Chapter Four:

The Stain Glass Window

It was a beautiful, sunlit day in the kingdom of mercia. And there was a delightful breeze coming from the east. It has been two weeks since my arrival on mobius. I was still living with Rob and Mari-an in their cozy forest cabin. My injuries have long since healed. But Rob suggested that I stay awhile. I heartily agreed with him. God knows when I shall see such a wonderful place again.

And during my stay here, other mobians became aware of my presence. They wanted to meet this so-called human of earth. Small groups of them in the surrounding area came to talk to me. I must admit, I've never been popular before.

But even with these perks, I was still worried. Even though Rob tried to comfort me, I was concerned about the time travel I did. He said that it wouldn't cause any problems in the time stream. But what if he's wrong?

I'm gonna try to be happy anyway. There's still a chance he could be right too. So I'll take my chances. No matter how low they might be.

As for right now, I'm soaking up some rays in a lounge chair. And I'm not complaining.

I've been sitting here for awhile when suddenly I see Rob walking in my direction. I guess he needs to discuss something with me. I hope I didn't do something wrong. He sat back in the chair next to mine and begins a conversation.

"Listen Zach. I think it's about time we find you a more suiting place to stay."

"Do I really have to go?" I ask. "This place is so beautiful."

"That it is my friend. Why do you think I live here?" he asked in a hearty tone. "But I think you will enjoy echidnopolis. It is a truly beautiful city."

"Then why don't you live there?" I asked.

"The city of echidnopolis may be a truly magnificent city. But I prefer living in the quiet woods of mercia with my wife."

"Very well, Rob. I'll go. Besides, I like the city. And I'm sorry if I've been a burden to you during my stay."

"Not at all, my friend. I'm glad to have been the first to meet you." he said with a smile.

We both decided that we would leave tomorrow morning. That night I had dreams of a beautiful city, laden with mobians of many varieties. Then Rob woke me up and I knew it was time to go. We both said goodbye to Mari-an and started our journey. I got to see much of the beautiful country side. I truly regretted leaving this place. But I was also very anxious to see echidnopolis. I heard that it was a place of wonder. Maybe I would even meet Knuckles.

I did not notice that during my daydreaming, we had entered a huge city. Many of the buildings almost touched the clouds. In the city, I could see many different kinds of mobians. Echidnas, chamelions, horses, dingos, you name it. And many hovercars could be seen both on the ground and in the air. I asked Rob if it was echidnopolis. He said it wasn't. This place was Mobotropolis. He said that we would take a plane to our destination. And this town had the closest airport.

After this trip from the woods, we were both very tired. If anything, we were hungry. Rob pulled me over to one of the nearby vendors for something to eat. They were selling chili dogs, of all things. I told him "no thanks" and had a plain hot dog instead.

After we got our food, we sat down on a nearby bench. While sitting down, I saw a somewhat large building. Many mobians were outside it with huge smiles on their faces. By the way it appeared, it looked like a church. I could even see a stain glass window on the front. It had many beautiful colors.

But then I noticed it. On the window was the drawing of a person. But it was not just any person.

It was her.

It was the echidna girl from the tunnel.

In the picture, she was wearing white robes and had golden bands on her dreadlocks. She also still had those great eyes. And she was holding her arms out wide as if to welcome someone.

"Who is that lady?" I asked Rob.

"That is Aurora, the creator of all things."

"But I thought that god created everything."

"My friend, she is god. And a very good one at that. She's always made sure that we do not falter. She watches over everything from the chaos force. Knuckles met her once when he died."

"Wait a minute. I thought he was alive." Needless to say, I was starting to get confused.

"He is alive, my friend. But on mobius, people who have proven themselves worthy in their first life, have the right to a second one. He died saving the life of an enemy. Needless to say, he qualified. And when he came back, he described her to us so we could make these churches for her."

"So if I met her, I could trust her?"

"With your life. I suggest you do anything she asks you. It's usually pays off in the end."

This was good to hear. Now I wasn't so afraid anymore. And to think that the first person I met on mobius was a god.

After that, my thoughts were on her for awhile. I couldn't forget what she said to me in the tunnel.

A stranger has come forth. We shall see what becomes of him.

What did she mean by that? Was I supposed to do something while I was here?

But I decided not to let it bother me. She soon vanished out of my mind. Rob and I soon made it to the airport. We bought our tickets and were off to see echidnopolis.

And personally, I couldn't wait for the experience.

End of Chapter Four