Holding Back
Fantasy / General (Themes from "Shadow Skill")
Jaune Arc / Saffron Cotta-Arc / Yang Xiao Long / Pyrrha Nikos
It had been four months, and Jaune was still struggling with Combat Class. Still floundering when it came to trying to gain a victory. His friends have shared his struggles, supporting him, offering encouragement and training. All of them agreed he was improving, but they all feared he had reached a plateau; and for the life of them they had no idea how to push him past it.
/==/
Updated (01/07/2022) to reflect some editing I've done since it was first uploaded.
Also added some to the "Revolt". Thanks to Firefly25 on for the suggestion.
/==/
Yang's eyes narrowed. It was the fourth time she had see it during Jaune's never ending spars against the thug Cardin. She wasn't sure if anyone was noticing it. His legs were tensing, as if he was fighting his own instinct as Cardin rained blow after bow upon Jaune, as he ducked behind his shield. She knew the tell. Jaune wanted to kick, and he wanted to kick hard.
"Why is he resisting?" Yang whispered to herself. "He sees the opening, he knows he could turn the fight around. Why is he fighting it?"
So unsure if the rest of RWBY, the class or his own team was noticing she decided to pay closer attention to how Jaune was moving. The longer she studied his foot work, the more confident she was in her theory. Jaune was a fighting his instincts. Resisting his own training. A training Yang was certain based around unarmed combat. Again the question was raised in her mind. Why? Why was he not using his strengths, using skills she was positive he possessed in favour of forcing himself to fight with weapons be was obviously untrained with.
Yang knew Jaune was being trained by Pyrrha. It was not a secret even after four months. She was thirsty for the lanky blonde. She was a champion fighter, didn't she see it? Or was she being blinded by her crush on Jaune? The match ended in favour of Cardin, like normal, though it had taken the bully much longer to gain the victory. This time it was due to aura level, as opposed to ring out or yielding. Yang knew Jaune was getting better, she could tell, but still it nagged at her. She felt like Jaune was holding himself back. But why?
Yang knew Jaune would head to the training rooms, right after supper. Then he would spar with Pyrrha on the roof later that night. He was pushing himself, and pushing hard. The gap between Jaune and the lower ranked first years was narrowing. A testament to Jaune's dedication and drive to improve; but it was still rather noticeable. It was as class was dismissed, that she made her decision. She was going to confront him. Get answers from him, force him to show what he can really do.
/=/
"No!" Jaune snapped as Yang stood before him in the training room. It had taken her three days of constant interruption of his routine for him to finally snap at her. "You're mistaken! You all know the truth!"
"Jaune calm down, and stop lying to yourself and me." Yang countered. "I can see it. Your last spar with Cardin..."
"I know. Another loss. I'll beat him yet. I'm getting better," Jaune cut her off.
"You will, but you could have done it today. You could have done it two days ago, a week ago." Yang stated flatly. "You wanted to kick him Jaune. Why didn't you?"
"No..."
"Jaune, just stop. I can tell, I know. I've been trained, and it's pretty obvious to me, by how you are struggling just with the foot work, that something is up. You're fighting your instincts, and I want to know why?"
"None of your..."
"It is!" Yang snapped. "You're a friend. Ruby's BEST friend, and I see you struggling. We all do, and the more I think on it, I see there is more to you than you're letting on! So open up to me at least. Make me understand why you're forcing yourself to struggle with a weapon you don't know how to use."
"I'm getting better!"
"You are. Pyrrha is helping you make great strides, but the fact is still there Jaune. I saw it today, two days ago, a week ago; and I'm pretty sure if I went back through all the videos of your spars, I'd continue to see it." Yang crossed her arms under her breasts. "As much as you keep trying to say you're not trained, you are; but it's not with a sword and board."
"I'm not..."
"I'll make you a deal." Yang blurted out. "Face me, show me this talent you are hiding; and I'll back off. I won't bring it up anymore. I won't tell anyone. " Yang wanted to bite her lip on that statement. She was definitely going to show the others. She had her scroll setup to record what happens. If her suspicion was corrected, she would need everyone to help get Jaune to open up about what he was hiding. "One match. Standard rules. Just me and you. Deal?"
"Fine." Jaune snorted. "One match. Win or lose, you won't tell anyone?"
