to you, not just the Faunus of the White Fang. You're misguided. I want to correct it. Stiofan. You're my third step."
From the start Stiofan treated her no better than filth, yet she regarded him so highly, it filled every crevice and empty space in his heart with shame.
What did he do to deserve such kindness?
"Don't get me wrong, I'm still debating whether to trust you or not. I just want you to understand that I was trying to stop the White Fang from stealing the Dust shipments." Conviction burned her fiery amber gaze. "And I want to give you a chance to see who I really am, not as a Faunus or someone who worked with the White Fang. Just as me, the real me, Blake Belladonna."
The next few days after her visit were a blur.
Cooper, the others of Team RWBY, Team JNPR, and even Alexander on his crutches came by to visit whenever they could, offering him a quick recovery and the best of luck. The only one absent was Roderick. Who could blame him? Stiofan wasn't sure he could face his partner either so soon.
However, Stiofan's faltering beliefs was the only thing keeping him company for his whole duration in the infirmary.
For all the months he's spent observing the ex-White Fang agent's every move, from the attentive way she held herself in class to the peaceful nature following everywhere she went, it was clear she held no ulterior motives or demeanor of a terrorist bent on wreaking havoc in the academy.
They were that of a student, wishing to become a future Huntress.
Why didn't he accept it? The signs were there, and he turned a blind eye. No, he knew the reason: he refused to acknowledge the truth. The Faunus of Black was his chain of failure, a jailor who denied his dreams and caged him within the belly of a dark vengeance. His freedom—an end in itself—came through her fall.
Stiofan inhaled deeply, casting his eyes towards the window.
He was wrong.
Roderick's struggle, his will, revealed how wayward Stiofan had been while Lady Weiss' words brought forth clarity to his senses, allowing him to see what was right in front of him the entire time.
See the real her, she says? Then, it's best to return the favour.
Stiofan sent a message to Lady Weiss.
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The infirmary door creaked, and the Faunus of Black entered the room.
"Stiofan," she said with a book in hand, "you wanted to see me?"
"Gratitude for accepting my invitation." He gestured to the chair. "Please, take a seat. I wish to speak with you."
"Guess it's true after all." She sat and pinned him with a doubtful stare. "I thought Weiss was joking when she told me you were asking for me. Colour me surprised."
"Indeed. I. . . There have been many things on my mind of late, and these past few days have given me time to reflect." Stiofan swung his legs over the side of the bed and drew in a lungful of fortitude. "That is why I must apologize for my past crimes. The way I've treated you was despicable and unwarranted, and frankly, it sickens me to my core whenever it comes to mind. Nothing can compensate for what I've done, but just know, from here on out, I will always do right by you, I swear."
The Faunus of Black's jaw fell agape. "Wow. Stiofan. . . I-I don't know what to say."
"You need not say a word, only listen and hear my plea." Stiofan stood before her and kneeled. "Without a doubt, you really are a wonder beyond my understanding yet more true than anyone I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."
"Wait," her head tilted, "what are you—"
"Blake Belladonna."
She flinched and squeaked in her seat. Who could fault her? The name itself rolled odd off his tongue.
"I wish to ask you one simple question." He offered his hand and prayed it would lead them both towards a better path. "If you need more time or wish not to forgive me, I will understand. However, just this once, I ask: would you do me the honour of becoming my friend?"
Blake released her breath and clasped his hand. "It would be my honour, Stiofan Ua Binn."
The door thudded, drawing their attention towards the several low voices sounding from behind it.
"Move it, I was here first."
"Hey, watch it!"
"Sorry, didn't see your foot there, sis."
"I really think you girls need to settle down."
Blake wandered over, positioned herself to the side, and twisted the doorknob, allowing Lady Weiss, Yang, and Ruby to tumble into the room while Roderick stood behind them, awestruck.
The window slid open, and a sudden breeze entered the room.
"Hiya, mate." Cooper sat on the sill and tipped his hat. "Glad to see you're fine and dandy."
"Why did you come in through the window?" Stiofan said.
Although, he already had an inkling of why that may be.
Cooper chuckled and pointed at the three ladies failing to find their footing. "That's why. Besides, it's more fun eavesdr—greeting you in such a unique manner."
Several taps echoed out in the hall until Alexander appeared at the door on his crutches.
"Quiet down," he said. "I can hear you from my room."
"Don't be like that," Cooper sauntered towards them and threw his arm over Stiofan's shoulder. "This fellow survived being shot in the head. He deserves to be as noisy as much as he wants. Thank goodness for Aura, aren't I right, Xander?"
From the way Alexander stared at his partner, it was easy to see that if it weren't for his injury, he would've sent Cooper back out the window.
"What were you all doing behind the door?" Blake said, stoic but sporting a pink hue on her human ears.
"It was Yang's idea!" Ruby said.
Yang gasped. "Hey!"
Lady Weiss smoothed her combat skirt. "I-I just got here."
Blake raised an eyebrow. "You told everyone, didn't you?"
