Fallen on Deaf Ears

By the time they had gotten to their next lesson, everyone was sore and just wanting lunch to come.

Drones of exhausted students trudged into the lecture hall, none paying mind to the professor that was sitting atop their desk, watching the youth settle down with a lazy smirk on their face. The atmosphere was certainly less tense than it was in Professor Goodwitch's class.

Sitting down in a free spot next to Ruri, Eirian leaned against her desk, elbows propped up with hands tucked under her chin. She didn't want to admit it out loud, but the professor in front of them was very attractive.

Thick, luscious hair hung down to their waist, dark strands shining in the natural light that beamed through the huge windows, the bangs framing their sandy toned face. While they were dressed in smart wear suitable for one working at a prestigious Academy, they had 'modified' it to more of their liking.

Their golden yellow formal jacket hugging their frame with the collar lowered to the point where their collarbones were visible, a constricting dark brown skirt with stockings, and heels of the matching colour.

They certainly owned their look, and Eirian couldn't help but stare longer than usual. When she realised that she was not paying attention to what they were saying at all, she quickly shook her head and tried to focus, unable to ignore the warmth spreading through her cheeks.

As soon as everyone was settled in their seats and the distant sound of a bell rang, the class had officially begun. No longer sitting on their desk, the professor quickly got to introduce themselves.

"Welcome to your introduction to Jurisprudence class." They started, clasping their hands together with that same smirk on their lips. "I am Professor Cas Melina. I will be your law professor during the four years you all are here at Beacon for."

Law. Eirian dreaded law. Too many constricting rules, too many literal meanings and loopholes that one could manipulate if they knew, it was too confusing.

Yet it looked like she was the only one in the team that hated it. While Zanthus seemed indifferent to the lesson ahead, Adam and Ruri were already prepared with notebooks on the desk and pens in their hands. Eirian couldn't help but focus on her missing pens. She just bought them, too.

Even with more important things to focus on, she couldn't help it. Her mind ignored all attempts to listen to the lesson, rather reminding her of other things she had to do that day. Her bird sculpture was a big one. Did she pack the paint in her suitcase?

There she realised that, even though she heard Professor Melina talking, the words went in one ear and out the other. Before Eirian knew it, a map of Remnant was projected onto the whiteboard behind them and they proceeded with the lecture. "Even though society sees the four kingdoms of Remnant as unified, each one runs under its government and set of laws. As future Huntsmen, you will need to know each and every one of these laws if you want to stay away from vigilantism."

With a long pointer stick in their hand, they gestured to the continent of Eastern Sanus. "As you are all under Vale's jurisdiction as Beacon's students, we will begin there. Can anyone tell me what form of government Vale operates under?"

Silence. No one made a move to raise their hand, even though Eirian was sure at least one of them knew the answer.

Ice blue eyes scanned the room, looking over every nervous expression and averted gaze as they looked for that unfortunate student to call upon. Slowly, Eirian slunk further into her chair, her dreads poking out of her cover while Ruri shot her a look. A small quirk of her eyebrow, silently questioning her friend, and that was all the attention she gave the dark-skinned teen beside her.

Out of nowhere, Professor Melina's voice spoke up. "You there. Miss… Kashima, is it?"

The whole team stared straight at them. Arms crossed over their chest, the professor waited until Ruri was giving them her undivided attention before continuing. "You've been paying attention this whole lecture. Mind answering the question?"

Eirian and Zanthus glanced over at the girl beside them, visibly uncomfortable while she sat there silently. With each passing second, the silence grew more and more awkward, thick and heavy as it sat on their shoulders. Everyone was staring at that point. They were waiting, patiently at least, for Ruri to speak up and give the answer already.

She should say something to help her friend. Focusing on the professor, Eirian inhaled deeply and opened her mouth to speak, only for Adam's voice to suddenly pipes up. "She can't speak, Professor."

"Ah." They didn't seem as phased as Eirian expected them. "Forgive me. I completely forgot about Miss Kashima's requirements. Do you know MSL by any chance, Mr Taurus?"

"No, but I know the answer."

Ruri sunk further in on herself as Professor Melina replied in amusement. "That so? Please, explain to the rest of the class since they wish to be quiet little mice today."

Some of the students glowered at the hidden insult. Even Eirian herself felt that pang of annoyance in her gut, pushing it away while focusing on Adam. At the other end of their sitting teammates, he was practically stiff in her seat. Completely upright, he didn't relax at all as he answered the law professor's question.

"The Kingdom of Vale is controlled through a council, led by one party member in charge of whatever party was voted in by the general public." He paused for a moment. "Though certain sectors of the kingdom are run by leaders completely detached to the main council, such as the Huntsmen Academies and the Valerian Military."

"Correct. Well done, Mr Taurus." Adam's neutral expression softened at the compliment.

As they turned around to focus on the map again, Eirian turned her attention to her friends. While Adam was pleased with himself, going back to the doodle he was drawing on his notepad, Ruri was anything but. She seemed upset. Not the loud upset that Eirian knew well, where people cried openly and begged for comforting hugs or kind words. It was more subtle.

Eyes downcast to her notepad, Ruri held onto her upper arm, rubbing the scaled skin gently while the professor droned on in the background. It all melded into white noise for Eirian. She couldn't focus.

