Fury was not to be lucky enough to score the first strike and unfortunately there was to be a cost for over-extending without success. His opponent moved inside quickly, benefiting from his short stature immensely against the comparably gigantic Fireen. However, Fury was aware of this disadvantage, and had been ready to pull back even before Kanitah managed to duck his strike and close the distance. Like any good fighter he was hardly willing to sacrifice the advantage of reach in a straight up fist-fight, so his right foot instinctively drew back and his left arm rose to check his opponent’s counter, blocking the strike heading for his chest with his arm and deflecting away some of its force, while also turning his body from the strike and moving backwards.

It still hurt, but Fury could remain on his feet because he was braced for the strike. With nimble footwork he bounced back another pace, Kanitah now once again too far to strike at him, his stance returned he lashed out with his slightly tingling left arm with a warding jab towards Kanitah’s face, preventing him from trying to close the distance again. If Kanitah tried to press he would have to face Fury’s full force, where-as he could hardly hold his ground while he was being struck without being able to fight back. Fury was light on his feet, and more than capable of drawing Kanitah into a mistake that would allow the Fireen to unleash hell upon him.