PA61

The sword vanished into black dust, Cinder dodging back as Neo lunged at her. The two traded blows, Neo's speed allowing her to push the taller woman back, if not score any significant hits. They approached the edge, and Neo slashed at Cinder's eyes, only to feint and pull back.

[...]

Neo had managed to secure her hands around Cinder's throat and was choking the life from her. Cinder tried to kick back to knock her off, but when that failed she clamped her hands around Neo's wrists instead. Neo's face twisted in agony, suddenly trying to pull away. Cinder wouldn't let her.

Roman did. He came in and kicked at Cinder's wrists, freeing Neo, who fell back in pain.

[...]

Jaune looked to Cinder, but she was busy with Neo. "Reinforcements might come eventually. The Atlas Paladins are down, and the White Fang can't beat everyone here on their own. Just try to hold out until then."

Roman nodded. "Finally, a plan. I don't think we can win this, but we might be able to stall. You got your scroll on you?"

"No. They took it off me when I was arrested." And it wasn't like any of his friends would answer a call in the middle of a battlefield, especially if they did it off Neo's. "Just keep going. Pyrrha and Velvet will get help."

"Let's just hope it's competent help," Roman sighed. "The last thing we need is more brats up here."

Current company notwithstanding? Those brats were probably more skilled than he was. He ignored the thought, and hefted his weapons once more. Neo couldn't hold out on her own, her onslaught had turned into a frantic defence, the girl's face beaded with sweat, both from the strain and the heat Cinder exuded.

Roman and he charged in.

Cinder saw them. She caught movement from the corner of her eye, or maybe heard them. Either way, a wall of fire erupted towards them. Jaune grit his teeth and closed his eyes, throwing himself into and through it. Neo needed him. If he panicked now, Cinder would kill her, and their trio would be reduced to a duo.

"Persistent," Cinder scowled. She flicked Neo's blade into the air and planted a heel in the girl's stomach, kicking off as much as knocking her away.

[...]

Neo made some quick gestures.

"I know. My aura is almost gone. I can feel it." He looked over to Cinder. She was wiping the dust from her eyes, and didn't see Roman swinging in. He caught her in the face, using Melodic Cudgel like a golf club. She sailed back. "How is yours?"

Neo made a fifty-fifty gesture with one hand.