Holding Back

Fantasy / General (Themes from "Shadow Skill")

Jaune Arc / Yang Xiao Long / Pyrrha Nikos / Saffron Cotta-Arc

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.

/==/ Chapter Two /==/

"Answer!" the woman Yang and Pyrrha knew was Jaune's mother snapped at them, when they didn't respond right away to her first two questions. Afraid to say anything, Yang reached up and hit the camera flip icon. The woman's tone instantly changed. "Jaune!"

"Mom." Jaune replied with a defeated tone.

"You've had us worried sick! Where are you? Why haven't you called? Are you safe?" Jaune's mother fired off a rapid series of questions.

"I'm sorry. Beacon. Afraid to. Yes." Jaune replied.

"You're where?"

"I'm at Beacon."

"And HOW pray tell did you manage to get into a Huntsmen Academy without combat school transcripts or a recommendation?"

"I..."

"Jaune?"

"Mom... please?"

"Jaune Jonathon Arc. You will tell me how you were accepted into Beacon, or so help me, I will come there and tan your hide!" Yang and Pyrrha both flinched, but remained silent. "So make your choice."

"I cheated."

"And how pray tell do you cheat your way into Beacon."

"Forged transcripts."

"Jaune. Well, that explains what happened to your savings account. So why are you calling... or more specifically are you having others call me, on your scroll?"

"Some things have happened, and... I have a problem that I..."

"Which one is it, or is it both? Are they keeping the baby?" Yang and Pyrrha both choked on air. Yang, on the thought that someone would think that about her and Jaune. Don't get her wrong, Jaune was a great guy, and a great friend, she just didn't see him like that. As for Pyrrha, she was picturing that statement becoming a reality.

"Not THAT type of problem!"

"Well, what was I supposed to think? You say problem, after having two young ladies call me on your scroll... AFTER not contacting us for MONTHS!"

"They KNOW!" Jaune snapped back at his mother in frustration.

"They know? What do they know?"

"Our style."

"How? What did you do, Jaune?"

"I was bothered into a spar with Yang, and spared with her and..." Jaune paused, he really didn't want to admit to his mother that he had been too distracted to notice Yang's scroll recording their interactions.

"And?"

"She may have... she did... record the match."

"That is unacceptable. Jaune you know better, then to be that unobservant. She bothered you into revealing something that is private? More likely, she goaded you, and your pride couldn't..."

Actually..." Yang spoke up, thumbing the camera flip icon, so Jaune's mother could see her as she spoke up, to take the blame from Jaune for her actions. "I did bother him constantly for three days, before I had to promise that it would be a one time thing... and promised not to tell anyone."

"I see, and this promise you made, you instantly broke." Jaune's mother's deep blue eyes narrowed.

"I only showed two people..." Yang swallowed, feeling very uncomfortable being the focus of Mrs Arc's glare. "His partner and a Beacon professor."

"Again you broke a promise. Who did you show and why?"

"His partner... she's next to me right now..." Pyrrha risked giving the obviously displeased woman a small, hesitant wave.

"And this professor?"

"He's a doctor, actually." Pyrrha spoke up giving Yang a break, having the woman's gaze focus on her, "We couldn't recognize Jaune's style, so we asked someone who we thought might know."

"Who, girl?"

"Doctor Oobleck. He's teaches History."

"No doubt he wants to study this."

"He did mention that, though he said only if Jaune agreed." Pyrrha offered.

"Jaune?" Mrs Arc started to speak and stopped, "Put this scroll somewhere, so I can see all three of you at once. Flipping the camera function is distracting."

Yang did as the Jaune's mother bid, before moving to sit next to Jaune on his bed; followed by Pyrrha.

"That is better." Mrs Arc sighed. "Jaune, this is totally unacceptable. You know better, you were taught better. You have no excuse for any of this, and regardless of what these ladies are saying... in the end the fault lies on you."

"Yes, mom."

"I feel there is something else you are hiding. What is it?"

"Jaune's been challenged." Pyrrha spoke up. "It's to happen tomorrow during Combat Class."

"Challenged? Why?"

"I dislocated another student's jaw." Jaune informed his annoyed parent. "So they want to get back at me. I have to attend or face suspension; though I don't have to participate. I can offer and apology..."

