Aiko awoke from a deep, dreamless slumber to find Ginger sitting cross-legged on the floor of her cell. The blond girl was flipping through one of Aiko’s notebooks, a mask of curiosity and confusion over her face. She blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

“How did you get in here?” Aiko asked.

Ginger looked up, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “I have my ways,” she said, closing the notebook and setting it aside. “Besides, Malcolm has some sort of influence over the warden or whoever runs this place. I get a bit more freedom than most.”

Aiko frowned, the fog in her mind lifting. Malcolm. The name brought a torrent of memories. These past weeks were a blur. She stretched, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from days of intense mental focus and minimal physical activity.

“I have a special delivery for you,” Ginger said, standing up and brushing off her pants. “If you want to check it out, meet me in the yard.”

Aiko’s curiosity sparked, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’ll be there,” she said.

Ginger gave her a quick nod and slipped out of the cell as quietly as she had entered. Aiko took a moment to gather her thoughts before getting ready for the day. She stood in line for breakfast, noticing how the other girls gave her a wide berth or avoided her altogether. The food looked and smelled disgusting.

Malcolm better get me some better food. I’ve earned it. I’m so close now.

She’d been working on her mother’s code for over a week and only scratched the surface of its meaning. She thought about its significance and what Malcolm wanted with it.

I will play along for now, but I must find out his plan for the code.

After a quick, unremarkable meal, Aiko went to the yard for the mandatory exercise period. The sun was a harsh, unrelenting force, casting long shadows across the concrete. She scanned the area and spotted Ginger trying to spar with another inmate.

Her moves are just wrong!

Aiko approached them, her interest piqued. Ginger struggled; her movements were uncoordinated, and her balance was off. The other inmate, a tall girl with a muscular build, was holding back, but Ginger struggled to keep up.

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“You’re doing it all wrong,” Aiko said, stepping into the makeshift ring. She turned to Ginger, her eyes sharp and focused. “Let me show you.”

Ginger stepped aside, looking both relieved and eager to learn. Aiko showed the basics of balance and form, her movements fluid and precise. She showed Ginger how to carry herself, distribute her weight, and expected her opponent’s moves.

Soon, a small crowd had gathered, watching with rapt attention. A girl with a butch haircut who stepped forward, a challenging glint in her eyes interrupted Aiko’s demonstration.

“Think you can take me on?” the girl asked, her voice dripping with arrogance.

Aiko sized her up, noting the girl’s confident stance and muscular build. “Let’s find out,” she said, her voice calm.

The makeshift ring cleared as the two girls faced off. Aiko ran through a gamut of martial arts stances, her mind a whirlwind of strategies and techniques. The girl, whom Ginger had referred to as Dynamo, was a formidable opponent, her moves powerful and precise.

But Aiko was faster, her mind and body working in perfect harmony. She anticipated Dynamo’s moves and countered with swift, calculated strikes. The intensity of the fight was palpable, with movements so rapid and powerful that time seemed to stand still, and ultimately, Aiko prevailed.

Dynamo lay on the ground, panting and frustrated. Aiko extended a hand to help her up, a gesture of respect. Dynamo hesitated before accepting her eyes filled with a newfound respect.

“You just defeated Dynamo, and she doesn’t like defeat,” Ginger said, her voice filled with awe.

The other girls in the yard murmured among themselves, their attitudes towards Aiko shifting. For the first time, she felt a sense of respect and acceptance from them. It was a minor victory, but a significant one.

As the crowd dispersed, Ginger approached Aiko with a wide grin. “You were amazing,” she said. I knew you were good, but that performance confirms it.”

Aiko shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’ve had a lot of practice,” she said.

Ginger’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Come on, let’s go see that special delivery I mentioned,” she said, leading Aiko toward a secluded corner of the yard.

Aiko followed, her curiosity once again piqued. They reached a small, hidden alcove where a package was waiting. Ginger handed it to Aiko, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Aiko opened the package, her heart pounding with excitement and apprehension. Inside, she found a set of high-quality gloves and wraps and a pair of sleek, lightweight shoes.

“Where did you get this?” Aiko asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Ginger shrugged, a mischievous smile on her lips. “Let’s just say I have my connections,” she said. “Consider it a gift. I figured you could use some proper gear for your training.”

“Thank you,” she said.

Ginger waved a hand. “Don’t mention it,” she said. “Just keep doing what you do best.”

Aiko nodded.

It pays to be friends with Malcolm.

“Let’s get to work,” Aiko said.

As they resumed their training, the setting sun shone its radiance across the yard. She thought she saw a glimmer of something along the prison’s perimeter. She blinked and only saw the golden light rays bathing them in its glory.