[i]Blue eyes widening, his reaction time wasn't fast enough to block or parry the attack, and only barely backpedaled enough to avoid too deep of a cut; however the two blades made a long gash in his left arm, as Zach grit his teeth in an attempt to focus. After being struck, he fell back, glancing briefly at his wound, before getting his head back in the duel as he readied his sword once again, determined to do well in this duel.[/i]