*About 4,000 Years Earlier on the other side of the Mystic Ruins*

"That is why the half of the island belongs to us and the other half belongs to the Knuckle Tribe. We must never come close to their borders," The chief told his son. He was next in line to take control of their tribe, the Nocturnus Clan.

"I understand, father, but how come we can't make peace with them?" Asked the younger Echidna. The father sighed as he tossed his son's quills.

"The Knuckles Clan isn't one for peace, my dear son. I wish we could, but for years, they do not want to change. So, we won't change as well," He said as he grasped his ancient staff. "You understand this, yes, my child?"

"Yes. Of course, father," the teenager replied with a smile as the chief chuckled.

"You're much like your mother, always looking for a peaceful way to settle things. That's why I loved her so much, my child. She's so much like you, Pi. Very much, indeed," the Chief added.

This was the Cheif's son, Pir'Oth, or Pi for short. He was next in line to become chief of the Nocturnus Clan. A rather peaceful clan as their civilization continued to thrive in their share of the Mystic Ruins. The other half was claimed by the Knuckles Clan, and according to Pi's father, he intended to keep it that way.

"Thank you for allowing me this responsibility, father. It's an honor," Pi thanked the Chief as the Chief nodded with a smile.

"Run along, child. Remember that your coronation is in a week, so try not to stir up too much trouble," he noted as Pi laughed.

"Yes, father. Bye!" Pi waved goodbye as he ran off. He greeted the other tribe members as they walked in the village. Running into the woods, he felt free from the responsibilities hanging on his shoulders. However, he had a friend to meet, and he wasn't going to let anyone disturb the two of them. That's why they were meeting by the Altar of Emeralds shrine.

The Altar of Emeralds shrine was a set of small ruins, with each pillar containing a mystical gem called the Chaos Emeralds. In the center of it all, lied the Master Emerald. The Ancient Ones had bestowed these mystical, powerful gems to the world, and both the Knuckles Clan and Nocturnus Clan worshiped them.

Once Pi arrived, he listened for any noise, hoping that no one decided to follow him. Seeing that the coast was clear, he approached the shrine, seeing a female Echidna sitting and playing with the Chao.

"Tikal," He whispered and the girl turned her head towards him.

"Pi!" She said happily as she stood up, brushing herself off. "You came early."

"I come with great news," he said with a smile as Tikal cocked her head in confusion. "My father has announced to me that I will become chief of my clan in a week. Isn't that great?"

"That's wonderful news, Pi! I'm so happy for you," she said with glee. Pi kneeled down and started to play with a couple of Chaos who had fluttered towards him.

"Chao! Chao, chao, chao!"

"Do you know what this could mean for our clans, Tikal?" Pi asked as Tikal kneeled next to him.

"Peace. Finally, peace from conquest," She said with a soft smile as Pi nodded.

"You're going to become chief soon as well, Tikal, and when you do, we can finally merge our clans together. We can finally have peace between each other," Pi said with a smile as Tikal gave him a sad look. "What is it?" His smile soften as she began to speak.

"It may be a while until that happens. Even if when I do become chief, my father and the villagers may no accept that idea. They could revolt against me and the same could happen to you. It is not customary to do so," she said sadly. Pi sighed as he finally sat down.

A water being soon appeared in front of the two, waving a hand to show his appreciation for their presence. The two Echidnas smiled at the being as Tikal and the creature sat down. The Chao were starting to play with one another, giving them berries and flowers that they could find.

"Tikal?"

"Yes, Pi?"

"Um...Even when I do become chief, can I still see you?"

Tikal stayed silent as she wasn't sure how to answer that. She of course wanted to see him, but with their clans being enemies and him becoming chief the following week, when will he have time for her? The water creature, named Chaos, looked at Pi with a sad expression, unsure of Tikal's response.

"Pi, you must know something."

Pi looked at Tikal, wondering about her words.

"My father is a ruthless leader, always taking what he wants. Everyone looks up to him and would give their lives to protect him, even if it is a wrong doing for them. Please...Don't be that type of leader. Perhaps someday...We can meet again," She said with a sad smile, tears starting to fill her eyes. Pi looked away, not wanting to meet her eyes. They've known each other for two years, luck on their side for no one finding out about them, but they weren't at all together. Pi wanted it badly for them to be together, but it can never happen.

"Yeah. Perhaps someday," Pi said as he stood up. The Chaos looked up at him in curiosity as Tikal stood up with him.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Let's continue to play with the Chaos," Tikal said, wanting to cheer him up. Pi said nothing as the wind blew by softly.

"...Alright."

Later on that day, when the sun began to set, both Echidnas went back to their respected clans. Chaos stayed at the shrine, keeping an eye on the emeralds and the sleeping Chaos. Pi entered his chamber, seeing that his father was taking his late afternoon nap. He smiled a little as he saw how peaceful the sight was. Feeling restless, Pi wandered the village. Some greeted him while others were too busy to notice him as he walked by.

There was one thing both he and Tikal possessed: Magic.

Pi's clan could manipulate magic and even cast powerful spells on hand. Only Tikal could manipulate magic, but not her clan. Pi even wondered if her father even knew about it. Heading towards the side of his home, he placed a hand on a strange marking. The mark began to glow blue until the wall began to shift, revealing a secret entrance, as he stepped inside. The wall closed behind him and he raised his palm, creating a small, blue flame to light his way. After traveling down a set of stairs, he lit up a lantern by the doorway, revealing a small, ancient room.

He walked to a concrete table, placing the blue flame on top of it. The table lit up and once the light died down, a small orange robot laid on top of it.

"Hello, Emerl. I hope you wake up today. I'm not sure what else to do, but the writings on these walls have helped me put you back together. Hopefully, you'll wake up someday. Someday," Pi said as he said an incantation and his hand began to glow green. He placed them onto the robot's chest, hoping to use his magic to restore this robot he had found only two weeks ago.

"Ah, Tikal! Glad that you're back home," an old echidna said with a smile as Tikal approached his throne.

"Good evening, father. How has the village been?" She said, as her father chuckled.

"Good as always, my dear. No need to worry. Although, the soldiers seem restless," he said with a sigh as a solider walked in.

"Chief Pachacamac, the soldiers have requested your aid on a problem," the solider said as the chief sighed, standing up and excusing himself from Tikal. She already knew the problems. Their clan was built on war and conquest. The soldiers wanted more and Tikal feared who their next target could be.

She prayed the Nocturnus Clan was not next.