Ethel's Underwater Rule (9)

But he was faster. He leaped over her strike and, while still in mid-air, brought his sword down toward her. Ethel twisted, bringing her trident up in a desperate block, the impact jarring her arms as she struggled to keep his blade from breaking through her defense. She gritted her teeth, focusing all her strength on holding her ground, but he pushed harder, his eyes gleaming with an intense, unrelenting determination.

Seeing her falter, the Emperor broke the lock, stepping back only to lunge forward again. This time, he drove his shoulder into her, knocking her off-balance. As she stumbled, he twisted around, his sword arcing in a deadly swing toward her. Ethel ducked, feeling the blade pass just inches over her head, and retaliated with a quick strike of her trident toward his midsection. But he anticipated her move, sidestepping and grabbing the shaft of her trident with one hand, pulling her closer.