The Aether Hero: Awakening of the Elements

Chapter 4: Shadows and secrets

I woke up, still groggy from last night's fight. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I noticed Elias staring out the window, lost in thought. The table in front of him was scattered with pages and what looked like maps. What is he up to? I walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. He flinched at my touch.

"You alright?"

"Yes, Alex, I'm fine. What are you doing up?"

"I could ask you the same thing," I replied, trying to lighten the mood.

He laughed softly. I turned to look out the window with him and immediately understood. "Man, the city sure does feel alive at night," I said, watching the cars and the purple and blue lights that illuminated the streets.

"Alex, I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"This path we're on... it's dangerous. And I don't just mean the fighting. The Aether Band itself is dangerous. It can destroy who you are."

"Elias, what are you so scared of?" I asked, sensing the heaviness in his words.

He looked down at his feet, avoiding my gaze, but then he just patted me on the shoulder. "You should get some rest."

I nodded, noticing Maya sprawled out on the old couch, her hair dangling off the edge, the cover barely clinging to her. I gently tucked her in and sighed. I guess he's right. I settled back on the couch and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to the mouthwatering smell of pancakes. God, they smelled good.

"Alright, guys, eat up. We've got a big day today," Elias called out.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"I'll explain once you're done eating, so dig in."

I shrugged, deciding to enjoy the moment. The pancakes were buttery and delicious. I think I had four before I finally felt full. I could get used to this.

After breakfast, Elias gathered us around the couch. "Alex, there are ancient artifacts tied to the Aether Band—artifacts that can unlock powers and secrets that yours can't access right now."

"What do you mean?" I asked, intrigued.

He unfurled a map, pointing to a spot on the far east side of Luminara City. "Here, beneath the city, lies a hidden catacomb that leads to an ancient temple. Within that temple is the Shadow Key, one of those artifacts."

"How many of these artifacts are there?" I asked.

"Hard to say, but I know about this one."

"So, your plan is to sneak into the catacombs?" Maya asked.

"Yes, but we have to be careful. There are guards everywhere around that area."

"I can handle that," I said confidently.

Maya studied the map. "To the catacombs it is, then."

"Alright, Maya, help us get our gear ready."

"You got it. You sure we're ready for this, Elias?" she asked, her tone serious.

"Yes," he said with a determined nod.

"Alright, backpacks are packed with food, water, and clothes, just in case," Maya reported.

"Good. Let's do this."

Elias led us to his old car. "Here we go," he said as we drove towards the catacombs.

When we arrived, I saw what Elias meant—there were guards everywhere. "Do you have a plan, Alex?" Maya asked.

"Yeah, I have an idea." I took out my phone.