Sorry for my bad English.
I don't have much to say now, so let's get the party started, shall we?
Vale
Jaune went for a frontal attack, putting his sword to stab. Fausto answered by putting his red cloak in front of his chest.
The blade made contact with the cloak and Jaune was surprised to feel like he just hit something hard as an armor or a shield.
The cloak was pulled away and Jaune's eyes widened seeing a sword coming to his face, but managed to block the strike in time. He pulled the blade away and gave a horizontal swing that Fausto managed to dodge.
He was about to give another swing but was surprised by the sight of the red cloaking spinning like a propeller. He tried to keep track of the movement but Fausto ceased it to attack twice with his sword.
Jaune managed to counter the strikes with his sword and bash Fausto with his shield, pushing him away and gaining some distance. And Fauston countered by throwing his cloak to above.
Jaune knew what he was planning, throwing the cloak above to shift his focus but the blonde knight did not break eye contact with Fausto. Unfortunately, this is what Fausto planned.
Jaune prepared himself for his next move only for something heavy to land on his head and put him down. Fausto grabbed the cape, which suddenly was soft again, swung like a full moon, and hit Jaune in the face.
The force was enough to send him back but he managed to land on his feet, albeit a little dizzy. But he recovered quickly enough to block the next sword strike from Fausto.
At some point, Jaune managed to repeal one strike and counter with his own, only for his sword to connect with something solid. The cloak somehow blocked his attack.
Next, they both swung their swords at the same time, sparks flew as the blades connected and both fighters took distance from each other.
Jaune's friends and partner, who were watching the fight, watched with interest as Pyrrha noticed something.
-His cloak. -She started. -It can become solid.
-That or there is something hard inside that cloak. -Nora commented.
-No. -Ren disagreed. -He swung around like just any cloth.
-It is his semblance. -Weiss commented, getting the attention of the group. -Fausto can solidify any type of cloth which is in contact with his hand. He can turn any cloth solid as long he's touching it.
-Could you not have told Jaune that? -Ruby asked.
-Forest told me not to. -Weiss answered.
-What? But why? -Yang asked.
-During the Challenge, they faced opponents with unknown skills to them. -Weiss explained. -He needs this chance to adapt and overcome this obstacle.
-That makes sense, I guess. -Ruby commented.
-It was... actually Forest's words. -Weiss admited.
Pyrrha wide her eyes in surprise and then looks at Ryan.
Pyrrha knew he was more than meets the eyes of his previous victories and the perfect score along her and Yang says anything. Ryan has experience, this is much a fact, but she had to wonder where this experience came from. When she questioned Jaune, he answered that he was trained by a knight in the desert but Ryan was too vague about the knight's identity.
He told her the name, but that's all.
She also knew he was training Jaune the same way he was trained and saw it having results.
When Pyrrha focused again on the fight, she saw Jaune was now on the defensive. He steps back and blocks with the shield as Fausto swings his sword non-stop.
-Olé! Olé! Olé! -Fausto shouted with each strike, clearly enjoying the advantage.
But much like the previous fight of the Challenge, Jaune went to the basics. First swinging his sword in the diagonal, parrying Fausto's blade. Fausto, caught by surprise, instinctively swung his sword on the diagonal as well, which Jaune managed to parry again with a horizontal swing.
Finally, he proceeded with a stab maneuver, except that Fausto managed to bring his red cloth to his chest and harden to block the strikes. However, he did not expect Jaune to use his blade to conduct his aura and hit him with a wave.
-I've been meaning to ask. -Yang spoke and turned to Ryan. -Did you teach him how to do that?
-Only how to move and focus his aura. -Ryan answered. -That move he came with by himself.
At this point, some citizens who were watching were already making bets.
-20 on the one with black. -Said one guy.
-Deal! -Said another one.
Fausto lost the ground beneath his feet for a moment but managed to get his balance once the ground returned.
-I'll admit it, you are better than I expected. -Fausto stated before swinging his blade left and right and holding it close to his chest. -But don't think you saw everything I can do, cabron!
Jaune took up the challenge and put his shield to cover his front. At this point, some more citizens appeared to watch the spectacle.
Jaune and Fausto charged against each other sparks flying from their blades when they crossed. As they traded blows, Jaune knew he had to focus. Fausto has more experience with a blade than him, this is a fact. But he has his unknown skills thanks to his partner.
Knowing Fausto's intentions, the skill Jaune has been practicing, gave Jaune some prediction skills to be able to block his opponent's strikes.
His instinctual reflex needed work. He was still trying to let his body react but has yet to do as he did in the fight against the Lycanthrope. But Ryan told him if he is able to use it, the delay would not only be non-existent for his reaction time but for his actions as well.
