With crossed legs, Miya takes little sips of her drink while explaining what a maids job means around here.

'I run this maid cafe which has been in my family for over sixty years. My grandmother started it after she and my grandfather came to America. I'm half Japanese, my full name is Miyako. Maid cafes are originally from Japan, that's the reason why they aren't very common around here.'

I nod in understanding while studying her face as I listen to her explanation. Now she mentions it, she looks kinda foreign.

'I have seven girls working for me at the moment and since the weekend is the busiest time here, there are five of them here today. On weekdays during the day, they work in teams of three and during the evenings in pairs.
A maid's job in this cafe is to pamper the customers to the full extent so that for just the little amount of time they spend here, we let them believe they're like royalty. This cafe isn't cheap, so I expect devotion from all of my employees to give our customers the best experience possible.'

She says while shooting me a serious glance, clearly warning me that if I agree to work here I'll have to give it my all.

'We've quit using most of the old fashion traditions, but one important one remains. We address our female customers either as Lady or Madam, depending on their age, and males as Master.'

That explains why Alice called me a lady ...wait, what?! My eyes nearly shoot out of their sockets when I hear the word "Master".

'You've got to be kidding me. Can't I just call them "Sir", or something?!'

I nearly shout in disbelief. I've never called someone Master, and I can't say I'd like to begin with it now either! Miyako lets out a chuckle and shakes her head.

'Unfortunately for you, I won't accept that. It's an old tradition in Japan, and male customers love hearing it. It boosts their confidence.'

'I'm sure it would...'

I grumble in a low voice. It makes it seem like males are above females, that's exactly the reason I don't like it, at all.

'Don't worry you're not the first one to have trouble adjusting to that. Trust me, you'll get used to it in no time..'

'I seriously doubt that.'

I huff, but Miya pays it no mind and continues explaining like it's no big deal.

'The girls working here right now have proven themselves and therefore they all got their personal aprons. If you decide to work here you'll start with a classic french maid apron. Once I decide you're qualified enough to be a full-fletched maid, and you decide you also want to keep working here, we'll get you a personal apron as well...'

Understandable. It would just be a waste of money to get every new employee a personal apron, without even knowing their capabilities. Even if I decide to work here, I doubt I'll be working here long enough to get one. I just need some fast money. I take a sip of my water and after placing the glass back on the table I ask.

'The whole Lady and Master thing aside. A maid's job is similar to a waitress, am I right?'

'You could say that. We have an assortment of drinks and a small bakery with treats from which our guests are able to choose from. It's a maid's job to take orders, make, and serve them. With a smile of course. Each one of our maids also has a signature dish, which none of the others make. Another part of the job is to make the client feel comfortable. They talk with them about all kinds of subjects, depending on the client's interests. That's also one of the reasons we have so many maids walking around with only fifteen tables, compared to a regular cafe where two or three waitresses cover about thirty tables. A lot of our regular customers also prefer a certain maid to serve them, so each maid builds their own clientele.'

'Alright, I understand. The attendance towards clients and their experience here stands above all.'

She nods satisfied with my answer. Her expression suddenly changes and she studies me thoroughly.

'When I heard you and your friend talking, you said something about never working in between matches? May I ask as to what you were referring to?'

'Oh that. Well, I guess if I wanna work it'd be better to tell you now, than later.'

'So you do wanna work here?'

She asks mischievously. Didn't say that. I think as I cock my head sideways, narrowing my eyes slightly before answering in a serious tone.

'It's not so much wanting to work here, more like I'm out of options. So if it's true what you say and it pays well, I'm indeed tempted to accept your offer.'

She nods while saying the girls earn a hundred fifty dollars a day, aside from the tips they get. Surprised by the number she gives me my mouth goes agape. That must mean some expensive coffee with so many girls running around, still earning that amount of money. I think to myself while quickly calculating how long it would take me to earn the money I need. If I manage to stick it out for a few weeks, I'll be able to pay for the entry feed of the matches before the WMC. I bite my lip, unable to deny it's a really good offer.

'Alright, I'll try and see how it goes since I truly do need the money.'

'Good. So you'll tell me about those matches?'

She asks, undoubtedly interested why I'm being so secretive about it. I nod, knowing she should know about it since I won't be able to work every day because of it.

'The matches I was referring to are underground fighting competitions.'

I state with a flat tone and her eyes go wide with astonishment. She was clearly not expecting me to say that.

