There’s a brief moment where Julian wonders what the blood is from, but for the most part his attention is still on the claws, watching them carefully. Bitterly, and not for the first time, Julian wishes his abilities weren’t gone this Arena. He’s not sure how much help they would have been, but maybe if he had them he wouldn’t feel quite so defenseless, even with the weapons he’s holding.

He’s so focused on the claws that when he sees the swipe coming he’s able to react quick enough to try and dodge out of the way, but he’s still not quite fast enough. The claws hit his shoulder, leaving gashes that make Julian yell, more out of alarm than in pain. The actual pain from the wounds seem to be dulled, and he’s sure they’ll hurt more if he manages to survive, but right now the rising panic he feels outweighs anything else. He wants to run, but there’s nowhere to run to.

And it’s that panic that has Julian swinging the axe at Initiate with one arm, and then stabbing at him with the machete with the other. There’s no skill to his movements, none whatsoever, and it’s clear Julian’s just swinging wildly and hoping for the best.