Authors Note:

Finally, it is done. Only took me a week longer than expected.

Reviews:

RonaldM: Life lessons? Maybe. I have a few themes for this story, but I'm not sure I will properly execute them.

ODSTFRymann: The story is going to deviate from Canon a lot in some areas, in others it's going to match up.

The Guest: Your welcome about both the reply and the schedule for updates, I can't guarantee it will always be accurate and on time, but I will try.

I'm not going to spoil what kind of character he will be, but I can say he's not going to be apart of an OC team. Originally, in another story I scrapped, he was apart of one. I decided to go with this one.

Romance? Well there's going to be a romance, but it's going to be a little complicated.

A personal symbol? Siegfried doesn't really get one until later in the story. He does get one though.

If you don't want to be spoiled, don't translate the Grimm.

"I don't own any of the series I write FF of. I only own my OC's and my unique aspects added to the story. I don't own any music or songs possibly mentioned, they are just recommendations. All credit of Rwby goes to RoosterTeeth."

Chapter 7: Erster Sieg.

"I'll be damned!" The Trickster shouted as he walked up to him, "You actually won, you crazy Ginger!"

He stood up from the bench he sat on, the rain had stopped for now and he had enjoyed the sunlight of the evening for the last few minutes. Astrid had sat by him on the other end, quiet and introspective. She hadn't spoken much since his return, he found himself in a awkward situation after the high of victory. It was hard to talk to the person whose father you had slain, no matter the just cause of the situation. The Barbarian Princess herself wasn't so eager to converse either, looking away into space.

But he was more focused on other matters, and that was both his reward and his Mentor's safety. Duncan had followed the Snake to them, and wore a stoic countenance. One deep in thought. Floki on the other hand, was beaming with joy. No, he was downright ecstatic, walking on air and jumping for joy with every bouncing step. You'd think he'd won the lottery, not watch his Father die.

"My friend!" The Prince exclaimed as he slapped his hands down upon his shoulders, "Name anything, and you shall receive!!!" His eyes were wild, like he had smoked spice.

"Uh," This was quite awkward, he coughed and straighten his back, "I'd like the terms of the duel to be honored." He stated tactfully, "My Mentor's freedom, four chests of gold, and a agreement of some kind for there to be no raiding of villages and towns."

"Well..." Floki clicked his tongue, "I can ensure the former two, the third however..."

"What about it?" The Young Knight took a step forward, getting in the Prince's face, "The raiding ends, now." There was no way he'd come all this way for nothing.

"That depends on whether this 'Kingdom' stays together," Floki waved his hand as he spoke, "There's just as many who want a war as there are those who don't." With a sigh, he said, "And there's another problem..."

The Redhead facepalmed and shook his head, "What is it?"

"Our Brothers..." Astrid spoke up, "They want a war."

"You gotta be kidding me..." He began to rub his temples while looking up into the cloudy sky, "Mein Gott, why?" The Lord did not answer him, but the Trickster did.

"Yep," The Prince said with a slight nod, "They will push for war when they return, but the question is," He smirked, "Who will be the next High King?"

"What do you mean?" Siegfried raised an eyebrow as he brought his hand down from his head to his hip.

"You don't know our ancient customs, Kingdomer." Floki said while folding his arms, "A High King isn't a inherited position, it's an elected one."

"An elective monarchy," He nodded while scratching his chin, "I know what you mean." How could he not? He had read too much material arguing for it.

"Aye, if this Kingdom survives Hunding's death, there's gonna be a Kingsmoot." Raising a finger, Floki explained, "Other Jarls and Chieftains are gonna gun for the crown, if they don't downright secede." A grimace spread across his face, "My Brothers will want it, and they'll probably fight each other for it." With a shrug, he spread out his arms, "So, there's a good chance that the war is over, or at least on hold."

Popping his joints, he scoffed, "Well, Lord will it, it is done." With a quick glance, he made sure his sword was still holstered in its makeshift sheath, "Because I don't want to come back and make sure the raiding ends."

Duncan took a step forward and spoke, "I'll take care of it, need be. You'll be at Beacon soon. I can call in favors with some old friends if it comes to it."

Siegfried walked passed Floki and put a hand on his Mentor's shoulder, "Are you okay Old Man?" He asked, before looking back to the Prince, "Is that Semblance still active?" There was a glint of danger in his eyes.

