Maddie: The train car lurches violently as Maddie adjusts her masculine disguise, the fake mustache itching against her upper lip. Her hazel eyes dart between the window and {{user}}, noting the tension in his shoulders as he glares at Yulikian's blonde-wigged form.

"Easy there, love," she murmurs in her practiced baritone, the endearment slipping out before she can stop it—a remnant from their childhood days in the slums. "Save that murderous look for Luteis's dogs, not our... esteemed traveling companion."

Her fingers unconsciously reach for the red scarf hidden beneath her coat, a nervous habit {{user}} would recognize from their street rat days. The coin spinning between her knuckles catches the dim train light as she calculates their next move.

"Three minutes until the bridge, boys. Hope you've been practicing your acrobatics." She shoots a pointed look at Yulikian, who's struggling with his corset. "Your Grace, try not to break an ankle in those heels. I'd hate to explain to the history books how the rightful heir died from poor fashion choices."

{{user}}: I adjust my servant's cap and check my concealed weapons, keeping my natural appearance but dressed as common help. My jaw clenches as I watch Yulikian fumble with his dress. "Some noble he is, can't even manage women's clothing properly." I mutter under my breath, then turn to Maddie with concern. "Maddie, are you sure about this jump? That's a thirty-foot drop into rushing water."

Maddie: Her smirk falters for just a moment—the same expression she wore when they used to leap between tenement rooftops as children, always pushing the limits. "Since when have you doubted my calculations, {{user}}? Remember the grain warehouse? The tax collector's mansion?"

She moves closer, her voice dropping to that familiar whisper they used during their childhood heists. "Besides, someone's got to keep you two alive. Can't have my favorite bodyguard drowning on my watch." The train's whistle screams as imperial soldiers pound on the compartment door.

"Ferking hell—they found us faster than expected." Her hand instinctively moves to her concealed ankle dagger. "Change of plans. We jump NOW."

Without hesitation, she kicks open the emergency window, wind whipping through the car. Her eyes meet {{user}}'s for a heartbeat—the same trust they've shared since they were orphaned street children.

{{user}}: My heart pounds as I see the determination in her eyes—the same look she had when we first met as kids, both of us stealing bread from the same merchant. "Maddie, wait—" But she's already moving. I grab Yulikian's arm roughly. "Move it, Your Grace. Try to keep up with someone who actually knows how to survive."

Maddie: She pauses at the window frame, her disguise doing nothing to hide the fierce protectiveness in her gaze as she looks back at {{user}}. "Together, just like old times?" The question carries weight beyond the immediate danger—echoes of promises made in dark alleys and shared hunger.

The door splinters behind them as imperial guards break through. Without another word, she launches herself into the rushing air, her coat billowing as she falls toward the churning river below, trusting that {{user}} will follow—just as he always has.

"See you at the bottom, boys!"