Strider: A Hero's Stand

A long time ago, there was a brave hedgehog who lost his family to an indiscriminate assault in his home village. Without friends and family to rely on, his resolve made him what enemies came to fear greatly: a threat with immense power. No matter how big a threat his opponent was, he never gave up amd fought to the very end. One night as he stood on Earth's soil, he questioned his actions...

Strider: What am I doing? I fought so many and so bothersome an enemy, I forgot what I was fighting for. At first, I fought to avenge my father after I seen his death live on TV. When I faced Mist, I fought for who I cared for, and then came Armageddon when I fought for the people of the planet entirely. I never knew I'd end up turning from an avenger to protector. I can't say that I wanted to do this, but I seem to be the only one that can liberate this world from evil.

Of course, Strider escaped Mute form, harnessed Super form, and perhaps the only warrior who mastered the Ultimate transformation. By pushing his limits each time the heat is on, Strider gets stronger as he defeats opponents that intervene with the peace of the world. He was indeed the hero that everyone hoped to rise one day: a strong, brave, and honorable hero. However, despite his confidence in bearing responsibility as the hero of his home planet, Strider never felt enthusiastic whenever he enforced peace in battle. Instead, he wondered what was the point of starting battle to begin with. In spite of this, he fought as aggressively, if not more, every fight.

Unfortunately, this took a toll on him as well. Mostly, the fatigue he had was due to overexertion of his power. But at times, he undergone physical damage, some severe. And even attempted suicide once, causing more damage than necessary. This helped him realize what he was still grieving over the losses of his entire famly, Sai, and other citizens he grew up with. This sorrow grew to be the power he discovered to unleash the two transformtions.

Strider: What am I?... WHO am I?

As a distorted wind started, he recalled the memories of times lost. He shed a couple of tears. But then as he looked into the sky, he remembered Dawn, his wife, his first rival Shatter, and even Mist.

As the wind picked up, so did his power. He was now sure of who he was, and what he was mmeant to do.

Strider: I understand now. I didn't cheat death because I was unsure about my purpose. It's clear that if anyone can thwart evil with his own hands, it would be he who enured much suffering and turmoil, wanting to change his own destiny, as well as the fate of the people he cares so much for. That person abandoned his name and became the hero everyone wanted. That person is me, the one formerly known as Raphael Xavier Hedgehog. I am the protector of life, as well as the wanted hero. I am the Scar-faced Avenger. I am... STRIDER THE HEDGEHOG!!

As the wind subsided, the hero walked away, now confident in himself, for he now realized the purpose for his existence.