Mika

The Next "Player"

“Gah! Grr…I-I need to endure this…A-anyone!? Can anyone hear me!? PLEASE…SAVE ME!”

I found myself hanged to the wall, bounded by chains on each hand, and was mercilessly bitten by the ants. They put some honey on my foot and it enticed some ants. If this goes on, either my body or my mind will surrender…!

The temperature here is colder than usual, and even if it’s faint, I could hear the splashing sounds of waves. I’m in the basement of a certain house, and the only thing that’s illuminating the room is the light coming from a single bulb hanging just above me.

I heard a door creaking, and a pitter-patter of footsteps, which became louder in each step and briefly stops just right in front of me.

“I’ve always wanted to let you know that this is the first time I’ve ever used this torture. I wonder how long you would last.”

I lifted my head to see a lady wearing a green party dress embroidered with glittering gems near the chest part. She’s a woman in her late twenties, with a round face and slit eyes and hair tied in a bun, with a hair ornament clipped on it.

It’s Mara Lionel.

“You can scream all you want, but I’ll tell you in advance that this little villa here is my lovely property. You can run away, and nothing would change,” she said with a chuckle.

“P-Please, let me go! Why…why are you doing this!? What have I done to incur your wrath!? Aren’t you business partners with Louise!?”

“Mika, Mika, Mika…Heh. Why would I? Louise? I used her as a tool, and she was a fool to believe in me. She knew about it though, she abruptly ended our partnership.”

“Just what…did I do…to you!? Tell me…!” I groaned as kept on killing the ants by rubbing my feet against each other.

“Haha! I love that agony of yours, little one! Oh yes, I’ll leave you here for now; I have a beauty pageant to attend. This is the curse you obtained by befriending the supposed-to-be ultimate tool of the business industry. Toodles~”

Why am I the one who always gets this kind of torture!?

The ants keep on biting me like crazy, and my mind is slowly showing signs that it’s about to break.

So this is how my life ends huh? Louise…

“Live on…!”

I guess… I can’t fulfill what you wanted me to do. I’ll apologize to you as many times as you want if we ever cross our paths.

“Lass? Are you okay?”

Mmm? A voice? Who’s there?

I slowly opened my eyes and saw a figure of a man with scruffy hair, mustache, and beard. His clothes are ragged and tattered, and on his hand is an ax. Is he here to end my life for good? That’s what I thought…until he uttered the words that I never would’ve thought to hear in this peril.

“Goodness gracious! How could anyone do this kind of horrible thing!? I’ll help you out! Please close your eyes; I’ll cut those chains.”

“Could you at least cut it at the other end? I can use the chains for self-defense.”

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it is a good idea to have something you can use to defend yourself, lass.”

As the person said, he cuts the chains off, near the other end. I dropped to the floor, enduring the pain from my wrists and my feet.

“Can you stand up, lass?”

“I-I can’t. My feet are…”

“What the heck are those? Ants? I’ll take you to the sea! Salt is a natural remedy against ants! Here, take my shoulder. Let’s do it nice and steady, okay?”

“O-Okay…thank you, old man.”

“My name is Gardo, While I’m not a local of this place, my house is on the other end of this island.”

It’s afternoon, and the sun is about to set. The light was reflected by the sea, creating a sparkling effect.

It feels so nostalgic…Louise and I often watch the sunset together, while eating my homemade cookies. I miss my best friend…Louise…I’m sorry if I dragged you into such a predicament. IF only we didn’t become friends, you wouldn’t have to die. I miss you dearly…

We came to the sea, and I was brought to the sea to dip my feet.

“Ouch!”

“That’s to be expected, the skin of your feet is torn up. You can’t walk, right? I’ll carry you on my back.”

“T-Thank you, Mr. Gardo.”

“Rest assured, lass. I’m not someone who does something nasty to women. I have my wife, after all.”

I could only chuckle as I listened to his stories.

But then those smiles changed into rage and sadness.

“Why…!? Why does my wife need to be killed!? I shouldn’t have helped you out! Because of you… BECAUSE OF YOU…!”

We were snuffed out by Mara’s henchmen, and Mr. Gardo’s house was burned, and her wife was molested and… I’d rather not talk about it.

The very same ax that helped me escape was about to hit me but it stopped all of a sudden.

“… Mr. Gardo?”

“…scape.”

“H-huh?”

“Go, and make your escape! I’ll stall some time. I’m sure that those bastards would return.”

“B-but…”

“Just hurry! My wife…Laz became so much cheerful when you came. I’m sure that even if she died, she would never blame you. Just go. Please. You can use the boat to escape, but promise me that you will only go at night. The mainland is not far away from here, and the reason I have this wonderful ax with me and some bear traps is that I gather high-quality lumber. I have a bigger boat north of here, but you should use the smaller one. There’s also a small cabin there.”

“Why are you helping me…?”

The next thing I heard is a shocking revelation.

“…Louise Pallete is my beloved daughter. Her real name is Louise Malph, our sole daughter. She was adopted by the Pallete Family, or rather, forced to become one of them. If Louise is fond of you, then I shall put my life on the line. Go now, before I change my mind.”

I shed a tear and turned my back to run away when Mr. Gardo called my name one last time.

“Mika.”

“Y-yes?”

“I’ve heard about it. You became friends with Louise. Sorry for feigning ignorance. May her spirit rest in peace. Now go, my daughter’s friend.” Mr. Gardo said with a smile. It’s a smile that I would never forget—the smile of farewell.

I left the scene, and all I heard are screams of people and gunshots.

***

The shower is a little bit cold since winter’s coming.

