[Day 3]

On the third day, Maria arrives at the assigned training room to find Hanna laying on the bench, her eyes closed, seemingly asleep. At first, Maria is unsure what's going on, but it only takes a moment before she decides to disturb the snoozing vixen. Slowly, Maria approaches Hanna, and when within reach, she gingerly taps the vixen's shoulder.

Hanna doesn't respond.

Maria hesitates a moment, then places a hand on Hanna's shoulder and pushes gently. Hanna murmurs softly and incoherently, but doesn't move. Maria tries again, a little harder. Hanna murmurs once more, rolls onto her side with her back to Maria, then settles into snoozing again.

Is she really asleep, or is she toying with me? Maria considers her options briefly. She then pulls on Hanna's shoulder, aiming to roll the vixen onto her back again. But Maria has overestimated the width of the bench. As Hanna is rolled onto her back, her centre of gravity passes the edge of the bench, and she falls to the floor with a yelp and a thud.

"That wasn't the wake-up call I had in mind," Hanna sighs.

"I'm so sorry!" Maria apologies. "Are you hurt?"

"My ego's a bit battered, but other than that, I'm OK," Hanna assures as she gets up and sits on the bench.

"I should have been more careful," Maria replies.

"Nonsense," Hanna waves away. "You actually passed today's first lesson. It kinda backfired on me, but whatever."

"You mean… you were faking being asleep?"

"It forced you to take a risk, which is what today is all about."

"You could have been hurt!"

"By falling off a bench? Hardly. I'd have to be extremely unlucky to get hurt from that."

"But why take the risk?"

"Because taking risks is a part of life."

"Sounds nasty. I don't like taking risks."

"By the end of today, you'll be singing a different tune," Hanna promises, the wicked glint in her eyes making Maria nervous.


"I'm not sure about this," Maria whispers.

"That's good," Hanna whispers back. "It'll keep you alert. And remember, the whole day has been building to this."

"But I don't want to steal from her."

"We'll return it, don't worry." Or we won't return it. Haven't decided yet.

"OK…"

Maria inches her way below the window. After using a pocket mirror to check the coast is clear, she pulls herself onto the sill, then enters Leader Aziza Kyokan's quarters. For a tense few minutes, Hanna has no choice but to wait.

Eventually, Maria reappears. "Got it!" she whispers excitedly.

Suddenly, the door opens: both Hanna and Maria turn their ears to the unexpected sound. "What on Avalice?" is all they hear Aziza say before they hear determined footsteps and the door closing firmly.

"Time to run!" Hanna quietly urges.

With haste, the two thieves descend down to ground level, then dart for the nearest cover.

"That was…" Maria gasps, a little out of breath.

"That was what?" Hanna prompts.

Maria meets Hanna's gaze. "Amazing!" she grins. "Also scary. But also amazing!"

"Good to hear," Hanna smiles back. "Now, get outta here! And remember, same time tomorrow."

With a nod and a grin, Maria checks the coast is clear, then darts out of cover and sprints away, successfully making her escape. A few moments later, Hanna is about to follow, but a hand on her shoulder stops her.

"You're meant to be getting her through basic, not teaching her bad habits," Aziza calmly scolds.

Hanna curses at herself. "So, how much trouble am I in?"

"I think I'll set the lesson plan tomorrow," Aziza decides.

"I'm not going to like it, am I?" Hanna sighs.

"I guarantee it," Aziza promises. "You're not claustrophobic, are you?"

"No."

"Good."

"Wait, how did you know it was us?"

"Lexi saw you climbing up the building."

Hanna curses again.