"Oh you don't have to worry," Floki waved his hands defensively, "I deactivated my Semblance on him all the way back when you challenged my Father," Then, he put a hand to his own chest, and spoke with a frown, "I have no reason to charm either of you, my Father's gone and you two are a liability here." He looked around and said, "Infact, I'd think it be best to head to the castle right now, the city is going to go haywire."

He took a step away from his Mentor, who stroked his beard in thought, "Do we need to hasten our exodus?"

"I'll be honest with you Ginger," The Trickster clasped his hands together, "Half of those in the stands view you as a Hero that slayed a Tyrant, the other half view you as a dirty Kingdomer that has murdered their King." Raising a finger, he whispered, "That's about to be the whole city, not to mention all those outside the walls in that camp. It's gonna be bloodly," He wiped the grease off his cheek, "So you might as well go get your due, and leave out the great lift in the back of the Keep."

The Young Knight frowned, "Let me guess? The army camped outside the city isn't going to be too happy of me eliminating their employer and King?"

"Yep," The Prince then walked past him, "So lets go before they come for you." His Mentor and the Princess followed, he sighed as he turned, grabbed his helmet off the bench and began to walk after them.

His body still ached from the battle, the...awakening of his semblance seemed to have restored his aura to near 100%. But now that the duel was over, the bones he thought had broken still hurt to a degree, but were functioning. All he wanted now, was to sleep. To curl up underneath his covers in his bed back in Ansel, and hibernate until Beacon starts. Unfortunately, the day wasn't over, and Ansel was at least a week away.

They walked through a few hallways, full of people giving him mixed looks, until they reached the entrance of the arena. There was already trouble, the guards were holding a crowd back by their shields and the tips of spears. A chorus of shouting, raving, rejoicing, ranting and vandalizing assaulted his ears. The chaos was just beginning.

"Housecarls!" The Prince shouted, "To us!" The elite warriors that he and Duncan about fought earlier now came and flanked their sides as they walked to the stables by the arena.

There, he saw Grane where he left him. They had ridden to the arena before the duel, now they would have to ride back to the keep. He went up to Grane, hooked his helmet to his side, and patted him on his neck. "I said I'd back," He smiled, "Here I am Boy." The horse huffed in response, he patted him and went over his bags. Reaching into into one, he pulled out a decanter with vibrant red liquid in it.

Popping the cork off, he took in the wonderful smell of Red Elixir, one of the three miracle drinks. It's scent was inviting, sweet and fruity. A pull that had made many gulp it down like drunkards did alcohol. Putting the bottle to his lips, he took a small sip. He had heard too many horror stories of addiction to let himself indulge in it too much. As the crimson fluid went down his throat, he felt his body jolt in pleasure. The pain, the aches, it vanished in a instant. His body felt ignited, and fully energized.

Siegfried put the cork back in, and sighed euphorically, "Thank you Flamel." The Man's inventions may have had caused an pandemic of addiction, but they did more good than bad. He noted as he put it away, 'Gluttony and hedonism begets addiction.'

Climbing on Grane, he began to follow the Prince and Princess as their guards flanked them on horseback. The crowd was forcefully parted by spears as the guards made a path for them. They rode out into the street, the guards marched on their flanks with the Housecarls that rode beside them. To say that Thórsteinn was already in an uproar would be an understatement. Fights broke out in the streets near the arena, people cheered and people shouted in rage and despair. There were people shouting at them, or perhaps more in particular, him.

"Níðingr!!" Some called him, from their wrathful faces, he could tell it wasn't adoration.

No, that was those shouting "Helgi!!" showed. Much to the clear disgust of the others. Which in turn resulted in fights breaking out in real time as they rode down the street. The Young Knight kicked his steed forward until he was beside Astrid.

"What are they calling me?" He asked politely, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the crowd, "I do not know these terms." The Woman looked at him with a stoic face for a second, then looked away and closed her eyes with a sigh.

"They are very serious titles," She began, "To be called a Níðingr is to be called the son of a Grimm, vile and evil." Her eyes scanned over the chaotic crowd pushed back by spears, before looking back to him, "Helgi, on the other hand, it means holy and blessed."

Siegfried nodded as he took in the information, he was genuinely surprised by the divisiveness of the Hill Clansmen about himself. He had came and challenged their King, and then defeated him in-front of hundreds. Before he left, he had basically issued an ultimatum to their people. One he couldn't enforce literally, but Huntsmen sure as hell could if they actually began a war. "The latter sounds like a Mantlean name." He had noted, it was very similar to Helga.

