BLADESTORM

5. Prepare to Rescue Spring

La Cave Underground was bursting at the seams. An acrobat swung through the air spitting fire across the crowd, and the fans were tense. Tiger and Drago had taken the stage, but Phoenix was late and Spring's disappearance cast a shadow over the performance.

Tiger's guitar hung from his back as he brought the microphone to his mouth and spoke to the crowd. "Spring wouldn't turn to the Fardels," he declared. The crowd erupted into a deafening cheer, but the acrobat's fire-spitting performance seemed to pale in comparison.

Drago shot a knowing look at Tiger before addressing the crowd himself. "Been hiding out and laying low, he's been missing for days," he said, his bass guitar strapped firmly to his chest.

A fan leapt onto the stage and grabbed the microphone from Tiger. "The Mountain dances with Aplot Fardel!" he yelled. Tiger didn't hesitate for a second, he tackled the fan, punched him out and hurled him off the stage. The crowd devoured him in seconds, but Tiger's message was clear: loyalty to the Banned above all else.

Drago covered the microphone and whispered to Tiger, his voice low and urgent. "Until he's tempted by the Fardel's resources," he warned. Tiger looked troubled. His eyes darting around the room.

Just then, Phoenix burst onto the stage, breathless and disheveled. "The Fardels have Spring Launcher," he announced, his words carrying a weight that seemed to silence the crowd. "Eddie confirmed it."

Tiger looked stunned. "But why would he reach outside the Guild?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. "Why would he seek another way?"

"He was desperate," Phoenix explained, his voice rising to meet the challenge. "He's just trying to find a way to make his music more powerful. And if that means working with the Fardels..." Phoenix turned to face the crowd, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Then we have to do something about it, and BREAK HIM OUT.

The crowd exploded into a frenzy, screaming and shouting their approval. "We have to save him!" Tiger cried into the microphone, his words barely audible over the chaos.

"Cool," Drago said. Phoenix began to sing, his voice soared over the audience. "Scream and yell and fight our way!" he bellowed, his words echoing off the walls. "Let's rescue our tortoise!"

The plan was hatched in a matter of minutes, the Banned rushing headlong into the unknown. With no time to gather information or scout out the area, they would have to rely on their instincts and their wits. The Fardel Well Health Spa was hosting a well-being seminar, and it seemed like the perfect cover.

"Dude, I need well-being in my life," Tiger said, grinning. "Don't you need well-being in your life, Drago?"

"Sure, why not," Drago agreed, his face a mask of stoic determination.

Once they were inside, they would have to move quickly and quietly, sneaking around until they found the Ice Machine where they believed Spring Launcher was being held. Then they would break him out, and get out of there as fast as they could.

It was a risky plan, but the Banned were determined to see it through. They were a force to be reckoned with, and nothing would stand in their way.