PA61/62

He parried it with Crocea Mors, but stumbled as her other sword cut into the back of his knee. Her leg came around again, but this time he was prepared. It hit his shield, and he couldn't help but be shocked at how much that still hurt. A manicured hand appeared on the edge of his shield, prying it back. He tried to shift his sword into position, but she already had hers ready, and thrust it down into his shoulder.

He screamed, but she was only able to score a superficial blow before Neo attacked. The small girl tackled Cinder aside, carrying her to the floor and trying to strangle her.

Jaune fell, one hand clutched to his shoulder. Without his scroll, he had no idea what his aura was looking like, but it couldn't be good if she'd almost drawn blood.

[...]

Her blade came down, carving a great chunk out of his coat, armour and aura. This time he felt it bite home, deep into skin and muscle. A gasp, more surprise than pain, escaped him.

Neo leapt forward and kicked Cinder away, causing the weapon to be torn from his left shoulder. Blood flowed. Her hands fell onto him, eyes terrified.

"I'm fine," he hissed. "It's not deep."

Neo made some quick gestures.

"I know. My aura is almost gone. I can feel it."

—61

[...]

Cinder's blade buried itself in his stomach.

The world exploded in pain. Crocea Mors fell, clattering against the stone floor.

"Jaune!" Roman yelled. Neo might have tried too, mouth open in horror. No words came, however. Not from her. Not from him.

His hands only grasped the blade lodged in his stomach, a faint note of surprise in his mind. Oh, he thought, oddly detached from it all. I guess my aura was more drained than I realised…

—62