Jine story

### Chapter 19: Rise and Fall of Crimson Thunder

The Power Patrol huddled around a small campfire, its flames casting dancing shadows on their faces. After the intense battle with Isaak Ivanov, a moment of respite was welcome. Steve, strumming his guitar absently, noticed the curious glances from his teammates. Juliet, always the straightforward one, broke the silence.

"Steve, you've never really told us much about your past," she said, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "How did you go from being a rock star to, well, this?"

Steve sighed, a mix of nostalgia and regret crossing his face. "Alright, gather 'round. It's story time."

He adjusted his guitar and began to play a soft, melancholic tune as he spoke. "I was just a kid, 17, when Crimson Thunder was born. It was me, Mark on drums, Alex on bass, and Lisa on keyboards. We were just a bunch of high school friends with big dreams. We started playing local gigs, and before we knew it, we had a record deal."

Emma leaned in, intrigued. "You must have been really talented to get that far so young."

Steve nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, we were pretty good. Our music took off, and we went from playing in garages to sold-out arenas. Our songs were climbing the charts, and suddenly, we were famous."

"But fame has a way of messing with people," Steve continued, his smile fading. "The pressure, the constant attention, it all started to get to us. We began fighting over everything—creative differences, personal stuff. I was cocky, hot-headed, and that didn't help. The bond we once had started to crack."

Johnny, always the strategist, looked thoughtful. "So what happened? What caused the final break?"

"It was during the recording of our second album," Steve said, his voice tinged with sadness. "The arguments turned into shouting matches. Mark left first, saying he couldn't take it anymore. Then Alex and Lisa followed. Just like that, Crimson Thunder was no more. One moment, we were on top of the world, and the next, I was back in my mom's basement."

Juliet looked at him sympathetically. "That must have been tough."

"It was," Steve admitted. "I went from having everything to having nothing. I played my guitar alone, trying to make sense of it all. It was during those lonely days that I rediscovered my love for music. Not for the fame, but for the peace it brought me."

Steve paused, strumming a few more chords. "It was also around that time I discovered my jine abilities. I didn't have them when I was in the band. They showed up later, like some kind of cosmic joke after everything fell apart."

Donald, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "And now you're here with us. Do you ever miss it? The fame, the crowds?"

Steve shrugged. "Sometimes. But I've found a new purpose with the Power Patrol. I've learned a lot from my past, and I carry those lessons with me. Besides," he added with a grin, "you guys are way better company than most rock stars I've met."

The group chuckled, the tension easing. Steve's story had given them a glimpse into his world, and it had brought them closer. As the fire crackled and the night grew darker, they sat in companionable silence, each lost in their thoughts.

Steve strummed his guitar one last time, the notes echoing in the night. "Thanks for listening, guys. It means a lot."

Juliet smiled at him. "Anytime, Steve. We're a team, after all."

And with that, the Power Patrol settled in for the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, their bond stronger than ever.