"Win or lose. Just show me what you really can do."
Jaune said nothing, putting away Crocea Mors, and moving over to the spectator stands. Yang held her breath, hoping he didn't notice her scroll, only to have her eyes open wide as Jaune began to strip.
"What are you?"
"You want me to show you, then I'll show you." Jaune snapped back as he turned to face Yang, clade only in his boxer briefs. A dusting of crimson touched Yang's cheeks at the sight. Everyone assumed Jaune was just lanky, needing to grow into his body, but with him nearly naked before her. She knew the truth. Jaune was built, but not massive like Cardin. The muscle definition was obvious, but he was lithe, build for fast quick movement. He wasn't a hulking mass of power. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed Jaune was had one of his belts in his hands. She raised an eyebrow as Jaune used the belt to bind his wrists together. There was just enough slack to let his arms spread shoulder width apart.
"What's..."
"Never mind about it." Jaune huffed as he entered the combat ring. "Ready?"
"Ready." Yang replied as she watched Jaune take a stance. She was guessing his style was based around kicking, seeing as his arms were restricted by the makeshift manacles. Knowing it was now or never; Yang dashed forward, only to have Jaune rush to the side, circling away from her. She chose not to give chase, and squared herself up, waiting for his attack. He didn't disappoint. Changing direction from circling to her right, to charging straight in without a second of pause.
Yang prepared to punish Jaune for his head on charge, only to have to suddenly bring her left arm up to cover the side of her head. She gritted her teeth at the impact of Jaune's shin against her arm. She felt herself slide a foot along the floor. The second kick took her completely by surprise. The flat of his left foot planting itself in the centre of her chest, causing her to stumble back straight into a third kick. She rolled with the hit to the side of her head, reaching her feet just in time to see Jaune using his hands to vault back to his feet. He was instantly on the move again.
Yang's vision was a little off from the impact of Jaune's heel to the side of her face; and she was still trying to wrap her mind about how Jaune was able to deliver three kicks so rapidly. Seeing him close, she chose to do the same. He had the reach advantage by using his legs, so she needed to get closer. Jaune slid under her punch, twisting as he fell; allowing him to press his bound hands against the floor. Yang covered up as Jaune's bare feet flew at her. For ten minutes the two went at it. Yang catching Jaune several times with solid counters, but through it all, Jaune continued to press her. She had never fought a style like Jaune's. His entire method of attack was his feet, shins, and knees. His hands only came into play when he needed to vault, cartwheel, or press off the floor for additional power.
The match ended with a buzz signalling time was up. Both were breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows. Yang amazed at how effective Jaune was. She had never had a match against someone so difficult to counter. He was always on the offensive. Always moving, pressing his attacks. Backing off only far enough to give him room to launch another combo. Yang wanted to say something, words of encouragement, questions about the style he used; but was unable too as Jaune shuffled off. She watched as he freed his hands, before pulling his clothes back on.
"You promised Yang." Jaune snapped over his shoulder as he picked up his weapons and armour, before heading out.
Yang knew she had promised, but she also knew she had a duty. His friends needed to know what Jaune was capable of. They need to get him to understand that he didn't need to hide theses skills. She made a decision then and there as she moved over to her own gear, and gathered her hidden scroll.
/=/
Yang was expecting the confrontation, in fact she was counting on it. So she didn't resist when Pyrrha grabbed her by the arm and dragged her off to a more secluded part of the hallway. Yang said nothing letting the Champion make the first move.
"What did you do to upset Jaune!" Pyrrha hissed. "He came back to the room, ignored everyone. Slamming doors..."
"I made him spar with me."
"So it's not enough to watch as that asshat Cardin humiliates him, you had to add to..."
"No. That's not why I did it!" Yang snapped back in a low voice. Not happy with what the Arc obsessed girl was insinuating. "Be honest with me, you've noticed it right?"
"Noticed?"
"His footwork. How he's struggling with it."
"I have, but that's..."
"He's fighting himself to learn it. He instinctually wants to move differently. You see it, right? Please tell me the Invincible girl knows what I'm talking about?"
"I have, notice that he is struggling more than he should be with his footwork." Pyrrha crossed her arms over her chest as she began to look back on her memories of her and Jaune's training. "You're right, now that you've mentioned it, he is fighting his body. Why didn't I..."
