Bow & Tuxedo (Opposites Attract #1)

Chapter 8

Eight

AFTER THE CONVERSATION David had with Matthew, he began to engage in rigorous training. He also engraved a rule in his mind that says, "Practice harder so we could win the PAC." At first, his new routine had taken a toll on his body, which David had expected to happen.

However, as the days went by, David was slowly adapting to these changes. Of course, these changes wouldn't go unnoticed at all. Coach Iven was the first to notice these changes, and he quickly talked to David regarding this matter. Iven was truly grateful for what David did, but that doesn't mean he would want his student's safety to be on the line in exchange for a solution to their current dilemma.

David, being the stubborn person he is, said to Coach Iven that all is well and that he's worrying over nothing. But in all actuality, David believes that he owes it to his team—to his friends. He wanted to make amends for losing the sponsorship in the first place.

Speaking of sponsorship, David was still dreading his team's reactions, especially Riley's, when they found out that he wouldn't be competing in the World Cup with them. Even up to this day, that single fact still leaves a bitter taste in David's mouth. It was his dream to compete in the World Cup, but what can he possibly do at this point? His hands were tied.

Their academy would cease to operate if he did not make this sacrifice. That's why, instead of focusing on the negative parts of his decision, David just focused on the good parts of it. They're given another chance to save their academy. That's all that matters.

Now, several teams have already been eliminated in the competition, and they're down to the last four teams. The Archery Academy was one of those four teams, and they're competing in the semi-final round of the competition.

Preparing for their match against the Red Archers, Coach Iven assigned his team to practice their shooting more, but in different forms and environments this time. The purpose of this practice was to condition their bodies to the changing environment.

David already finished his training an hour ago, and he's doing some freestyle now, like shooting six arrows one after the other. In order to do this trick, your shot has to be quick and precise, and all your attention should be on the target.

Settling a firm grip on his bow, David hovers his other hand on the arrows inside his quiver. He checked his target again—it was a human dummy with red dots on its head, chest, both arms, and legs.

David shuts down every external stimuli his senses were picking up and enters a state of tranquility. At lightning speed, everything was silenced, and the only thing that David could feel was the nock of his arrow that he was touching. David draws one final deep breath before he quickly grabs one arrow from his quiver and shoots it. Then it was followed by another, and another, until a total of six arrows were cutting through the air.

All the arrows traveled at an incredible speed, and they soon landed on each red dot. Six consecutive thuds resounded through the practice range, indicating that all arrows hit their supposed mark.

David used the back of his hand to wipe the beads of sweat on the high points of his forehead. Then he turned around and went to grab his drink.

Habang umiinom si David sa kanyang tumbler ay napatitig uli siya sa kanyang target. Umangat ang isang kilay niya nang may pumasok na ideya sa kanyang isipan.

Should I try shooting them all at once? Posible kaya?

David licked his lower lip and looked down at the arrows inside his quiver.

"Eh, parang ang hirap naman gawin." Aniya sa sarili at napailing nalang sa kanyang naisip. Natigil naman siya sa pag-iling nang may pumasok uli na isang ideya sa isipan niya.