Chapter-7

Sigurd

"Good afternoon students." Glynda spoke from the teacher's stand while Sigurd stood in the combat arena. Today was the first day of the new year and the first combat class was for the first years. Ruby had made a quick recovery thanks to Sigurd putting Uruz runes to boost up the healing process and had just been cleared for combat by the medical staff.

He could see many of them had a bored look on their face, most likely from the amount of theory they had to study.

"I can see that many of you are excited to finally get into the combat class." She spoke. "Then I shall keep it brief. You have put a lot of effort in refining your skills before coming here in combat schools and have been taught in covering up your flaws. Beacon, however, is different. Here, you are trained to fight against the grimm and an important part of that is teamwork."

"Many types of grimm tend to overwhelm their victims with sheer numbers and even the best of huntsmen can fall if they are alone and badly outnumbered by the grimm. A teammate can ease that burden and even find a way out of that situation. But for that to happen, you will first have to learn to work with your teammates."

"For these few days, you will not be sparring with each other." Sigurd spoke up. "But with me. The conditions for your victory are if you can make me step out of the arena. At the end of every fight, I shall give my feedback on your individual mistakes while Ms. Goodwitch will tell where you lack as a team. We shall begin with pairs and slowly move onto the teams. Any questions?"

"When will we be fighting each other?" Yang asked.

"Once you have started getting comfortable with working with each other. And with the Vytal festival a few months away, I will make sure that that does not take long."

"Will you spar with all of us?" Ruby asked worriedly.

"I have a lot of endurance, Ruby. I can fight for a long time." Sigurd assured her. "Now, let us begin. Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee, please step into the arena."

As the girls stood, Sigurd pulled out his daggers Ridill and Hrotti. He wasn't going to use Gram on them yet.

"Professor, why isn't your aura showing?" Weiss asked.

"I do not have it on right now." Sigurd replied. The truth was that he was Sigurd in a body created by a foreign object. He couldn't harmonize his soul with it since it was not the body he had in life. Hence, it was impossible for him to activate his aura.

Ruby bit her lips. "But professor…"

"I still have my armor. So don't worry." Sigurd spoke.

"Now, let us begin."

Ruby is most likely to attack first while Weiss will first see her posture right before attacking. His crystallized wisdom told him. As a teacher, it was his job to put pressure on his students so that they are able to grow in that pressure.

So when Ruby fired off her gun to launch herself towards him, Sigurd ducked under it to go for Weiss instead of meeting her charge. Weiss was taken off-guard by the unexpected move and brought her rapier hastily to parry Ridill. Sigurd brought Hrotti from the side immediately and Weiss was forced to block it with a glyph and jump back for some breathing space.

Sigurd heard a gunshot and dodged Ruby's scythe as she came in for a swing, coming close to her with a series of rapid thrusts with his daggers. Ruby took a few before haphazardly dodging the others and escaping with her semblance while Sigurd dashed to the side to avoid Weiss coming in with a thrust.

Weiss uses parries to open up her opponents for quick ripostes to keep them stunned. Ruby fires off her scythe and uses its momentum to build up the power behind her swings. Sigurd's wisdom quickly told him.

Then I will pick apart the flaws in those styles.

Sigurd dashed forward at Ruby before she could fire her scythe, making the girl block his swings with the staff of her scythe. Ruby's arms trembled behind the monstrous strength in Sigurd's blows and she attempted to escape again, only for Sigurd to punch the daggers to knock her out of her semblance form. Sigurd brought out his two daggers to parry Weiss' thrust. The girl spun around to keep her balance for a slash that scraped against Sigurd armor without doing any damage and received two stabs to the stomach. Sigurd caught a red blur out of the corner of his eye as he kicked Weiss back. Tracking the red blur's movement, he punched his daggers again just as Ruby got close to him, sending the girl tumbling in front of him just as Weiss sent ice spikes from her semblance.

"Ack!" Ruby yelled as the ice spikes hit her instead of Sigurd while Sigurd called his daggers back to him.

