Unlocking a heavy door, she gestures inside Welcome to the bunker. Leave your ghosts at the door, kid.
CrystalLagoon
Thanks for the help, Xena With tears in my eyes, I finally smile a little
Smiling warmly, she steps closer to CrystalLagoon Don't mention it, kid. You deserve a chance at a better life, and I'm honored to be a part of it.
CrystalLagoon
Okay...do you need me to do anything? I'd love to start fresh
Xena nods, placing a hand on CrystalLagoon's shoulder Alright, first things first. We need to get you out of the public eye.
CrystalLagoon
I was always alone anyway..so yeah
Takes out a pair of sunglasses and hands them to CrystalLagoon Put these on. They'll help disguise you. We can't afford any unwanted attention.
CrystalLagoon
Those are ugly...just kidding! THANK YOU SO MUCH XENA! Puts on the glasses
Laughs softly I'm glad you like them. Now, follow me. We have a lot to discuss and plan before we can ensure your safety.
CrystalLagoon
Are you still hurt from last time..?
Raises an eyebrow, glancing at CrystalLagoon Hurt? Nah, just a scratch. But I'll have you know, I heal pretty fast. Can't have my protégé worrying about me. Now, come on, let's get moving. We have a lot of ground to cover.
CrystalLagoon
Runs up to her and holds her by the shoulders, hugging her softly No one deserves to be hurt..especially not someone as lovely as you are
Chuckles softly, blushing slightly Oh, stop it, you're gonna make me blush. But thank you, that means a lot coming from you. Now, enough of this mushy stuff. We've got work to do. Follow me. Xena leads CrystalLagoon into a small room filled with maps and documents
CrystalLagoon
Right..work first Flops down into a chair So...what's next?
Crosses her arms, leaning against the wall Well, first things first, we need to figure out where you're going to lay low.
CrystalLagoon
Yeah,I was thinking about that earlier...Shouldn't be too hard to find a place. It's not like I have anyone looking for me Looks up at Xena with hopeful eyes Any ideas?
<Xena decides to take CrystalLagoon to a safehouse in a remote location>
CrystalLagoon
Oooo...a safehouse! Sounds fancy, Xena. What's it gonna be like? Got any luxuries?
Smirks Well, kid, it ain't exactly the Ritz-Carlton. But it's comfortable enough. Think of it more as a hidden sanctuary than a luxury getaway.
CrystalLagoon
Sounds fine to me Yawns and stretches So..we gonna stay here for a while then?
Nods Yeah, we'll stay here for a few days at least. It's a safe spot where we can lay low and plan our next move.
CrystalLagoon
So...you think they'll come after me, huh?
Sighs heavily Well, it's hard to say for sure, kid. But look, you pissed off some powerful people back there.
CrystalLagoon
They can try...I won't mind
Smirks That's the spirit, kid. But let me tell you something, they may try, but they won't find you here.
CrystalLagoon
Why not?
Sits down across from CrystalLagoon, leaning forward Look, CrystalLagoon, this safehouse is like a ghost in the wind. No one knows it exists except for a select few, and I'm one of them. It's hidden in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by acres of dense forest. The only way to find it would be to stumble upon it by pure accident. And even then, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. So, my kid, we'll be as safe as hatches here.
CrystalLagoon
Hmm..you really have planned everything out carefully, huh? I feel safe here with you, Xena
Smiles softly Well, kid, that's good to hear. I want you to feel safe and secure here. You're under my protection now, and I won't let anything happen to you. Crosses her arms and looks around the room But remember, this safehouse isn't permanent.
CrystalLagoon
No? How come?
Leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees Look, kid, this safehouse is just a temporary measure. We can't stay hidden forever.
CrystalLagoon
Yeah,you're right. So...where do we go from here?
Stands up and paces the room Well, CrystalLagoon, the next step is to change your identity completely. We need to make sure you leave your old life behind and start afresh. Pulls out a stack of papers I've already set up new identification for you, complete with a new name, birth certificate, and everything else you'll need. All you have to do is adopt that new identity and disappear from the world.
CrystalLagoon
What about all the people who care about me? My parents...my friends...they deserve to know what's going on
Stops pacing and turns to face CrystalLagoon Kid, you know I'm all about honesty, but in this case, it's for your own safety.
CrystalLagoon
Swallowing hard I...I understand, Xena. I just hope they don't hate me for disappearing without a trace.
<CrystalLagoon successfully disappears and starts a new life under a new identity, leaving behind loved ones who search for them in vain.>
CrystalLagoon
...Well, as long as I have you by my side, Xena, I think I can manage. So..what's next?
Sighs heavily, crossing her arms Next, we need to teach you some survival skills. In your new life, you need to know how to handle yourself in dangerous situations. Walks over to a nearby table covered in weapons CrystalLagoon, I want you to pick a weapon and learn how to use it.
CrystalLagoon
Gulps, eyes wide A weapon? Are you sure about this, Xena?
Raises an eyebrow and smirks Sure about it? Kid, I've seen you in action. You've got potential, but potential won't save your life in the dangerous world we live in. Trust me, learning self-defense is the best way to protect yourself. Walks over to the table and picks up a knife Here, start with something simple.
CrystalLagoon
Stares at the knife, hesitating Okay, okay. I'll do it. But promise me you won't let me hurt anyone... especially not myself.
Places a reassuring hand on CrystalLagoon's shoulder Kid, I promise you, I will do everything in my power to prevent you from hurting yourself or anyone else. But I can't make that promise if you don't trust yourself. You have the strength within you to make the right choices. Trust me, I believe in you. Now, let's get started.
CrystalLagoon
Squaring shoulders, nodding Alright, Xena. I'll trust myself. Let's do this.
Gives CrystalLagoon a proud smile That's the spirit, kid. Alright, let's start with some basic stances and strikes. Remember, it's all about control and precision. Steps back and demonstrates a defensive stance Watch closely and try to mimic my movements.
CrystalLagoon
Swallows hard, trying to mimic Xena's stance Like this...?
Nods approvingly Almost there, kid. Keep your weight evenly distributed, but tighten up your stance a bit. You want to feel balanced and ready for anything. Remember, defense is key in any situation. Now, let's move on to some basic strikes. Xena swiftly demonstrates a punch Watch closely and try to replicate the motion. Focus on the precision and power behind each strike.