(Silver's POV)

Cream and I looked over when the yelling started. Shadow and Knuckles were arguing.

"Not again!" Cream cried.

"Huh?" I turned towards her "what's going on?"

Cream blushed in embarrassment "I'm afraid Shadow and Knuckles don't always get on... they're both proud and hate admitting they're wrong... they also both like to be rivals to Mr Sonic" she smiled "they get on most of the time!"

I glanced back at the pair and sighed "I'm not sure I believe that"

Before Cream could reply the pair brock out fighting. I watched helplessly as the air filled with a black tornado and dirt as Knuckles dug under Shadow. The second they connected they started to move faster than I could follow, blocking and attacking almost mechanically. Every time one tried to land a blow the other was blocking or out of range. The pair started to kick up dust which shielded them from my view, when it cleared they stood locked hand in hand as each tried to push the other away. Even from a distance it was clear Knuckles was stronger, he was barley straining to keep Shadow back but from the bruises on him it was clear Shadow had used his speed to land more blows during the fight. The Ulitmate Lifeform himself was pushing hard, his feet dug into the ground to hold him in place against the force of Knuckles, the red tops of his gloves stood out against his black fur and I saw clearly the absence of the gold rings Shadow usually wears on his wrist. Their narrowed eyes burned into each other and I feared we'd be stuck here forever whilst they fought when suddenly they stopped. Knuckles was even grinning.

"you're not bad hedgehog" he teased

Shadow scoffed "I AM the Ulitmate Lifeform" his red eyes ran back to Knuckles "although you were a worthwhile opponent"

Knuckles laughed "Get going before I show you just how true that is"

Shadow's eyes met mine "are you ready for this?"

I nodded firmly "It's now or never"

The chaos emerald is back in Shadow's hand and Cream as drawn near. The master emerald glows in the corner of the cave and Knuckles stands next to it chanting in a low voice. The rings are still not on Shadow's wrists although he holds them in his right hand, I suddenly wonder what exactly they do. Shadow raises the emerald as I walk over and yells a command. I take a deep breath and we fall into nothing.