Her friend was upset. Yet she didn't know what to do or say, and she was not the only one who noticed. Zanthus too saw their teammate shrinking into herself, trying to make herself as small as possible to the class around them, and nudged her gently. As soon as Ruri looked up at him, he flashed her a comforting smile and a soft pat on the shoulder.

It wasn't much, but it was all either of her friends could think to do.

As the lesson dragged on, Eirian found herself drifting off into her thoughts. Daydreaming made law classes that bit more bearable.

White noise droned on in her ears. All she could do was focus on Professor Melina's face from her seat near the back of the class, leaning more into her hand as she felt that tiredness return with a vengeance. A few peeks around, and she found that she was not the only one in the class barely paying attention.

Some were either tending their sore and bruised limbs, others were dozing off, she even spotted one having left googly eyes on his eyelids to feign being awake.

One particular student down in front of her was at least paying attention. Scribbling away, the unknown student paid no attention to the distracted girl behind her. Eirian didn't stare at her wild hairstyle or the hooped earrings she was still wearing, rather intrigued with the huge, fluffy tail that waved behind her. Held upright, its black and white fur looked so soft to the touch. She couldn't take her eyes off it.

Without thinking, Eirian reached out for it. Fingertips only brushed against it. Unsurprisingly, it felt like a fur coat that had recently been washed, the plush hair thick and so soft.

The touch didn't go unnoticed. The girl that the tail belonged to jolted with the touch, her head snapping behind her with eyes narrowed in annoyance. Caught in the act. Fingers still caressing the soft fur, Eirian could only silently sit there with a stunned expression on her face, noting how angry the Faunus looked. Did she go too far?

Suddenly, Zanthus' hand grabbed hold of hers, shoving it back in Eirian's lap while muttering to the stranger in front of them. "Sorry about that."

She didn't say anything. She didn't need to, her heated glare sending the message loud and clear before she turned her attention back to the chattering professor down below. With that awkward confrontation over with, Zanthus turned to Eirian, still holding onto her hand. Just like the other girl, he did not look happy.

"Don't go grabbing people's tails like that." He scolded, loosening his grip on her. "Didn't you grow up among Faunus? I thought you'd know not to touch people you don't even know."

"It just looked soft. I didn't think she would mind."

That had Zanthus gawking visibly. "Eirian, do you think people just let strangers touch them?"

"My dad always does it." She pointed out. "No one complained. I thought everyone did it?"

"Okay… Well, a lot of people don't like it. If you don't know them, or they tell you not to, just don't touch them. Don't pet their ears, don't mess with their tails, just… keep your hands to yourself, okay?"

Shame rose from the pit of her stomach. Cheeks flushed red in embarrassment, Eirian glanced away with a hand wrapped around one of her dreads. "Okay."

The way he explained it made her think. Memories of before coming back, some of the people snapping at her not to touch them, others treating her like she was ridden with disease, and then there was Adam. Just before the welcoming ceremony. The way his voice dropped to that cold tone, the familiar feelings of crushing bitterness and shame that weighed on her shoulders when he told her to leave him alone.

That blue eye darkened with hatred was something she wished she never saw before. Without meaning to, she found herself looking over at him as he worked away.

He didn't notice any of her fleeting glances. Thankfully.

For the rest of the lesson, Eirian sat there, drifting deep into her thoughts before the loud sound of a ringing bell snapped her out of it. The sudden, ear-splitting noise bothered not only her but others around her. Zanthus especially. When she turned to see if her friends were packed up and ready for lunch, she found him putting his large hands over his ears, lowered so much that they were practically hidden in his hair.

"Before you all run off for lunch," Melina spoke up as they turned the projector off. "Your first assignment is due two weeks from today. You all are to research an assigned kingdom and write up a defence for hypothetical scenarios. I will email your teams the questions to your scrolls later today."

Everyone practically groaned at that. Even Zanthus, still covering his ears, grumbled to his team. "Jeez. Professor's a real hardass to assign work on the first day."

"Don't expect an easy time here, Mr Nemeós. We've only just begun." Melina responded slyly from their seat behind their desk.

They weren't even looking up at the group of students, but by the smirk on their faces, Zanthus and Eirian knew they were going to be in for a hard time in Law.

Sharing a nervous look between each other, they said nothing in retort as they scrambled to get out of the class as fast as possible. One of the last teams to leave, they stumbled out of the class together, shortly followed by Ruri with her shoulder bag hanging lazily over her shoulder. She didn't look as exhausted as the other two did.

She seemed more distracted than usual. Eyes staring off into the distance, she didn't pay any attention as Eirian sighed, stretching her arms up while leaning to the side, trying desperately to loosen up stiff muscles. "Man, I never thought I'd hate a lesson as much as that one. I didn't get it at all."

"Did you at least manage to write down what Professor Melina was talking about?"

She paused. Mid stretch, she remained frozen in the spot like a statue, staring up at Zanthus before slowly replying. "Well…. Yes and no."

"Great. Our last hope is Ruri now." He groaned, gesturing to the spaced-out girl.

She didn't even seem to notice the hand pointing right at her. Even though she was standing right next to them, Ruri gave nothing to acknowledge her friends, keeping to herself until Zanthus and Eirian finally noticed. Neither said anything at first. The short time they knew her, her being quiet wasn't out of character for her.