'I usually don't work between them because of the risk of being injured during a match. If that'd happen I'd have to show up at work and explain it to my boss, it causes too much of a fuss.
Are you still sure you want me to be a maid?'

I ask with a slightly mocking tone. She probably changed her mind the second she heard I was a fighter. I think, but contrary to my expectation she shakes her head.

'If you'd tell me when the fights will be I can arrange your schedule to work with it, giving you at least a few days off afterward to heal. Just make sure to contact me if it's something serious and we'll work something out.'

Stunned by her matter-of-fact answer I blink at her a few times. Did she just say she doesn't mind?! I sure as hell didn't expect her to accept it so easily, or at all for that matter. I can't help but get a little suspicious about it as I narrow my eyes, trying to figure her out. Her body language tells me she isn't lying, but still...

'Why?'

'Why, what?'

She counters back like she doesn't know what I'm talking about, though her eyes tell me she knows exactly what I mean. Nonetheless, I decide to take her bait. I need to know.

'Why aren't you opposed to having a fighter as an employee? And why aren't you asking me more questions about it? Normally when I tell people they either, judge me, or, ask me a shitload of questions about it.'

I ask my tone dripping with skepticism. She smirks while putting down her glass before walking toward the window. She gazes outside as she answers me without averting her eyes.

'I can't say I'm not interested to know more about it. But you seem the type of girl who doesn't like a lot of questions. So instead of prying, I ought to be polite. On the contrary of what you might think, most of my maids aren't your typical girl next door.'

'Such as?'

I ask, still trying to read her motives. She gives me a quick smile before looking back outside and into the street as she continues.

'I'll tell you something about each one of them since you'll be working with them from now on. I'll start with Alice as you've met her already. Alice has a lot of positive energy, although I've got no idea where she gets it from. I found her three years ago when she got homeless after her parents burned to death in their family home.'

That statement alone surprises me enough to make me close my mouth, I never would've guessed that.

'Then there is Violet. She has her own rock band to attend to on her days off. Her personality is at times difficult to deal with, and she can come across as rather   ...bitchy. You'd probably like her.'

She smiles. I'm not sure if I have to be flattered or offended by that. I murmur but decide to leave it be for the moment. At least until I've actually met her, and I continue listening to the descriptions Miya gives me of the other maids.

'Chloé just happened to come past this place after she moved here from Texas, wanting to start over. She just never left. She's a true Texas girl and makes everyone feel right at home. Rose...'

She stares out of the window into the sky as if she's remembering something and smiles.

'Rose used to be a ballet dancer, a very talented one at that. She's a gorgeous young girl, but ever since she broke her leg she hasn't been able to dance anymore. She has gotten bitter toward humanity ever since then. She wouldn't admit it, but I'm sure that's the reason for her behavior. She's still hurting because she can't do what she dreamed of.'

Although she sounds like the type of girl I'd hate, I'd probably feel the same way if I wasn't able to fight anymore.

'Then there are Isobel and Kathrine. They're sisters and they work for me the longest. They were brought here through human trafficking from Mexico, or rather, they were saved by an old acquaintance of mine. After they got saved we searched for their family. But eventually, we found out they got killed while they tried to rescue their daughters right after they had gotten captured. My family took them in as kids, and they grew up here. They like to keep to themselves outside of work. But in here, they are the ones that know practically everything.'

Stunned I listen to her stories about the maids. This place seems more like a safe haven for girls that don't have anywhere else to go. None of them seem the type to work as a maid, but according to Miya's words, they all work hard and belong here. Not that I care, I'll only be here temporally. After the WMC I'll be traveling again, heading to other championships.

'And at last, there is Ruby. She's the most eccentric I'd say. She's a painter and makes sculptures, but being an artist doesn't exactly provide a steady income so she's here for that reason. She keeps to herself a lot and you'd probably find her drawing sketches during break time.'

She turns to me while leaning against the window screen.

'And now Karma, a female fighter.'

'A stray underground fighter who just got outta jail. Don't you have a lovely bunch of maids?'

I say my voice leaking with sarcasm. I'm not sure whether this woman is too friendly, or just plain stupid.

'So, when will I start?'

'Hold on you. What do you mean stray? And when did you go to prison?!'

She asks surprised as I let my eyes wander around the room, not interested in the conversation to come. Damn me and my bloody big mouth. I roll my eyes, irritated with myself before looking back at Miya.

