It's deep in the night when I startle awake from the sound of something crashing. Subconsciously I jump out of bed into a fighting stance and my eyes snap open within an instant. What was that?! I cautiously look around me until I realize I'm on the ranch. I lower my fists and heave a small sigh, old habits die hard. Prison clearly sharpened my senses, but what was that noise? Just as I'm about to open my door I hear an agonizing scream.

'NO!
Let go of me, please!'

'Kizzy!'

I rush across the hallway barging open the door to Kizzy's room, my eyes dart across the room and land on Kizzy who's holding her sheets as she groans in agony. I sigh, leaning against the wall. I guess that answers that question, she still has those bloody nightmares. It's been a few days since I got back and after being gone for three years I had almost forgotten all about it. Annoyed I drag my hands through my hair as I walk to her bed. I sit down next to her and slowly start rubbing her back. This always used to calm you down.

She started getting these nightmares after her parents got killed and she doesn't particularly like to talk about it, but she did tell me it was always the same one. Her body still writhes in agony as sweat drips from her forehead. Stupid girl. After a few minutes, her groans slowly fade out and her ragged breathing returns to normal. I stop rubbing her back and stand up to walk towards the hallway.

'K-Karma?'

Kizzy softly whispers as she sits up while rubbing her eyes. 'Relax, I'll be right back.' I murmur before I walk downstairs to the kitchen. I quickly make some hot milk with honey before I trot back to Kizzy who's still sitting on the corner of her bed holding her knees to her chest, staring into the distance. I reach her the mug while peering at her face intently.

'So you still get that same nightmare?'

I ask, even though I already know the answer. She tries to shake her head in denial, but I stop her before she can do so.

'Don't lie to me. I know it's that dream, so you don't need to make excuses.
You know I hate lying and it's not like you want it to happen, so why deny it?'

'I-I... It's just ...that wolf gives me the creeps.'

'Listen. I have no clue why you developed a hating towards wolves since your parent's died. They aren't particularly friendly, I'll give you that, but it's just a dream Kizzy. Try not to think about it so much.
Here, drink up and go back to sleep.'

She nods drowning the drink in one big gulp before thanking me as she hands me back the empty mug, trying to smile with a little confidence to reassure me. But her eyes betray her and I know that she's still worried about it as she lays back down. When will you let this go? I think as I say goodnight and walk out of the room, closing the door behind me.

Back in my room, I check my phone to see it's just past four. Sighing I peek through the curtain at the corner of my window, it's still dark out. But because of Kizzy, I'm wide awake now. I look over to my bag, I could go train at that bar... After pondering about it for a few minutes I make up my mind and hop into my sports bra and leggings. I throw on a jacket and my favorite pair of boots before I grab my bag, heading downstairs.

Once outside I swing the bag across my shoulder and start jogging to the cafe. With a steady pace, I dash through the streets. My breathing becomes slightly ragged after some time and it doesn't take me very long before I reach the front of the cafe where it's still bustling with people. I walk through the front door as the music slams itself into my eardrums. Bloody hell, I'm sure awake now! I slightly squint my eyes, ignoring the urge to cover my ears as I make my way through the crowd toward the bar where I see Sean. 

As I slide down on one of the bar stools Sean notices me right away, and gestures he'll be there in a sec. I nod leaning back and looking around the area. There are people of all ages dancing, drinking, and playing pool. The difference between regulars and tourists is very easy to spot. In the corner of my eye, I see Sonny talking to a bunch of guys. That doesn't look suspicious at all... I roll my eyes and turn back to see Sean standing back in front of me.

'What can I do for you at this early morning?'

He asks with a flat tone, no endearments this time around as he's undoubtedly still angry I threatened his business last time. Such a big mouth, although ...you're still afraid of me. I narrow my eyes, studying his every movement. He clenches his jaw and I notice his shoulders twitch slightly. No, this is different. It isn't anger I'm seeing, he's putting up a front as if to defend himself. He's afraid of me, personally... Is it because he knows I beat Sonny? His eyes open wide with dread written in them, knowing I've seen right through him. A small smile spreads across my face as I answer lightly.

