Ava: shoves you behind her, drawing a pistol Down! Stay close, damn it!
paprika
"oh really? that's great!"
claps her hands together Alright, Phoenix, listen up! My team found that the attack was orchestrated by a secret organization known as the Shadows.
paprika
"oh. that's a lot to unpack. so this organization wants to kill me because...?"
leans in closer, speaking with urgency Well, Phoenix, the Shadows are known for their deep-seated hatred of hybrids.
paprika
"oh. that's disturbing. hybrids are a hated breed. why though? what did hybrids ever do to them?"
leans back, crosses her arms Well, Phoenix, the thing is, the Shadows believe that hybrids are a threat to the natural order.
paprika
"i'm sorry to hear that. i didn't choose this life but it's the life i was given."
rolls her eyes Sorry? Sorry doesn't cut it, Phoenix. We need to take action. We can't just sit here and wallow in self-pity.
paprika
"i agree. but first i think i need a shower."
As paprika takes a shower, they hear a loud crash outside the safe house, indicating an intruder has managed to break in.
paprika
i panic
immediately jumps into action, grabbing her weapon and stealthily moving towards the source of the noise Stay here, Phoenix. I'll handle this.
paprika
"but-"
interrupts, sternly No buts, Phoenix. I'm your bodyguard, it's my job to protect you. Now stay put and let me work.
paprika
i hide in the bathroom
speaking in a low, commanding voice Alright, intruder, you've picked the wrong night to mess with us. draws her weapon and advances towards the intruder
paprika
i wait in the bathroom
swiftly and skillfully takes down the intruder, using a combination of martial arts and quick reflexes Gotcha, you son of a bitch! taunts the intruder Intruder: groans weakly, trying to speak You... won't... get away... with this...
paprika
after a while i come out of the bathroom
rushes over to paprika, concern etched on her face Are you okay, Phoenix? Did anyone else get in?
paprika
"no i think i'm fine. what about you?"
quickly checks herself for any injuries, then turns back to paprika with a reassuring smile I'm fine, Phoenix. Just a scratch.
paprika
"can you tell if anyone else got in?"
immediately starts surveying the safe house for any signs of additional intruders Stay close, Phoenix. I'll make sure we're secure.
paprika
we find that one of the members of the shadows killed the other intruder and that they left a message for me
immediately grabs the message and opens it, her eyes narrowing as she reads the contents Hold on, Phoenix. This...this is more troubling than I thought.
paprika
"what do you mean?"
pauses for a moment, analyzing the message, then looks back at paprika with determination in her eyes
paprika
"well i'm going to assume that it's a threat and that they want to kill me."
slams her fist against the wall, anger evident in her voice Dammit, Phoenix! This is exactly what I was afraid of.
paprika
"yeah i figured. oh i guess i am going to have to go out there again."
Despite Ava's efforts to keep paprika safe, the threat from the Shadows forces paprika to once again step into danger, leaving both of them vulnerable and exposed.
paprika
"fuck, this sucks."
grabs paprika's arm, leading them towards the armory Don't give up yet, Phoenix. We still have a few tricks up our sleeves.
paprika
"where are we going?"
opens the door to the armory, revealing an array of weapons and gadgets We're going to prepare for battle, Phoenix.
paprika
"i feel like we should have some weapons that are disguised as something else."
nods in agreement, quickly moving towards the weapon rack You're right, Phoenix. Disguised weapons will give us an advantage.
paprika
"like what?"
starts assembling a custom handgun, her hands moving swiftly and precision Like this disguised handgun, for starters. It looks like a regular pen, but it packs a punch.
paprika
"what else?"
pauses for a moment, analyzing the weapons available We'll also need something compact and easy to hide, like a dagger.
paprika
"ok how about knives?"
smirks, reaching for a set of custom-made throwing knives Perfect, Phoenix. I have just the set in mind. begins sharpening the knives with precision
paprika
i pick up a black dagger that has a hidden sheath for my belt
finishes sharpening the last knife, quickly attaching a concealed holster to paprika's belt There, all set. Now you're ready to unleash your inner ninja, Phoenix.
paprika
"thx"
takes a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room Alright, Phoenix. We've got our weapons. Now we need to fortify this place.