"You used our techniques, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"So not only have you let your pride, but also your anger dictate your actions!" Mrs Arc snapped, causing all three to flinch as if struck. "SO, what are your plans to deal with these... issues?"

"Yang is willing to delete the video. Doctor Oobleck..."

"Said without Jaune's permission... he won't ask." Yang spoke up.

"And this challenge, who is it against? What type of person did you assault?" momma Arc asked.

"He's a thug and a bully." Pyrrha informed the elder Arc.

"I'll appolig..."

"No, you won't." Jaune's mother stated flatly. "This one time, I give you permission."

"Mom?" Jaune asked confused.

"Why did Shadow Skill come into being? This was one of your first lessons, Jaune. Show me you still understand."

"Shadow skill was born of the sorrow of female slaves... who were tyrannized, ridiculed and raped." Yang and Pyrrha sat in complete silence as Jaune and his mother spoke.

"Good. Continue."

"These techniques are utilized to overcome those who take away people's freedom, and trample the dignity of others." Jaune spoke, his voice steady, and solemn.

"Good, you remember." Jaune's mother commented, "You say this challenger is a bully. What is a bully, Jaune?"

"Someone who uses strength, and intimidation to..." Jaune paused, his eyes taking on an angry tint.

"Continue. What do they do?"

"They trample on the dignity of others. Of those that are weaker and vulnerable."

"So, I grant you permission." Jaune's mother spoke in a matter of fact tone. "Which one of you is his partner again?"

"That would be me." Pyrrha spoke up.

"You WILL bind Jaune's hands before this fight. He will instruct you on the proper method." Deep blue eyes turned to focus on Yang. "You will SEND me this video, and then you will record this match, and send that to me as well. Jaune will give you my contact info."

"Can I ask why?"

"I need to see his performance, judge his technique."

"Mom..."

"Jaune, you were to make the Pilgrimage with Saphron; but you ran." Mrs Arc's lips pressed into a frown. "I must know if you are still ready."

"I can't leave, I'll fall too far behind with my classes."

"You WILL, it is the final step for you to become a Sevaar."

"Excuse me?" Pyrrha actually raised her hand like she would in class to ask a question.

"Yes, girl?"

"What is a Sevaar?"

"A master." Mrs Arc answered without a single pause.

"I can't! I refuse!" Jaune snapped at his mother, "I want to be a huntsman. I want to be a hero, to help people!"

"Before I ever started to train and instruct you... what did you do?" her eyes were hard.

"I made a promise." Jaune's shoulders slumped.

"What is your family name? Who are you?"

"Arc. I am Jaune Arc."

"And what is the one thing, the most fundamental and important aspect of our family name carries?"

"An Arc never goes back on their word."

"Correct." Mrs Arc sighed, "Jaune I know where you feel your heart lies, but you made a promise to see your training through to the end. This journey, the Pilgrimage, is the final step in that path."

"But I'll fall behind. The journey takes months!"

"Then you fall behind, and make up the time when you return, to Beacon."

"Return? You mean I'll..."

"You are old enough to make your own choices. So if this is the path you wish to follow, your family will support you, but only AFTER you honour your word."

"Yes mom." Jaune responded, the slump in his shoulders gone. "How long do I have to prepare?"

"Two weeks." his mother informed him. "I will contact your sister. Saphron will arrive before the end of the week. She will test you, to make sure you are ready, while also making the needed arrangements."

"Understood." Jaune replied. "What about Beacon?"

"Your father will contact the Headmaster, and explain the situation. He will get you the needed permission for an extended leave of absence." Mrs Arc paused for a moment, before speaking again. "Jaune I would like you to leave the room... I wish to speak to these young ladies in private."

"I'll be out in the hall if anyone needs me." Jaune responded as Yang and Pyrrha had both stiffened. Rising from the bed, Jaune made his way to the door and stepped outside.

"I want explanations, now. If you refuse, or I don't like what I hear... I'll have Saphron take you to task when she arrives." Mrs Arc spoke in a stern tone, her deep blue eyes burrowing into the pair of young woman.

"Jaune is struggling in combat class, and while I am helping train him..."

"Train him how?"

"With Crocea Mors. I use a shield and sword combo as well." Pyrrha answered, "He is still struggling, it was Yang who pointed out to me something I was missing."

"And that was?"

"His footwork." Yang answered, giving Pyrrha a break.

"Go on."