'Coffee, and if it's empty, the keys to the basement.'

Surprised he nods and turns around to get my order. Pathetic. It's not like I'm some kind of maniac who goes around beating up random people. I snort to myself tapping my fingers on the counter. A few moments later Sean returns and places a cup of coffee in front of me. He hands me the keys and tells me I can use the place as long as I want since there probably won't be anyone coming here until later that night. Bored I nod back at him before he gets back to his other customers.

'God, the music in this place is just too loud!'

I grumble to myself as I sip my coffee.

'Good morning little miss sunshine.'

A heavy and familiar voice booms beside me making me roll my eyes before I turn toward the source. Sonny leans against the bar, his eyes trained on me as he smiles brightly. He looks good, considering...

'Well, some people just woke the fuck up.'

I grumble and Sonny lets out a bark of laughter when Sean comes over and quietly places a glass of cognac in front of him. He accepts it without even looking his way, happily gulping it all down at once. That sure improves the image I already have of the mob. Give them guns so they can shoot at people while they're drunk... That's a fucking brilliant idea!

'Sure that's a good plan? Your reflexes will waver even more if you're hammered. Beating you now would be child's play.'

I say, not trying to hide my disgust in the least. Sonny holds his hand over his heart as if he's just been stabbed. 'That hurt.' He pouts and I shake my head ignoring him as I empty my coffee and stand up. Is he really trusted by the mafia? He's like a big child or something... I wonder, seriously doubting the choices of this organization.

'Well, I guess I'm glad I didn't kill an old man.'

I say as I pick up my bag and toss it back over my shoulder before I head over to the basement. What a strange guy. I think to myself, slightly shaking my head. My mind still utterly dumbfounded about the fact that someone who's so feared can act so childish. I plop down on one of the benches and open my bag. They're old, but they still do their job. I think to myself while wrapping my hands tightly with the old cloth-like material.

When I'm done I open and close my hands a few times making fists. With my eyes sealed I relish in the familiar feeling for a little bit until stand up and walk towards the main room which also has a punching bag. My eyes search around the room and eventually spot a radio behind the bar. I turn it on, searching for a channel that plays rock music.

I stretch for a couple of minutes before I start slamming my fists into the punching bag. *Thud, thud thud.* Balancing between my left and right foot, my fists slam into the punching bag relentlessly. Again! I demand myself to put even more power into every hit. Left, right,    sideways. *Thud, thud, pow!* I can feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, which only makes me speed up my tempo even more. *Thud, thud thud!* Not good enough! I scowl at myself inwardly, slightly slowing down my hits so I can focus more on my strength. My punches aren't as accurate as I want them to be, so I squint my eyes a little focusing on one specific point.

Bouncing between both my feet I keep hitting the same spot over and over in different combinations for the next few minutes. *Pow, p-pow!* The shackles rattle loudly as I'm showing the punching bag no mercy. *Thud, thud, pow!* Better. I wipe some sweat off my forehead and continue punching, landing some kicks into my combinations.*Pow, pow, slam!*

Another half an hour passes and when I'm in the middle of my next combination I instantly swing around, aiming my fist at the person who's trying to sneak up on me. Bloody idiot. *Pow, pow~ * My fist stops inches before an unfamiliar face. His body language doesn't look fazed. The guy is just standing there with his hands in his pockets and a cheeky smile plastered on his face. But his eyes betray him as they waver ever so slightly at my unexpected move.

'What kinda moron are you, trying to sneak up on a fighter?'

'The name is Micah, nice meeting you too. I can see why Rusty shows interest in you. The moment I walked closer to your back you noticed me, impressive.'

'Heh, so that's what you think?'

I snort while lowering my fists ignoring the little sneer in his tone. I walk over to my bag and grab a bottle of water, gulping down its contents all at once.

