Here's the boring talky chapter where Ivy explains about the Chaos Knights, we learn about Rowan's past, and no fighting happens whatsoever. :D

Don't despair, loyal readers, the big climax is next chapter!

Chapter 9: Ivy

Slowly, Ivy turned so Rowan's back was to her, never once taking the axe from her neck. "Who are you? What's your role in all this?" Shadow demanded.

The wolf smirked. "I am Ivy, a famed member of the Darkraiser Council. I am here to finish the job that this hedgehog, "– she spat the word out – "could not complete. I am here to kill you, Shadow the Hedgehog. "

Shadow ground his teeth together in frustration. "But why? What have I ever done to you? I've never even heard of your Darkraisers before today."

Ivy threw back her head and laughed. "Of course you haven't. I'm here to eliminate you before you can ever hear of us – and destroy us."

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Give me a break. Why would I ever be interested in your pathetic bunch? Axes? Bows and arrows? You act like you're stuck in the Dark Ages."

Ivy's eyes flashed. "Being the evil creature that you are, you would of course want to destroy an organization like ourselves that only wants to help people. You see, we come from the future, where you have single-handedly taken down most Darkraisers and Chaos Knights."

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Chaos Knights?"

"Warriors gifted with Weapons of Chaos," – she gestured to Rowan's discarded bow –"weapons with a Chaos Crystal inside. These jewels allow any weapon to reach its fullest potential, as this insolent young wretch has already shown you." She tightened her grip on the axe.

"My fellow councilmember Elm has made a time machine so we could stop your carnage before it even begins.

This is why I am here, to succeed where she has failed," she snarled, jerking her head towards Rowan.

Shadow shot Rowan a contemptuous look. "You bought into this?'

Rowan's expression remained impassive. "It is all I have," she replied simply. "They took me in when I was young, saying they detected power in me, power they could use. I would have wasted away on the streets without them. If I must die so their order can be empowered," she lowered her head slightly, "then that is how it must be."

Ivy scowled. "And you will die," she stated, "so he doesn't have the chance to seduce you into his evil path. Shadow, you brought about the end of the world in my time," –her eyes narrowed- "and your evil reign ends now!"

If you didn't feel a little sorry for Rowan right there, you're one heartless human being. NEXT TIME: Final round! Ivy vs. Shadow with an ending you won't believe!