But when she didn't even acknowledge what she could see, that started to worry them. Slowly, Zanthus approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder while talking softly. "Hey."

The gentle touch snapped Ruri out of her thoughts. Surprised, she looked up at the taller student, eyebrows raised when he came straight out and asked her. "You feeling alright?"

Even though she nodded in response, it wasn't a particularly convincing answer. She said yes, but the way her eyes glanced to the side, deep in thought, it wasn't enough to completely convince her friends. Still, with no way to get her to say what was bothering her, they could do little beyond try and take her mind off whatever it was.

"I don't know about you two, but I'm starving. Let's get some lunch."

"Oh my Gods, I could eat a horse right now," Eirian whined loudly, leaning forward dramatically while Zanthus smiled softly at her.

Before they could make their way to the Dinner Hall, Eirian noticed someone finally coming out of the classroom. Stopping in her tracks, she watched as Adam walked away, never looking at his team once. Where was he going?

She wanted to ask. Taking a step forward, she was held back by a hand grabbing her shoulder. Surprised, she glanced behind her, seeing Zanthus having reached to stop her, keeping her in place while shaking his head. "Let him go. If he wants to eat alone, we can't make him do otherwise."

"He skipped breakfast with us, too." She pointed out, turning to him completely. "Do you think he's avoiding us as well?"

"I don't know. Either way, it might be for the best."

With that, he pulled her away. Even with the conversation last night, even with how much Zanthus' words made sense, Eirian couldn't help but sneak a glance over her shoulder. Adam was long gone. Nowhere could she spot him in the thin crowds of students that hadn't already gone to get lunch. She didn't know why, but it made her sad.

He wasn't only avoiding them. The few times he interacted with them, he wasn't as angry. His remarks were still biting and rude, but there was something there. Something Eirian couldn't put her finger on.

By the time they reached the Dinner Hall and got their foot, she was no closer to the answer.

Staring down at the plate of salad, she messed around with a chunk of seasoned chicken that was scattered among the crisp, green lettuce. Fork prongs stabbed into it, she didn't feel as hungry as she did before, unable to shake the pestering thoughts that stuck to the back of her mind.

At least the food was good.

Unlike breakfast that morning, Ruri had taken to sitting next to Eirian while Zanthus sat opposite to them, both too focused on their food to notice the thoughtful girl in their group. Zanthus in particular was packing away the meals set out in front of him. Even the salad wasn't safe as he munched down on the crisp lettuce and onions.

"Eirian, you've been playing with that piece of chicken for ten minutes." He finally spoke up through a mouthful of lettuce. "What's going on?"

"I'm just not that hungry anymore." She lied. It wasn't a complete lie, but she did forgo the reason why she wasn't starving.

And unfortunately, Zanthus wasn't so oblivious that he didn't immediately click to the sore topic. Swallowing, he could only exhale with lowered ears. "You still feel bad about Adam, huh?"

"I don't know if it's bad." She confessed, finally leaving her toyed piece of chicken. "I can't explain it. But his whole aura is different about him like it's not… super angry."

"His… aura?"

"Not like his actual Aura. Like his whole energy." That just got her even more confused stares. "Like, you know how everyone has that kinda energy about them? The energy that some people can tell? My dad always talks about them, he's very spiritual like that."

"Eirian, you know I love you, but I have no idea what you're going on about," Zanthus confessed.

Frustrated, she leaned further back on the bench she was sitting on, letting out a high pitched noise before moving on. "Okay, it doesn't matter. What I'm trying to say is I think Adam heard us last night."

"Oh, he was." Eirian blanked at that.

With her staring straight at him, Zanthus confessed with a deep sigh. "I heard him in the hallway while we were talking."

His round ears wiggled as if to emphasise the point. Eirian could only splutter in response. "Well, you coulda let me know!"

"Sorry. Honestly, does it matter if he heard us or not? He knows what we think of him, and now he's probably keeping his distance as we wanted." Even with the blunt way he said it, Zanthus didn't seem as pleased as Eirian thought. "It sucks. I know it does, but I'm not changing my mind just because he's sad about it."

"Do you think he'll change?" The question left her mouth before Eirian could even stop it.

Unable to take it back, she could only sit there as Zanthus' expression softened. Slit pupils dropped to the food on his plate, the hand holding the fork resting beside it. When he finally replied, his voice was quiet, and any animosity that he felt vanished. "I hope so."

The topic of their missing leader was dropped there. Even with some of her problems lifted from her shoulders, Eirian still couldn't stop her mind from drifting. Every second, she turned to the giant doors, half expecting Adam to finally walk in and at least join them before lunch ended. But he never did.

While she ate her salad, something in the corner of her eye caught the girl's attention. Shifting her gaze over, she sat there silently as Ruri pulled something out of her bag, putting it on the table for the others to see clearly. Surprised, Eirian piped up. "Where'd you get tubs from?"

"You call them tubs?" Zanthus shot back in an amused tone.

"What'd you call them?"

"Tupperware. Duh."

Pouting at his teasing, she turned her attention back to Ruri, who was packing some food in the tub. "Hey, Ruri?"

A small nudge from Zanthus caught the deaf girl's attention, eyes looking up at Eirian as the latter pointing at the tupperware container. "Any chance you have more of those?"

