Chapter 11 – Seven Years Old

Seven years after being born in the village of Rotherhithe, Ender is currently being challenged by his 'Rival' Percy. This routine of being challenged has been occurring more and more frequently instead of going to play adventures. The challenges were both unarmed and using wooden swords depending on how Percy decided to challenge that day. Of course Alice was in the sidelines cheering for the both of them.

The three of the Trio were actually quite close in growth. Ender was the tallest with being 123 cm in height. His black hair was growing out and his body had little body fat. Percy followed close behind with being 121 cm and just like Ender he decided to copy Ender and grow his hair out. Alice trailed behind with being 119 cm. He blonde hair now reach her shoulder and it could be seen that when she grows up Alice would be a beauty.

Percy has used every chance he can to get stronger so he could win against Ender. The win to lose ratio is 50:50. Of course Ender lost purposely allowing for Percy to be motivated to win. When Ender won he pointed out where Percy could improve on. Percy thought of doing the same and Ender 'earnestly' listened.

Today the challenge was unarmed combat. The two were currently standing 5 meters apart. As the two were getting into a ready stance Percy announced, "Let bet on who win on this match."

"Ohh? What are the stakes?" Ender asked looking interested.

Percy proclaimed, "The bet shall be you have to take Alice and I to the place you have escaped to the last two times without us and if you win I will do one thing you ask of me."

Ender chuckled a bit before answering, "You know I would have brought you two if you would have asked, right?'

Percy nodded before saying, "But where is the fun in that? Start!" Not giving Ender the chance to think Percy rapidly moved forward throwing a right punch.

Ender did not move but smile, "This time I have to win because the stakes you offer are good and I want to use it." As the punch was going hit Ender he sidestep to his left before using an open palm to hit Percy's side. Percy barely dodge by tumbling to the ground before getting back up.

"Ara ara, Percy you have gotten faster haven't you?" Ender commented as he lowered his stance so he could attack.

Percy replied back, "Last time I was hit I almost threw up so of course I had to be faster." Leaning back he readied himself for Ender's counter attack.

"Mmnn, If we are going 'that' place. I can't hurt you too bad so you could run there easily." Ender mumbled to himself. Using his right foot as fulcrum Ender rapidly closed the distance in one step.

Percy having fought Ender knew that keeping up with him was a bad idea so instead Percy immediately sent a punch where he expected to land. When Ender landed like a snake dodged the punch. Ender was actually proud of Percy to be able to predict Ender's movement even when he was holding back.

Percy did not let up and continue to attack not allowing Ender to counter. Ender did not attack but used his speed to dodge while using his hands to slightly move the trajectory of the punches out so that it would graze him. Percy would throw some quick kicks in when he thought they would catch Ender on surprise. The attacks that did land caused Ender's skin to swell a bit.

When Ender saw that Percy was slowing down and his breath was getting ragged Ender waited for a opening. When Percy slowed further after throwing a large punch Ender made his move. Ender grabbed onto Percy's arm, flipped himself around as he maneuvered himself, and put his weight onto Percy so he could bring the two down while holding Percy in an arm hold.

"Owowowowow, I give, I give. You are ruthless as ever when there is something you want as stake," Percy complained. "Get off of me your heavy." Percy continued to rant.

Ender pull slightly on Percy's arm gloated, "That's not how you ask someone to stop."

"Ah tatata, Oh great big brother Ender let this little brother go. He knows that he has wronged you." Percy tried to persuade.

Ender let go before tumbling off of Percy. "You should be proud every day you seem to be getting faster and stronger," Ender praised as he stretched out a hand towards Percy. Alice came running congratulating the two of them and bringing some water.

Percy accepted the hand to get up while moaning, "Easy for you to say while I seem to be the only one that gets hurt. Why is it that even when I win you seem healthy the next day?"

Ender rapidly lied, "You have seen my dad right? Even my mom gives him a piece of her mind he always fine the following day. Maybe I inherited that." Ender thought to himself, "Sorry dad for throwing you under the carriage."

Percy started nodding while agreeing, "That is true. So what did you want from me since you won?"

Ender thought about the request for a moment before replying, "Aahh about that let me think about it I will tell you tomorrow after we go 'that' place. Ask your parents later if it is okay to arrive a little after sunset tomorrow. The place we are going to is safe and not far."

Nodding Percy agreed before turning to Alice and asking, "Do you think your parent's will allow you to come with us?"

Alice considered before nodding, "If you two come and say how you would bring your wooden swords I think they will agree."

"Okay, I'm going to go ask Old Milton for some rope first. I think it will make getting to that place easier. Afterwards let meet at Alice's house so we can ask her parents. Tomorrow morning lets meet on the south village entrance," Ender suggested.

Percy and Alice agreed before separating with Ender so that they could get they could ask their parents and Ender could ask Old Milton to borrow some rope.

Ender's parents agreed after making sure that they took care of Alice. Ender went to Old Milton to ask for some rope and as he reluctantly agreed Old Milton moved around looking for a rope mumbling and grumbling the whole time. After dropping off the rope they met at Alice's house. As expected Alice's parents resisted for a while until they promised to keep Alice safe and not a scratch to be on her. Plus after knowing that Ender was also going they were more lenient then if it was just Percy and Alice.