Chapter 24 Hand to Hand

(Shawn POV)

"I know that this is one of your ideas to train us to be better huntsmen and huntresses, but how exactly is hand to hand combat suppose to work? I highly doubt we will ever be using this when we're fighting the Grimm," I said.

"It seems you haven't considered the situation we're in right now wouldn't be repeated," Akira said as she paced herself a few paces back from Yoko, "what happens when we're out and our weapons can no longer function as how we need them to be?"

"I can see your point now," I said after thinking it over again, "and combining this training with our Aura's strength, then we could possibly be able to survive whatever mission we are in."

"That means then we need to strengthen our Aura as well then," Raven said, "Any suggestions on how to do that Shawn?"

"No, even with what my parents did to train me to become a huntsman, they never thought of using Aura would be any good," I said, "They always thought it would come in later naturally."

"So this is what the well acclaimed Team ASPR is doing now that they are disarmed," Cardin said as he and the rest of his team walked up to us.

"What do you want Cardin?" Yoko asked as he and Akira had momentarily stopped their training.

"Oh nothing since your wings have been clipped and you've been declawed as well," Cardin said.

"You just want another fight," Akira said, "how about another bet, this time; it will be much easier and simpler. We will fight each other without using our weapons or semblances, if you win, we won't forge any weapons until graduation however if I win, your team cannot interfere with us ever again with anything that you know of now no matter what until graduation understand? That means no communication or any form of contact from your team."

"Fine then, this will be an easy victory," Cardin said walking away, "let's go."

After they were a good distance away Raven was the first to confront our leader personally while asking, "Akira, how could you make that bet? You know of my relationship."

"I know but Cardin doesn't, what he doesn't know won't be much of a problem, besides if he does find out, he won't be able to do anything to stop you two either seeing he doesn't have a single clue," Akira said.

"Are you sure you know what you are doing, even with these stakes, even one little mistake could cost us from wielding anything until we graduate and that is if we even do," I said.

"Don't worry, I think I can handle this," Akira said, "Come on we should finish our training."

The next day was either dreaded or waited for by our team. The day where Akira and Cardin were going to have their hand to hand combat in Professor Goodwitch's class. She already know about our deal except for what the losing team had to do. Akira already seemed prepared except for one little thing.

"Akira, one more condition for this match, that is if it's okay with you," Cardin said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You'll be blindfolded seeing how you're a Faunus, you're probably use to it already," Cardin said.

I heard a low growl from Akira as she asked someone wearing a black cloak and was blindfolded as well, who was passing by the class for some odd reason, if he had an extra blindfold and he indeed had a spare to give to her.

"Don't worry, I'll get it back for you," Akira said.

"No, it's okay," he said, "I'll be fine."

(Akira POV)

After tying the blindfold, all I saw was complete darkness, I was glad for being a Wolf Faunus; I could hear Cardin's footsteps and use his scent to pinpoint where he was. Unlike the last time in the cafeteria where I was taunting him, I was prepared and was waiting for him to rush me. After circling me enough times to remember his footfalls and scent, he made a rush to my back where I moved to the side just enough to not get caught in his attack. All this was know was a game of patience, listen, smell, wait then move; waiting to make your attack. I heard the muffle scuffs of people moving, but right now it doesn't matter, I have to close off the world and focus on the battle.

(Shawn POV)

Akira didn't see the rest of Team CRDL sneaking onto the battlefield as Cardin was giving silent commands in a way to subdue her and ensure his victory.

"What are they up to?" Yoko muttered, "We need to help her."

"She'll be fine," I said.

"How would you know that?" Yoko asked.

"By what I know so far, Akira's tail isn't limply swaying between her legs meaning she is confident she will win and with her wolf ears twitching every so often, she is listening to everything that is happening around her," I said, "besides, I'm certain that she is tracking their movements by following their scent, but if this continues, they might confuse her nose."

"So what are we suppose to do then?" Yoko asked.

"Wait, watch and observe," I said, "that way, at least we'll have an upper hand the next time we're fighting them."

It seemed slow and methodical, and almost seemed to take up the entire class time as well. Eventually as usual, Akira had beaten Team CRDL. After taking off the blindfold and readjusting to the light she made it to the rest of the team where she sat down looking around.

"Any sign of the guy I got the blindfold from?" Akira asked, "I really wanted to give it back for him, and thanking him for it as well."

"No clue whatsoever," Yoko said, "He did say he'll be fine after all."

"If you say so," Akira asked checking her scroll for something.

"Asking Ozpin about Professor Indium again?" I asked.

"Yeah, nothing new, she hasn't returned yet," Akira said, "he said to give it another week so I'll check again next week. How's everything Raven?"

"Okay, I suppose," Raven muttered.

"Don't worry," Akira said, "No matter what happens, we'll have your back and help you."

"Thanks," Raven muttered again.

"Come on, let's go get some ice cream," I said, "I'll be willing to pay for it."

Raven did eventually agree to go to Vale for ice cream, but from the corner of my eye, I could see she was just letting it melt away before even taking a single bite.