The mission wasn't over. As Rina patched into her backup systems, she reviewed the fragments of data she'd managed to extract which led to the hostage.
Despite the alerted guards on patrol, she moved swiftly, sneaking into the warehouse back through the vent. Following her HUD's markers, she navigated the dimly lit corridors until she reached the room.
After swiftly hijacking the door numpad lock, inside, Mikaela, still tied to the chair but looking completely at ease, is watching a vibrant holographic screen where a magical girl anime is playing. The characters are in the middle of an intense sakuga fight scene, magical attacks lighting up the screen as the heroines battle giant monsters with sparkling energy beams.
Mikaela's eyes are wide with excitement, her fingers twitching as she leans forward in her seat, as one of the girls removes her eyepad and does a flashy transformation realizing her total power and launching herself for a punch.
Mikaela (hyped, shaking her head back and forth): "YES! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!! THAT'S WHY SHE'S THE MVP!!! THAT'S WHY SHE'S THE GOAT!!! THE GOATTTTT!!!"
Rina (annoyed): Seriously?
Mikaela (grinning, waving down her hand): "This is Precure—top-tier sakuga battles. Look at that fight scene! Insane!" While the magical girl throws a rain of punches.
As the magical girl lands the final blow, the screen erupts in a shower of sparkling light, and Mikaela pumps her fist in the air.
Mikaela (grinning, looking at Rina): "Come on, tell me you don't feel a little pumped from that? Now that's how you kick ass."
Rina crossed her arms, glaring. Resisting a chuckle.
Rina: Your life's on the line, and you're watching cartoons?
Mikaela: It's Precure Infinity! Do you know how rare it is to catch this episode live?
Rina sighed, grabbing Mikaela by the arm.
Rina: "Stand up. Let's see if you can walk or if I'll need to carry your ass out of here."
Mikaela stretches her arms with exaggerated relief, then wobbles a little as she gets to her feet.
Mikaela: "I can walk, but a ride does sound fun. You do the whole bridal-carry thing for clients?"
Rina (rolling her eyes): "Not happening. Keep close, and don't make any noise. You're not exactly blending in with that colorful jacket."
Mikaela looks down at her outfit and shrugs unapologetically.
Mikaela: "Hey, it's fashion. You wouldn't get it."
Rina (deadpan) pulls from her cat-ear as she starts crouching out.