PA60

She took the chance to drive her sword into his leg.

It pierced with ease, too much ease. What about his aura? Where was the blood?

"Surprise," Mercury growled. He twisted his leg to the side, cracking her wrist and driving the rapier from her hand. His fist came around and skimmed her face as she rolled down and under. His foot stamped down, however, and crushed her left hand.

"Argh!" Tears stung at her eyes. The pain lanced up her arm. She did her best to ignore it, gripping the hilt of her weapon with her right hand and tearing it free from his leg. She rolled away, dragging her hand out from under him and cradling it. Her aura had protected her skin, but did little for the bones inside. One or two of them were broken or fractured. No amount of aura could protect her from all his weight striking down on her. No… more than his weight. She eyed his leg.

"See something you like?" Mercury laughed and reached down to pull his trouser leg up. The steel and severed wiring made her eyes widen.