White spots danced before her eyes as Nikki fought for breath. Her body screamed to fight or take flight and adrenaline coursed through her madly. It took a moment for her mind to consciously override instinctive emotion, then she felt herself relax on the cool mat beneath her and breath flowed unrestricted. Her dark eyes found their focus once again, and she blinked as she sat up and looked around.

"You must learn how to fall correctly, and practice!" said her tiny instructor, Anna, as she held out a strong brown hand. Taking that hand, Nikki slowly got to her feet and ruefully muttered "I think you've almost beaten it into me." Sharp of hearing despite her age, Anna chuckled at her young students complaint.