Even though she didn't reply, the way her eyebrow quirked in curiosity said more than enough about what she was thinking. Silently, she nodded, leaning back down to rummage through her back while Eirian waited. Bouncing in her seat, she couldn't help but grin when Ruri pulled out another one of her containers. It was certainly smaller than the other, but that didn't matter for what Eirian had in mind.

"Perfect! Mind if I borrow it?" She asked with stretched out hands.

While she was eager, Ruri was not. Hands holding onto the tub tightly, she gave Eirian a look that she couldn't exactly make out, clearly thinking deeply about whether to give it or not. Thankfully, she didn't think about it for long and, for a faint nod, she passed the container over to Eirian.

Accepting it with a widened grin, she bowed her head multiple times. "Thanks!"

"What're you even planning with that?" Zanthus asked, finishing up his meal while Eirian busied herself.

Shoving in the salad and whatever she could get her hands on, Eirian didn't think twice about her answer before blurting it out. "I might get hungry later! Don't wanna sit there in class with an empty stomach, I won't be able to concentrate."

"Can't argue with that."

Zanthus bought it. Chin resting lazily on the palm of his free hand, he sat there and watched as Eirian jammed as much food as she could into the small tub, only sparing a questioning look with Ruri before quietly watching some more. Neither of them said anything about the impossible amount she managed to fit inside.

She couldn't even close the lid properly. Bulging as she clipped it on, she picked it up carefully, trying not to jostle it too much, and got up from the bench. With a nervous grin, she turned back to her friends as she excused herself. "I'm gonna go for a quick walk before our next lessons. Can't sit behind a desk for too long, otherwise, I start getting agitated."

"Alright. Just don't be late." Zanthus seemed fine with the excuse she gave.

Nodding quickly, she tried her best not to take off like a bullet, walking at what could be a reasonable pace until she left the Dinner Hall. As soon as she was outside, she quickly ran off in hopes of finding the person she was looking for.

It certainly was difficult. Beacon was a big place, and without even a clue to where her target was, Eirian ended up wandering around aimlessly. A few times she would stop and ask other students, but even they were unsure where the person she was looking for was. Shakes of their head or shrugs of their shoulders, every answer she got back were the same, and time was running out.

Finally, she spotted someone familiar. That same wild hair, hoop earrings, and a bushy tail swayed gently behind her. It was the girl from Jurisprudence.

"Excuse me! Excuse me!" Eirian shouted after her, running as fast as she could with the tupperware tub tucked under her arm.

Whatever the girl was doing, she immediately stopped when she heard the voice calling after her. Glancing over her shoulder, her expression hardened when she saw Eirian running up to her, arms crossed over her chest while she stood there silently.

As soon as Eirian came to a stop in front of her, the student snapped harshly. "What'd you want?"

"I, phew… gimme a minute." Eirian panted, nearly bent over in exhaustion. Slowly, she managed to regain her breath, straightening up with a nervous smile. "I'm looking for my friend. This big, has horns, really mad all the time."

The student looked her up and down. Scowl still on her face, Eirian was half expecting the girl to tell her to get lost, but thankfully that worry was put to rest when she finally replied. "Bright red hair? Has a bandage over his face?"

Why didn't she start with the bandage? It was certainly the most striking part of Adam along with his horns, but that wasn't the point she should focus on.

Nodding, she stood there anxiously while the student pointed down a path that led towards the training fields they were in that morning. "I saw him going down there just before. Didn't look like he was in the mood to be around anyone, though."

"Right. Thanks!" Eirian replied gratefully, trying to hide the nervousness that spread at the mention of Adam's foul mood.

Knowing where she was going, she made a move to walk down the path pointed out to her. Yet, she paused, thinking deeply about something as she turned her upper body around. "Hey…"

The student looked over at her. "I'm sorry. You know, for grabbing your tail. I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't upset me. You pissed me off." The student shot back. "It doesn't make us friends, but thanks for apologising."

With that, she dropped the conversation and turned back to her friends.

Eirian left it at that. While the harsh way the girl replied made her flinch, it was better than it could've been. With that in mind, she left the student and her friends alone, walking down the path that Adam had gone down. Carefully, she moved the tupperware container from under her armpit, instead of holding it with both hands like it was incredibly fragile.

The closer she got, the more nervous she got. She knew that Adam would be less than thrilled to see her. Biting words dug into her, what he said to her the other day still clinging to the back of her mind, unable to be shaken off.

Still, her feet kept moving. Even if she was scared of what was waiting for her at the end of the walk.

Finally, she spotted him. There on a bench, completely alone, Adam was going over something in the red leatherback notepad he owned. As she neared, she could spot a pencil tucked behind his ear. Whatever was written in that notepad, it was something that required all of Adam's attention, since he didn't notice the approaching girl until she was practically in front of him.

"Hey, Adam." She was the first to speak.

That twisting anxiety worsened when his eye looked up at her. It suddenly dawned on her what she was doing, the smile on her face becoming more strained and nervous while she waited for him to reply.

He didn't. Instead, he looked back down at his notepad, seemingly ignoring Eirian as she swayed on her feet. "You missed breakfast this morning. There's some food here for you."

"I don't want your pity." He immediately got on the defensive.

