Purely for entertainment purposes.

Training Exercises.

Watch the target, follow it with your arrow, and lead it on a bit. Then release the string, don't pull it back.

Oliver remembers the soothing advice Shado gave him back on the island. The daughter of Yao Fei was certainly just as skilled and intelligent, but more welcoming and less confronting to Oliver. In his moments of relaxation, Oliver would look back on his time with her with fond affection.

The set of three small, circular targets vertically arranged moved slowly across the basement wall, firmly in Oliver's sight. Leading it on, he released three arrows at once. Each landed perfectly in the centre of their respective targets, the sharp arrowheads piercing atleast 2 inches.

Another target behind his back, this one moving much faster. Oliver reacted quickly with his trained reflexes. In a smooth blur, an arrow travelled from his bow to the target's bullseye.

A third appeared, perfectly stationary above the shoulder of a dummy set up next to some of his equipment. However, this wasn't his usual dummy. All Oliver saw was Shado held at knifepoint by Edward Fyers, the mercenary who tormented Oliver early in his time on the island.

Oliver paused, lowering his bow slightly and releasing the tension of the string.

"Let her go Fyers."

"Do you even know how to use that thing? Wouldn't want to miss would you?"

Oliver still recalls his haunting accented voice, mocking his attempts at sanity. It infuriated him. At that point, there was nothing he wanted more than to land an arrow between his provocateurs' eyes. Raising the bow, Fyers was in his sight. Oliver knew the risks, but it was one he had to take.

He released the arrow. It arced over the shoulder of the dummy, missing the target and hitting the wall.

"That's enough for today", Oliver said to himself. Being The Arrow required Oliver to stay on top of his game, sharpening his senses and skill with the bow. His reflexes were lightning fast, and accuracy spot on, but there were still… distractions in his life. He tried not to think of Shado, but he couldn't help it.

Oliver often lost hours of sleep dwelling on his time on Lian Yu, particularly his memories with Shado, both the warming and the frightful.

To take his mind off things and to maintain his proficiency with the bow, Oliver set up an elaborate training complex in his basement, with the help of Diggle and Felicity. It was a large framework built around the room, on the walls and from the roof. Targets would appear at random (thanks to the programming of Felicity) in varying speeds and volumes. It was the unpredictability of these targets that helped Oliver most, ensuring he stayed focused and didn't forget his training.

However, the island never really left Oliver. The people he had supposedly left behind were still a part of his life. Slade, Yao Fei, Shado, Ivo, even Sarah were still making appearances in his every day life, images from his past. This was one distraction that Oliver struggled to ignore, but he knew he'd have to try if he were to continue being the savior of Starling City.

Oliver's phone began to buzz from his pocket. It was Felicity. No matter what time of day or his mood, she always managed to bring a smile to his face.

"Hey Felicity."

"Oliver, Barry's been working on a new carbon-metallic composite for your arrowheads. I'm coming now to show you."

"Great, see you…"

Before Oliver could finish his sentence, the door to the basement opened and Felicity appeared, slightly taken aback and carrying a relatively large bag of equipment. It was at that moment that Oliver realised he wasn't wearing a shirt, as he preferred the physical freedom when training.

"Oh, right, sorry."

Apologised Oliver, as Felicity came down the stairs and towards the computer desk, blushing a bright red.

"Oh.. Don't apologise… I'd… Just rather… You... warned… me... Okay wow." Replied Felicity in her usual awkward but adorable self while she struggled to take her eyes off of Oliver's bare chest as he searched for his shirt.

"Okay, what have you brought me?" Asked Oliver, keen to change the subject of conversation.

"This composite metal. It's lighter, sharper and more aerodynamic than what you're currently using." Answered Felicity as she opened up the sports bag and showed Oliver one of the new arrows. She was certainly confident in Barry's knowledge and skills.

The long shaft was a deep emerald green, the feathers were small and sharp to maintain stability and maximise the speed of the arrow. The head was a three-pointed star piece, pointed at the end and elongated for maximum efficiency. It certainly felt light in Oliver's hands, but not fragile. These arrows were strong. Felicity liked the look of impressed surprise on Oliver's face. It was one she was beginning to see more frequently.

Without a word, Oliver picked up his bow and noticed the target next to the dummy was still there. In a rapid movement, he fired the arrow perfectly towards the target. Surprising even Felicity, it pierced the centre atleast 3 inches.

"You like it?" Asked Felicity, with keen admiration of his skill.

"It's perfect."

Another phone call from his pocket, this time from Diggle.

"Diggle."

"Oliver, there's a reporter at the door for you. He wants to speak to you specifically; he won't say what it's about. He seems honest and trustworthy, nothing to worry about."

"I'll be right over."

"Sorry Felicity, I gotta run. Thank you for this."

Before leaving, Oliver placed a kiss on Felicity's cheek, making her blush an even brighter red.

Oliver arrived at his house to find a journalist waiting at the door. He was a young man, not much older than Oliver, wearing thick glasses with dark, combed hair. He was tall, well built, even for Oliver's standard and wearing a suit that was slightly too small for him.

"Can I help you?" Enquired Oliver.

"Ah, Mr Queen. I'm from the daily planet in Metropolis. We're running a story about the Queen family's recent philanthropy to the various charitable funds around the country. Would you have time for a short interview?"

The reporter seemed honest, able and confident, but not cocky or arrogant. He was sure of himself.

"Look, can you arrange a time with my assistant…"

"Mr Queen, it is quite important that I speak to you personally. My boss has put me on quite a schedule."

"As long as it won't take too long. Come inside. And what did you say your name was?"

"I'm Clark. Clark Kent."