Re: Allen + Henri | FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT
Hours after the fight ended, Allen would kick himself for being so negligent. How could he have missed a man spoiling for a fight cutting through the crowd? Was he weak? Was he so divorced from his roots in the mines and the streets?
But now, there was no time for thought or feeling. As Allen turned, his ears already recognizing his brother's voice before conscious thought could exclaim his name in his mind, Henri's punch connected.
The nose is an excellent spot to hit someone. A punch square to the nose disorients an opponent, thanks to the excruciating pain of the broken cartilage and all the blood that goes with it. The nose is also connected to the eyes via tear ducts, meaning damage to the nose often results in tears -- and, thus, temporary loss of vision -- which is the best advantage to have during a one-on-one confrontation.
Allen grunted, reeling two steps backward before he caught his balance. Pain exploded in his face. His vision swam; he tasted blood.
No time: reflexively, Allen ducked his head, brought his fists up to protect his face, and got light on his feet. He could blink away the tears once he was on guard.
Henri knew what he was doing. So did Allen. This was a fight that was about to go wrong.