Chapter 8: The Hidden Teacher

A Mysterious Meeting

Cedric sat near the edge of the Lower District, watching the guards patrolling the large gate that separated them from the rest of Sky City. The city was beautiful, but it felt like a prison. The High Humans had given the survivors food, shelter, and clothes—but not freedom.

The Low Humans lived in small stone houses far from the crystal towers of the High Humans. The streets were quiet, the people cautious. Even Ciara seemed tense.

Cedric sighed. This isn't how it's supposed to be.

As he sat there thinking, a voice whispered behind him.

"Cedric."

He turned and saw Orin standing in the shadows of an alley. His expression was serious.

"Come with me," Orin said.

Cedric frowned. "Why?"

"There's someone you need to meet," Orin replied. "Someone who can help you understand what you really are."

Cedric hesitated, but something in Orin's tone made him stand up and follow.

A Hidden Path

Orin led Cedric through the dark alleys of the Lower District, avoiding the guards. Eventually, they reached an old building with a heavy wooden door.

Orin knocked twice, then three times.

A moment later, the door creaked open.

An elderly woman stood inside. She had silver hair, deep golden eyes, and wore a robe covered in intricate patterns.

Cedric immediately felt something strange about her.

"This is Elder Mira," Orin said. "The Avatar of the Monarch of Color."

Cedric's eyes widened. An Avatar? Here?

Mira studied him for a long moment before stepping aside.

"Come in, child," she said. "We have much to discuss."

The Truth About Power

Inside, the room was filled with paintings and symbols Cedric didn't recognize. Candles flickered, casting shadows on the walls.

Mira sat on a cushion and motioned for Cedric to do the same.

"You are not an ordinary boy," she said. "I see it in your soul. You are something… older."

Cedric tensed.

"You know?" he asked.

Mira nodded. "I have known since you arrived. The light inside you is hidden, but it cannot be erased."

She placed a hand over her heart.

"The Monarch of Color knew this day would come. That is why I was sent here—to guide you."

Cedric glanced at Orin, who simply nodded.

"You don't need to face this alone, Cedric," Orin said. "You need to learn how to control your power."

Mira smiled. "And that is why you are here."

The First Lesson

Mira took a deep breath and held out her hand. The air around her shimmered, and suddenly, a wave of colors burst from her fingers, forming a beautiful floating ribbon of light.

"Power is not just about strength," she said. "It is about understanding."

Cedric stared at the swirling colors. He had seen magic before, but this was different. It felt… pure.

"Close your eyes," Mira instructed.

Cedric hesitated, then did as she said.

"Now, reach for the light inside you," she continued. "Do not force it. Simply listen."

Cedric focused. At first, there was nothing. Just darkness.

Then, deep inside him, something stirred.

A flicker of warmth. A small, golden light.

Cedric gasped.

Mira smiled. "Good. You have only taken the first step. But in time, you will awaken fully."

Cedric opened his eyes. He still felt weak, but now… he had hope.

Mira placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You are more than a boy, Cedric. More than a warrior. You are a Monarch."

And for the first time, Cedric truly began to believe it.

Later that day,

Ciara's Frustration

That night, back in their small house, Ciara paced back and forth.

"I hate this place," she muttered. "The way they look at us… like we're nothing."

Cedric sat on the bed, watching her.

"They think they're better than us," she continued. "But we fought to survive. We lost everything. And they… they just sit up here in their floating city, acting like gods."

Cedric understood her anger. But getting mad wouldn't change anything.

"We'll find a way out of this," he said.

Ciara stopped pacing and looked at him. "How? We have nothing, Cedric."

He met her gaze. "Not nothing."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

Cedric didn't answer. He wasn't ready to tell her yet.

But deep inside, he could feel it.

His power.

It was still weak, still sealed. But something was stirring.

And when the time was right…

He would use it.