Rival

The mood between them was somber. The members of the Defending Tip lost more than half of their life-long friends and the journey still wasn't done. They still had to traverse the Dreaded Valley.

"Let's play a game?"

A game? The members were confused. Was that needed to have an advantage here in the Dreaded Valley?

"A game?"

Resi couldn't hold back his confusion and puzzled Gotang's intentions. In this serious and deadly situation, was a game the best course of action?

"Yes, it's simple."

Bang listened in to the conversation. He didn't know why Gotang was doing this but throughout this journey, he had been saved by Gotang multiple times. This must help them in some way.

"I'm gonna one of you a secret word. That man has to describe that word without speaking."

'Is that what I think it was? Is that charades?"

The members of the Defending Tip looked unamused but still nodded their heads at their leader. They went into a formation like an audience around Gotang as they looked up at him for instructions.

"Resi. Come here."

Gotang proceeded to whisper in Resi's ear as Resi displayed a confused face. Resi then proceeded to tilt his head left and right multiple times while looking up. He then had an inspiration and pointed at one of their members.

"Me?"

Brad got pointed at. Everyone looked towards him and thought of one thing.

"A drunkard?"

"What?!?! You more of a drunkard than me!"

"Only on special occasions."

"Is there special occasions every day then?"

"Hehe"

Gotang chuckled. He wasn't the only one as Brad's closest friends had fun poking each other for fun. It was like a virus as Brad started making fun of other people and they made fun of other people.

'Did Gotang plan this?'

The mood instantly got better. They had all smiles and happiness, ignoring the pain and suffering they endured. Underneath all those smiles, if you looked closely, was just a facade. They weren't really happy.

"That was fun, they would have liked this."

They all turned silent. The mention of their dead comrades dampened the mood. What was Gotang trying to do? Why did he make them laugh then bring them down again?

"I know it has been hard, but let me ask you this; are you willing to risk your life for our cause?"

The members of the Defending Tip looked up at their dependable leader. They remembered the hardships they had to endure as an unverified group. This whole trip was to step up their group into the big leagues. Into the podium. They were never taken seriously and were ridiculed but that all changes when they reach the promised land; when they get the treasure.

Their somber eyes turned into a serious look. They were reminded of their mission, their responsibility, and the sacrifices their other members had to take. They would too. If they had the chance, they would gladly die for this group, so they shouldn't feel pity nor sadness at the ones who died.

With just one sentence, Gotang was able to turn the mood of his members. His one-sided pursuit of their goal reignited the confidence and their bravado. This is a great leader.

The festivities continued and they continued playing simple games to pass the time and lift their spirits. Even without alcohol, they acted drunk as they laughed without a care in the world.

Bang and Ligi just watched them, without participating in the event. They didn't have a strong intention on this trip like the Defending Tip, they just got stuck here without any safe exit.

Gotang approached them along with Resi.

"Ligi, do you want to practice your skills?"

Ligi looked up longingly and with anticipation. He wanted to be strong like Gotang and this was his chance. He nodded multiple times like a dog to convey his excitement.

"Stand up and take out your shield."

Ligi obliged and stood his ground. He planted his feet firmly in the ground, to prepare any force that comes at him. He had a serious eye.

"First mistake."

Ligi raised his eyebrows. This was always how he had done things. It's what made him survive all those near-death experiences. It's what he had always depended on, and now he finds out he had been doing it all wrong.

"Resi, show him."

Resi smiled at the opportunity. He jumped multiple times in excitement and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he accelerated towards Ligi. Ligi planted his feet further into the ground and waited for the kick or punch that will come his way.

Resi lifted one of his feet from the ground and readied it as if he was kicking a ball. Ligi hid behind his shield and waited for the kick, but it didn't come. Bang watched as Resi feign his kick and twist himself around as he kicked the back of Ligi's head with his heel.

Unprepared for the attack, Ligi fell on the ground face-first as he ate the dirt.

"Owww.....that was dirty."

"No, it wasn't. You should have anticipated my attacks."

"I did, but I should have known you were gonna cheat."

"What? I didn't cheat. You were just slow-witted."

Ligi and Resi started to bicker once again. Ligi didn't want to admit that he was defeated by Resi and Resi wanted to brag about his win.

They stopped talking once Gotang stepped in.

"Do you know why he defeated you?"

"I should have known he was gonna attack my back."

"Yes, but that's not the point. Try it again. Resi, do the same thing you did."

Ligi picked himself back up from the ground and glared at Resi. Resi pulled his cheeks down and took out his tongue.

"That's 1-0 but soon to be 2-0."

"Heh, you wish."

The same scenario happened again. This time, Ligi anticipated the kick. Now that he knew what was going to happen, he readied himself to guard the back of his head. Resi feigned his kick and twisted himself. Ligi turned his upper body and his shield in an attempt to guard the kick. It didn't work.

Ligi, once again, felt a sudden force that accelerated his head down into the ground. He stayed there, confused as to why his guard didn't work. He repeated the same scenario in his mind but he concluded that he successfully guarded the kick. Why didn't it work?

"See, that's 2-0."

"You're too rigid. Allow your body to move more freely or else your defense will be full of holes."

Gotang walked near Ligi and helped him up off the ground, to the dismay of Resi. Resi swore to kick harder the next time they fight again.

"What do you know about Resi? Did he kick with his left or right?"

"Left."

"Then position your feet like this. With this, you can easily twist your body and position your right hand properly."

Ligi quickly took on the wisdom that was being imparted upon him. He visualized himself in the right position and found that it was easier to twist to the right. With his left foot forward and right foot back, he can protect his right side. The downside was that it was harder to move to the left.

Gotang smiled when he saw Ligi experimenting and wondering by himself. It reminded him of the good old times when he was a sponge that absorbed everything.

"I see that you noticed the vulnerabilities of this technique."

"I don't have mobility in my left."

"That's right. That's why you need to take into account the powers of your opponent. If he was left-handed, then you put your left foot forward and if he is right-handed then you put your right foot forward. Don't worry this skill will accompany you as you grow."

Resi couldn't take it anymore and accelerated towards Ligi with the full intention of using his full power in the kick. Ligi was surprised but he was ready. The same happened thing happened again except Resi kicked with his right foot in an attempt to get Ligi off guard. It didn't work.

Ligi anticipated that Resi would pull some kind of trick so he switched his footing in the last second and successfully defended the back kick. Resi's eyes almost blew out of eye sockets as was flung backward due to the reflected force.

"Heh, try harder. 2-1."

Resi spat out the soil in his mouth and folded his fists in anger. His eyebrows slanted as he glared at Ligi.

"That was lucky, how about this?!"

"It won't work. I'll defend every attack you have."

Ligi and Resi kept fighting with each other. They had serious looks as they fought and pushed each other around. Time passed and they went through almost 50 rounds as they both look exhausted; even still, they had the will and desire to best each other.

Bang and Gotang watched at the sidelines.

"Should we stop them?"

"Why?"

"They look like they'll kill each other at this point."

"They won't. They finally found someone that challenges them to be better. They might not know this, but they're gonna need each other to improve."