'Listen. There are three things you should know about me.
One. Yes, I'm a stray and that's all there is to it. I don't talk about that part of my life, ever. So don't waste your breath trying to figure it out.
Secondly, I have a bad habit of ending up in jail. I've only been released a couple of days ago, after having served three years. I didn't kill anyone or anything like that. Underground fighting is a risky hobby to have and sometimes you get caught, that's all.
And last. Boxing is my life. It goes before everything else I do. Don't ever try to stand between me and my fighting, because I'll leave this place without thinking twice about it.
Oh, and I've got a shitty attitude that most people would like to shoot me for. I guess that makes four.'

Her face keeps studying me intently until I finish talking. Then she nods in acceptance as she lets out a snort of laughter at my last words.

'I always manage to pick out the rougher diamonds, so don't worry about that.
Shall I introduce you to the others?'

She asks already walking toward the door. Just before opening it, she directs her gaze back at me looking seriously as she says.

'Just like you, the others don't like talking about what happened in the past. Most of them know about each other, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell them what we just talked about. In return, I won't talk about you as well. Though I think the girls should know you're a fighter, it would make it easier for them to understand why your schedule will be a bit different from theirs.'

'That's fine by me. It's not a secret or anything, I just don't wanna fly back to jail because of it. I just got released and I have to participate in the WMC before something like that might happen again.'

I tell her determent. She nods understanding my point, and tells me she'll inform the girls not to talk about it in public. She looks me over as if she's searching for something when she asks.

'One last thing, I'm curious as to why you are so determent to fight. What's your reason?'

'Fighting is the only thing that makes me feel alive.'

I answer flatly. Her serious gaze keeps lingering on me for a little longer and I can see a hint of sadness appear in her eyes when she hears my words, though I don't understand why. After another second or two she tares her gaze away from me and starts walking without another word.

***

'Perfect timing!'

Miyako exclaims loudly as she walks into the break room. It appears they're closing early today and the five working girls just finished changing. Miya tells me the other two came to pick up their new schedules, so all of the girls are present at the moment. Hearing their boss talking makes all seven heads snap in my direction and once they notice me, they all examine me with utmost interest.

'Girls this is Karma, she'll be your new colleague from today on.'

One after another the girls introduce themselves. Their attitudes are all very different from when I saw them on the work floor, but friendly all the same.

'So you're the new maid? You looked so freaked out earlier!'

Alice giggles but before I even get a chance to answer Violet snorts.

'Knowing Miya, she just got plucked off the street having no clue as to what was going on.'

Miya tries to defend that statement but all seven girls ignore it, obviously knowing their boss well enough to know the truth. The girl that introduced herself as Rose looks me all over and gives a displeasing huff. Her attitude makes me cross my arms as I look back at her challenging her to speak up.

'Seriously. You look good enough, I'll give you that, but why would you walk around looking like this?'

She says unapproving pointing to my clothing. I feel a pang of anger well up inside of me, I figured she was the type to get on my nerves, but she sure as hell gets to the point quickly. I grind my teeth and clench my fists trying to mentally calm myself when one of the two sisters speaks up.

'Rose, shut it. Not everyone spends three hours in front of the mirror every morning, unlike you.'

It was Isobel who spoke up for my account. Her tone of voice is controlled, but undoubtedly a warning for Rose and she clamps her mouth shut instantly as Kathrine continues her sister's lecture.

'Moreover. She doesn't look like the girl you should piss off, Rose.'

All the other girls besides Rose nod in unison while they stare at me as if I'm some kind of rare animal in the zoo. I'm already starting to regret this. Me working together with these girls? Unaware of my inner turmoil they continue chatting with each other.

I shake those thoughts away and decide to at least give it a try. But I can't help but study each one of them intently, trying to figure out what kinda girls they are for myself. They looked at me like I'm some kind of rare animal, but the seven of them in the way they're behaving and talking, acting so differently from one another... They are the ones that look like a bunch of wild animals to me. Just as I'm thinking that the girl named Violet she turns to me meeting my gaze.

'What are you thinking?'

She asks interested with a grin on her face, I decide to be straight with her and answer her simply while glancing toward the other girls.

'Well... Since you all looked me over as if I'm some kind of weird creature, I was trying to figure out what animals you guys are by studying your behaviors.'

She chuckles, clearly amused by my answer as she looks over at the other girls.

'So what kinda critters are we?'

As soon as she asks that all the other girls look over at us, seemingly interested in my answer. I narrow my eyes slightly at them studying each and every one of them for a second watching their reactions. A corner of my mouth lifts up in a smirk once I've figured them out and I start explaining, beginning with Violet.