"I noticed it and watched him... he was fighting the footwork to use Crocea Mors to full effect. He wanted to move differently."

"So he was fighting himself?"

"Yes." Yang replied, "I'm also a hand-to-hand fighter. Once I clued in, I was able to see the tells. He wanted to kick, to evade and dodge... but mostly kick."

"I see. So you decided to harass my son into revealing something he was sworn not to; and not only that, but also recorded the match without his knowledge?"

"Yes." Yang replied with a slump of her shoulders.

"Why?"

"Proof. Proof that what I was seeing was real. So I could go to the rest of our friends and try and help Jaune past where he was struggling." Yang answered, "After the spar, Pyrrha confronted me, and I decided that out of everyone she should be the one to see and know what I discovered."

"It was my suggestion to see Doctor Oobleck, as neither of us had ever seen a style like that."

"I see. Very poor performance for a trainer to not clue into a pupil's weakness, wouldn't you say so?"

"I was distracted. His transcripts, his struggling... I wanted to help. I was helping."

"I can tell you were distracted. I see it in your eyes when you look at my son." Mrs Arc commented with a smirk as Pyrrha suddenly started to blush, "I do not approve of how you went about this scheme of yours, but I understand, and I would like to thank you for looking out for my baby. But you will make reparations."

"Reparations?" the pair of young women asked in unison.

"Yes. When his sister Saphron arrives, you will assist her in testing Jaune. I will inform her of your involvement." Mrs Arc's eyes narrowed. "You WILL test him. If I hear you are holding back... I will be greatly disappointed. Understood?"

"Yes." they again replied at the same time.

"I will also want to speak with this Doctor Oobleck. One of you can give him my contact information, after you get it from Jaune." Mother Arc's eyes softened, "Now I have been very rude. My name is Jasmine Arc. Pleasure to meet two of Jaune's friends."

"Yang Xiao Long." Yang spoke up, giving a weak smile, while still digesting what she has been told.

"Pyrrha Nikos." Pyrrha offered, again adding a smile and a small wave.

"Pleasure to meet you both." Jasmine's eyes hardened again, "Now if you have no other questions or objections, I believe we have an agreement. Correct?"

"Yes." they answered.

"Good." Jasmine's eyes once again soften. "Thank you both for looking out for my son. I mean that, from the bottom of my heart." Yang and Pyrrha felt a little relived to hear that coming from a woman they ranked up there equal to Professor Goodwitch, in regard to pure intimidation. "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to speak with my son, alone."

The pair of young woman nodded and rose. Letting Jaune back into the room, they waved and walked out. Letting Jaune have the room. As the door closed behind him, Yang titled her head towards RWBY's dorm, and Pyrrha nodded. As soon as they stepped through the door, chaos engulfed them.

/=/

The cafeteria was oddly quiet when Jaune entered flanked by his team. After grabbing some breakfast, they moved, taking their customary seats with RWBY. No one said anything, as they all ate. Last night Yang and Pyrrha had let the rest of their group know about the challenge. Nora instantly speaking up and suggesting that she take Jaune's place. It was Weiss, using her scroll to check the Beacon Student Handbook, informed them that was not an option. She asked if he was going to use the apology clause, and like Ruby, was shocked to hear that Jaune was going to fight. The piece of news caused the group to quickly devolve into confused questions about Jaune's decision; and angry comments aimed at Cardin.

A message from Jaune to Pyrrha gave the all clear for JNPR to return to their dorm. Once RWBY was alone, silence took over. Each holding on to their varying thoughts about the situation. But one thought was the same throughout all of them. After the challenge was complete, they would all make an example out of Cardin. It was time to push back against the thug of a huntsman; and if his team moved to aid him... they would also be taught a lesson. Aside from Yang and Pyrrha, the rest were positive Jaune was going to get hurt. Which was something none wanted to see.

So breakfast was a solemn affair. Each member of JNPR and RWBY keeping to their own thoughts. Combat Class was slated for the last period of the day. Which meant, to them all, that they had hours to go. Hours to stew in their feelings of concern and worry. They all regarded Jaune in their own unique ways; and wondered what he was feeling and thinking. Jaune looked too calm for what was hanging over his head. Jaune for his part was thinking over the upcoming match. Planning it out. Considering the moves, he would need to use to counter Cardin's defence and brute like style. His armour was going to be an issue. He knew he was going to have to fight barefoot, and in a pair of shorts, or a pair night pants. He was annoyed with himself for not bringing his proper gear.