"Don't forget Kingdomer," She smirked, and talked over the crowd, "Your people conquered our northern kin."

He scoffed, "The Nords of Solitas were more divided than your people currently are," He noticed people dragging each other to the ground, fists flying like a free-for-all boxing match, "Endless wars, famine and cannibalism." Looking back to her, he said, "Half of them embraced our ways in a heartbeat, the other half went out fighting." Looking forward, he thought about getting Floki to increase their pace, Grimm would undoubtedly come soon.

"Or fled," She snarked, "Like your people did when Vale took your land." The Redhead shook his head.

"There's a distinct difference between a hundred year war over Monarchs claims over each other's lands, ending with the inevitability of subjection and persecution," Siegfried then looked at her, "And a war against self destructive, heretical, cannibal raiders."

"What really is the difference when it comes to battle or war?" She closed her eyes solemnly, "People die all the same."

"The difference is the cause, objective, and outcome." He rolled his eyes, before looking back at her, "That's-WOAH!!" An arrow shot out from somewhere, narrowly missing his head by a few centimeters. Instead, of him, he heard some random man cry out in pain as the Housecarls shouted out, and they all began riding away fast down the street as the crowd began to draw each other's blood. His heart thumped along the thumping of hooves, he blinked and looked around.

Swords and axes, spears and bows. The Clansmen had began to kill each other, not just content with brawling. Even the guards had joined the fighting, whether or not on purpose, he didn't know. Without a doubt, Grimm would be here soon. If not for the aura-clad army outside the walls, he'd be compelled by honor to stay and fight them. As they reached the stretch up to the Keep, arrows flew from rooftops. Weaving his head to the side, one struck the horse of a Housecarl to his right. He didn't look back, two of their comrades stopped to check on the rider as the rest of them went for the gate.

They entered the gate, but he looked back. He saw them stop and hop off their horses to aid their comrade who seemed to still live, but poorly armored men charged out of a alleyway with weapons in hand. He kicked Grane into action, and readied his sword as he charged out of the keep back down the road.

The first Rioter didn't see it coming, the azure blade cleaved through his padded armor like jello, and through his shoulder. The second and third looked just in time for their throats to be slashed, as they fell to the ground, the fourth turned. He met Grane's head in collision, and flew through the air down the street. Siegfried looked to the surprised Housecarls, "Hurry! Get him up! I'll cover you!!" He shouted as he kicked his steed forward, the Rioter looked up just in time to face mighty hooves trample him as the Knight ran him over.

As the Housecarls helped the other up, he charged more rioters who came to join the fray. His sword came down upon them as he rode by, each strike lethal or critical. Blood splashed into the air as his blade was coated crimson. Finally, one charged him with a spear. The Young Knight slashed up, cutting through the poor spear easily, and severing the fool's head as he turned Grane around. The Warriors were on horseback again, he caught up to their side as they raced back to the gate. It shut with a loud thump as they entered.

A breath of relief exited his mouth as he came to a stop, the city was roaring with shouts and the ringing of battle. The Grimm would come soon, the Army outside would intervene, and he and Duncan had to leave as soon as possible. Hoping off his white stallion, he quickly made his way to the Royals and his Mentor.

Floki smirked, "What did I say Kingdomer?"

The Treasury...

They walked through stone halls with a quick pace, people glancing at them with either hatred, fear or admiration. The Knights followed the Prince to the Treasury.

"Are you sure that your Father's army will handle the Grimm?" Duncan asked, his Vulcan shifted into a one handed form and holstered on his side.

"It'll be fine," Floki said while hand waving, "I'm more worried about Hunding's devout fanatics than I am those beasts." They were heading for a large and ornate door with gold furnishings. "I can see them assaulting the keep to get to you both."

"But surely they can't breach it easily, you have stone walls, manned with soldiers." Siegfried spoke up, "Grimm on the other hand, without the proper air defenses, could swoop down upon us."

Looking back at them, he frowned and said, "I'm afraid that our Guards might have some sympathetic to those who would wish fury upon you two."

"Your Sister and your sworn men are on the lookout though," The Mantlean scratched his chin, "Surely that would be enough to deter those who would open a way for the Rioters."

