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Following her good meal, Noel decided now was the time for some refreshing exercise. And luckily for her the dojo was just on the other side of the hallway. Still in a good mood from her encounter with Ice, she hummed her way across the short distance. As she opened the sliding door into the japanese-themed training grounds,she was greeted with a most unexpected sight.

After his encounter with Emily, Max started moving towards the dining room, hoping to get a good meal after his workout. Yet while walking the hallways, he noticed that his hip felt rather light. When he looked down to see what was up, a sigh echoed through the empty hallway; max had forgotten his pistol holster in the dojo. It wasn't that he particularly needed it, but leaving it in the dojo would just be rude. luckily, he didn't get very far before realising that he need to go back, so within a few long steps, he was back where he started, in the dojo. When he turned around however, Noel was standing in the doorway.

[color=0076a3]"Owh, greetings Hawthorne, were you looking for me?"[/color]

[color=897691]"Greetings, Fisherman."[/color] Noel teased, knowing what his last name meant through her many foreign experiences. [color=897691]"Oh, I am always looking for people. You know, those who are willing to share their deepest, most intimate secrets with me? Alas, I do not think you the type."[/color] She winked cheekily. [color=897691]"No, I'm here to resume training. I never got to finish yesterday. I can't let myself get sloppy, now can I? Or even worse: lazy."[/color] She chuckled as she closed the door behind her and walked over to the locker she had claimed for herself.

Max gave an oblivious look as Noel played with his last name, since he didn't speak Dutch, the pun went straight over his head. but that look quickly returned to his usual expression, with the addition of a slight chuckle as noel continued to tease Max. and finally, his look flowed into a pleasantly surprised one. he never expected that Noel's reason for coming here was to train, however obvious that might've been. Maybe it was because of her playful attitude, or maybe because he was lacking any kind of training partner, but he found himself drawn towards Noel.

[color=0076a3]"You know,  I am happy to see that at least [i]you[/i] take care of your body in case you ever need it in this god-forsaken place. And uh, I am still looking for a training partner, if you'd like."[/color] He said as he untied his tie and left it in a corner. 
[color=0076a3]"Owh, and sharing secrets goes both ways."[/color]

Noel rose a brow to the cop. [color=897691]"And what makes you think I haven't needed it?"[/color] She questioned him. [color=897691]"I have been here for much longer than most of you."[/color] She reminded him. Honestly, she had stopped counting the days by this point. Regardless, even though she had met many pleasant people in this place, happy memories were few and far in between. She had to agree, this place was hell.

She opened her locker, pulling out a gi similar to the one she had worn to the trial yesterday. However, this one definitely did not have the smell of sweat accumulated after hours of intense labour. Yes, as strange as it seemed she definitely preferred clean sportswear. [color=897691]"And what makes you think you're fit to be my training partner?"[/color] She teased the cop, knowing fully well he possessed substantial martial prowess. She put a finger to her chin and smiled. [color=897691]"Is that what you ask to every girl that walks in here? To engage in intense physical exercise? And to ask for a lady's secrets on top of that. How extraordinarily bold! You're certainly very... forward."[/color] It was blatantly written on her face that she was having way too much fun with this.

[color=0076a3]"Didn't mean to offend miss, I'm just happy that i'm not the only one training."[/color] he responded. [color=0076a3]"But I'll have you know that I didn't acquire my title by devouring donuts and checking camera footage behind a desk all day. And I don't ask anyone, I'm asking you."[/color] Despite the common thoughts, even Max could relax and mingle now and then, providing that the situation allowed. And right now, he needed distraction, he needed training, and Noel could provide both.

[color=0076a3]"I'm assuming you want to put your gi on, so I'll give you minute."[/color] He said as he walked towards the exit. [color=0076a3]"I'll be waiting outside so you can call me whenever you're ready."[/color] 

[color=897691]"No offense taken."[/color] Noel responded, before silently but obviously questioning the cop's next statement with her expression. But it was quite obvious she was just teasing the cop. [color=897691]"Yes, that's one secret I'm [i]not[/i] sharing."[/color] She said while making shooing motions to the cop. 