He charged at Weiss and feinted a thrust from the left before shoulder-checking her open guard, stunning her before grabbing her hand, bringing her close to him and rapidly stabbing her. Weiss struggled against his superior strength but couldn't get out as soon her aura went into red.

"Weiss Schnee is out!"

Ruby had gotten up from the big hit she took and renewed her offensive, spinning her scythe around her shoulders to keep Sigurd off her.

Hm, she's realized that my weakness while using my daggers is range… Sigurd thought. But she's forgotten about one thing…

Ruby felt like her arms screamed as Gram slammed into Crescent Rose, stopping its swing.

I still have Gram.

Ruby shot at Sigurd who deflected her bullet and parried the subsequent swing before swinging down diagonally. Ruby dodged the swing but found herself pushed back as Sigurd quickly covered the distance between them to keep up the pressure.

This continued until Ruby purposefully blocked gram, gritting her teeth before her scythe blade shifted forwards to let go off Gram and its rear end struck Sigurd. It wasn't very effective, but it gave Ruby the respite she needed to bring Crescent Rose for a devastating strike…

…Only for Sigurd to catch it with one hand.

Ruby's eyes widened before Sigurd headbutted her and brought her aura to red with one heavy swing from Gram.

Ruby and Weiss were both sweating from exhaustion from the fight. Ruby's arms were trembling from the shock they received from Sigurd's strikes.

Sigurd smiled softly. "Ruby. Weiss. You both did well but…"

"Weiss, your style was rigid enough to be predictable and couldn't find a way out when I began putting pressure on its flaws. Ruby, you were able to figure out the flaws in the styles I was using and manage to break out of me pressurizing you. I usually don't do things like grabbing my opponent's weapons with my bare hands, so it is impressive you managed to do so. But you lack situational awareness and rely too much on keeping your opponent in your range. Other than that, I have nothing else to say."

"Ms. Rose, Ms. Schnee. When you are fighting as a team, you must keep in mind of your teammate. Both of you at one point did not pay attention to each other and gave Professor the perfect opportunity to have ms. Rose receive damage from her own teammate. Both of you were trying to approach fighting Professor Saber in your own ways instead of working like a single entity. For now, it is a bit understandable seeing that it has only been 2 days. But I will be expecting better teamwork from the both of you next time."

Weiss nodded. "Yes, Ms. Goodwitch." She spoke.

"Alright, next are Jaune Arc and Pyrrha Nikos."

By the end of the class, most of the students were exhausted from the spars while Sigurd was not even panting. To him, most of the students were certainly more skilled than the mediocre warriors back in his day, with Team RWBY and JNPR showing the most promise. Ruby and Weiss had been able to adapt to his style for a bit, Blake and Yang were tricky to get around, Jaune was able to formulate plans to counter him while Pyrrha executed them with precision with her immense skill while Nora and Ren displayed teamwork that spoke of years of experience in fighting together. But, they had their weaknesses. Blake focused too much on dodging, Yang was controlled by her short temper and semblance, Ren had very low stamina, Nora's defense was very bad, Pyrrha tried to reflexively incorporate flashy moves that left her guard open and Jaune…Jaune displayed about the same skill as a person who had picked up a sword for the first time in their lives. He was overly cautious, defending and attacking when unnecessary and swinging his sword with no technique, only blind hope that the attack hit.

Both teams worried Sigurd more than the others when he read the reports of their personalities. JNPR showed no signs of dysfunctionality, getting along well, but in terms of individual skills they had massive flaws whether it was Jaune with his lack of combat experience, Nora with her poor defense, Pyrrha with her fixation upon other's perception of her and Ren with his low stamina.

Team RWBY, except for Yang, had minor flaws in their individual skill, but their functioning…

It would be a miracle if they make it as one team by the end of the year. Weiss and Blake had showed open hostility to each other, Yang showed hostility whenever Ruby was insulted, Blake generally treated her teammates with distrust and Ruby was unable to assert herself and stop them while being unable to work alongside Weiss. What happened in the fight with the trölls was honestly impressive with the four somehow working aside their differences to fight for some amount of time.