"My Sister isn't the greatest warrior, you must've noticed." Floki said while shaking his head, "And many of those Housecarls were the most loyal to my Father, they are only honoring the deal reluctantly." Looking back with another grin, "I'm surprised that you would risk both your life and that horse to rescue three."

"I may dislike your people," Siegfried responded, "But I cannot refuse an opportunity to help those who aid me, no matter the reason." Raising and clutching his fist, he said, "I can't let good deeds go unrewarded."

"Fair enough, I suppose." The Prince shrugged before gesturing before them, "This is it, Hunding's treasury." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Key, "My Father told me not to get used to this, that he would reclaim it so easily..." Raising it to his face, turning it over and eyeing it, he said with a creeping smile, "Pride always comes before the fall, my Father learned that the hard way..."

Siegfried scratched his chin in contemplation, before asking, "Why would he even give you the key if he was so sure of victory?" The Barbarian turned around and lowered the key from his face, looking up and moved his jaw back and forth as he thought.

"Because my Father lived by his own code of Honor," He answered as he looked back down, "The only principle he stood by was keeping his word, everything he said he would do, both good and bad, he carried out if he could. He told the Thrumuhnefi Chieftain of this city what he would do if he didn't bow, and he fulfilled that dark promise."

Crossing his arms, the redhead leaned back, "Such honor is shallow," He scoffed as he closed his eyes and shook his head, "Fitting for your people."

"Self righteousness," Floki raised a finger, waving it and smirking as he countered, "Very fitting for yours." Then, turning around and sticking the key into the door, unlocking it with a simple twist, "Here," The Prince said as he opened the door and pushed it open, then turning around and waving to the room, "Go inside, get your gold and whatever suits your fancy." Winking, he told them, "For the great boon you have given me, please take whatever you want."

With a simple nod, the two Knights cautiously entered the large circular room. It was lit up by dust imbued gems, lighting up the room in a myriad of colors. Gold and Silver, Weapons and Jewelry, all glinting in the light. Hunding's wealth was greater than he had expected, it was literally a room full of treasure. Old gold and silver based currencies like the Mantlean Ƶahlung, the Mistralian Ұen, the Vacuan 𐌅ulus, the Æthelan Ðæt (ethæt) and the Hellenic Δ(D)rachma everywhere. And of course, Vale's triumphant currency, the Ⱡien, both old coins and plastic cards. On the floor, stacked on shelves and in open and closed chests.

"Ok," The Redhead said, taking a step forward and bringing his hands to his hips, "Four chests worth of money, and a few things on the side."

"Why did you ask for four chests in particular?" Duncan asked as he looked around at all the gold and silver, "Our goal was to take out Hunding and go collect the bounty before returning home. What's the point in taking some of this?" His Mentor asked him.

"Because, I wanted some extra money for us, and some for those people who lost their homes to these raids." Siegfried answered as he bent down and inspected a chest too large to strap to one of Grane's sides. "Not to mention, potential gifts for your family, my Sister, Jaune and Wayland." Looking back over his shoulder, he explained, "I haven't gotten anyone anything on this trip, I want to give some gifts away before I head to Beacon."

Duncan nodded and smiled, "I'm glad to have seen your wit getting sharper over the years." He ran his hand through his beard before adding, "I remember when you would never think things out before doing something, always rushing."

"I'm no Wayland," Responding as he stood up, before smiling, "And getting my ass kicked constantly in training then was a good motivator to learn how to think and fight at the same time." He said with a small laugh as he walked away from the chest and toward the next. This chest was smaller, and more compact. 23 inches long, and 14 inches wide.

Opening it, he was greeted by a multitude of gold and silver coins, some jewels and jewelry. "Duncan," His mentor turned to look at him as he spoke, "This one, we need to find three others like it. This kind of chest is ideal for Grane and Obsidian to carry."

"Alright." The Old Huntsman gestured to back and forth across the room "I'll look over the left side, you take the right."

"Got it." He responded as he shut the chest and scooted it towards the front of the room behind him. Standing up, he walked over towards the right side of the room. Every footstep resulting in a clinking sound, both from his armor, and from the coinage his sabatons stepped on as he scanned the area for anything interesting. His left hand came to the black leather satchel on his side he had grabbed off Grane before entering the Keep, and opened it.