His mother had instructed him during their private conversation to not hold back. To go full out, but tempered, controlled and after reviewing the challenge clauses he found that he would be the one to determine the conditions that would decide the winner. He had already made his choice. Jaune was going to dismiss the Tournament rules, that everyone would assume he would use. If Cardin wanted a fight, Jaune would give him one. Jaune was going to show his bully, and the rest of class, what a real fight was like. Cardin of course would jump at the chance to really hurt him, that was a given. So Jaune was going to give him the chance. No Holds Barred. Knock Out Only. It is the only way to finally put Cardin in his place; and to prove to the rest of the first year class that Jaune wasn't as helpless as they thought.

/=/

Everyone within the JNPR/RWBY circle was on edge, by the time combat class arrived. Everyone aside from Jaune, that was. He had formulated his plan of attack, and that was just what he planned to do. Attack and attack. Pyrrha's hands fidgeted as she held the short length of ribbon Ren had been able to get. Jaune had gone over the process to properly secure the bindings, several times; but she was still nervous. She was going to be in essence hindering Jaune's ability to defend himself, and even though she knew this Shadow Skill worked around that, she still had reservations.

Class started and Professor Goodwitch quickly took control with the announcement of the challenge. Pyrrha escorted Jaune to the combat ring. He was in his hoodie sneakers and a pair of night pants, while across the space was Cardin, standing alone decked out in his standard combat gear. His heavy mace balanced over his shoulder.

"Ready for a nap, Jauney-boy?" Cardin attempted to taunt, a sneer on his face. "I think I can give you a hand in taking one."

"Enough!" Professor Goodwitch's voice silenced the entire room. "Mr Winchester has enacted the Challenge Clause as per Beacon's Student dispute clauses. Mr Arc, what is your decision?"

"I accept the challenge." Glynda nodded.

"As the one challenged, you have the right to dictate the victory conditions. Will you be using the standard Tournament Rules?"

"No." Cardin just chuckled darkly, while Glynda, his teammates, friends and the rest of the class were shocked into silence. "Knock Out Only."

"Fine by me." Cardin responded, as he unshouldered his mace and stepped into the combat ring. "Let's get this over with."

"Yes, let's." Jaune agreed, as he proceeded to flip off his sneakers, revealing his bare feet, and then much to the surprised delight of much of the female population, and some of the male's as well, he removed his hoodie. Jaune was not a bulky mass of muscle like many huntsmen intraining. He was lithe, slim and muscular. He did not have a bodybuilder's physique. He had more of a fighter's build, or that of an athlete. Many would rightly assume that this was Pyrha's doing, and they would be right, at least to a point.

"Jaune, are you sure?" Pyrrha asked as Jaune held his hands out towards her.

"It's okay Pyr," Jaune gave his teammate and partner a confident smile, "I can do this."

"I'm still concerned." Pyrrha countered as she began to wind and tie the ribbon about his wrists. "He's going to try and hurt you."

"And I'm going to do the same to him." Jaune stated as he tested the bindings. "This is good. Thank you, Pyr."

"Be careful out there." Pyrrha instructed him, before biting her lip and then leaning forward to his and everyone else's surprise and placing a soft kiss to his cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you around."

Jaune had to take more than a couple of deep breaths to calm himself down before stepping into the combat ring. But once inside he turned his full attention to Cardin. Jaune knew he was handicapped in more than one way. Obviously with his hands bound he was limiting his offensive options, and further compounding that issue with not having a weapon. But those were only the limitations others saw. Jaune saw more, Cardin was armed and armored, not a huge deal. He had trained against his father under his mother's watchful eye for just these types of situations. No, the real handicap for Jaune was the nature of his style. Already he could see multiple ways he could end the match. Only one problem, each one was lethal. His mother had told him to go all out, and he would, but he would still need to temper his attacks.

"Even assholes like you shouldn't die needlessly." Jaune muttered under his breath as he allowed his body to move into position.

/==/

Diving into some of my older works, while I take a break from my more recent projects. Been pecking at this chapter off and on for a while. There will be a third, which will be the fight between Cardin and Jaune. Not sure when it will be done (have yet to start it.)

Anyway, hope you enjoyed.