The Laboratory.
Ian lay on a bed beside the laboratory table, his breathing even and deep. Beside his hand lay a piece of parchment covered in formulas.
Gaga was curled up on his shoulder, its wings folded near his ear like a warm shadow.
The midday sun shone through the metal grille of the skylight, casting long, thin patches of light on the floor.
Ian's eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes.
He sat up, his bones making soft popping sounds, and his Spiritual Power swept over the laboratory table like a tide.
A dark amber Crystal Tube stood silently on its rack.
Inside the tube, the Potion flowed slowly like cooling lava. Deep within, fine, earth-yellow patterns coiled and intertwined.
In its very depths, the faint silhouette of a mountain range flickered in and out of view, exuding a heavy, ancient aura.
Ian reached out and picked it up. His fingertips felt a cool sensation, and it seemed as though a pulse was beating inside the Potion.