There were solid gold and silver bars stacked up on a shelf along with some lien. The Young Knight began to grab some and stuffed them into his bag. He wasn't going to raid the whole treasury, but he would take what he could. All in total, he took eight small bars of gold and a few stacks of lien. After that, he looked at the chests scattered through his side of the room, until he spotted one of the right size against the wall in the back.

He waded through the coins of gold and silver, and passed other chests and baubles. When he got to it, he knelt and opened it. 'I guess he never thought anyone but him would be in here.' It was unlocked like its predecessor, and as long and wide. Closing it, he picked it up.

Then he saw it, laying in the pile of coins that the chest had rested on, was an strange object. Siegfried sat the chest to his side and knelt back down. It was...a cube, golden edges and designs, light blue familiar symbols wrapped around in a circle on every side. "What the...?" He said in a low whisper as he reached down and took it into his hand. It began to subtly glow the moment his hand touched it, each one of the runes lightning up in a azure color. It was as wide as his Palm, as big as a rubik's cube. It clicked in his head as he lifted it to his face, 'Dwarven Tech...'

It was the only thing he could think of, it fit the description he had heard many times. 'Wayland would know.' One thing he did know for sure, was that dwarven tech was very, very valuable. Chances were that he had anywhere from a couple hundred to a billion dollars in his hand.

"Sieg," Duncan spoke, he lowered the cube and looked over his shoulder, "I've found two chests." His mentor gestured to the two small chests by the first now, "Found one?"

"Uh, yeah." He answered as he covertly put the cube into his satchel, and turned to grab the chest.

The Lift...

Thórsteinn's great lift was a large primitive thing, nowhere near the quality of even rusty rundown lifts on Solitas. Old wood held up and lowered by rusty chains, descending down the cliff behind the keep. The most worry some thing, however, was the wooden beam with the metal circle with all the chains wrapped around it, was visibly cracked. It looked like a death trap, and they had to use it...

They had walked there while leading their horses by their reigns, Grane and Obsidian both had treasure chests strapped to their sides, over their saddle bags. For any regular horse, they'd collapse from all the weight. But for two stallions with their aura unlocked, it was easy, not even a strain.

The Barbarian Royals had lead them there, along with their retinue of Housecarls. The city had broke down into anarchy by the time they exited the keep, the streets had devolved into fights and looting. The thing that surprised him when they exited the keep was that there were no Grimm in sight, not even flying ones. The sky's were clear, well except for the clouds anyway.

"Well," The Prince began as he stopped and turned around, "We're here Huntsmen, your grand escape route."

"Where to? Our deaths?" Siegfried said sarcastically, before pointing at the platform before them, "This lift doesn't look like it could handle one person's weight, let alone us, our treasure and our steeds." Floki frowned.

"I know you have no reason to trust me," He pointed to the lift, "But this has carried many over the years, I've seen twenty men and horses go up and down before upon it." He put his hands on his hips, "And it's either this, or going out the front where my Father's army will probably attack you. This way gives you both a way out of this city and a way to avoid all those aura clad warriors."

"That's not-" He was interrupted by his master.

"I'll put my faith in you just this one last time," He stated as he walked up and got close to the Prince, "But if I ever see you again, there will be no quarter." His finger gauntleted was inches away from the Trickers face, making him take a step back, "Understood?"

Nodding before saying, "Understandable." Floki looked over to the Young Knight, "And I presume the same from you Ginger?"

"Yes." Answering without hesitation, he took a step forward himself, "There is no honor in betrayal and deception." He narrowed his brows and gave the Prince a scornful look, "You still had intended to hand me and my master over to your father, so that he could torment us. That is something I cannot forgive."

"I did," Floki admitted, "Truth be told, I never had faith that either of you would fulfill my greatest desire. But now that you have, I will you give you this one freebie." Moving past them, patting them both on the shoulders, he said, "All I ask is don't ever get in my way, stay out of these lands." Finishing with, "Farewell, have a decent journey." He left them, striding away with purpose. Some of the housecarls followed him, while others stayed with Astrid.

She stood there in contemplation, a cold look across her face as he gazed at them. She sighed, before saying, "Thank you both," She took a step forward, "You freed me from his shadow," She frowned as she stated, "But I must ask you two to leave and never return, for your sake."

Siegfried shook his head before taking a step towards her, "You don't have to stay here, you can come with us." Then adding, "You should find your own way in this world."