"Same reason I didn't. He had us focus on his lack of training with Crocea Mors. He distracted us with his transcripts, so we never thought to appraise him beyond those things." Yang pulled out her scroll, and thumbed the video she had taken open. She fast forwarded to just before Jaune entered the ring. "I got him to spar with me, properly. He doesn't know I recorded it."
"Why, would you..."
"So I could at least show you. We need to convince him to drop the act."
"Is he that good?"
"Watch, and you tell me." Yang commented as she handed the scroll to Pyrrha. Seeing Pyrrha start to blush and then give Yang a glare. So she spoke up in her own defence. "He chose to do that himself, I never suggested anything. Just watch the spar."
For the next ten plus minutes, Pyrrha watched, in rapt attention. Her emerald eyes taking in every movement Jaune made. The crispness of each strike. The fluidity of his movements and transitions. It was poetry in motion to her. After the video ended, Yang reached over the top of her scroll and tapped a screen capture. Pyrrha's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"That's the aura results before his scroll disconnected from the room."
"You're at sixty-five percent... no one's ever been able to get you that low."
"Look at his."
"Eighty?"
"Eye opening, isn't it? And you know what?"
"What?"
"I have a feeling he was holding back. I really believe if he had wanted to, he could have pushed me even harder than he did."
"Then why?"
"That's the question, isn't it." Pyrrha handed Yang back her scroll. "Have you ever seen a style like that? I haven't, not here, nor at Signal."
"No I haven't. I've faced kick boxers and other styles that did utilize lots of kicks, but nothing that was just kicks, or required someone's hands to be restrained." Pyrrha bit her lip, "Have I been wrong? IS what I'm doing hurting him?"
"No. He agreed to train with you, and he chose to use the board and sword. So you are helping him get better with them is not you... it's him." Yang reached out and placed her hand on Pyrrha's shoulder. "For some reason, he's refusing to use what he knows; but I know nothing about his style aside from he can hit like a truck."
"Same. Like I said, I've never seen someone move like that, and I've faced very acrobatic opponents." Pyrrha stopped biting her lip, and began to tap her chin with her index finger. "So what do we do? Tell everyone else?"
"Not yet." Yang took on a sheepish look. "I sort of promised I wouldn't talk to anyone about what he showed me, but you're his partner... you had a right not know, or at least that's how I see it."
"So if we're not telling the rest of JNPR or RWBY, what do we do?"
"I'm not sure. I wish I knew more about his style. That could help us figure out maybe why he won't use it."
"Maybe we could ask someone? "
"Like?"
"Doctor Oobleck?"
"Oobleck? Why not Goodwitch?"
"He seems like the type of person who might know about a rare combat style. Goodwitch is a possibility too."
/=/
Bartholomew Oobleck was a little taken aback when Ms Nikos and Ms Xiao Long knocked on his door. But he quickly shelved it. He had two of his pupils before him with questions. Waving them to enter, he did raise an eyebrow as Ms Nikos checked the hall before closing his open door. That gave the Doctor the distinct impression their query was not related to the course syllabus.
"So, what can I help you with this evening?"
"Do you know about different combat styles? I mean, could you identify one if you saw it in action?" asked Pyrrha.
"Possibly, but it depends."
"Depends?" asked Yang.
"Yes, on if it is a popular style, or an off shoot of a base style." Bart placed his hands on his cluttered desk and clasped them together. "Many styles share a root or base system. So I may not know the exact style, I could with in reason identify the family the style came from. Why do you ask?"
"I have a video," Yang paused for a second, and only continued after Pyrrha gave her a nudge with her elbow. "That I sort of made without telling the subject..."
"And why would you do something like that?"
"We're trying to help, a friend who is struggling with combat class. We're helping to train him, but we've realized that he's fighting his own reactions. Like he's trying to suppress skills that could be of use." Pyrrha answered.
"So I spent the last three days pushing his buttons until he agreed to spar with me, properly." Yang added, "I recorded it, so I'd have proof to show the rest of our friends to prove what I was noticing."
"I see. So I take it neither of you recognize his style of combat?"
"Yes." the pair answered in unison.
"Before I look at the video, tell me your observations."
"Yang."