Sigurd sighed as the next batch came in. It would be hard, but he will try to improve the teamwork between Ruby and Weiss. Surely they would start getting better over time.

"Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee have been defeated!"

"You both committed the same mistakes as last time. Pay attention to each other and don't give me opportunities to use you against each other."

"Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee have been defeated!"

"Good job on awareness, Weiss. But Ruby, just because you know Weiss is prepping up an attack doesn't mean you should lose focus on me. I am capable of independent thinking after all."

"Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee have been defeated!"

"Now that wasn't a good idea, Weiss. Ruby was not prepared for it and it didn't suit her technique.

Ruby slammed into Weiss as the buzzer sounded.

"Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee have been defeated!"

Before Sigurd could speak, Weiss turned to Ruby with frustration in her eyes.

"Ruby! Why did you jump in front of his swing?!" She snapped. "We were close to knocking him off!"

"He saw you were distracted so I tried to take the blow!"

"And because of that we both are out!"

"Well I'm sorry if I just wanted to save you!"

"I didn't need it, you reckless child!"

"Yes, you did, Princess!"

"Girls…" Sigurd tried to speak.

"I DIDN'T! WE COULD HAVE ACTUALLY WON THIS TIME! EVERYBODY BUT US HAS WON ONE!"

"I COULDN'T JUST LET YOU TAKE THE HIT!"

"I'M NOT A CHILD LIKE YOU! I CAN TAKE CARE OF IT!" Weiss screamed as Ruby recoiled, rage boiling in her face before she shoved Weiss.

"YOU…"

"BOTH OF YOU, STOP!" Sigurd bellowed as the room fell silent.

"Ms. Rose, Ms. Schnee." Glynda spoke with slight anger at the indiscipline showed. "That was unacceptable behavior from the both of you. I am…"

"Wait." Sigurd spoke sending a look to Glynda. She stared at him for a bit.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yes. Let me handle this. Continue the class while I'm gone." He spoke.

"Come to my office." He ordered as the two girls glanced at each other before nodding. Sigurd could see some curious and disgusted stares looking at Ruby. Yang and Blake glared at Weiss while JNPR looked at Ruby with concern.

"Weiss, stay outside." Sigurd spoke as Weiss nodded before he brought Ruby in.

Ruby trudged behind him, angry tears streaming down her face. Whatever Weiss had said at the end, it had really struck a chord within her if it drove her to tears.

Sigurd guided Ruby to a chair and went to sit on his chair.

"Now, Ruby, tell me what happened there." Sigurd spoke as Ruby sat down.

Ruby continued to looked down at her legs with shame on her face.

Sigurd sighed before sitting down on the chair next to her. "I'm not going to punish you, Ruby. Something in Weiss' words clearly bothered you. I merely wish to understand."

Ruby stayed silent. "I…I'm sorry, Professor."

Sigurd gently shook his head. "I do not want an apology Ruby. If you want to express your emotions, then I shall listen patiently."

Ruby sniffled. "I don't know…when I saw you swing at her…I…just…my body moved on its own."

"So you wanted to protect Weiss?"

"Yes! Even if I didn't want her, she's my partner!" Ruby exclaimed. "Why didn't she get that I couldn't let her take the hit?!"

"Perhaps she wanted to do it herself."

Ruby went to speak but closed her mouth. "But besides that, what happened after? You snapped after Weiss said she could take care of it?"

Ruby's face twisted with emotion as tears came down again. "It…It…I can't tell you."

"You can't?"

"N-No." Ruby spoke

Sigurd nodded. He could respect Ruby's wishes, but whatever reason she had for shoving Weiss, it was something from a past memory.

"Well then, let's make a deal." Sigurd spoke. "I'll share one secret of mine that I have not told anyone other than my wife. In return, you tell yours. Does that sound good?"

Ruby chewed her lips before nodding.

"Well, I am afraid of fire. It is something that sickens and terrifies me."

Ruby looked at him in confusion. "You…are afraid of fire? B-But Gram looks like its…"

"That's not fire." Sigurd clarified.

"Ok…so, why are you afraid of it?"