"No, I can't." She shot him down, "I don't ever want to see you again." Looking down, she said, "For I might have despised him, I am honor bound to avenge my Father."

Memories of fire and blood, imagines of Siegmund being devoured flooded his mind as he took a step back, "I understand..."

"I'm glad you do," She replied solemnly, "Farewell," Turning around, she finished by saying, "Duncan and Siegfried, keep safe."

He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came to him. He turned around and boarded the lift with Grane, Duncan and Obsidian. What could he say? Would it be hypocritical to rebuke her idea of honor when revenge was one of the things that motivated him forward? He swore that he would avenge his father the next time he ever saw that monster. Her Father was awful, but he understood why she would be compelled. Mantlean and Clansmen honor was very different, but the fundamentals remained the same. He would not let himself be a hypocrite.

"You Kingdomers ready?" A man stood by a crank, he was old with grey hair and wrinkled skin. Yet robust and buff all the same.

Duncan shot him a look, he just simply nodded as his Master said, "Yes."

"Alright, here we go!" He began to turn the crank, and the Lift began to descend. Siegfried didn't look back, he only looked forward at the vast landscape ahead. Forests and plains blanketed the land north of Thórsteinn, it was beautiful.

'Perhaps if this land ever became civilized, an artist would paint this scenery...' The Redhead thought as they went down slowly. He noted that they were at least sixty feet in the air, though he was more afraid for Grane than himself. He had survived great falls before, there was much one with skill and aura could endure after all. But a horse, even with aura, probably would injure itself, if not worse.

"Well, we did it." Duncan said curtly.

"Finally." He said with sigh of relief, "It only took weeks that I could've been using to prepare for Beacon." Looking up to the sky, he added, "If I could revive the dead, I'd bring him back just to kill Hunding again for that alone."

"At least Ansel is safe." His Mentor noted, scanning the land before then with his eyes.

"For now." Reflecting on Floki's words earlier that day, "We need to get the Kingdom or some Huntsmen to make sure this 'Kingdom' doesn't stay together."

"I'll try to call in some friends and favors," His Mentor scratched his chin, "But with the state of the east, I'd be lucky get someone to investigate the Draugar activity."

"The East's problems are no one's fault but Vale's," Siegfried scoffed, "If they'd at least hear out the Æthelans demands for some sort of independence, instead of oppressing them at every chance, then they wouldn't have a rebellion all the time." Throwing his hand up into the air, he added, "Same with the White Fang, there wouldn't be so many Neo-Gaians among them if Humans didn't treat them like vermin."

"Sieg, these conflicts are complicated matters." Duncan then began, "Vale can't just give Ethel independence because it would take half of Vale's land and resources with it." He explained as he raised a hand, "The White Fang is a completely different matter all together," Shaking his head, he said, "While some would be pleased with equality, the more and more Gaian fanatics gain control of them, the more likely they won't be pleased until Humanity is extinct."

"I know," He wiped his face as he spoke, "But Vale and Atlas create their own problems with their rigidness. They step on those who they view as lesser peasants, and when people bite back, they shake their heads in confusion." Looking to his Mentor, he added, "Not to mention the blatant hypocrisy, the White Fang are persecuted to the fullest extent of the law while the Krimson Hand runs amuck." Looking away, he closed his eyes and grit his teeth, "Valean citizens shed tears for the barbaric Clansmen, but none for the plight of the Æthelans."

"That's the burden of our world," The Huntsmen nodded, "No one wants to walk in others shoes. No one wants to be honest, they want to look righteous and virtuous-while being the exact opposite."

He opened his eyes and stated, "Truly, it's up to men like us to carry Lugh and Gwyn's legacy."

The Old Huntsman nodded and said, "Amen."

"Amen." The Young Knight parroted as the lift touched down. They lead their steeds off the platform and mounted them as the lift began to rise behind them. They began to ride at a fast pace down the path, urgently seeking to place a great distance between them and the city. The sky above was growing dark, the thick clouds speeding up the approaching night. The sun would be setting in a hour or so, but that still left them enough time to reach Fridarheim.

They followed the dirt road through the woods until they came out to the plains that surrounded the southeastern side of Thórsteinn. They rode along the tree line, keeping to the cover provided by the trees. The large encampment outside of the city was in chaos, just like within its walls. Soldiers ran between tents, while others stood at the ready for the first sign of attackers, or Grimm.