"The style is completely based around the use of kicking, and I mean that there are no hand techniques at all. The only time he used his hands was to assist in movement."
"There are several styles or martial arts that could fit that description. Several that seem to have no hand techniques that actually do, there are just under utilized. Anything else that stands out?"
"He fought with his hands bound." Yang informed the Doctor, "He actually had tied his own hands together, before our spar. The slack wouldn't let his arms open more than shoulder width."
"Bound hands?" Oobleck unclasped his hands, and reached up to stroke his chin as he thought. "I'm not familiar with any current styles that have such qualifiers."
"I don't think it's a current style, Doctor." Pyrrha interjected. "Both Yang and I have faced many styles, and what she showed me is like nothing I've ever seen or faced."
"Is that so?"
"Yes Doctor." Pyrrha replied.
"Interesting. Well, in that case it could be an older branch of a more common style. You said you have a video?" Yang said nothing as she cued up the recording she made and handed her scroll to the Doctor. Oobleck's eye slowly grew wider as he watched the progress of the video. "Could it be?"
"Doctor?" Yang asked, a little puzzled by his reaction. Even more so when he paused the video, shot up from his chair, and started searching through his rather messy bookshelves. "Doctor, do you know the style?"
"It has to be..." Oobleck ignored Yang's question as he continued to rapidly look through the titles on his older leather-bound resource books. Pulling one free, he flipped through it quickly before tossing it aside, and pulling another one out. Yang and Pyrrha looked at each other as the instructor for history was quickly making his office even more cluttered. "Here! Yes this has to be it!"
"You know then?" Pyrrha asked.
"I am certain, though I can not say it is definite." Oobleck replied as he returned to his desk, and started to review the book, and comparing the notes held with inside to the paused image. "Yes, this has to be it, but how?"
"Doctor?" Pyrrha questioned.
"This is Mr Arc, correct?"
"Yes."
"Amazing, but can it be true?"
"Doctor?" Yang asked this time.
"I'm sorry, but you've just dropped something very special into my lap. The style Mr Arc is using is something I have only read about. Most think the style no longer exists." Oobleck turned a page, and then flipped back, "Yes, I am more than certain. I am positive this is it."
"What is it?" Pyrrha inquired.
"Shadow Skill." was the response.
"Shadow Skill?" the pair of young woman asked in unison.
"That is what it is referred to. It has no official name, and many scholars feel that it vanished before the Great War, and other feel it is just a flight of fancy... but to see it..." Oobleck looked up from the two items on his desk, "I assume this is you, Ms Xiao Long?"
"It is."
"What are your observations, seeing as you actually faced a practitioner."
"It's fast, agile, and he hit hard. Plus, some of the multiple kicks he could land were dizzying. I mean his first attack as you can see was three on point kicks, before he even started to fall back towards the floor."
"Anything else?"
"Well, it felt like he was holding back. I did find it hard to counter him, though I did get a few shots in. If it had happened in Combat Class, he would have been declared the winner."
"Anything you would like to add, Ms Nikos, as I assume you either witness the spare or watched the video."
"It's a very mobile style, and simple... I know that's not the right word."
"Explain what you mean?"
"He's using no weapons, no armour, and by the screenshot of the aura meters, I would say he wasn't even using his aura to empower his strikes. I would guess that it was a style for those without means. Who couldn't rely on having weapons, armour or aura to protect themselves."
"Very good observations. Though simple is not a word, I would use to describe it. I would have said 'Pure' but even that is not correct." Oobleck shifted his gaze from Pyrrha to Yang, "I would say, though I'm amazed he is a practitioner... so I agree with you, that Mr Arc was holding back, if my reference material is correct."
"What do you mean?" asked Pyrrha.
"Even though Shadow Skill has no official name it is considered, or was classified as a killing art."
"Killing art?" Yang asked.
"Please, one moment, I want to pull up a lesson that you would be seeing in your second year." The young ladies watched as Doctor Oobleck shoved some papers off his desk to the floor, so he could turn his monitor base around. On the screen was a stone relief showing obviously naked chained women. "Slavery used to be a widespread practice on Remnant; in fact, for quite a length of time until recently, it was the very backbone of the Kingdom economies."