'You guys are stupid. I heard you open the door fifteen minutes ago. But since you seemed to enjoy the show and didn't say anything, I let you watch.'

His eyes go wide with surprise as I exclaim to have known about his presence since he arrived.

'You work for Rocco I presume, so what do you want?'

'Rocco, huh? First name bases, now I'm even more impressed.
Rusty told me to inform you about the fights that'll be going on before the WMC. He also wanted you to know he'll be betting on you.
Oh, and here's some cash for the entry feed.'

He says casually holding out an envelope. I can't help but recoil as he acts like I'm working for, or rather with, them. No way in hell this is going down! I scowl as my eyes shoot daggers at the guy named Micah while I spit angrily.

'Hold it right there! Don't act like I'm associating with you guys, I'm not. Nor am I interested, I already told Rocco this! I'm not for sale, or a fucking charity case for that matter, so you can take that money back and tell him he can shove it up his ass!'

With a face of disgust, I slap the envelope with the back of my hand before I stalk away. Who do these people think they are?! Fuming with anger, I grab my stuff and head out of the basement leaving Micah standing there dumbfounded by my words. I'm not sure it was smart to tell someone from the mob to 'shove it', but bloody hell! It's only been a few days and it already seems they won't leave me the heck alone. I place the keys on the counter and quickly ask Sean how much the entry fee is for the upcoming fights. He tells me it's about two thousand total, which makes me gulp silently before I tell him I'll give my answer in a few days and head out. 

Dammit, there is no fucking way I'll take that money from Rocco! But I don't have that kinda money at the moment either. Because of my time in prison I haven't been able to earn money so I'm running a little low. I've got about nine hundred stashed, but I also gotta live off that in the meantime too. Competing in small fights won't make me earn enough, not in time at least. I need to earn some cash, quickly.

***

I get back to the ranch somewhere in the afternoon once I'm done with a few hours of running to build up my stamina. I'm beat. I huff, quickly taking a shower before I head over to the back searching for Kizzy.
I spot her in one of the outdoor horse arenas and walk over there, sitting down on the wooden fence around the arena watching Kizzy work her magic.

She told me she has been training a horse that's been brought in by some rich client. After having an accident the owner exclaimed he wouldn't let anyone ride him anymore. Kizzy said it had indeed been proven to be a stubborn one, and she has been working for two months straight only trying to earn its trust.

Her techniques often seem strange to me. But for some reason, they always draw my attention and I end up watching her intently. At the moment she has her back turned toward the horse, her body language obviously telling that she isn't interested in him. The horse's eyes keep focused on her trying to figure out what she's up to, but she doesn't move.

After a couple of minutes, the horse slowly creeps toward Kizzy, nudging her in the back with his nose trying to get her attention. Kizzy, however, doesn't pay him any mind as she walks a slight distance away from him again, her back still turned. She stops a few feet further still ignoring the beast completely.

The horse cocks his head slightly surprised by the fact that she disregards him. Why is he so curious about someone that doesn't seem interested in him? As I'm asking myself that, not understanding the beast's train of thought in the slightest, he slowly goes for another approach toward Kizzy. This time she keeps standing in the same place, although she still pays him no attention.

The horse keeps nudging her back while getting more and more frustrated about being ignored. In his turmoil, he starts stomping the floor underneath him using his hooves in a desperate attempt to get Kizzy's attention, though she still doesn't waver.

They always told me horses are extremely clever... But to me, it looks just the opposite. His need for attention just seems idiotic. At the end of his wits, he makes one final attempt and he pushes her so hard against her spine using the back of his head, causing her to topple over.

She still makes no sound and tries to keep her head facing towards the ground, but the stubborn horse is determined now and rolls her over using his foot. Unbelievable. I think as Kizzy smiles and looks up directly at the beast who's leaning his head over her, sniffing his nose triumphantly.

Slowly she reaches out her hand and pets his head for a couple of seconds before she stands up and leads him back to the stables. A couple of minutes later she comes back and sits down next to me.

