The cool metal of the dagger under his chin made him stop in his tracks -- and seethe. Was Zidane getting the better of him? No! It was only because of that Trance! The unmistable flow of limitless energy that consumed him! A power... that should be only his.

As the second hit connects, the dagger barely missing his face to graze his cheek, Kuja called forth a burst of energy around them, wanting -- perhaps even needing -- to put some distance between them. As the spell took his course, he used the opportunity to attempt to jump back.

His shoulders lifting and falling was the only indication that he was even slightly tired. The mage reached up to touch his cheek -- and then examined his hand to see his own blood trickling down.