(A/N): Please read and review, so I can post the next chapter. Sorry my chapters are so short lately that's why I have been trying to post at least two at a time.

THE TEMPLE

Soon they came upon a huge stone temple. It was covered by ancient carvings and vines. Sonic stepped forward and was about to go threw the huge entrance. But Shadows ears twitched a bit and he ran at Sonic and pushed him to the ground as a bunch of sharp arrows flew over head. They stood up when the arrows stopped flying.

"Thanks Shadow but how did you know?" Sonic asked as he dusted himself off.

"I' m not sure all I know is I heard the arrows and I took the chance." Shadow said also somewhat confused.

"It's the connection he and Amy have the conection allows them to share each others senses witch allows his hearing to advance." Eclipse said as he looked to see if he saw any more booby traps.

They continued into the temple. Soon they found themselves facing what seemed to be a racing strip. As they approached it a white orb of light appeared in font of them. It spoke.

"You have entered the temple of the forgotten gem, do you wish to continue or turn back now?"

"We wish to continue." Eclipse said.

"As you wish, this is the first test you must pass too get to the next level of the temple." "First you must pick your fasted team member; you may not pick the chosen one." The orb said.

"Who is the chosen one? "Tails asked.

"He's talking about Shadow." Eclipse answered as he studied the racing strip.

"Why not?" Shadow asked.

"Because the first few tested are the tests of your friends to see if you have made strong allies, and to see if they have learned from you." Eclipse answered.

"Well this looks like a job for you Sonic?" Tails said to him.

"You got that right little buddy." Sonic said as he stood before the glowing orb ready for the challenge.

The orb looked at Sonic, "you are fast, there are no formidable appoints here but there is another who can match you're abilities." The orb said as it opened a white portal and a familiar figure was thrown from it, it was Mina.

"Mina?" They all said as they looked at her.

"Where am I?" She said as she put a hand to her head.

"Mina." Sonic said as he ran to her side.

"Sonic?" She said as she pulled him into a huge and a kiss.

Sonic return the kiss, he was very surprised at himself he had never done that before.

"Who needs to control themselves now?" Knuckles asked as he rapped his arms around Rouge from behind.

Sonic backed away and blushed. "I'm sorry I didn't know you would get mixed up in all this." He said as he helped her up.

"What is going on exactly?" She asked but was interrupted by the glowing light.

"Now you shall race, you Mina will represent Eclipse Shadow and Amy, Sonic you will represent Knuckles, Rouge, and Tails." "Who ever should win their team will advance."

The next thing they knew the two long lost lovers were at the starting line getting ready to race. "And one last word of caution." The floating light said, "do not hold back, or attempted to let the other win, because if you do the opposing team will parish."

This made the two tense, but they understood what they had to do. "prepare yourselves." The orb said. They got into a racing position.

"Go." The orb said simply.

The two busted past the starting line both leaving a trail of light behind them. Sonic was giving it all he had, and so was Mina they were nearing the end of the track they both pushed themselves harder and, past the finish line. The two both stopped and were on their knees trying to catch their breath. The orb appeared.

"The challenge was completed by a tie." "Both teams may precede but the two challengers must remain here."

Sonic and Mina looked at each other and gave an understanding nod.

"Go on without us." Sonic said as he walked over to Mina kneeling down next to her.

Shadow also gave an understanding nod to Sonic before he and the others began to head for a white portal, that resembled a rip in reality.