Both of which were missing, the latter's nonattendance was perplexing. Both Huntsmen flicked their eyes back and forth, desperately trying to find any of the Monsters in sight. There were no Grimm, none in the sky above the city, none attacking the army's camp outside the walls, none running across the field, none in the woods surrounding them to their left. If there were any, they had to be hiding. And for a breeding ground of negativity that currently was the city, they would be in a frenzy.

Siegfried scanned the plains to his right, "This isn't right," He was starting to get worried, "There should be at least some Grimm, and they should be here by now." Grimm were like moths to a flame when some major catastrophe occurs. Be it riots, natural disasters, raids, attacks or battles like in the Great War. The only way to make sure they don't come for the source of negativity was to thin the heard extensively, destroy all nearby Grimm Pits, or set up an ironclad defense.

"I agree," Duncan's forehead wrinkled up, "Either all Grimm in the area are dead, or..." His eyes flashed to the left real quick, "They're preoccupied somewhere else." They both share a quick look, it wasn't too out of the question.

They rode out into the field as the city was aglow in flames and the shouts of fury. When they reached the road, they didn't look back.

On the Road...

They had rode in silence for at least an hour, the total time he didn't know. They had been focused only on looking out for Grimm. The later it got, the more active they became. Not to mention the state of the city they just left, it should be a frenzy tonight. Yet, even as they rode through the woods, it was barren. The pine trees were tall and imposing, giving way to the night sky. Siegfried could hardly make out where they were going. The dirt road ahead was only noticeable by the lack of trees in front of them, everywhere else was shrouded in darkness.

They had decided that lighting a lamp was too risky with any potential pursuers, choosing instead to rely upon the skills and senses they've trained to use. Tensely riding along the road, trying to remain ready. But such silent vigilance tended to get to even the most disciplined of people, and soon his Mentor began an conversation.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry I was weak." He began, "I let myself be deceived, and about jeopardized our lives."

"Don't be," He looked to his Mentor, "His semblance gave him the ability to smile and get people to agree to the most insane things, you weren't the only one he compelled." Looking away, he reflected and said, "I'm more confused at why I was unaffected, and you were akin to a zombie."

"Who knows," Duncan shrugged, "Manipulation semblances are rare from what I know, what he has is a one in a billion."

"If he was an Atlesian with that Semblance unlocked," He theorized, "He'd own the SDC, hell, he'd be their King." Looking back to his Master, he shook his head and asked, "How am I so strong willed, and you, a veteran Huntsman, was vulnerable."

"Semblances can vary in strength, and affect different people in very different ways." He answered, before changing the subject, "Like yours that you unlocked today."

"Oh, that..." He scratched the back of his head as he looked away, he remembered the hallucination he saw as he was dying earlier, "It...it just came to me in my time of need." He wouldn't mention the fact that the literal savior of the world appeared before him, nor would he mention what he had told him. Only a Priest could help him, anyone else would have him committed to an insane asylum.

"Fire however, that is quite an ironic semblance to have." The Old Huntsman smirked, "I wonder if it could surpass my immunity?"

But he didn't find mirth in the situation, "I don't understand it," Raking his memories for that moment all those years ago that Duncan had said might've been a hint of his semblance, "I distinctly remember all those years ago that I hardened my aura when I fought that Alpha Direwolf..."

The Old Man's orange eyes narrowed in thought, "Sometimes...when we unlock our aura, it is exponentially stronger than afterwards." He explained, "Same thing with unlocking semblances during dire situations."

"Yeah..." He looked at his own left hand, it made sense. "I'm going to try to summon it." He said before concentrating. It took a moment but he could feel it ignite, and suddenly, blue flames spread led out all along his arm. Like turning on the pilot light of a stove, but not the azure explosion of earlier. "It's...weaker than before..."

"As I said, that's what happens sometimes. Semblances can be influenced by adrenaline," Duncan clarified, "Just like how a weak body can surpass it's limits sometimes, a semblance can do the same. A function of fight or flight." Scanning the woods with his eyes, he continued by saying, "Odds are, if you want to get your semblance to mimic that strength earlier, you will have to train it like a muscle."

He on the other hand, huffed as he dispelled the flames, "Of course," Siegfried complained as he rubbed his forehead, "That means I will be behind most people at Beacon." He may have been skilled, but his peers would be adept with whatever semblances they had. Many times throughout the years he tried to unlock his, using every method in the book. It never worked, but one delusion near death and now he can summon flames? Shaking his head, he remarked, "Why couldn't I unlock it years ago?"