"It's not from me." The lie was quick. Eirian didn't even know what she was saying until it was already said, and with Adam glancing up at her again, this time more curious, she had to roll with it. "Ruri packed it for you. I said I'd go and take it to you so she could finish her lunch."

Holding it out, she waited there with bated breath. For a moment, it looked like Adam was still going to reject it, sending Eirian away with more snapping words and glares, but he didn't. Rather, he slowly reached out for it.

As soon as she passed it over, he opened it with a loud pop, staring at the contents inside with a raised eyebrow. "Salad?"

"Is it wrong? I- Ruri thought you'd like it."

"It's fine. I like salad." He picked the metal fork up and messed around with a slice of tomato, flicking it to the edge of the tub with disdain. "Would rather have it without these water balloons."

"You don't like tomatoes?"

"No. Too watery, and it feels like I'm chewing on rubber." He muttered back, chewing on a piece of chicken with the notepad balanced on his knees. "Everything else is fine."

Relief washed over Eirian as her tense shoulders loosened up. It didn't go unnoticed, Adam staring up at her with that piercing stare. He looked like he wanted to say something. Whatever it was, he kept it close to his chest, munching away on his meal while his teammate stood there. Soon enough, it was starting to feel awkward.

The swaying came back with a vengeance. Rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, she crossed her arms behind her back and piped up. "Sooooo… whatcha got there?"

"Notes from Law."

"Perfect! We can use them for our assignment together!" The sharp look he gave her squashed any enthusiasm in her.

Lowering the fork from his face, he was quick to snap at her. "Where're your notes?"

"My notes? Right, notes. Notes from Law class. Those notes…" She paused, glancing away as she confessed in a quieter tone. "I didn't write any."

"Typical. I should leave you to get the information yourself…" She flinched at his scolding. However, as soon as his anger flared up, it ebbed away to annoyance. "But I don't wanna fail. You can use mine if you need."

"Wow, that's nice."

"Don't mention it."

"No, really, I app-"

"Ever." She shut up at that. His tone was serious, and with the hardened expression on his face, she knew he wasn't messing around.

Letting it go, she glanced to the side for a moment. It was completely silent save for the gentle breeze that blew through the cliffside school. Trees swaying, she watched the green leaves and budding flowers up above, pulling her attention away from them while muttering. "Well… I should get back. Finish up before next lesson starts."

As she turned around to leave Adam in peace, his voice made her freeze. "Wait."

Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. What could he want more of her? Was he going to snap at her some more?

When she looked back over at him, any thought she had that he would be like vanished. There was no animosity. By no means was he soft, not like how Zanthus or Ruri was with her, but he was no longer stiff and aggressive. His one clear eye staring down at his food, he did not attempt to keep eating even when Eirian gave him her full attention.

"Why?"

That was it. One word and Eirian could only stand there and blink in confusion. "Why what?"

"Why'd you help me this morning? When I was stuck under that log, you came back even though it hurt your grade. I heard what Professor Goodwitch told you and Zanthus." He paused. "I'd get it if it was Ruri or Zanthus in trouble. I'm not your friend, I don't like you… so why?"

She stood there dumbfounded by his confession. Not even daring to move from her spot, she thought carefully about her answer, lips pursed while her rocking stopped.

"I guess it's because you looked like you needed it."

"So it was a pity." He frowned deeply at that.

"No., Adam, I don't pity you." She quickly replied in a defensive tone. "I came to Beacon to be a Huntress. Someone who protected everyone, even if they don't like you. I can't earn my license knowing that I left someone who was hurt just because they didn't like me."

He looked like he didn't get it at all. Eyebrows furrowed, he finally met Eirian's gaze as he spoke. "Would you still think that if you knew what they did?"

"I… What're you trying to say?"

He didn't reply immediately. Looking away, he went back to messing with his food, quickly dropping the subject bitterly. "Forget it. Thank Ruri for the meal."

"Adam-"

"Just leave me alone." The demand lacked any bite to it like before.

Still, she knew better than to push him any further. Hand clenched into a fist, she rested it on her chest, only able to stare down at him sadly before doing what she was told. Without a word, she turned around and walked away.

It was difficult. But she had to, not even letting herself look back at Adam as she left. All the time she walked back to the Dinner Hall, their conversation weighed heavily on her. Yet she didn't understand. It felt like he was talking from experience, his question echoing in the back of her mind. Did he do something? It felt like whatever he meant, it pulled him down into negativity, and she couldn't help but worry for him.

Even when the school bell rang and the next lessons commenced, she couldn't shake the questions away. There was no way she could go and ask. Adam had already made it clear he wasn't going to willingly answer her questions, and any attempt would just bring unwanted vitriol her way.

For now, she had to keep quiet. When Adam was ready, he could come to her, but she would have to be patient. The one thing she was terrible at.

Eventually, the last lesson of their first day came. World of Remnant.

It was the one class that she was waiting for with uncontrollable excitement. History was always one of her favourite subjects, ever since she was a child, she'd listen to her father tell her about the history of the kingdoms and their lands. The lessons she was given in her youth, the ones where she would sit in her living room and listen as her father taught her all he knew, were some of the happiest memories she had.

That happiness remained with her as they settled down for the lesson. The lecture hall was the same as all the others, with desks circling a small area down below, with only a desk and a giant whiteboard behind it.

