I Don't Care, Anymore

Mika followed Kazuya to the next building, her eyes vacant from the act of savagery she had just committed. She savored the flavor of tobacco on her lips, not caring to abide by any age restricting rules after her morning of despair. Her mind played the scene of severing the ramen shop owner'a finger over and over like a broken record.

 Kazuya walked from one structure to the next, threatening his clients with violence and promises of injury to obtain the Bara-gumi's funds. Mika had been blissfully unaware of how good her life was before being dragged into the world of underground crime. She much preferred her life as a vagrant, spending her days sifting through piles of garbage for an expired convenience store meal. She missed her homeless companions; the way they would chat until sunrise about their lives before they lost it all. Kazuya kept his distance from her, sensing that she was in no mood to socialize anytime soon.

The two arrived back at the Bara-gumi's headquarters in the outskirts of Sanya. Mika exited the vehicle, not bothering to close the door behind her. She stormed into the building and toward the basement. Once she arrived at her kennel, she let out a long, shaky breath. She desperately wanted to see Harumi, hoping she was holding up as best she could. She was seeking advice, something to tear her mind away from her irreversible actions. 

Mika chewed on her thumbnail, rocking herself back and forth as her mind replayed the moment she severed the ramen shop owner's finger. Over and over and over... She remembered that she had stolen a bottle of muscle relaxers from the basement pill cabinet, and she eagerly dug into her skirt pockets to search for an easy escape from her feelings. She felt around for the small, plastic bottle, but all she removed was a small piece of paper.

Mika unfolded the note, carefully reading over the two words written in black ink.

"Don't
-Kazuya"

A high pitched whimper escaped her throat as she hugged her knees tightly to her chest, allowing her tears spill onto her bare legs. The harmony of multiple yakuza members roared to life as dinner was served overhead. Sounds of stomping feet and glasses clinking together caused Mika's stomach to grumble, yet she couldn't bring herself to go upstairs to eat.

Severed finger... Severed finger... Bloody, lifeless finger...

Silence washed over the dining hall as Ninagawa Charlotte entered the room. Everyone was on edge, already whispering rumors about what had occurred last night. Some claimed Mika was brutally tortured with electric wires; which wasn't too far from the truth, while others wondered if Harumi had participated in the sadistic game.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen the loser dog all day."

"Probably because she's in timeout. You know how the boss gets when she's angry."

"Harumi-san is missing, too. I wonder if they got in another fight. Look at Charlotte-sama's hand."

Charlotte caught glimpse of the curious lackeys. She wiped her mouth with the edge of her napkin and turned to Kazuya, who was in the middle of his meal.
"Where is my puppy?"

Kazuya avoided her gaze, focusing on finishing his food. He knew he would be in deep trouble for refusing to answer, but he couldn't allow Mika to endure any more pain today.

"Kazuya... you know what happens when you ignore me, right?"
Charlotte rose from her seat, stepping dangerously close to Kazuya. He stood firm in his decision, remaining completely silent as he stuffed another bite of rice in his mouth with trembling hands.

Charlotte grabbed him by the throat, positioning her sharp chopstick against the top of his dominant hand.
"I'll ask one more time, because I respect you. Where is my puppy?"

"I'll answer you when you tell me where Harumi is."
Kazuya's eyes met hers with a defiant glare.

Charlotte let out a sultry chuckle, swaying her hips as she positioned herself even closer to Kazuya's lap.
"Aw, is someone worried about their sister? Don't you fret, brother-in-law, Harumi is safe and well. She's chained to my bed as we speak."

Kazuya's eyes filled with hatred. He retaliated by gripping Charlotte's injured hand, digging his thumb into her stab wound.
"Let Harumi go, and I'll tell you where Mika is."

Charlotte's lips pursed as she held back a pained whimper. Not once in the entire history of the Bara-gumi has anyone seen her make such a pained expression. She yanked her hand free, giving Kazuya a deadly smile.
"Of course, an eye for an eye. I'll bring Harumi, but you best keep your promise."
Charlotte stormed off, her flustered state clearly visible on her red cheeks. Kazuya had successfully embarrassed her in front of the entire Bara-gumi, and the tension was at an all-time high.

Moments later, Harumi entered the dining hall, covered in bruises, wearing a pair of silk lingerie beneath her kimono. Charlotte followed closely behind, watching as Harumi threw herself into Kazuya's arms. He stroked the trembling girl with a gentle hand, still maintaining eye contact with Charlotte.
"Mika is in the basement. She's been through a lot today, so go easy on her."

Charlotte stormed off to the basement door, having no intention of following Kazuya's request. She walked down the stairs, bringing a sinister aura with her as her footsteps echoed. Mika peeked her head from behind her knees, watching as Charlotte stopped a few inches in front of her.
"Oh, my. What's my little loser dog doing all alone? Are you sulking?"

Mika chewed on her thumbnail, glancing at Charlotte through her disheveled bangs. Her eyes burned with a fiery rage.
"Shut up. I'm done with being your pawn. I don't care, anymore! I would rather go back to living on the streets!"

Charlotte raised her hand high in the air, bringing it down on Mika's cheek with a harsh thud.
"Go on, then! If you think you can live the rest of your life crawling through the alleys, be my guest! I always knew you were a filthy mutt!"

Mika didn't react; she simply continued to chew on her fingernail. She pulled herself up against the metal cage behind her, limping her way past Charlotte; who was frantically puffing her pipe.
"Return your gun and tanto blade. You have no use for them, anymore."

Mika tossed her weapons to the ground, not bothering to look back as she made her way up the stairs. She passed through the dining hall, watching as the Bara-gumi stopped mid dinner to give her a final glare. Kazuya and Harumi sat perfectly still, studying the small girl as she exited the apartment, throwing her rose shaped tie clip aside; the final connection she had to Charlotte.

Harumi jolted to her feet, allowing her body to move before she could even think.
"Mika-chan!"
It was no use. Mika was gone.

* * *
End of Part #1