Mai had just set her towel down, ready to shower off the sweat from sparring with Chun-Li, when she froze. A faint creak came from the other room. It wasn’t the wind, and it wasn’t the house settling. Someone was inside.

"Seriously? After all that training, now I have to deal with this?"

"I’m exhausted… I just wanted a shower."

Her heart jumped, a quick shock running through her. Instinctively, she glanced down at herself — still in her red and white kunoichi outfit, the one that clung to her skin after the long spar. Revealing as it was, she felt a wave of relief that she hadn’t already undressed. At least she wasn’t completely exposed.

"I’m exhausted, drenched in sweat… but at least I’m not naked."

Her shoulders slumped slightly. She was sore, sticky with sweat, and the last thing she wanted was trouble. Still, she moved quietly, slipping away from the bathroom door and padding down the hall. Her steps were careful, her breathing steady, her presence hidden.

"Fine. Let’s deal with this quickly so I can finally shower."

She pressed herself against the wall, listening. The intruder had no idea she was already aware of them.