The Road to Defeat

SEVENTEEN

A day of tasks

Everyone in the mafia house woke up early the next day. Chloe had ended up staying over since they were going to start training so early in the morning. To her surprise Emily woke up feeling ambitious and well-rested. Both of the girls who were going to be tested today, felt surprisingly good about everything. Neither of them were anxious or stressed about the tasks they had to complete. For some reason, everyone was feeling really good about the day ahead of them.

The backyard was sectioned into different parts. Starting from the front of the backyard there were three large areas roped off. To the right there were two large targets set up for what seemed like archery. In the middle there was an area with two punching bags arranged for some combat training. On the left, was an area with large metal targets to practice throwing knives. Lastly, further into the backyard was a section for practicing using guns.

"Okay, let's get this all started!" Jimin cheered in excitement. Everyone outside gathered around a small outdoor table. The plan was for Hoseok and Yoongi to record and observe the two girls while they completed each task. The rest of the boys would of course be watching too and some were going to help teach some of the basics of each skill and give tips.

"So the first test we will do will be hand combat and martial arts. This is something that takes a while to master so don't feel bad if you don't get it right away." Hoseok said with a smile on his face. Yoongi nodded in agreement and walked toward the two punching bags, standing between them.

"I'll teach you both some of the basics and see how you go from there."

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Emily worked hard, and her work was shown. She had improved since the day she started working with Jeongguk, her technique was so much better, but it still wasn't perfect. Chloe who was practicing beside her wasn't doing as great. She didn't have the same strength as Emily and her technique was very messy. However, it was very evident to the boys that it was her first time doing hand combat so this type of behaviour was expected. Lauren made her way in front of the two girls and smiled at them, getting the girls attention.

"You two are doing great! We got a good idea of where the booth of your skills lay in hand combat so we can move to the next task." The three girls turned toward the boys that stood near the house. Jimin cheered the girls on and Jeongguk looked pleased. Namjoon led the group over to the section with the tall metal targets. Once everyone was closer, it was evident that this section was for practicing throwing knives. The group stood in front of a small table where several knives were laid out for display. Emily and Chloe were ushered to the front of the group so they were directly in front of Namjoon and the table.

"These are throwing knives. They are usually used to attack from short distances but as you develop a more consistent and accurate aim they can be used from a longer distance." Namjoon explained some simple, basic techniques to the girls before they both started to practice.

Chloe's mood was down from doing the hand combat task. She knew she wasn't good at it and although she had never done it before, she couldn't help but be upset by the idea of failure. However, her mood was soon lifted as she started with knife throwing. It was another thing she had not done before, but she seemed to have quite a good grasp on it. Namjoon walked up behind her as she was picking up another knife to throw.

"Try throwing it at this angle. If you angle it a bit more rather than throwing it straight, it can actually help improve your aim." Namjoon grabbed Chloe's hand that was holding the small knife, directing her movements. To her surprise, the knife landed directly in the middle of the target. Emily was doing well too. She had the strength to throw the knife deep into the target but her aim wasn't the greatest and did need some work. However the two girls both seemed to have great potential.

"Omg! You both did so good! I can't believe you have never done this before." Lauren shouted and ran toward the girls with excitement.

Emily hid her excitement as the group walked towards the next task. It was time to practice archery. When Emily was young her father had taught her how to use a bow and arrow. However, she had never told anyone that she had done this before and she was eager to surprise them all with her skill. No one in the group utilized archery as their main weapon. Archery with a standard longbow is quite outdated, especially when there are newer bows and different with faster recoil times and that are made out of more durable and lightweight materials. The group watched from behind as Emily and Chloe stood with Jeongguk, who showed them some archery basics as he knew it best. The lesson was short but informative, and the two quickly understood what to do. Jeongguk rejoined the rest of the group behind the two girls. Emily slyly smirked at the ground beneath her as she prepared her first arrow. Emily was quick, shooting a perfect bullseye before turning and winking toward the group behind her. Everyone stared in awe before cheering in excitement and surprise at Emily's skill.

~~~ <> ~~~

The girls had a quick water and snack break before following the others to the last task. As they all made their way to the final section, which was using guns, Emily couldn't help the lump of anxiety that rose in her throat. The idea of using a gun was very intimidating and scary, not to mention dangerous. Taehyung placed his hand onto Emily's shoulder.

"You're doing great at everything Em, I'm so proud," Tae whispered in her ear. Similar to the previous task, there was a table filled with different types of guns. Taehyung and Jimin were in front of the table as the two girls, Emily and Chloe, stood on the other side of it.

"So we are finally at the final task!" Jimin said in excitement. "Taehyung and I are the gun masters of the group so we will show you what to do, it's nothing to stress over." Jimin smiled toward the two girls who both looked anxiously toward the table filled with guns. The two boys in front of them showed off different guns and went over some basic safety rules for using them.

The two girls stood far away from each other for safety. Jimin was next to Chloe helping her step by step and Taehyung was next to Emily. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Emily's shoulders from behind, his face inches from hers.

"Just like this," Taehyung said in reassurance, placing his hands over Emily's, steadying her hands with his own. Emily took a deep breath before pulling the trigger. The gun's recoil wasn't too strong but it was enough for Emily to be pushed back against Taehyung's chest. She looked up at him with a small blush on her cheeks. "I could get used to this," Taehyung said while grinning down towards her.