"Recently? How long ago was that?" Yang asked, feeling a little dirty at seeing the carved imaged of chained, naked women.
"The practice of Slavery was outlawed in Vale about forty years prior to the Great War. Now keep this in mind. This was not just Faunus, this was anyone. If you couldn't pay your debits, if you were found guilty of lesser crimes like theft or vagrancy. If you were born to a slave. It was a dark time, and the lives of people deemed slaves were brutal. Abuses of every kind were heaped upon them." Oobleck tapped some keys and various slides appeared, "in some areas male slaves were pitted in gladiatorial fights... fights that ended in death. The female slaves suffered even greater indignities."
"But it was outlawed?" Pyrrha questioned, looking at the images on the screen showing a relief of a gladiatorial fight; something that looked remarkably similar to images of her tournament matches.
"It was, and still is... only after the Revolt happened did the Kingdoms finally all step in and completely abolish the practice."
"The Revolt? I've never heard of it." commented Yang.
"The Revolt? I've never heard of it," commented Yang.
"I would have brought this up next year as well. The Revolt was actually coincidental uprisings in Vale and Mistral, which authorities believed would be contained in short order. They would be proved wrong as those spread into a worldwide revolt which lasted two bloody, bloody years." Oobleck again manipulated his keyboard, bringing up a couple more slides. "It was during this uprising that two unique fighting styles appeared. Both styles were exclusive to the slaves. There is not much known in specific, but records indicate that the male slaves used a style based around hand techniques and throws. Some references of questionable authenticity called the male style Bright Skills. The female slaves used kicks and footwork, which those same questionable resources called Shadow Skills."
"Why only kicks?" asked Pyrrha.
"To prevent them from defending themselves, females were often manacled at the wrists. Both styles were outlawed, and designated Killing Arts; which is an apt description. They were developed to kill, and both were reported to very efficient at it. There are even tales of aura unlocked individuals being taken down by these former slaves." Oobleck shut down his holographic display, "Most of what we have to go on is hearsay and stories. There is very little properly and authenticated recorded evidence. With the Revolt forcing the cessation of the practice of slavery; at least in the open, these Bright and Shadow Skills vanished. The practitioners fading into the masses."
"So if the male slaves used Bright Skills, and the female slaves used Shadow Skills, how is Jaune trained in the female style?" Pyrrha asked.
"Obviously, one of his ancestors was a slave. And she passed the knowledge of the style to her children, and they taught their children, and so on. It is the only explanation." Oobleck offered.
"Well, from facing him, I can tell you he's good. He should give up the sword and use what he's actually trained in." Yang commented.
"That maybe inadvisable." Oobleck offered.
"Why? Like Yang said, he's good. I watched the video, and even I can see I would have a hard time facing him." Pyrrha responded.
"It's because of the nature of the style. It's a Killing Art. It's mean to kill humans and faunus. I have severe doubts that it would be effective against any grimm except those that are humanoid like." Oobleck handed Yang back her scroll before clasping his hands on his desk before him. "Now, that is just an assumption on my part. It may very well be effective, but there is only one way to prove that, and I highly doubt Mr Arc would be willing to test it out; considering..."
"He's refusing to use it." Pyrrha commented.
"Correct." Oobleck regarded his two pupils for a few moments, "I wonder if I can ask a favour of both of you?"
"A favour?" Yang asked.
"What is this favour?"
"I was wondering if either you, or both of you, would be willing to approach Mr Arc and ask him if I could have a copy of that video for research purposes."
"I made the vid..."
"I am aware of that, Ms Xiao Long. A video of a private family style that he wished no one to see. That you made without his consent. So before I ask for a copy, he needs to be aware that it exists. If he says yes, drop by my office or classroom and I will transfer it to my scroll. If he says no... or worse."
"You would like me to delete the video?" Yang half asked, half sighed.
"I would." Oobleck gave Yang a smile, "I understand why you did it, and it is commendable, but also remember, both of you. This is special to Mr Arc. If he wanted everyone to know about it, he would let others see him in action. That is not the case, so if he is unwelcome to the existence of that video. Delete it."
/=/
"I TRUSTED YOU!" Jaune screamed at Yang as she stood next to Pyrrha; Jaune before them in a tank top and a pair of loose fitting night pants. "How could you?"
