Only one hand was removed from his throat when he kneed Duo, but one hand was better than none. He released one wrist and brought it above his hand on the other, pulling more to do something about that grip. It was vice-like on him neck.

Suddenly Duo was gone, off of him and across the room and pinned against the wall. Coughing a little himself, he sat up and rubbed his jaw, looking over at Toph as she stood there. Another one of Duo's friends? But then he saw Quatre above him, looking down at him with what he thought was concern. He coughed a little and sat up, rubbing at his jaw and still ignoring the pain to his ribs.

"Yeah. Thanks, Quatre."