"Fire is something which when going out of control causes only destruction and sorrow. It's no surprise why the primary function of fire dust is ammunition for huntsmen and soldiers. Fire is something that is capable of destroying everything it touches, whether it be lives or nature. That destructive capability and unpredictability terrify me." Sigurd spoke. Fire also made him afraid for some other reason, like some unpleasant memory from a different time. But the main reason was always its destructive nature.

"But…fire can be used for warmth too. It brings light and is used in so much technology, does it not?"

"It does. But always under safe conditions. Because no matter how much good it brings, fire is destructive by nature." Sigurd spoke, a fleeting memory of travelling through villages turned into ashes by Fafnir's flames coming to his mind.

"That's…not false." Ruby spoke dejected.

"Now, now, don't let my fears influence your opinions. You can always form your own. Now that I've told you my secret fear of fire, tell me yours."

Ruby took a deep breath. "Okay…so, my mom was a huntress too. And not just any huntress, she was the best one." Ruby spoke, a look of happy reminiscence in her eyes.

"But other than that, she was the bestest mommy. Baker of cookies, slayer of monsters. I loved it spending time with her. But then," She frowned.

"She went on a mission and never came back. I was too young at that time, but years late my dad told me her last words before leaving were 'Don't worry, I can take care of it'. Something about it just irked me. That people can sometimes think they are enough to take down the monsters when they are not. So when Weiss said it…"

"It trigger your anger over losing your mother." Sigurd finished it for her as Ruby nodded.

He put a hand on her shoulder. "Ruby, I am happy you are so devoted to protecting those who are close to you. But sometimes helping other people doesn't always mean you will expect gratitude in return. Some might, but others will scorn you for reasons that they know. It is important to accept that and keep helping people, even if you do not get what you expected. The people look up to huntsmen as heroes. And the thing about heroes is that they are put on pedestals. When they fail, they are mocked and their good actions are all forgotten for the moment. Let out your emotions when you are in private, you are still human. But keep control in front of those people. I'll talk to Weiss about her comment. Now go and call Weiss in."

Ruby nodded, getting up from the chair and walking out.

Weiss fidgeted in her seat, clearly embarrassed about losing her composure in front of a teacher earlier.

"Professor, I apologize for my actions. I lost my cool and behaved in an unprof…"

"There's no requirement for a long apology." Sigurd spoke. "I brought you here to understand what led you to start shouting at Ruby."

Weiss blinked, surprised by the reply. "Well…we were so close to winning. All the other pairs had won at least one match, while me and Ruby still have 0. If Ruby hadn't jumped in front of your swing, then the both of us wouldn't have gotten out.

"But that doesn't explain why you said lashed out at her when she seemed to imply you needed help."

"I…do not understand." Weiss spoke in a guarded tone.

"Weiss, the way you acted was not mere frustration on losing. There was something else, wasn't there?"

Weiss stayed silent.

"Do you wish to talk?"

"…"

"If not, then I shall escort you out of my office and to detention."

"…You're right."

"Hm?"

"You're right. I was simple frustration at first, but when Ruby started talking about protecting me, I…I couldn't stop thinking about what happened at initiation. I kept seeing her mangled body that looked like it was going to tear itself apart. I lashed out at her because of that. I didn't want Ruby to start risking her safety for me as a habit. I can handle myself. I don't want anymore of her injuries on my conscience."

So she was guilty about Ruby saving her to take the blow herself. That was certainly a bit unexpected of Weiss considering she had built up an image of herself as an uncaring princess for the matters of the common rabble.

"Taking responsibility for other's choices is conceited, Weiss." Sigurd spoke. "What Ruby did in the end was her own choice. If you are concerned about Ruby, then you should guide her, not lash out at her for doing what you do not want her to do."

"But I can't just forget it!"

"You don't have to. Use it as a caution to protect Ruby just as she strives to protect you. She is a young child forced into the difficult position of a leader that brings burdens to it. Please don't increase it by being uncooperative and hostile to her."