So he would use this fight against Fausto to improve himself. Easier said than done, of course. Fausto showed to be very fast with his sword swings and managed to use this red cloak in a way to greatly aid him in the combat.
Jaune managed to duck a swod swing and aimed a cut to Fausto's side, only for him to put the cloak in the path of the blade and harder it to block the strike.
Jaune went for a stab again only for Fausto to sidestep away and kick Jaune on the back.
-Olé! -He shouted and clapped twice above his head.
Jaune turns around to face him and instinctively raises his shield to block a sword strike. When he brought his own sword to attack, he was surprised when Fausto wrapped his cloak around his wrist and hardened it to trap Jaune's hand in the cloak.
With no choice, he had to use his shield to block the many stabbings Fausto was giving.
-Andale, andale! -Fausto shouted between the strikes.
-C'mon, Jaune! You can do it! -Chocolat cheered.
-Show to this smug prince who's boss! -Followed by Yang.
Jaune knew he was not going to last if keep going like this, so he used a skill he never thought to use in battle until Ryan suggested it to him.
Waiting for the right moment, he waited for Fausto to aim a stab at his chest. Fausto was also focusing hard, wondering about Jaune's next move in this trapped state. Just when he gave a stab in the chest, near the center, Jaune bent his body back like dancing in limbo.
His family vacations on the beach are quite the adventures.
Then, his feet moved on its own to kick the blade out of Fausto's hand.
-That's right! -Nora screamed, followed by some cheers from the audience.
Jaune didn't question his body's actions and bent his body back to pull Fausto near. Fausto blocked Jaune's knee but was open for a headbutt, one on which Jaune focused his aura on the center of his forehead.
Jaune then kicked the back of Fausto's leg, putting him on his knee. Then he shoved his feet on Fausto's face, pushing him with all his might.
-Cabron insolente! -Fausto roared and softened his cloak, freeing Jaune's hand as Fausto rolled to grab his blade.
Then with a push from his feet, Fausto moved like a torpedo, aiming to stab Jaune in the chest again. His body did not react on its own, so Jaune tried to block with his shield. The pressure of the push was bigger than he expected and he felt the sole of his feet being dragged until his back hit the fence.
The people around watching jumped in surprise when Jaune collided with the fence. Fausto then swung his cloak and hardened the moment it made contact with Jaune. The speed of the moment coupled with the sudden hardening resulted in a powerful bash that had Jaune rolling away.
Fausto seemed to not want to play anymore, his strikes growing aggressive but more precise. The ground where the blade stabbed, the ones Jaune managed to dodge, was covered by holes opened by the sheer force of the stabs alone.
Jaune rolled back and got himself back to his feet right in time for Fausto to give something people around would call a full moon swing. The strike took the blade out of Jaune's front, allowing Fausto to kick him in the belly.
As Jaune doubled over, he saw the point of Fausto's blade coming and put his shield to block. The force behind the stab made him lose the ground beneath his feet and when he landed back, he felt something soft below his shoes. Fausto pulled his cloak, making Jaune lose his balance and striking a stab that hit Jaune in the chest. He fell roughly on his back, bouncing on the ground from the force of the attack and landing on his front.
-Wow. -Yang commented.
-He's really not playing around. -Followed by Blake.
-When he's like that, it is hard to keep the defense. -Weiss added.
The crowd around meanwhile, were commenting among themselves about the combat they were witnessing. Some more bets were being made until a police officer caught the guys in the act.
Jaune rolled from the next stab and had to defend himself again, feeling the pressure of the stab on his shield. Suddenly, something heavy landed on his feet, and he saw the hardened cloak now covering his feet and ankles.
Fausto did not waste time and aimed a clean cut to his throat, only to Jaune free his leg and avoid the cut. He then spun to his knee and gave a cut to the back of Fausto's leg. As he fell to his knee, he wondered how Jaune escaped his cloak while Jaune figured out a second later the event. His aura moved on its own and covered his leg before the cloak trapped him, leaving enough space for him to pull his leg off from the sudden weight.
With both fighters on their knees, their swords crossed again but Fausto managed to push Jaune's blade away making the blonde land on his back once again. Jaune then used his leg to push away the incoming stab and used his other to hit Fausto's belly with the sole of his feet.
Fausto stumbled back from the sudden strike and when Jaune tried to press on the attack, he spun his cloak, stopping Jaune in his movement. His eyes widened seeing the blade coming to his face, but managed to dodge in time to feel a scratch on his cheek.
The blades collided once again after this with both fighters swinging their blades the fastest they could.
The crowd, which grew in numbers since the fight started, did not dare to look away from the exchange.