'Well since you're the one who asked, you're up first.
You remind me of a black leopard. You're the type to lay in the shadows watching everyone else's movements. Listening to what they're discussing, and when the time is ripe you'll strike out of the blue. Your unpredictable and many people misunderstand you because of how blunt you are and your appearance.'

Violet's eyes widen slightly with surprise. Okay, so I was right about her. My gaze goes to the first person standing closest to Violet, Alice.

'Alice, you're more like a meerkat. You've got a cute and energetic appearance that'll draw people to you, and you're the type of girl that'll stick their nose into things. Not to mingle or to offend people though, you just wanna know everything, and if you're able to you'll help them.'

At the sound of the word meerkat Alice tilts her head quizzically not understanding why I chose that animal. Only proving my point even more since the look on her face truly resembles the animal I've chosen. Once I've told her why, she seems to understand and blushes slightly while looking down. Her reaction tells me I'm right about her too. The other girls start to shift uncomfortably, anxious about what I'll say to them. Next to Alice, Isobel, and Kathrine are standing together. I place one finger on my lip pondering what to say about them before I begin to speak.

'The two of you seem a bit different, so it took me a second to figure it out...
You're like koalas because the two of you always stick together. And just like koalas, you both look very approachable from the outside. But when you sense danger that cute side will disappear in a second and you will hurt that intruder in order to protect each other.'

'Holy shit! This girl just walked in here but she got the four of us figured out within a minute, let's see how good her comparison really is.'

Violet exclaims astonished by my spot-on descriptions. Because of my lifestyle I've learned to read people in a short amount of time, guess it pays off at a time like this.

'Chloé right? You're a giraffe and don't take that personally, I don't mean to say you've got a long neck. I think you're a giraffe because your easy going. You'll adapt anywhere and you're not the type to stir up drama. You'll watch over everything so things don't spin out of control, and only when it's truly necessary you'll jump in.
Though it might not look like it, when you are mad you are a force to be reckoned with.'

'Dang ya'll, this girl is pretty good ain't she?'

Chloé laughs, her Texan roots clearly showing when she speaks up. My gaze goes to Rose who's standing next to her, with her arms crossed in a quite defensive pose. I so badly would like to call her a hyena at the moment. If only to shut her up and see the look on her face when I tell her. But...

'Originally I wanted to say you're a peacock. But given your maid uniform, I'm more leaning towards a flamingo. You know your looks are your strong point and you're not afraid to use them.
Although ...even something that looks beautiful from a distance might still bite your finger once you get close to it.'

At first, she looks astonished by the fact I picked a beautiful animal to describe her. But as soon as she hears the last bit of my sentence she scowls inwardly, averting her eyes. The rest of the girls try to suppress their laughter, except Violet who chuckles aloud.

'You knocked that one right out of the park.'

'And last, there is Ruby. You remind me of a bird-of-paradise, you're unique and there aren't many of you around. Freedom is important for you and you fly wherever the wind will take you. You like to keep to yourself, you're quiet and eccentric.'

Ruby smiles timidly at me, clearly happy with my answer. Unable to let go of her agitation Rose looks back at me, her eyes challenging as she snorts.

'And what would you be? Since you're judging all of us it's only fair to know something about you as well.'

'I'm a lone wolf.
It's not in my nature to please other people, and I trust no one. I study my surroundings quickly and quietly, and when you come too close without asking I won't hesitate to bite.
I can be friendly when I feel like it, but If I decide you're an enemy I will get you out of my way. And I won't give damn as to what it takes to accomplish that.'

Her face immediately goes blank and she quickly shuts her mouth. Good. Satisfied I finally shut her up, I turn back toward the others.

'So, did I pass your little test?'

'What about me, Karma?'

I smirk as I hear Miyako's voice echo from behind me. I knew it. I expected her to speak up and I grin as I turn around. Well, that one's obvious. She looks at me through the slits of her eyes, clearly interested in what I'm about to say.

'I'd like to say you're a bear. But even I know that would be an injustice, given your appearance. So I came to the conclusion you're an eagle.
Elegant yet deadly, you look over everyone from a distance. You don't have children of your own, but for you, these girls are as sacred as one would normally be with their blood. When it's necessary you'll take extreme and maybe even irresponsible measures to protect them.'

Miya looks at me flabbergasted just like the other girls behind me. Together with the info Miya told me earlier you guys are way too easy to read. I shrug.

'Do you work as some kind of undercover agent or something? Those who know how to read people's minds ...profilers! That's what I mean.'

