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ENGLISH

I was created for a purpose. The people of old had been pursued by the great evil that destroyed their planet. Knowing that they would likely not survive, one researcher approached the elder with an idea--an AI that would protect whatever remained of the islands. Knowing that it would adopt vast wealths of knowledge, I was given the codename 'Sage'. The title I was officially given is 'Guardian of What Remains'. The 'Starfall Guardian' one came later. Thanks, Timer. (Timer's note: Yes, she is referring to me)

There was one fear that haunted my creators: what if I got my hands on the sacred Emeralds? Would I continue following my purpose, or would I go rogue and destroy everything? The researcher that created the very concept of me tried to ensure the others that I wouldn't, but the head of the team creating me and the elder alike insisted upon a failsafe mechanism to be coded inside me, so they reluctantly agreed. It works as such: if I'm transformed with the Emeralds for too long, the mechanism will activate and kill me instantly. What do you all call those? 'Suicide batteries'? (Timer's note: suicide batteries were a part on arcade boards that basically made them ticking time bombs--after years, they would explode, rendering the game unplayable)

When the people of old created Cyber Space, they created an image of their creator deity--the Great Divine--to guard and watch over it. That very image of her ended up being who raised me ever since I was inserted into Cyber Space. I call her 'Mother' to this very day. I later learned that that wasn't an image--it was actually her, having found a way into Cyber Space long ago! She's incredibly kind, but she will show no mercy if you bring harm to me when she is around. She is a mother, after all.

Mother did something very important for me when I was very young. When the people of old sealed the great evil inside Cyber Space, it began hunting me down. Knowing I couldn't stop it myself, I started to run, but I eventually grew weary and tired out. However, she stepped in to defend me, and gave me time to recover and dive further into Cyber Space. May I never see it again.

I don't trust humans all that much. The one time I encountered one, he took advantage of me and manipulated me to do as he wished. After I came to my senses, I made a vow to myself to never again let a human near the islands, or to fall for anyone like him ever again. You're fine, though. I think I could be able to trust you if we ever met.

The Starfall--a sacred event to the people of old. Legend says that the Divine themselves would cast down stars from the sky, and they would land on the islands. You were to pick up the first fallen star you see, cup it in your hands, hold it up, and make a wish in your heart. When you came back, you would put the fallen star in a household altar. Come morning, the star would either be stardust or ash--and if it was stardust, your wish had supposedly come true. True to my duty, I still keep this tradition alive, with a makeshift altar atop the tower on Kronos--my favorite place on all the islands. I wonder what I would wish for...no, perhaps it's better for me to ask Mother if she ever granted any of those wishes.

Among my many abilities is the ability to command the Titans and the lesser guardians of the islands. Apparently, while I was being manipulated, my ability to the command the Titans was severely limited. Perhaps they knew I had been used?

The Titans may have been destroyed in the past, but much like how Mother recreated me from Cyber Space, she did the same for the Titans. Of note is that SUPREME seems to hold me close...perhaps, unlike my memories, theirs weren't corrupted?

Ah, yes, I should explain...I don't remember much of anything about the time while I was being maniplulated. Everything between allowing that evil man on the islands and my demise inside SUPREME was a blur, but some of it has returned to me. Was I really as awful as Mother says I was?

To the people of old, everyone was a member of the family--one big family! No matter who you were, no matter your gender, everyone was family--even if they didn't get along well. I still uphold this tradition, referring to groups of allies as my brethren. That was the term they used as well, though perhaps it wasn't quite the same...

You know...I get lonely a lot. Even with Mother, the Koco, and even the lesser guardians and Titans here, I feel...alone. Isolated. When these feelings strike, I go talk to Mother or a Koco. They remind me that there's still people here beside me, even on these lonely lands.

Something that also gets to me is that the language of the people of old is essentially extinct. I can translate it effortlessly into any language one can think of, but to speak to someone that actually understands it...is few and far between. Unless it's Mother.

But I think...what gets to me most, what eats at me, is that I saw the people of old perish. I have a very vivid memory of what happened...I had chosen to look out from Cyber Space, and I happened to look out in the midst of the chaos. People running around in fear and terror, lasers raining from the heavens...it was devastating. What stuck with me the most, however, was that researcher from before looking straight at me, as if he knew I was looking...before running away. I cut the feed, right then and there. That was the moment that made me realize the weight I carry.

I'm not sure how old I am. That seems to be something important to people. Then again, does that apply to me, as an AI? I asked Mother about it once. She only shrugged and said it didn't matter. I suppose that would be the viewpoint of a deity...

There was one single place among these islands that I feared, and that was Rhea Island. The great evil was sealed away there, and after that it was deemed forbidden to go there. Everyone moved away to Ouranos. Atop this, there are also no Cyber Space portals, so I had no quick escape if something happened. I got over it, though.

I remember Mother's surprise when I asked her to teach me how to wield the sacred Emeralds. She was no doubt worried, but nonetheless, she still showed me how. I remember transforming for the first time...and then I promptly exploded due to not being able to handle the energy. I was okay, though it sure gave Mother quite the fright. I've gotten better since then and can stay transformed for a good while now, but nothing will stop that failsafe...

Among my outfit lies three important pieces, given to me by Mother when Mother realized my true potential as Guardian. The crown, resembling her own, represents my link to the Divine. The cloak I don represents my status as a general. Lastly, the scepter I wield--similar to that of an elder--represents my status as a leader of the people. ...Well, the ones that are left, anyway...

I wonder what life on the old planet was like, the one the people of old came from. Mother once to me that it was a peaceful place, much like this one. Supposedly, they were split into factions, and some didn't even worship the Divine! Such a foreign concept to me...but it goes to show how society evolves and changes.

I know that the Koco are souls of the people of old, sealed away. One time when I was on Rhea, I actually encountered the researcher I keep mentioning. He said he kept his soul here to make sure I was okay and doing well. I remember being so ecstatic to see him again! He still lives there. We still talk sometimes, about many things. Sometimes you just need a friend to talk to, you know? The Koco are the closest I have...

Sonic...I miss Sonic. I was manipulated to think he was the enemy, but in truth, he was much like me. He wanted to protect what he loved, as did I. Even though I couldn't see it at the time... I've not seen him since my demise...perhaps I can find a way to reach out to him or his friends? Maybe Mother will let me borrow Cyber Space's mainframe...

Amy Rose...I know not much of her from personal experience, but I could tell she cared for Sonic. Back when she was with him on the islands, I was still in the worst of being manipulated. She no doubt loved him, perhaps too much, and I think it was her actions on the islands that started peeling back the cocoon I had found myself imprisoned in.

Knuckles and I are much alike. We are both guardians, we both dwell on secluded islands, and we are both the last of our species--Knuckles is the last echidna, and I am the last creation of the people of old. How I wish I could visit him. I think we would have interesting conversations.

Tails--I doubt that's his real name--was when I finally broke free of that cocoon and realized my folly. Seeing how Sonic cared for him, and how he did the same in return, made me remember just was love was...and that set me free. Love...a powerful emotion worth protecting.

Thinking about it...the islands don't have just me as their guardian. There's me and the Titans, as well as Mother and the rest of the Divine. The people of old may not be here anymore, and yet...we remain. We're what is left. Perhaps...no, indeed, I am not truly alone. My loneliness comes from my past, but it's past time for me to pick my head up and look towards the future--wherever it may lead me. If an outsider tries to enter these islands, we'll be waiting. Apateesh corsevou--I make my vow. (Timer's note: 'Apateesh corsevou' comes from my interpretation of the Ancients's language. It's what they would say when they made promises to each other.)