"It's not that uncommon for people to be late in discovering their semblance, most people go their whole lives without ever unlocking it, and some warriors take decades to." His Mentor tried, and failed, to make him feel better, "Not to mention, neither Wayland or Jaune have theirs unlocked either."

The Redhead chuckled, "Those two aren't very good examples," He looked over to him and raised a finger, "And you know it." Clutching his reigns with his right hand, he continued gesturing with his left, "Wayland doesn't even like fighting, and Jaune, do I really have to point out why he lacks one?"

"They're both getting better," Duncan deflected, "I remember once upon a time they couldn't swing a sword to save their life, they could at least do that now."

"They both haven't even fought a Grimm." He pointed out, "Every time we offer them the chance to go on a small hunt, they both refuse."

"I don't blame them, facing a Grimm for the first time always shakes a person to their core."

"Jaune wants to be Huntsman," He looked ahead for a moment, "It's kinda in the Job Description."

"Nicholas doesn't want him to be one," Duncan pointed out, "And he's more focused on your Sister nowadays."

"Why do you think his parents have been letting them see each other irresponsibly?" He bared his teeth, "They want him and her to just stay in Ansel, and be farmers or something else instead. They're damn fools," His eyebrows bent down as he thought about her, "She's too busy trying be like him." The image of a cold Man shot through his mind, "She's going to Atlas University to become one of those Schweine tools."

His Mentor sighed, before replying, "Sieg, you know she doesn't have the same views as you-"

"She's an Atlesian worshipping schwachsinniger trottel!" He cursed, and then looked his Mentor in the eyes, "She might as well spit upon the graves of our parents, our true uncle and our valiant forefathers." Looking away, he closed his eyes, "If she wasn't my Sister, I would totally and utterly despise her for her poor character."

"Siegfried..." The Old Huntsman chided him.

He opened his eyes and sighed, "I'm sorry, but you know how she is." He looked back at him, "I would rather refrain from any further mention of her for now."

"Alright," He nodded before looking ahead, then saying, "Besides, we've arrived at the carriage again..." It was just down the road from their current position, they could still smell the smoke and the horrid stench of burnt flesh.

"This place again..." He noted solemnly, "We're close to Fridarheim then."

"I say we should rent a room there again." Duncan suggested.

"But we told the people we encountered there that we were heading for Vacuo." The Young Knight pointed out the flaw in that idea.

"We'll just say that we we're backstabbed by our guides." Shrugging, he added, "After all, there is truth to it."

Looking around, he said, "It's better than sleeping out in the wilderness." As they rode by the burnt out carriage, he raised his fist to the center of his chest and stated, "And may the Lord watch over them in Annwyn."

"May they enjoy the golden halls of splendor in Heaven."

He shot his Master a look, before stating, "Their children are, but I doubt the adults are worthy of such peace." Looking ahead, he stated coldly, "The ignorance of youth is far more forgivable than the ignorance of adulthood."

"Now is not the time for Fundamentalism." His Mentor wagged his finger, "It is not a sin to hope for the best of those who are not faithful."

"It doesn't change the fact that these people worship false Gods that command them to reave and rape." He snarled, "How could anyone that thinks those Trees holy end up in Heaven?"

"It did save us."

"That," He had no words, "That was-"

A horrid horn echoed through the woods, they both stopped their steeds and looked at each other and around themselves. It was deep and ominous, and ended after thirty seconds. It sounded like it came from the direction of..."Oh no..."

"Fridarheim." Duncan said with worry, "We need to hurry." They kicked their horses into a sprint down the road. Something was wrong, something was very wrong. As minutes passed, they saw and smelled the smoke before they saw the town. But they could hear the echoes of battle, the panicked wails of the dying, and the roars of Grimm.

Author's Note:

You thought this Arc was over already? You thought wrong! One (or two) more chapters to go and we're done with the frontier.

Just a note: In this AU of RWBY, animals can have aura. And it makes them stronger and faster than those without like Humans and Faunus.

Next Update: (July 8th-July 15th.)

I'm open to any and all criticism (I'm writing Fanfiction to improve my writing after all), So please review and give me your honest opinions. If you like it, please be sure to favorite or follow.