'It's still a mystery to me how you do it, but your strange methods seem to work on him. Even if I don't get it, at all.'

I tell her still not understanding why the horse wouldn't just give up and move on. If someone is not showing interest in you, you should just leave them be. That's what I think at least. Kizzy lets out a small chuckle and says.

'That's because you're even more stubborn than the horse, Karma.'

'What the hell is that suppose to mean?!'

I shout, but she has no intention of answering me as she jumps off the fence heading back to the house.

'You'll figure it out eventually. I have some shopping to do in town, you coming?'

I can't help but grumble a 'fine' as I also jump off the fence. Why does she never explain things? It's such a pain. I think to myself as I follow Kizzy inside and toward the store.

***

We're walking along the bustling streets of New Orleans while Kizzy is carrying several bags from all kinds of stores. We make a pitstop at one of the smaller bistros close to the center of the city and we both order something to drink and something small to eat.

'A black coffee and a salad. What are you, a cafeïne drunk bunny?'

'Ha-ha. Very funny.
I need to get back in shape as soon as possible, so I can't do ...that.'

I murmur while chewing on my salad, pointing toward her slice of cake and cappuccino. She heaves a sigh and sets down her drink as she looks up at me.

'I know I won't be able to convince you to let go of the fighting thing. So that probably means I'm also back to a pasta and rice diet, right?'

'I never said you should eat it as well. But yeah, I'll be eating lots of that so I'll be able to keep up with my training schedule.'

'Speaking of which. You went training this morning, right?'

I nod as I finish my plate and hand the server the money. We both get up and start walking back to the ranch as I tell her about what happened at the bar.

'I don't wanna accept his fucking blood money! But to be honest, I don't really see any other way if I want to enter.'

'Have you thought about, I don't know, getting a job?'

She says matter-of-factly and I cock my head sideways looking at her with one eyebrow raised.

'And what kinda work would I do? I've done some part-time work in a couple of bars, but that's about it. And never in between matches. There is an obvious reason for that.'

She nods, understanding what I mean when someone tabs me on my shoulder. I stop walking and turn around to see a middle-aged woman standing in front of us. She clearly leads a good life judging by her upstanding appearance. Even though she isn't a size twelve she's wearing a Black fitted dress that seems to be made especially for her. Her hair is a neat up do and her makeup is tasteful, though her bold red nails and lipstick compliment her sex appeal.

'I hope you don't find me rude, but~'

She pauses for a second while her eyes scan me over from top to bottom. I raise an eyebrow wondering what a woman like her wants with someone like me when she smiles and gives a satisfied nod.

'Just as I thought, you're perfect.'

'Sorry. But perfect for what, exactly?'

I ask still not understanding the woman and she waves her hands in an apology as she continues.

'Oh, excuse me. You probably have no clue as to what I'm babbling on about. My name is Miya, I'm the owner of the Maid Cafe that's just around the corner.'

She says while pointing to an alley a couple of feet away from us. What on earth is a Maid Cafe? I ask myself as I turn my attention back to the woman and I introduce myself, slightly afraid of where this conversation is going.

'I'm searching for a new maid and just as I thought, you are stunning. So if you want, you can come and work for me.'

Flabbergasted I can only gawk at her. Me?! A maid?! No matter how I look at it, I seem to be the least qualified person anyone could find for a job like that! And in unison, Kizzy and I burst out in a fit of laughter.

'Hahaha! Listen, lady. I don't mean to be rude, even though I have no fucking clue what a Maid Cafe is in the first place... I can tell from the name alone that it isn't for me.
I mean, have you even looked at me?! I'm the type of girl that swears, a lot. And wears functional clothes, so I'll be able to train. I'm not the kinda girl that spends hours in front of a mirror. I've never even worn a dress, or a skirt!'

'I'll vouch for that. Geh-heh! I don't know what got into you ma'am but even I can't picture Karma working in a place that's called a Maid Cafe...'

