BLADESTORM

2. Phoenix visits Spring's Laboratory

As Red Phoenix stepped into Spring Launcher's laboratory, he was struck by the overwhelming sensation that something remarkable was about to happen. Unknown machinery pulsed with energy, glass beakers bubbled and wires and cables snaked across the floor connecting various compressors to the central apparatus holding the crystal agate suspended in air.

Spring Launcher greeted Red Phoenix with a cable, gesturing to the crystal encased in the apparatus. "There is this other way, man," he said, his voice a low thrum of excitement. "The key to everything." He plugged the cable into a massive speaker system.

Red furrowed his brow, taking in the sight before him. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.Spring Launcher laughed, a wild, joyful sound. "Just watch," he said, moving to stand in front of the apparatus. He took a deep breath, and then he began to sing.

At first, Red Phoenix didn't notice anything unusual. But then, as Spring Launcher's voice rose and fell in rhythm, the crystal began to pulse with light. The apparatus shook, and a light bulb connected to the crystal glowed with increasing intensity. As Spring sang, the crystal agate glowed brighter and brighter, until it was almost blinding. Red Phoenix could feel the energy coursing through him.

Suddenly, the light bulb connected to the crystal exploded in a shower of sparks, sending Red reeling backward. The room plunged into darkness. But the crystal continued to glow, its light growing dimmer with each passing moment.

"You see," he said, holding the crystal out to Red Phoenix. "The strength of my song needs more power."

Red took the crystal in his hands, feeling the warmth of its energy.

"There's only one place in town that's got enough juice for the power I need to charge this crystal." Red looked at Spring and answered him, "The Fardels." Spring Launcher grinned with wonder. "I think we might have an adventure ahead."