What color is a Phoenix? That is an interesting question!
It is the question he wants an answer to.
The explorer wishes to not capture the bird, nor hunt it, but to figure out the answer through a photograph.
Some folks say it is a beautiful gold! Others, claim it is purple and red, or peacock colored, or just completely licked in flames.
Whatever the answer may be, the photographer knows that the road will be a dangerous one.
The Phoenix loves to live near active volcanoes. Perhaps, one of the most hazardous locations for man. The human climbs up the mountain with haste- only stopping to rest and refuel.
After a week of tracking up the dangerous cliff side, the explorer finally reaches the top! There is a nearby pool of lava within the active volcano on the next mountain over. The human must stay at a safe distance. He sets up his camera on a tripod in hopes to capturing the legendary beast.
Hours pass with no luck. Every time the photographer looks into his lens, he can see the bubbling lava just fine, but no bird. The minutes tick by slowly...
...
...
In a sudden burst of excitement, something rockets out of the active volcano! Could it be?! It is! The mighty Phoenix!
The explorer looks through his lens, and begins to snap pictures with determination! The bird is a vibrant shade of purple, but also features an entire spectrum of the rainbow as her feathers hit the light at different angles.
He observes as the creature works on a massive nest. The structure itself is made out of odds and ends...really anything the bird can find that isn't a rock. The photographer is so joyous with his discovery, that he does not notice when the animal begins to raid his supplies. She nabs his tent gear and climbing rope to line her new home.
Realizing his own mistake, the man begins to curse at the creature as she settles into her furnished nest.
The Phoenix cackles at him in response. The noise almost sounds like a chuckle.
The photographer is now trapped on the mountain side, but the Phoenix has granted his wish.
In exchange for the building supplies, she has paid the man handsomely with three of her own tail feathers.
In her previous life, she appreciated a well built structure, as well as playing a harmless joke from time to time.
Bismuths have always been like that...