DISCLAIMER

Story based on the fan-fiction "Return of Maria Robotnik" by Louise F. Andersen (visit Deviantart for original version). Material is primarily property and trademark of SEGA and Sonic Team. Jack is a derivative of Shard "Jack" the Metal Sonic from Archie Comic Publications Inc. Any alienated names have been adopted from the Bionicle series. Specific areas of this fanfiction come from different forms of Sonic the Hedgehog media, which includes comics, games and television (This does not include any other fan-fiction). Unfamiliar dialogue adopted from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda, 2011) Translations provided by fan-based website thuum . org

WARNING

Contains material that may be disturbing to some readers. Parental discretion is advised.

Prologue

Legend of the Guardians

The Immortals of Mata Nui

Deep in the heart of Mundus – the universe – there was a realm with no name. From this world, a race of immortals called the Kendov watched over all of the Great Spirit's creation in tranquility and harmony.

Long ago, the Kendov delve into their realm, and at its core, they found a boundless abundance of crystals. These majestic gems granted their bearer extraordinary power and could even save the bearer from death. It was believed that their strength came from the Great Spirit Himself; thus, they were deemed the "Spirit Stones." The ruler of their world believed this power should not dwell among the immortal alone. He crafted two rings to control the power, and through them, he sent the Spirit Stones into the universe, giving a number to each and every mortal world. It was a time of great joy and prosperity for all, and in his honor, the Kendov named their home world "Mata Nui," after their wise and kind ruler.

But like all great power, some sought such for color and delight; others for chaos and destruction. The worst of these was the king's elder son, Makuta. He grew envious of his father's honors and betrayed him. He cast a curse over Mata Nui, who fell into an eternal slumber. Makuta was free to unleash his shadows, and unleash them, he did. Like a plague, they spread and consumed the realm of Mata Nui, and the Dark War had begun. It was war without end… one that would spread and destroy the realms of Mundus.

As their father was laid to rest, the Great Spirit came to Makuta's younger brother, Takanuva, through the lifeless body. He foretold of a great city forged by a man He called 'the Professor.' Should the eldest continue down his current path, a man of darkness and a woman of light would descend to the world below their land. These two would find Ziilot Suleyk – the true power of the Great Spirit – and through it, they would restore peace to Mundus.

Makuta knew of this. He set out to change his fate, but what he did next only sealed it. Learning what his brother had done, Takanuva managed to defeat his brother and banish him to wander the stars for eternity. On that day, Makuta swore vengeance. He would one day return to his home world, and all of creation would be punished for his suffering.

With great fear in his heart, Takanuva pleaded to the Great Spirit for protection. Once again, the Great Spirit told the Takanuva about the two chosen heroes in his foretellings. Unbeknownst to Makuta, they were not destroyed, but merely separated. They would be preserved from time's touch, and on Yuvon Eruvos – the Year of Gold – their hearts shall unite them once more. With his knowledge of the prophecy, the younger brother set out with a number of his followers to Earth. Who these two truly were was unknown to Takanuva, but he knew it was their destiny to save Mundus.

This is the story of the Jul Kendov – 'Protectors of Man' – foretold by the Great Spirit. It is a tale of love.

Shadow the Hedgehog 2

Maria's Return

Part 1

Angel of the Past