Alice asks with a giddy voice. I almost feel bad to burst her bubble, but that just won't fly!

'Hell no! More like the opposite, I'm an underground fighter.'

'And what does that mean exactly?'

Rose asks with a disgusted voice and Violet rolls her eyes at her as if to say it's pretty obvious.

'That means she competes in underground boxing championships without any rules. In other words, better watch your tone, Rose. 'Cause, she'll be able to destroy that pretty face of yours without breaking a sweat.'

'That's ludicrous! Why on earth would you purposely get yourself into such fights to get banged up?!'

Rose shouts toward me, completely ignoring Violet's warning, seemingly more shocked about the fact as to what it means to be an underground fighter. She's like the polar opposite of me.

'Listen. It's none of your bloody business why I do what I do. This is who I am, so fucking deal with it alright? I'm not here to fight anyone or make friends. I'm just here because I need the money to pay for the entry feed for my upcoming fights.'

I tell them flat out. Everyone except Rose seems to accept the situation and eventually Rose backs down as well, though she's certainly not satisfied. Miya tells the girls to keep my true profession between these walls and looks explicitly at Rose for a couple of seconds. She nods and says she won't tell anyone about it, all the while averting eye contact with me.

After that Miya dismisses all of them for the day, the girls that weren't working all grab their new schedules and say goodbye to me as they leave. Isobel and Kathrine inform me they live here before they go upstairs. Leaving only me, Miya, Violet, and Alice in the break room.

Miya asks me what size I am and after answering she quickly goes upstairs to fetch me my work clothing. Alice and Violet both finish changing into their regular clothes and Alice rushes out as soon as she sees what time it is, mumbling something about being late for her other job. Only Violet and I remain and she turns in my direction. Her regular clothes are miles apart from her maid outfit. She's wearing a black leather jacket, a black rock and roll shirt, and a pair of washed-out jeans. Her boots certainly look like they've seen better days, but they remind me of my own which makes me smile slightly.

'You don't have to worry about Rose.'

She says her voice slightly nostalgic as if she's remembering something. I let out a snort of laughter at her words. She isn't the type I'd worry about anyways. I think to myself and as if she's reading my mind she shakes her head.

'That's not what I meant. I was saying she won't spill about you being a fighter.'

'I wasn't worried about that either. She may have a big mouth but when push comes to shove she hasn't got enough backbone to follow it through..'

I tell her with a bored tone as I flop down on one of the chairs. Violet cocks her head to the side thinking about what I just said and eventually sits down next to me.

'In your case, I think your right, she'll probably be too afraid you'll break her bones. But she can be a real bitch when you manage to piss her off.'

'Duly noted. I'm not planning on pissing her off or getting into a fight with her, or anyone. Though she is the type that'd normally get me worked up pretty quickly.'

'I sure know that feeling.'

Violet says chuckling as she tilts her head to the side, a smile still playing on her lips as she mumbles.

'We're a strange bunch, but on the floor, we work surprisingly well together. None of these girls would be the type I'd normally hang out with, but to my own annoyance they start to grow on you after a little while.'

'Sorry, but don't count on it. I'll only be here for a little while. As soon as the WMC is over I'll be traveling again.'

Violet smiles as if she expected me to say something like that before she gets up from her chair and throws her bag over her shoulder and sighs.

'That's what we all said when we came here. Just don't come crying to me when you realize I was right. Anyway, I've got practice so I'll see you around Karma.'

'I won't, believe me.'

I tell her as she walks outside. As soon as the door is closed Miya comes back. She hands me a bag containing my new work attire. I'm kinda relieved to see she also gave me the clothing that goes underneath the apron as she explains all the maids wear the same garments. Every maid gets two different sets of clothing in two different colors, black and white.

I open the bag and take out the pieces slowly examining them one by one. How on earth am I supposed to wear this?! I think to myself staring at the black and white corset tops. At first, I was glad there were also pants to choose from, but when I look at this I'm not so sure anymore... Seeing my nervousness Miya smiles and offers to help me put it on so I know how it works. 

She shows me how it's done and after a long few minutes, I manage to put the corset on myself, picking the black pair of pants that go with it so I can put them on, after which I look at myself in the mirror. Damn, I'm not even wearing the apron but this sure as hell puts me out of my comfort zone...

'Don't worry darling, you look great. You're just not used to wearing these types of clothes yet.'

'Well, that sure is an understatement.'

I grumble as I'm looking at my reflection in the mirror. Kizzy will be bloody gobsmacked when she sees me wearing something like this.