"We're worried about you, Jaune!" Yang shot back. "You're struggling, and we want to help. We do!"
"So not only record me without asking, or telling me, but you go behind my back and tell my partner and THEN go see one of the Professors? How is that HELPING ME!"
"Jaune, calm down. We went to Doctor Oobleck to find out what your style was. Not to hurt you. We want to understand. You are getting better with Crocea Mors, but what Yang showed me, and what we talked about..." Pyrrha paused, taking in the absolutely enraged face of her partner and crush, "I now see what she does, even if she had to point out. You're struggling, and we can get you past it. Just be honest..."
"HONEST! HONEST! I have been!"
"NO you HAVEN'T! Yang shot back. "If you were, at least your PARTNER would know about the training you have. Screw the rest of us. Pyrrha should have been told!"
"Jaune please?" Pyrrha tried to plead, hoping her voice would push the blonde boy away from his current emotional state. "If you could help us understand. Give us your reasons."
"You want my reasons?" Jaune snarled.
"Please." Pyrrha asked again, attempting to keep her voice even and soft.
"And what different will that make? You obviously don't respect my decision."
"It's not that." Yang cut in.
"What is it, then?"
"We don't understand, why. You're right, it is your decision on what skills you want to use. But we can't figure out WHY you want to struggle so much when you don't have to." Yang replied as she held her scroll out to Jaune. "Delete the video. It's the only one there is. Only P-money and Oobleck have seen it. But open up to us. You told us about your transcripts, and we accepted it. We listened to your reasons, so please... can you do it once more?"
"Can you all shut the fuck up!" screamed Cardin as he stormed out of his team's dorm room at the far end of the hall. "Some of us want to fucking sleep, Arc! So take those two bitches of yours and fuck the fuck off!"
"What did you just call them?" Jaune snarled as he turned to face his former bully and current bane of combat class.
"So you want to fight about it? Fine, let's go Jauney-boy." Cardin snapped as he saw Jaune raising his arms up, fists clenched. "No Goodwitch here to keep me from curb stomping your pathetic ass!"
"JAUNE!" Yang and Pyrrha yelled as they made a grab for him as Jaune dashed forward. They both stumbled, falling to their knees and scrambling to get back to their feet as they watched Cardin take a classic boxer's stance, grinning stupidly as Jaune raced at him head on.
"Just as eas..." Cardin didn't get to finish as Jaune went airborne; planting a foot in the centre of his chest, followed by a twist of his entire body and slamming his other foot into Cardin's jaw. Cardin was thrown sideways and stumbled straight into the far wall of the corridor as those who had poked their heads out of their own dorms watched as the weakest first year land on his hands and with a seamless push of his arms vaulted up and to his feet.
"JAUNE!" Pyrrha and Yang shouted as they grabbed hold of him, pulling him back as Sky and Dove rushed out of CDRL's dorm to check on their leader, who was laying on the floor of the hallway, breathing shallowly. "Calm down! Calm down!"
"I dedicate this battle to my ancestors..." Jaune snarled as he pulled against the combined strength of the two strongest first years of Beacon. "May they judge me worthy to walk the path of God."
Try as they might, Yang and Pyrrha could barely hold onto the squirming form of Jaune. With no metal upon him, Pyrrha was at a disadvantage, unable to use her semblance to hold him fast. Not that Yang was having a much better time. Jaune's slim form belying the pure strength contained with in him. Jaune's feet touched the floor, and he pushed off, twisting his body about, loosening Pyrrha and Yang's grip. Feeling Jaune slipping free, Yang did the only thing she could think of. Twisting her own body about as hard as she could, she threw herself backwards as she brought both her knees-up hard. Jaune was yanked free from Pyrrha's grasp and yanked out of his midair twist, colliding gut first with Yang's knees.
Seeing the breath getting knocked out of him, Pyrrha moved. Pulling the wheezing boy up, she grabbed him in a full nelson, before also falling backwards while locking her legs about his waist. Pyrrha ignored everything around her, and just focused on holding Jaune and whispering in his ear. Soothing, calming words. Words from her heart and soul. Jaune went completely stiff, and inhaled sharply at one particular statement.