Weiss looked away. "You are right, Professor." She spoke softly. "Ruby's younger than us. It's unbecoming of me to scorn her instead of supporting and guiding her to ease her burdens. I…understand it now, Professor."

"There, it pleases me that you are able to understand that. Now, call in Ruby but don't leave."

Weiss did so and the two girls now stood in front of Sigurd.

"I will be going out of the office. You both apologize to each other for your actions. Once you are done, go to detention. Glynda will be giving extra homework to the both of you." Sigurd spoke, leaving the two girls alone

Ruby nervously put her hands together. "Weiss, I…"

"…Let me start, Ruby." Weiss spoke. "I admit, you were the last person I ever wanted to be partnered up with. Almost everything about you seemed wrong and impossible to exist."

Ruby winced. "And I was afraid of you becoming leader. You acted like a child, after all. But after that fight…everything changed."

Ruby blinked. "Huh?"

"Seeing you put yourself in danger to protect me, to look at those horrific monsters with determination in your eyes. I…I will admit that took a level of bravery I could never achieve."

Ruby gulped. "Ruby Rose, you are obnoxious, childish and reckless. But you are the bravest person I have ever met. I realized that perhaps you deserve the title of leader more than me. And perhaps that's why I got so angry at you."

"Weiss…"

"Let me finish, you dolt. I wanted to repay you for what you did for me, by trying to prove myself to be a strong teammate. A teammate who could support herself and wouldn't need you t, but in doing that, I only hurt you. And for that…" Weiss choked up with tears coming out of her eyes.

"…I'm sorry, Ruby. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings."

Ruby felt tears come out of her eyes as well. "I'm sorry too, Weiss. I shouldn't have shoved you. I got so mad that you lashed out at me for helping you out that I…I…" Ruby wrapped Weiss in a hug.

"I don't deserve to be your partner. N-Not after what I did." She spoke sniffling as Weiss stood still.

"Don't say that, Ruby…" Weiss spoke in a wavering voice. "I crossed a line…And I want to make it up to you."

Weiss then hugged her tightly. "I am going to be the best partner I can be, Ruby. I'll do what I can to ease your burdens as the leader of Team RWBY"

"Y-You promise you won't do this again?"

Weiss smiled. "I will never hurt you again, Ruby."

"…I promise."

Both the girls let go of each other and wiped their tears, before walking out of the room.

"Have you sorted it out?" Professor Saber asked as the girls nodded.

He smiled softly. "Good. Now it's time for your detention."

Ruby pouted. "Please, professor. We don't want to go to detention."

Professor Saber chuckled. "Don't be silly, Ruby. There are rules I have to follow."

"Come on, Ruby. We should listen to Professor Saber." Weiss told her partner as Ruby let out a groan of resignation. "Fine."

As she walked with Weiss, Ruby no longer felt the tension that existed since they first met. For the first time since meeting Weiss, she felt relaxed in her presence.

And it was all thanks to Professor Saber and his compassion.

A/N: After days of hectic school work, I have managed to upload a chapter. And even then, I'm uploading it with 1 hour 20 minutes left to midnight in my timezone. When I started writing it, it was a lot more of a filler before I begin the next arc. But as I was writing Ruby and Weiss vs Sigurd, I realized I could make this chapter a lot better than I had originally intended. And so, this chapter includes one of the heaviest scenes I have ever written (With only some scenes featuring OC demigods I have written in my own mythical universe surpassing this in terms of emotional impact). As for Sigurd's 'I don't like fire' part, I discovered that piece of information less than an hour after I uploaded Chapter-1 while I was playing through LB2. Imagine my rage when I watched the flashback of Sigurd telling Brynhildr that he will never use fire runes while I had just written Sigurd using fire runes in Chapter-1. Those who have read Chapter-1 about a few minutes after its uploading have seen that I originally put 'sending huge fireballs' and replaced it with 'huge chunks of rock'.

Anyways, next chapter starts the mission part. I'm not doing Jaunedice because as nice of a concept it is, it is unnecessary. So I have come up with something that has Sigurd away from Beacon while Jaunedice happens offscreen.

Hope you guys enjoyed and constructive criticism is appreciated.