-He will not win in a strength contest. -Stated Brick.
-But they seem to be equal in strength. -Ruby commented.
-They only seem equal, but Arc is actually on the defensive. -Brick noted and explained. -Arc knows this, so I hope he's planning something.
The teams, Ryan, and the citizens knew better than to not question the words of a living legend.
Jaune and Fausto continued to trade blows, sparks flying around them like it was raining sparks. As Brick noted, Jaune was waiting for the right moment to move, which was hard from the fast and precise strikes he had to repeal and counter.
Both he and Fausto felt cuts in their bodies the long the strikes continued to be countered and repealed, Fausto determined to come on top. It is when Jaune's mind wanders back to his training with his partner.
Ryan got himself on his knees, ready to take a dash toward one of those swaying willow.
Jaune watched as his partner dashed at high speed against the willow tree, expecting to remove it from the ground. Instead, the willow held Ryan for a moment before he was repealed as the tree swung back to its position.
-Did you get that? -Ryan asked.
-What? You can't take down trees? -Jaune asked.
-Don't make me bonk you. -Ryan said while getting up. -A focused strike can be repealed when it comes in contact with a slippery surface.
-My shield is not a slippery surface. -Jaune retorted.
-No, but you can make it. -Ryan answered back.
-I can? -Jaune asked with a raised brown.
-If you see that your opponent will deliver a focused strike, you can put your shield in a way that will make the blow proceed by the pressure put on the weapon. -Ryan explained. -When the time comes, you just need to leave the wrist loose while the upper arm is still. And remember to step away from the path once it is done.
With those words in mind, Jaune prepared for the incoming stab.
So when Fausto won the exchange of blows, repealing Jaune's sword, Jaune was prepared.
-Tu fin ha llegado! -Fausto shouted and prepared a final stab.
He would give all he got, putting a hole in the shield and finishing with the blonde knight, then it was just a matter of taking care of the mummified gunslinger and the belle Weiss would be his.
Pulling back his arm, the point of the blade lunged forward. It is when Jaune put to test Ryan's words. Letting his wrist loose while flexing his muscles.
Instead of finding resistance, the shield was pushed by the point of Fausto's blade as Jaune stepped out of the way, making Fausto stumble forward, not expecting the lack of resistance in the stab.
-Olé! -The audience shouted as the ones who were making bets were running from the police officer.
Jaune spun around and swung his blade to the back of one of Fausto's legs. Fausto lost the ground beneath him, falling backward. He landed on the ground hard, opening his eyes just in time to see Jaune preparing his next sword swing. Instinctively, he put his cloak in front of his upper body.
When Jaune's sword connected with the red cloak, instead of striking something hard, Jaune cut through the cloak.
Fausto not only did not use his semblance but also used the cloak to cover himself as he moved. This time Jaune was the one who felt a cut behind his leg, forcing him on his knee. He looks back and sees Fausto taking a leap backward to take distance.
He then proceeded to jump high in the air, his blade pointing to Jaune's head.
-Adios! -Fausto screamed and lunged forward.
But Fausto had only a brief moment to notice the aura focusing right in the spot he was aiming for, the point of the blade connecting with the focused aura, repealing his strike. His arm got numb striking something so resistant and while in midair, he was unable to react against Jaune's next move.
The blonde knight once again channeled his aura on his sword, this time pressing the point of his sword against the ground and releasing his aura to propel himself back, giving a powerful horizontal swing that Fausto was unable to dodge or block.
Everyone's eyes widened upon seeing the red aura appearing and disappearing from Fausto's body. Fausto's body flew back and he crashed on the ground hard, bruises forming on his arm, showing that his aura indeed was gone.
-Our winner! -Brick loudly declared.
The crowd around clapped and cheered. Ruby and Nora hugged each other and leaped like a pair of rabbits. Ren and Blake nodded with smiles as Chocolat and Yang clapped with the crowd. And Weiss smiled appreciatively.
She did not think Jaune could handle Fausto, to begin with, but she saw the improvement in his skills. Whatever Ryan is teaching him, he is doing great.
She turns to the gunslinger, who watches the scene with indifference. He was the only one who was cheering, and she had to wonder what was going on in his mind.
Jaune fell on his posterior, breathing hard as he was showered by the cheers of the folks around the basketball court. Noticing this, he blushed a little and waved to the audience.
But the moment he forced himself back to his feet, he noticed Ruby's eyes widening in worry.
-Jaune, look out! -The reaper screamed.
Jaune turns around just in time to feel a gust of wind pass through him and see the point of Fausto's blade a few millimeters from his face. The blade was being held by Brick as he eyed Fausto, who was breathing hard, with angry eyes.