The afternoon sun shone through the windows. Bathing everything in the room a warm orange glow, she could feel the warmth on the bare skin of her hands. It was nowhere as hot as Menagerie. But it was still a welcome change to the chilled mornings, especially with Eirian's uniform keeping her warm.

Plus it was cute. That was always a plus with her clothes.

As she watched her dark skin glow under the sunlight, she listened as her professor introduced the class to their new lesson.

Professor Bartholomew Oobleck. If there was anyone who could match Eirian in speed, the art of blabbering, and sheer enthusiasm for history, it was him.

With his white smart shirt and flashy yellow tie, he sped through the class with such speed that he was only a blur. Whenever he stopped to point at something on the whiteboard, littered with numerous pictures of different places in Remnant, he took a sip from his ivory white mug. Smelt like coffee.

Wild green hair waving around as he stopped, he looked across the entire class through his thick circular glasses. "And after the end of the Great War eighty years ago, the kingdom of Atlas was forced to give up control of many colonies they had established, including their most prized one of Menagerie."

He took another sip from his mug. "So, can anyone explain the early years of Menagerie as an independent nation?"

That perked Eirian's attention. Immediately, her hand shot up, waving around as Oobleck looked around. There was no way he missed her. Every time he shifted his gaze to another part of the classroom, she quickly followed it, dashing around the room with her voice straining even more. "Professor Oobleck, pick me! Please, Professor, I know the answer!"

"I can see that you're eager to answer another question, Miss Esna." He retorted, green eyes peering over his glasses. "But wouldn't it be beneficial if someone else in the class had a chance to answer?"

He had a point. Gingerly, she lowered her hand, only realising where she was when Oobleck added. "And please, get down from Mr Nemeós' shoulders."

Sure enough, when she looked down, she found Zanthus' head between her thighs. He looked unfazed by it. Slowly, she got down, settling down beside him while laughing nervously. "Sorry, Zanthus."

"Ain't a problem." He shrugged.

Both turning back to their professor, they listened as he tried to get the others to speak up. "Anyone else?"

Silence. Either they didn't know the answer, or they genuinely didn't want to answer. Even with Oobleck trying to coax someone to speak up, he found it impossible, only able to turn to the vibrating Eirian with a sigh. "Miss Esna. I believe you have the answer?"

With a wide grin, she stood up from her seat and answered immediately. "The kingdom of Menagerie is seen as the unofficial fifth kingdom, even though its legitimacy is often contested among the other four kingdoms."

She couldn't help the excitement from seeping into her words. "Right after its freedom from Atlesian occupation, the Faunus that were brought to the continent were left behind and banded together to form the capital of Menagerie; Asilé. In the following years, Faunus came to Menagerie from every kingdom, and more villages were built along the outskirts to accommodate them."

"Correct!" Oobleck praised. "I expected as much from a citizen of Menagerie. May I ask what city you're from?"

"Vikela, sir."

"Ah, the village built in the Tikoloshe Desert." Turning back to his map, Oobleck continued. "Home to Faunus that hailed from Vacuo. Their natural hardiness from living in harsh conditions proved advantageous for the dangerous Menagerie deserts, as this is the only village not forced on the habitable area on Menagerie's coasts."

Slowly, Eirian sat back down, listening intently as Oobleck carried on his lecture. While she was bored and had a habit of switching off in the other lessons, she felt completely engaged in his class, being the perfect student with notes scribbled in her notepad.

As she peeked over at her friends, she quickly found Zanthus not bothering with notes, even though he seemed to be listening just fine. It was so unlike Adam, who was sitting next to him. The redhead was once again in his notepad, taking down all he could while Oobleck sped through their lesson.

Leaving them to it, she turned her head to check on Ruri, who was sitting on her other side. She wasn't faring so well.

Her notepad was empty. Sitting there, she seemed so confused, her eyebrows furrowed together in frustration while any complaints she had were left unsaid. Worried, Eirian wanted to ask her what was bothering her, following her gaze down to the empty area down below. Oobleck was still rushing about, periodically taking sips of his coffee, all while his mouth moved impossibly fast with any words coming out in fast sentences.

There, she realised the problem.

Without a second thought, she raised her hand high. "Professor Oobleck?"

"Doctor." He corrected. "What is it?"

"Um, is it possible for you to slow down?"

"Ah, is there something confusing you, Miss Esna?"

"No, no." She lowered her hand, gesturing to Ruri beside her. "My friend can't understand you if you speak too fast."

With everyone turning their attention to Ruri, she seemed to shrink further in her chair, not wanting to meet anyone's gaze while a finger wrapped around one of her long bangs. Oobleck looked between them a few times, his lips pulled into a straight line.

"Why, of course." He finally replied, turning to address Ruri personally. "Forgive me, my dear. I hadn't realised I was being so accommodating. Not many deaf students come to Beacon. Still, it's no excuse. I will be more considerate in the future."

She nodded in response. The little misunderstanding cleared up, he continued with the lesson, taking into consideration the speed of his sentences.

While she seemed more relaxed after Eirian brought the problem up, Ruri was still flushed with embarrassment, her scales purple while the rest of her pale skin a deep red. Her finger was no longer messing with her hair. Instead, she had it fiddling with the red bow that hung from her neck, scribbling down while watching the professor carefully.