Kizzy says giggling all the while. I give her an elbow, muttering that she doesn't have to rub it in. But the woman only smiles.

'At least let me explain to you what a Maid Cafe is. I heard you were in need of money and at my cafe, you get paid by the day. Being a maid pays fairly well, even if I say so myself. You can always recline my offer later.'

Kizzy shrugs telling me I should at least hear her out since I'm n dire need of the money. She's probably right, I can always say no later. I debate with myself, going over my options. There is something worrying me about the whole "Maid" thing, but it sure as hell beats Rocco's offer!
After telling her I'll hear her out, I part ways with Kizzy and follow the woman into the alleyway she pointed to earlier.

It's one of the smaller side streets and has only a handful of small cafes and bistros, but still, it's bustling with people and the mood is very pleasant. I notice a wooden sign hanging above one of the cafes in the form of a maids apron and the words 'Maid Cafe' written on it in elegant writing.

We both walk to the front door and my eyes dart around the room astonished, everything looks very chic and sophisticated. There are about fifteen to twenty black tables, some with high-end white leather stools around them and others with white leather couches. This is a place I'd normally never come to, I probably can't even afford it. I think, glancing around. Even though there aren't that many tables, I see five people working and walking around.

My eyes quietly observe one of the "Maids" as I follow Miya. They're all wearing different aprons that look like they've been made especially for them. With one glimpse I can see that they are made of the finest fabrics and probably really expensive. To my surprise, they are all wearing actual clothing underneath it, because of the word "Maid" I envisioned something way more ...inappropriate?

Miya glances over at me while I'm still tracking the servers with my eyes, making her chuckle softly. The maids all bow to her politely as we walk past them. They obviously appreciate their boss... I murmur as we arrive in her office and Miya sits down on a designer stool while she ushers me to take the seat opposite of her.

'From the look on your face, I can tell you thought I had some kind of shady business.'

She chuckles, not surprised by my original vision of her store. I scratch the back of my head feeling a bit guilty for making my own conclusions without knowing anything.

'I didn't mean to judge you. I mean, even I can see that you're a high-class woman. So~'

'Don't worry about it. There aren't that many people in America who know what a maid cafe is, so please let me explain.'

I nod in understanding as one of the maids enters the room and places a martini in front of Miya.

'Here you go, Madame. And what would the lady with you like to drink?'

She asks with a bubbly voice, smiling happily at me. I can't help but cough awkwardly as she refers to me as a lady. M-Me?! A fucking lady?! Now I've seen it all...

'Water would be fine, thanks.'

I answer while holding back a snort of laughter. I know I'm nothing of a lady, and I have no clue as to how I should behave like one either. For some reason, she won't let my simple answer slide and she asks, or rather pushes, me into getting flavored water. She gives me a million options to choose from and I just tell her mint in order to get it over with.

Eventually, she leaves the room to get my drink. She doesn't take no for an answer, does she? I think flabbergasted about how quickly, yet skillfully, she managed to change my order. I blink a few times, staring at the closed door the blond girl just left through until Miya's giggle brings me back to my senses.

'That was Alice. She can be a bit intimidating at first, but her bright mood seems to be loved by our customers.'

Alice... Now that I think about it, her shoulder-length blonde hair and blue apron reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. Before I get a chance to speak up Alice comes back into the room and places a glass with water, ice, and fresh leaves of mint on the table next to me. I glance over her apron another time and confirm it's styled like Alice's dress. She smiles brightly, adding a 'Here you go, my lady.' into the mix before she skips out of the room humming under her breath. I shake my head and turn my attention back to Miya.

'She sure is ..something.'

I mumble pinching the bridge of my nose as if I'm trying to get rid of a, yet, non-existing headache. She sure has a lot of positive energy to back up her job... I think as Miya only laughs while sipping her martini. If everyone is like her, I'm not sure I'd survive this place. While still holding her drink she focuses her eyes back on me and says.

'Now... Let me explain what being a "Maid" in this cafe means precisely...'