One minute later Noel called Max back in. The girl didn't exactly look imposing in her outfit. She wasn't a huge bundle of muscle as some famous martial artists of the past, nor was she tall and imposing. The female almost looked more as if she was playing dress-up than a serious martial artist. [color=897691]"So tell me, Maxie Fisherman. How did you deserve your title, besides eating donuts and watching security cameras that is."[/color] 

Taking a few steps inwards after Noel summonded him, Max was imidiately struck by the phenomenon known as journalism. While their interaction up to this point had been mostly shits and giggles, he knew that Noel's talent would surface sooner rather then later. Whenever the press bombarded him with question during investigations and the like, Max would usually ignore them and continue his job, but since Noel was his training partner today, he might as well make it worthwile for her.

[color=0076a3]"Believe it or not, I'm not actually some kind of superhero cop who has contained a thousand criminals, and stopped homicides, genocides, and terrorist attacks all on my own. you see, us cops, we work together. Alone we might stop a thief, but united, we can stop an entire gang, you feel invincible."[/color] he removed his jacket and threw it next to his tie in the corner before continuing. [color=0076a3]"While my partner was unfit for physical duty, he was a master of intel, and through his instructions, I was able to contain a thousand criminals, prevent homicides, genocides, and terrorist attacks, but never on my own. Honestly, he deserves my title much more than me."[/color]

[color=897691]"Thats interesting and all, but you're kind of avoiding my question, aren't you?"[/color] Noel smirked as she started her warm-up exercises. Simple stretches, mostly.
[color=897691]"So why, of all the cops who work together and feel so invincible when they do their crime stopping... why did little big Maxie get the title? I mean, I've helped your corps with investigations before. Why didn't I get it?"[/color] She smirked. [color=897691]"C'mon, sweetheart. I know you can do better than that. Don't take me for your third-grade papparazzi or you'll lose in me in more ways than just a training bout."[/color] As she stretched her arms to touch her toe, she turned her head to the cop and stuck out her tongue mischievously.

[color=0076a3]"Alright then, you want to know [i]how[/i] I enforce justice. I'm bold, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, I don't step back, and I don't hesitate."[/color] As he said that, he took on a battle stance in front of her. [color=0076a3]"But maybe it's easier to show you."[/color]

[color=897691]"See, it's not that hard to get to the point."[/color]  She teased. 
[color=897691]"Strange though, I swore you said this would be an exchange, yet I'm the only one doing the questioning... not that I mind, mind you."[/color] She said as she got into a fighting stance of her own. Hers was clearly defensive, anticipating his move. [color=897691]"So consider this your chance. Ask away."[/color] 

[color=0076a3]"Don't mind if I do." He said as he engaged with a simple high kick with barely any force behind it to test her skill. "So where'd you learn mixed martial arts? It's not an ability commonly associated with journalism."[/color]

[color=897691]"The army."[/color]  She answered plainly as she ducked under his kick and delivered a solid kick to his stationary leg, immediately trying to upset his balance. 
[color=897691]"Don't mistake me for some measly tabloid writer, Max. I have seen and reported on disasters no police crew could handle on their own. I've been on the front of today's greatest wars. It pays off to be prepared."[/color]  She said fiercely. Then she returned  his verbal offensive with her own question.[color=897691]"So what drove you to policedom? Child's ambition? Parents killed by the maffia?"[/color] As for combat, the reporter stayed on the defensive, almost provoking another attack of her training partner.

Max didn't expect Noel to swipe his leg from under him, but he was still able to turn the tumble into a dodge roll. With a smile he got up, knowing that he didn't have to hold back agains't her. 