As time passed by, everyone apart from Eirian seemingly deflated, leaning against their desks with exhaustion weighing over them. Zanthus was nearly fast asleep on the desk before Oobleck addressed the students directly.

"Though the Faunus Rights Revolution was kickstarted in Mantle thirty years ago, its effects spread across the whole world. The fighting cost lives on both sides, and in the ashes, the Faunus rose with the White Fang leading their campaign for equality." With his free hand, he gestured to a flag pinned up on the board.

Eirian knew that flag well. Once a field of deep blue adorned with a white wolf's head, it had long since changed. Blue changed to black, and what was once a peaceful creature symbolising the organisation's peaceful goals, a scarlet redhead replaced it, teeth bared and claw marks behind it.

That flag was something she deeply hated. Frowning deeply, she listened as Oobleck carried on. "Although they have earned their legal rights, society doesn't change so easily. Would anyone here like to explain how the White Fang developed over the decades it has been around?"

Looking around, Eirian watched him completely ignore her, even with her hand raised high. With a pout, she slumped down in her chair, arms crossed over her chest as the professor pointed out one student in particular.

"Do you know, Mr Taurus?"

Adam said nothing as the attention was brought to him. Sitting there in silence, he seemed uncomfortable with the question, stiffening up when he replied. "I know… some."

"Excellent! If you wish to share with your peers?"

Sighing deeply, he stood up from his chair. All eyes stared at him, unmoving, and for once, Eirian saw the extreme discomfort in his face. He couldn't hide it completely.

"The White Fang was created a year after the Faunus Rights Revolution ended. Ghira Belladonna, the Chieftain of Menagerie, led the organisation at first. Originally, they wanted equality through peaceful means." He swallowed painfully. "It didn't work. Well, it sorta did, but many Faunus felt that it wasn't happening fast enough. Eventually, Ghira stepped down as High Leader, and Sienna Khan took over, with very different… methods."

Oobleck stood there quietly. Honestly, it was the first time all lesson that Eirian saw him stunned, feeling that surprise too as they watched Adam bitterly explain. "The White Fang took more direct action. They wanted the humans and the world to know that they demand respect, and so the organisation moved to different ways of making their voices heard."

"Yeah, like terrorism and murder." One of the students piped up angrily.

That was it. Adam's fists clenched together, and Eirian could only sit there nervously as he turned to the student with hate-filled eyes. "What the White Fang did wasn't completely right, but you can't blame them for doing it."

"Why? 'Cause, buncha animals got upset?"

"Shut up!" His temper boiled over. Right there, Adam was one more bad word away from physically fighting the racist student.

Thankfully, any chance of a fight was stopped when Oobleck immediately jumped in. "That's quite enough, gentlemen! Both of you will stay behind after class for a quiet discussion."

Adam's head snapped back at the professor. Lips pulled back in a snarl, he was ready to keep fighting, eager almost, but any attempt ceased when Zanthus grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him back down into his seat.

With a silent glare, Adam didn't attempt to start another argument. Rather, he sat there and stewed in his rage, keeping to himself while Oobleck moved the topic away from the brief blow up. "Yes, the Faunus have every right to be angry after their oppression under the humans, but that does not mean the White Fang can hurt and destroy lives to make their voices heard. Such violent revolutions have never worked out in the past. They have only sullied the public's opinions of said groups."

"That's easy to say from a human." Adam piped up.

"I admit that my heritage prevents me from seeing things from the perspective of those directly hurt," Oobleck admitted. "I can only form my opinion on those around me, and from history, itself has to say. It is always best to learn from the actions of your ancestors, class, as they will stop you from repeating them."

With that, the rest of the lesson drifted by. After the brief blow up with the other student, Adam kept to himself, even ignoring Zanthus' quiet words when the feline Faunus checked upon him. After a few attempts, they simply left him be.

Eventually, the last bell of their lessons rang.

Everyone practically jumped from their seats, eager to spend their free time relaxing after a stressful day. While it was technically self-study before dinner, the students were free to study wherever they wished, and most would rather do it in the comfort of their dorm rooms than the lecture halls.

Following Ruri out of the classroom, Eirian spared a glance over her shoulder, watching as Adam and that student from before stood in front of Oobleck's desk. She couldn't hear what he was saying. She tried, but with the door closing on her, she was left standing there in the hallway with Zanthus and Ruri.

"Don't worry about it. Doctor Oobleck will sort it out." Zanthus comforted, guiding her away from the dark oak doors.

"I don't know. When he was talking about the White Fang, he seemed really… sad? Did you feel it, too?"

With a thoughtful look, Zanthus rubbed the back of his neck gingerly. "I don't know… A lot of things get Adam riled up, I wouldn't think about it too much."

That didn't help at all. Sighing in defeat, she let him pull her away from the door, following after him and Ruri as they walked down the corridor.

There had to be something she could focus on instead. Brain itching for a distraction, she glanced over at Ruri, watching the taller girl walking with her back to her, paying attention to Zanthus while he complained about how tired he was.

Something clicked.

"Hey." She started, rushing into the space between the two other members of her team. "I'm planning on going to the library to study. You wanna be my study buddy, Ruri?"

The offer stunned the other girl. Hands politely folded in front of her, she simply nodded with a faint smile.

"Great! What about you, Zanthus?" Eirian asked, turning her head to look up at the teenage boy.