Don’t worry Mr. Gardo, Mrs. Laz… I’ll avenge your deaths.

“Hey, Mika…aren’t you done yet?”

“Oh, sorry about that, Xyare. I’m reminiscing, that’s all.”

“Sheesh, I can’t bring you to any hospitals if you get sick. I’ll leave the towel here. We’ll discuss the plan later.”

“You’re being overprotective. Thanks for the towel.”

“No prob.”

Xyare walks away.

“Okay, time for me to finish my bath, or else I might get some cold. I can’t execute my plan if I keep sneezing.”

After a brief moment, I’m wearing my usual clothes; a white long-sleeved collared shirt, and a gray skirt. When I got outside, I saw Xyare preparing the thing I asked him, the layout of the mall where the convention will take place, a map, and some phones.

“You’re here. Don’t you have anything else to wear?”

“I’m rather fond of these clothes.”

“Yeah right.”

This is what Louise always recommended me to wear, after all.

“Anyway, here’s her address. It’s a mansion with a lot measuring twelve hectares, located fifteen kilometers away from the mall. The rest of the information is in that folder, and I prepared the things you’ve asked of me. Why did you choose bear traps and honey this time?”

“You’ll learn soon enough. Fufu.”

“Sometimes, I don’t quite get you.”

“Ara? Is that something I must be concerned about?”

“Nope. Having someone with a cunning and unpredictable mind as a friend is amazingly great.”

“You’re as twisted as I am when my switch flicks on.”

“I’m honored to hear that. Oh yeah, you can’t just go there in that casual look of yours, so brought you a disguise. It’s something popular nowadays, and the good thing here is that you can easily blend with these on.”

“I’ll repay you soon for your efforts of helping me.”

“Nah, just cross out another person on your list, and you’ll do mine next; it’s more than enough.”

“Fufu. Of course. I promised you, after all.”

***

“Welcome to the first-ever cosplay convention! I’m your host…”

Sigh, why am I included in this lousy program? I want to have my back laid on the bed, or enjoy my precious wine while basking in the moonlight. Yet, this is for the sake of my business and new business opportunities; for that, sacrifices have to be made.

I’m one of the sponsors of the event, with a condition that my clothing line will have the privilege to sell some cosplay clothes to the public. I used my fortune to make them obey; money can do everything.

“…and for that, we would like to give the stage to one of our sponsors, Miss Mara Lionel!”

A round of applause could be heard, and I started my speech. I made it short as I want to sit down and relax.

I made it through and sat on my chair. Ah yes, relaxation…

The cosplayers were given a minute to present their portrayed character; not that I understand them at all. I’ve never watched any animated series throughout my entire life. It’s just a waste of my time.

The program continued, and we’re on the last person—mmm? Among these cosplayers, this one truly stands out.

“Now, one of our cosplayers shall display her innate talent! According to her, she can perfectly intertwine with the mischievous personality of the character she’s portraying! Holding a knife with bloodstains, and her glamorous appearance! Let’s all welcome cosplayer number 180!”

With jet black hair and a full gothic outfit that was blended with the modern culture, she stepped on the stage and everyone just awed at her. Even I, one who proclaims the throne of glamour, is fascinated at her posture, the way she walks, and that body figure…! She’s like a doll! A gothic doll…!

“Very well, miss… I think most people here knew what character you are, but for the sake of those who don’t…what character are you portraying?”

“It’s from the Sweet Psycho; my name is Rosicco. Nice to meet you!”

The crowd cheered loudly. Is that Rosicco that popular? I should look into it then. Sweet Psycho, is it? I’ll make sure to watch that after this.

“The crowd goes wild! Say, Rosicco. Aren’t you too perfect for the character? Your physique and everything matches perfectly with the infamous Sweet Psycho killer!”

“Haha, well. I think every same feature me and Rosicco have is a plain coincidence. Though, I’m glad that I brought joy to my fellow cosplayers!”

“Alright! The crowd is roaring with excitement! Now, we’ll proceed with the act! Do you have what it takes? Let’s start!”

The people became silent, waiting for the person on the stage to play the act. What I’ve seen next is absolute perfection, that even someone like me who doesn’t watch a single episode of Sweet Psycho, would have the jaw dropped. Her adorable voice became a little sweeter, but her eyes were cold as eyes, as her smile is as vibrant as the sun. According to the staff, Rosicco is a female killer who took pleasure in killing people who did her wrong by applying the same tactics the victim did to her in the past. This girl got a knack for acting as well.

“…and I’ll drop some honey on your feet for the ants to feed on. Fufu.” The woman gestured as a sadist would do but in a sexy manner. If only she’s real…I would love her to accompany me in quenching my sadistic desires. That last line of hers…I did it before, and I enjoyed the groans of that gold digger.

“…and cut! Now that’s absolute perfection! You saw that guys!? What you’ve seen earlier is Rosicco in real life! Let’s give her a round of applause!”

As soon as I clapped, the power shut down, rendering the lights and the sound system useless. The backup lights were activated soon after, and I found myself disappointed. The event is experiencing some difficulties. As things stand, I prefer to return home… I excused myself to the event organizer and she lowered her head, repeatedly asking for forgiveness.

“It’s not your fault that this happened, organizer. I need to go home now. I enjoyed the event.”

The organizer bowed one last time and bids farewell for she’s going to check what’s going on and if it’s still possible to continue it.

I called my driver to pick me up and didn’t wait long for it to come.

Finally, I can drink some fine wine.

The driver immediately gets out of the vehicle to open the door for me, but as soon as I sat on the passenger’s seat, I felt a sudden sting and blacked out.