16 parts Ongoing MatureWhile many believe Shadow was the first hedgehog to arrive on Earth, he wasn't. There was another hedgehog-far more powerful than Shadow-who bore a striking resemblance to him but was distinctly different. In 1965, a stunning blue and black meteorite, which housed Zero the Hedgehog, crashed in Tokyo and was promptly captured by URM scientists, revealing an extraordinary life form within. Zero was taken to a secret research facility known as U.R.M., where scientists examined his remarkable abilities. Under the leadership of Professor Dyson Ido, head of The U.R.M. Company (United Research and Medicine), Zero's powers were harnessed for a range of experiments. During this period, Zero formed a deep bond with Alita, Ido's daughter, and the two became inseparable. Eventually, Professor Ido, Alita, Zero, Professor Gerald Robotnik, Maria, and Shadow crossed paths. The four-Alita, Zero, Maria, and Shadow-grew close, enjoying their time together and sharing experiences. However, their happiness was short-lived when Alita and Zero were summoned back to the U.R.M. facility, leading to emotional goodbyes. One fateful night in 1974, as Gerald, Maria, and Shadow attempted to escape the facility to prevent Shadow's capture, a G.U.N. agent tragically shot Maria. Gerald was imprisoned, and Shadow was placed in suspended animation. In the wake of this calamity, Professor Dyson Ido was forced to conceal the truth and secure everyone in capsules to prevent G.U.N. from discovering their work, including Zero. Alita's life took a drastic turn when she was struck by a car, suffering critical injuries. In a desperate bid to save her, Professor Ido transformed her into a Nano berserker body, replacing her damaged form. Following this radical transformation, they were all placed in capsules for their safety, preparing to awaken in a world that had drastically changed during their 45-year slumber.