The heiress flushed.
Stiofan met eyes with Roderick and recalled their clash. The thought not only caused a painful pang in his chest, but it also put a chink in their friendship at best.
The others caught on and silently glanced back and forth between them.
"Roderick," Stiofan said. "I'm glad to see you're well."
"H-hey, Stiofan." Roderick rubbed his neck and watched the tiles on the floor. "About the other day, I'm sor—"
"Forgive me," he interjected, "but I am the one at fault. I should be the one apologizing."
Roderick blinked twice. "Say what?"
"I should have listened and believed in what you were trying to say." Stiofan shared a smile with Blake. "If you hadn't stopped me, then I would've made a terrible decision that would haunt me for the rest of my life." He bowed his head to his partner. "You have my deepest gratitude and apologies."
Roderick's mouth mimicked a fish out of water. Yang giggled and elbowed his arm, shaking him from his stupor.
"Y-yeah, uh, right," he said. "Ditto."
Stiofan bit his lip, knuckles over his mouth to suppress the laughter chiseling for freedom.
A bout of confusion inflicted everyone present.
"Um, Stiofan," Lady Weiss said. "What's so funny?"
The first time he encountered that humorous word was when they first met during the initiation. He had no clue what it meant, and he's been meaning to ask ever since.
"To be frank, I've never heard of that word before. Would anyone mind explaining it to me?"
Everyone's confusion motioned towards small chuckles and eye rolls. The exception being Roderick, facepalming and grinning nonetheless.
"Just so you know." Lady Weiss jerked a finger at Roderick's nose. "Stiofan may be okay with this, but don't think I am."
Roderick gulped and furiously nodded. "Yes, ma'am!"
"And so we're clear," she turned and peeked at him from the corner of her eye, "don't do something like that again, okay?"
He relaxed, much to the amusement of the others. "You got it."
"Yeah, everyone's back together." Ruby tossed her arms in the air. "This calls for a celebration!"
"Come on, mates." Cooper pulled Stiofan by the arm and miraculously ushered everyone out the door in a single push. "Let's go find a nice place in Vale. I'll give JNPR a ring on the way there. Does anyone know any good, cheap restaurants?"
The sound of heels clicking down the hall suddenly brought the chilly embrace of fear among them.
Yang whirled. "Is that who I think it is?"
Roderick paled at the sight. "Aw, crap. I think it is!"
"What do all of you think you're doing?" said Professor Goodwitch. "Mister Gates, Mister Ua Binn. Get back in bed this instant! As for the rest of you, I have questions that need to be answered."
The rapid tapping brought everyone's attention to the other side of the hall where Alexander ran away on his crutches at a logic defying speed.
"What are we waiting for?" Yang pointed at Alexander. "After him!"
Blake hurried to the door. "Wait, my book!"
The blonde scooped her up over her shoulder. "Sorry, partner. We gotta go!"
"Put me down. Stop. My book. Nooooo!"
Stiofan watched, unable to stifle the mirth escaping him as Blake and her beloved book parted ways.
Cooper clapped Stiofan's back before dashing away. "Last one to leave the infirmary gets to have all of Ruby's biscuits!"
"What wait?!" The young lady chased after him. "Cooper, let's talk about this!"
Roderick blew past him. "Let's go, man!"
Stiofan faced Lady Weiss, bowed, and gestured ahead. "Ladies first."
"Chivalrous as always. Thank you." She curtsied in return and fell into a brisk jog.
'Trust in your gut.' That's what Roderick advised, was it not?
Stiofan took stride with a spring in each step. Despite knowing full well he'll be scolded for it later, he left in haste, enjoying the moment alongside the people growing ever closer to his heart.
Coming to Beacon wasn't so bad after all.
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Omniscient POV
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Somewhere in the night of Vale, a woman in a crimson gold dress sat next to the windowsill of her hotel room, sights set upon the broken moon as she twirled a lock of her dark ashened hair cascading over half of her gorgeous face.
At the stroke of midnight, her scroll rang at the foot of the bed. She scooped it and read the newly acquired message.
We almost have everything we need to complete Phase 1. The uniforms are nearly complete and we sent you the list of students attached to this message. We just need an update from Roman, and we're all set for Phase 2.
The woman opened the attached file and rifled through the list, categorized by year and alphabetized by last name.
A single photo she happened to catch a glimpse of froze her finger in place while the list continued rolling on it's own before coming to a stop. A long second passed. She regained her senses and scrolled back up, searching for the same photo with a newfound vigour.
The moment it showed itself, she pinned it and opened the file.
A soft murmur escaped from her throat, rising louder and louder until she threw her head back in delight. The edges of her lips twisted, elegant yet malicious, and a soft flame ignited on her palm, it's undeniable glow reflecting off the gold in her one visible eye.
"I suppose a slight alteration to the plans wouldn't hurt," she said in a purr smoother than silk. "Oh, how I look forward to meeting you, Little Eagle."