/=/
The three of them found them seated in Professor Goodwitch's office. Jaune having pulled his seat away from Pyrhha and Yang. They sat in silence as the waited for the combat Professor to return. The trio looked up when the door opened, and she walked in. Without a word, she moved past her students and took a seat upon the edge of her desk, arms folded across her chest.
"Just so you are aware, Jaune." Professor Goodwitch gave him a very disappointed glare. "Mr Winchester suffer a dislocated jaw because of your actions; and he has decided to challenge you in our next class. A challenge I have decided to allow."
"Why would..."
"Ms Nikos, as much as I feel Mr Winchester deserved his fate, due to his constant actions against members of our student body, the fact remains Mr Arc attacked him. Violently, causing bodily harm." Professor Goodwitch uncrossed her arms and pushed up her glasses, "We are a combat school, and physical altercations are expected; however those are only overlooked if restraint is shown. From eyewitness accounts, and Mr Winchester condition... Mr Arc showed no restraint."
"So you are letting that bastard, challenge Jaune just because he got his ego stomped?" Yang asked.
"Language, Ms Xiao Long; but yes, as per school policy. Mr Winchester has the right, as do anyone of you, if a disagreement cannot be resolved through alternate means."
"I refuse." Jaune commented without looking up.
"You can not. You must attend the match... though if you choose to actually partake is completely up to you. We can not force you to fight, only attend."
"How does that help? Cardin will just attack and try and hurt..."
"No he won't. Mr Winchester has the right to issue the challenge, and Mr Arc must show up for it; however, if Mr Arc openly and publicly apologizes for his actions, the staff present will step in and declare the disagreement resolved."
"This is barbaric!" Pyrrha snapped, "It's like the gladiatorial fights slaves were forced into!"
"Ms Nikos?"
"I even bet that this policy has clauses to punish Jaune if he decided not to show!"
"It does." Professor Goodwitch confirmed.
"What? You're going to beat him or whip him for his disobedience? "
"No such thing!" Professor Goodwitch exclaimed more than a little insulted at the Champion's insinuation. "He would suspend, which we all know considering his overall performance would put him even further behind his peers."
"So he has no choice." Yang muttered.
"He has no choice in regard to attending the match. As for participating... that is up to him."
/=/
Yang and Pyrrha followed Jaune into JNPR's dorm. Pyrrha gave Ren and Nora a pleading look, and the pair got the message. They exited the room without a word of complaint; more than likely heading to RWBY's dorm. Jaune had said nothing to the pair, aside from asking them to follow him into the dorm. They watched him more to his night stand, and pick up his scroll. They could see him opening his contact list.
"You want to know why I don't use my skills?"
"I would help us understand." Pyrrha replied, "I'll still train with you Jaune regardless. We just want to understand."
"Yang?" Jaune asked.
"You're good, Jaune, and it seems like a waste to me for you to struggle to hold back." Yang answered, "But like P-money said. We just want to understand. That's all."
"The reasons I don't use Shadow Skill..." the pair each took in a sharp breath, as Jaune's own words confirmed what Doctor Oobleck had surmised. "You all know I want to help people. I want to live up to the legacy of the Arc name. Be a hero, defend those who can't defend themselves. Shadow Skill is not that...plus..."
"Plus?" Pyrrha hazarded to speak up.
"I ran from home to join Beacon. I never told my family I was coming here. You know this as well... but because of this... I have no right to use Shadow Skill in combat... I don't have permission." Jaune looked at his scroll for a moment, before turning to face Pyrrha and Yang and tossing his scroll towards them. "Call my mom. She's the top contact."
"Why?" asked Yang, "Why do you want us to speak to your family?"
"This is in part your fault." Jaune gave his two friends a look. "You'll own up to it, by telling my mother... then depending on how she takes the news that I've been outed... I'll make the request... or"
"Or?" Pyrrha asked in fear that she knew the answer to her own question.
"I leave Beacon and return home."
Pyrrha and Yang looked at each other, having a silent conversation, before both nodding. Yang held up the scroll and hit the call button. The video call took a few minutes to connect, and the blond haired woman who was obviously Jaune's mother appeared on the screen.
"Jaun..." blue eyes narrowed as the woman obviously saw that it was not her son on the other end of the call. Her voice turned instantly from cheerful and relieved to venomous. "Why do you have Jaune's scroll? WHERE is my son?"