He was not so thrilled. Nervous, he glanced away as he quickly decline. "Nah. I'm not a huge fan of libraries. I think I'll get some study time back at the dorm."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. It'll be less crowded, too." He brushed off. "You guys go on ahead. I'm gonna take a little walk before I head back."

"Oh… Alright, if you want." Eirian replied, waving him off as he walked away from them.

With just her and Ruri, they wandered around for a while. The conversation wasn't exactly thrilling, but that was okay. Eirian didn't mind.

Despite being deaf, Ruri turned out to be a good listener.

Eventually, they found their way to Beacon's library. It looked like any other library that you would find in the city. Spacious with countless bookshelves lined together, creating neverending aisles that one could get lost in for hours. Dark oak offset by the cream walls and dark carpets, the entire space was designed for perfect studying, not too distracting and not too boring.

Passing the computers that already had students typing away on, Eirian picked a desk some way away from the commotion and foot traffic. Surrounded by tall bookshelves lined with so many books, she turned to find Ruri already perusing the endless hardbacks and novels that they had lined up neatly. It was nice seeing her so relaxed after the stressful day in lessons.

With her distracted, Eirian slipped away for a moment. There was one thing in mind that she had to try and find.

Even with the elaborate sorting system for Beacon's books, it was still insanely difficult navigating through the maze of desks and towering bookcases. Where was it? It had to be here somewhere.

Sure enough, after what felt like hours of searching, she spotted the ones she was looking for. Perfect. At least, it would've been if there weren't many to choose from. Standing there dumbfounded, she could only stare at the books' labels, racking her brain to try and remember which one she needed. Mistral. Ruri was from Mistral, so she needed…

That one. Plucking the necessary book from the case, she held it close to her chest and rushed back to where she had left her friend.

When she finally found the desk again, Ruri was already buried in one of the books that she had scattered across the entire desk. With a glance over them all, there was something in common that Eirian noticed. All romance novels.

"A romantic, aren't ya?" She joked.

Ruri didn't notice. She still had her face in the book she was currently holding, too entrenched in whatever was happening to even realise that Eirian had been gone.

Pouting, Eirian took the empty seat opposite to her teammate and dropped the book down loudly. It wasn't the sound that startled Ruri. Rather, it was the loud vibrations that travelled through the varnished wood, moving up her arms as the teenage girl practically jumped out of her chair.

With her glaring, Eirian laughed awkwardly and raised her hands. "Sorry."

That seemed to have appeased Ruri. Eyes softening with the apology, she instead looked down at the book, curious about what her friend had picked out. It wasn't long before she realised exactly what it was and looked back up at Eirian with a shocked expression.

"I'm not much of a language expert." She started, holding the book up. "But I can try to learn! Mind helping me?"

A sign language book. It was specifically for Mistrilian Sign Language, especially since Eirian needed it to mostly speak to Ruri.

She knew it was a kind gesture, but she didn't expect it to move Ruri to the point of tears. Shocked, Eirian dropped the book and quickly asked in a panicked voice. "W-Wait, did I do something wrong again?!"

She shook her head, cupping her face with both hands while tears streamed down her face. Confused, Eirian could only sit there with mouth agape, trying to think of the right words to say until Ruri scribbled down something in her notepad.

As she passed it over, Eirian read it carefully.

No one bothered to learn. You're the first one.

"No one wanted to learn? Don't your parents know, or your sister?" She asked with widened eyes.

Ruri wrote down her response. It became a thing of Ruri writing down what she was feeling before passing it to Eirian, who could only feel more and more shocked as things became so much more clearer.

They didn't want to think about it. They never taught Seigyoku. I learned it by myself.

"But why? Don't they wanna talk to you?" She couldn't wrap her head around it. "I thought they loved you."

Ruri was still for a moment. The grip on her pen tightened, and when she wrote down her response, it was with angry strikes of the pen.

They love me for who I am, but not for what I am. They don't like thinking about their daughter being deaf. It makes them worried, and then they don't let me live.

"Don't let you live? What'd you mean by that?"

Ruri's response was quick but no less angry.

I was never allowed out of my home. We lived on the island that Tsubaki was built around, and I stayed there for most of my life. They didn't want me hurt. They thought I wasn't strong like Seigyoku.

"But you made it to Beacon, you're the strongest of our team!"

Her compliment set Ruri back. Eyes wide for a moment, she couldn't stop the sadness from washing over as she carried on writing.

I'm not perfect. I need to be perfect so they can let me be a Huntress.

"Ruri… You might not be perfect, but I think you're the best you can be."

For a moment, Ruri didn't write anything down. Eirian thought the compliment would make her smile, just like it did before, but rather than smiles and bright eyes, Ruri seemed defeated and the way she wrote reflected it perfectly.

It's not good enough.

She didn't know what to say. The expectations weighing on Ruri were monumental, and Eirian didn't know how that felt. All she could think was her father and mother supporting her. No matter what she did, no matter how many mistakes she made, they were there to guide her back on the right path.

She'd be that for Ruri if her parents wouldn't.

Determined, she raised the book again and smiled. "Well, we can always learn. Wanna teach me?"

That smile returned. Small, but so bright, and with Ruri moving to sit next to Eirian, the two remained in that library for hours, learning and laughing.

And most importantly, supporting each other.