-You lost. -Brick told him, pushing his blade away.
-Shut up! -Fausto screamed.
-You agreed to those terms! -Brick loudly told him.
-Out of my way, goat man! -Fausto screamed.
-I SAID OUT OF MY WAY! -Fausto screamed, clearly not accepting defeat. -DID YOU DISOBEY THE ORDER FROM THE SHEPHERD AS WELL?!
The comment didn't settle well with the teams, the duo, and the crowd, but especially with Brick who narrowed his eyes.
-I'll give you one last chance to walk away with some dignity. -Brick stated in a low tone.
-WHAT A ANIMAL KNOW ABOUT DIGNITY?! -Fausto screamed and did the only did he should have done.
He stabbed Brick.
But the moment his blade connected with Brick's body, everyone around who knew who he was widened their eyes in surprise and disbelief, including the teams and the duo.
But Fausto was surprised to see the point of his blade connect with Brick's chest but didn't make a single scratch. He stabbed a lot of adversaries in the past, but he did not feel like he just stabbed aura or even a skin.
It was like he stabbed a piece of steel if he ever stabbed one in the past.
Brick said nothing, merely raising his hand near Fausto's face, the index finger prepared. Those standing on the fence behind Fausto immediately moved away and those who didn't know who he was were pulled away.
With a flicker of his index finger, Fausto's body disappeared in the thin air at the same time as the sound of a fence being ripped and a wall being broken was heard.
Both teams and the duo widened their eyes seeing the space Fausto just was in before moving their field of vision to the side, seeing the part of the fence ripped and the hole in the wall where Fausto was lying almost unconscious. His nose bleeding and seemed it was broken.
-Kids those days. -Brick commented.
Jaune would not have believed if he had not seen. He doubts even Ryan, as strong as he is physically, would be capable of such a feat.
Meanwhile, Weiss walked to Fausto, eyeing him with disappointment in her face.
-This is someone from the Blood family acts when faces defeat? -She asked. -It is your final chance to walk away with some dignity. After being attacked by the one people used to call The Juggernaut, Mr. Stronghold was gentle enough to leave you conscious.
-T-the J-Juggernaut? -Fausto stammered.
Weiss merely gave Fausto his back and walked away, leaving his servants to come and aid him as she joined her friends. Except that the police officer, holding the handcuffed folks who tried to make bets, eyed Fausto with a disapproving look.
-You are coming with me. -The officer said and handcuffed Fausto.
-Get your hands off me you peasant! -Fausto screamed.
Meanwhile, with the teams and the duo.
-You performed admirably, Jaune. -Pyrrha told him.
-I think Mr. Fancy-Pants will think twice before insulting someone. -Yang commented.
-Jaune. -Ryan called his partner. -I would appreciate it if you don't go around revealing my status in Vacuo.
-Why is that? -Jaune asked.
-He doesn't want to attract unnecessary attention. -Pyrrha answered. -I too, have my fair share of challenges because of my victories in the tournaments.
-There are always those who think they can take the best and have the title for themselves. -Ren explained.
-Yeah, I can attest to that. -Yang said. -I got some challenges in Beacon myself for not losing yet in the arena.
-I see. -Jaune said. -I'm sorry but I needed to make sure he would go after me first. I'm sure he would not fight a nobody for no reason.
-I guess. -Ryan said.
-I guess we can go back to the academy now. -Chocolat offered. -Since Mr. Fancy-pants already paid for our meal.
-Which was delicious! -Nora loudly declared.
-Until any day, Mr. Stronghold. -Blake told the goat man.
-Just remember not to break anything next time. -He told them and everyone looked at Yang.
As the teams and the duo left the scene, none of them noticed a pair of binoculars watching the whole fight from one of the alleys.
Fée was starting to grow worried seeing the increasing rate of skills Ryan's partners were displaying. Apparently, she would have to play hard from now on.
And she will succeed, no matter what.
Forest would pay for refusing to give her Semblance back.
End of the chapter.
Right at the end, I debated with myself about giving a small piece of information regarding what I have planned to some characters, reveal a few things about the plot. Give a few pieces about what was happening to some of the characters to keep the hidden plot going besides the silent promise with Atlas Military so when the time comes, the pieces end up placing together.
So I decide to give to pick some of the curiosity of those reading this.
Only a few OCs has something to do with this forbidden information and despite planning for a while now, I still have to picture how to fit them in this plot. Even Fée may not be a central figure for the plot, but I still need to put some thought on it.
I also want to use some OCs again but not all of them can appear. Will depend mostly about how the story goes.
That's all folks, see you next time.