This is a list of common questions about Tikal. I will try to answer them as best as I can.
- Q: Isn't Tikal dead?
A: Tikal was born about 4000 years ago, but when she sealed herself and Chaos into the Master Emerald, they were sealed inside and I assume no time passed for them, because when Tikal was released, she still was alive and looked the same as she did in the past, as you see in the end of Sonic Adventure when she turns back into her true form. I think the ball of light she could turn into was not her spirit, but one of her abilities. When Chaos and Tikal rose into the air and disappeared, they were perhaps going back to the past, to another time that would have been, or to the Emerald Shrine, or perhaps they even were going to different times to protect the Chao from anyone who might try to hurt them. To further prove this theory, the picture at the end of SA showed Tikal and Chaos at the Emerald shrine; most of the SA ending pictures took place after the stories. So my answer is no, Tikal is not dead.
- Q: Are Knuckles and Tikal related?
A: Knuckles is rumored be descended from members of the same ancient tribe as Tikal. However, not all members of a tribe are necessarily related, and also, Knuckles was born about 4000 years after Tikal was. Some popular beliefs are that Tikal is Knuckles' sister or mother. Neither of these have been confirmed, and are highly unlikely. My answer is no, or perhaps very, very distantly.
- Q: Will Tikal ever come back?
A: Tikal first appeared in Sonic Adventure, and then as an unlockable character in Sonic Adventure 2, and also in a mini game for Sonic Adventure DX. She appeared as a tiny animated figure in Sonic Pinball Party. My answer is that it is very likely possible she will make other cameo appearances like this, but sadly, she probably won't have another major role. But there is always hope.
- Q: Is Tikal a princess?
A: Tikal was the daughter of Chief Pachacamac of the ancient Echidna tribe. A chief isn't a king, and I believe (sorry if I'm wrong) that in Mesoamerica (where and when Tikal appears in Sonic Adventure to have lived) there were actual kings. A chief was like a leader of one tribe. A king was like a leader of many tribes. Since a princess is the daughter of a king and not a chief, my answer would be no.