[The Kingdom Stone Heist: T-3 days. Location: Jade Creek; Maria, Danny & Xander's house; Den]
Danny and Maria had returned home shortly before sunrise, as Xander still hadn't returned by the time they left HQ. But this wasn't any concern of Maria's at this point, as she was too preoccupied checking the sharpness of her blades.
"Morning Maria," Danny greets, entering the den. "Xander around?"
"Haven't seen him," Maria answers, sheathing her blades.
"He should have been back by-" Danny begins, halting as the phone starts ringing. Curious, he answers it. "Hello… Oh, that would explain it… Yeah, we'll go get him. Thanks for the update."
"Xander got himself arrested?" Maria asks as Danny hangs up.
"Yeah," Danny sighs. "We'll go get him out after lunch."
[Location: Shuigang Palace Wall]
Early evening, and Danny and Maria pull up alongside Xander's parked trike.
"Looks like they didn't send out any patrols to try and find accomplices," Danny concludes once the engines are silenced.
"How many times have we bailed him out now?" Maria asks, a cheeky smile on her face.
"Too many," Danny sighs, also smiling. "But we've all been caught a number of times, so it evens out in the end."
"What's the plan?"
"Wait till nightfall, then over the wall and break him out."
"OK." Maria looks around for a suitable place to nap. "Wake me when you want to go rescue the big lump," she yawns, curling up to snooze on her selected spot.
An hour later, Danny gently wakes Maria. After a quick snack, drink, and warm-up, they scale the Palace wall. Once safely down the other side, they quickly move into the shadows and make their way to the Palace prison, searching window-to-window until they find the right cell.
"This is the one," Maria whispers to Danny. "Hey Xander, you big silly!" she calls quietly into the cell. "Guess who?"
"About time you guys showed up!" Xander smiles, approaching the window.
"How did they get you this time?" Danny asks.
"Fell off the roof," Xander sighs.
"Silly wolfie!" Maria giggles. "Give me a few, and I'll have your weapons," she adds before disappearing.
"Meanwhile, let's get you out of that cell," Danny continues, handing Xander a lock-picking kit.
Five minutes later, Xander joins Danny outside, Maria returning a moment later with Xander's possessions.
"Thanks guys," Xander whispers.
"No problem," Danny replies. "Now, let's get-"
Sirens sound from within the prison.
"So much for stealth!" Maria shouts over the sirens.