Sorry I didn't leave any author's notes last chapter. Anyway, here's chapter 3!

Chapter 3: Preparations

Shadow returned to his house, his mind still on what Tails had said. Hmm...She's definitely going to upgrade her arrows; I was too tough for her. Well, I have resources of my own…

Shadow walked into his bedroom. He faced a blank wall and said loudly and clearly, "Shadow the Hedgehog. I am the ultimate life form." A hidden compartment in the wall swung open, revealing Shadow's library of guns.

Shadow selected his favorite, a GUN-standard 6mm, before closing the compartment. He reloaded the gun, cleaned it, took his gun belt (A/N: Well, how do you think he carries his weapons around when he isn't using them?) and holstered it.

Determination burned in his eyes. I am Shadow the Hedgehog… I will not be defeated by a mere girl with a bow! Rowan Blackwood… you're finished!!!

xxx

Tails screwed in the last bolt on the Tornado 4. He wiped his damp brow with his arm. Whew… that was exhausting, but at least it's complete.

He climbed into the cockpit and flicked a switch. Lights came on and the engine started up. Tails flicked three switches in a row and spoke confidently, "Mode 3… activate!"

The tornado's wings and rudder retracted, with four tires coming out. The Tornado 4 was now in Vehicle Mode.

The garage door opened and Tails roared out onto the streets. He drove towards Shadow's house and stopped a few blocks away with the motor idling.

Tails closed his eyes. When Shadow leaves his house, I'll be right behind him! He won't have a chance to refuse my help! Tails smiled, and fell asleep.

xxx

The next morning Shadow exited his house, with his gun belt and his newly repaired rocket shoes. Without hesitating, Shadow activated his rockets, soaring off down the block. The forest… we both know that is where we meet again.

xxx

Tails awoke with a start as Shadow flew past him. He quickly pushed the Tornado 4 into a U-turn, screeching after Shadow.

Tails made sure to keep Shadow in sight while still keeping a fair distance away. He hunched over the steering wheel, staring at the ebony hedgehog. With two against one, there's no way this assassin will win!

xxx

Rowan waited, concealed in a treetop yet again. She had an arrow notched on her bow, just waiting for Shadow to come along.

Her eyes narrowed as she observed Shadow walking towards the clearing in which she was hidden.

That belt… does he have something planned? she wondered.

Shadow continued his walk, starting to pass right by her tree. Rowan's hand tightened on the bow, preparing to release the arrow that would end Shadow's life.

Quite suddenly, Shadow came to a halt. He slowly drew his gun from his holster but kept it dangling at his side.

Rowan's eyes widened. He detected my presence again! How can he do that? No matter. Time to finish him. Rowan released the arrow and let it fly.

xxx

Shadow heard the chillingly familiar whooshing sound behind him. He quickly threw himself to the right, using his rocket shoes to ease his fall.

He noticed the one arrow aimed at him suddenly divide into three arrows, which each hit the ground.

Shadow stared at the arrows, transfixed. Then, a smirk slowly grew on his face as he raised his gun to the treetops. Finally, things are getting interesting.

Next time: Round two against Rowan, but a certain fox just has to get in the way... Review! Review! Review!