[color=0076a3]"I grew up in a neighbourhood filled with violence, but not violence by some gang or wasted thug. The police were corrupt. looking a cop in the eyes was enough to get you arrested, I couldn't stand it. By joining them, I was able to put a stop to the abuse, and a start to my career. "[/color] Noticing Noel's stance, Max decided to oblige and moved in with a double palm strike with his right arm, and while Noel was distracted with dodging those, he used his left arm to elbow strike her. [color=0076a3]"But I must say, I'm impressed, it must take considerable dedication to be on the front lines while simultaniously recording everything you see. So what was it that drove you?"[/color]

[color=897691]"Some story, not as exciting as the cliché maybe, but an interesting truth."[/color] She responded as she dodged the palm thrust with a sidestep. Preoccupied, she was a little too late to dodge the elbow strike. She managed to block it with her arm, but she'd feel that next morning. However, that move left the cop straight open as she grabbed hold of the arm he had just struck with, and attempted to put him into a nasty armlock. 
[color=897691]"I lost... many things in the tragedy. In england, entire villages were wiped out. And now not even records of their existence remain...I'm the only living memory of my family."[/color] She said solemnly. [color=897691]"Someone needs to observe these tragedies. I am not strong enough to stop them, but I can at least let those who can live on in history."[/color]  She quickly changed the topic with a question. [color=897691]"So, how did one sole cop stop the corruption likely seeped into the upper echelons of his organisation? That's not the feat of some everyday blue hat."[/color] 

As Noel grabbed Max and put him in an armlock, Max did nothing to resist. But after the arms were locked, Max was somehow able to lift Noel up in the air, and he was intent on throwing her over his shoulder. 

[color=0076a3]"Reality is rarely as exciting as the cliché. But it was indeed not easy to remove the corruption single handedly. To have a chance, I had to become what I despised in order to even get close to them. It still bothers me, but I was determined to see it through. Once I raised through the ranks, I started recruiting honest and fair members, and together with them, we eventually overthrew the corruption. The [i]upper echelons[/i] are not clean yet, but every year, we get closer to it. You know, we could use someone like you, I bet you'd be amazing at snuffing out the rats hidden amongst us."[/color] a sense of determination oozed from Max as he spoke those words.

It was strange, this lock was supposed to keep his arm from moving completely. Had Max managed to alter it somehow? Unfortunately, the female was definitely light enough for the cop to lift. However, she was also much more flexible. With a swift movement her back curled, and her legs went upward. Within a second, Max would find it difficult to breathe as the reporter had her legs around his throat. [color=897691]"I'd be much obliged to help. A strong police force is good for all of us. But right now you're just telling me your succes stories. Certainly you must've failed somewhere as well."[/color] She'd await his response, once he was able to breathe again.

Max did not expect Noel to use his move against him. For someone asking about everyone else's secrets, she was sure full of surprises. this was quite a pickly he was in, if he wanted to get out of the strangle, he'd need to actually harm Noel, but hurting your training partner, a lady on top of that, would just be rude. So he instead gave up and surrendered, giving a slight cough after noel eventually released him.

[color=0076a3]"You're just full of questions aren't you?"[/color] Max jokingly stated. [color=0076a3]"If you come back tomorrow, you might find out."[/color]

Noel could only pout in response to that, even though the surrender made her a little happy. 
[color=897691]"You tease!"[/color] She responded on a tone that was clearly annoyed. Patience was not Noel's strong suit. [color=897691]"Is this how the infinite cop keeps the girls coming back? I thought someone with your good looks didn't need to resort to tricks like that."[/color]  She teased. [color=897691]"But alright, have it your way."[/color] She said dissapontedly. 

[color=0076a3]"Now, now, If I give you everything now, there'd be nothing left for me to keep you, and I'd like to keep training with you."[/color] He was grabbing his shirt when he smelled his armpits. [color=0076a3]"Oef, and I need a shower anyway. I'll see you tomorrow then, same time, same place."[/color]

The reporter responded with a curt smile and a nod. [color=897691]"Till then."[/color]