I had this fight done about two days after I posted the last chapter but I didn't have the rest of the chapter done. But I feel like it has been too long since posting. So I'm going to post at least this for now. Hopefully I will have the "rest" of this chapter up in the near future.
Adrenaline is a wonderful thing. It heightens reaction times, suppresses pain, and functions as a poorman's semblance. During times of great stress, excitement, or physical activity adrenaline is released in large amounts to help the body keep up. So as Jaune sat in the locker room waiting for his match to start he tried his best to suppress the flow of this chemical. He knew very soon he was going to need every drop.
Thinking back he remembered the looks on his classmates faces. No one wished to challenge Jaune. A few months ago it was simply because they would be looked down on for trying to pick up an easy win against the weakest student. But as Jaune trained with Pyrrha, at night and in class, students began to notice his growth and were afraid to lose to him and suddenly become the bottom of the barrel. The looks of surprise when he challenged Cardin were only matched by the faces made when Cardin accepted.
The two Huntsmen entered the arena with weapons drawn. The room was heavy with suspense. Who would make the first move? Who actually had the upper hand? Would it be as one-sided as it looked?
"Cardin's main strength is his size and strength. I can't take more than four direct hits from that mace of his before I get disqualified. His punches and kicks can easily be stopped by my aura now, so those shouldn't be a problem." Jaune thought to himself. "His size should slow him down and make it easier to read his movements. If I focus on evasion and defense opportunities for counterattacks will appear."
Jaune and Cardin began to circle the arena sizing each other up. Despite knowing the risks, Jaune began to close the distance between the two. Cardin threw caution to the wind and attacked. Lunging shoulder first at Jaune he swung his mace low and wide. Jaune jumped backwards only to be met by Cardin spinning into a downward smash and activating the dust emitter in the weapon. A fiery explosion engulfed Jaune. Ignoring the pain he slashed out at where he knew Cardin would be. And made contact.
Cardin recoiled and Jaune closed the gap. A shield slam followed by another slash had Cardin on the defensive. Jaune retreated after the successful attack. He may have been caught off guard earlier but was able to keep his head and make the best of the situation. If nothing else he was proud of at least that.
Losing his temper, Cardin blitzed his opponent. The attacks were slow and predictable making evasion and blocking easier than Jaune had thought. As Jaune deflected another attack with his shield he retaliated with a slash and a kick. Cardin swung again, this time in an upward motion. Jaune leaped backwards to evade. At the height of the swing Cardin threw his weapon at Jaune. The weapon made contact just as Jaune was landing, catching him off guard knocking him to the ground and the sword from his hand.
Time slowed to a crawl as Jaune was faced with a difficult choice.
"If I go for my sword... Cardin reaches his weapon before I do and he gains the advantage. If I try to use his own weapon against him... I definitely lose that fight." Jaune weighed his options.
"You'd better hurry up. He's getting closer." The voice reported.
"Cardin has very little Aura left. I have more left but I'm losing it as time passes from those burns earlier."
"He is almost upon you. Make your decision before it is made for you."
"Heh, too slow Jauney boy." Cardin called as he grabbed his mace. Jaune stood with his shield in hand. "you're mine." Cardin swung his mace in a wide arc. Jaune took the blow square with his shield. As the two made contact Jaune jumped up just slightly. The force sent him flying into the side of the arena wall.
"You should have given up when you had the chance." Cardin taunted as he put away his mace and began to leave.
"Don't count your eggs before they hatch!" Jaune yelled as he ran towards Cardin sword in hand. Cardin's blow had thrown him right next to his sword, like he planned. It left him with very little Arua but he had enough to reach Cardin. Enough to get one last blow in. Just barely enough to keep him moving. Cardin spun around to meet his attacker but was too late as Jaune landed the finishing blow.
"Because your goose is cooked."
"The match goes to Jaune Arc." Professor Goodwitch declared. "Mr. Winchester, it would be advisable to always check that the match is over before you gloat. Mr. Arc, reckless tactics may have worked this time around but never rely on them. That being said, good job."
Not much of an ending I know but I'm trying to get the next chapter up.