What am I doing here?
What is this place?
Sounds like an elevator...I have a bad feeling about this.
...How did I get here?
...Why can't I remember anything that happened?
DING!
The elevator door opened, and he carefully stepped out. In front of him was a short hall that turned left, and he saw a small creek ahead surrounded by tall sticks of fresh green bamboo.
"...I'm not supposed to be here."
Easy, Sashiro, slow your heart rate. Examine the situation thoughtfully. First, make sure you have all your belongings.
Sashiro fixed the sleeves of his black dress shirt and straightened his lime green tie before brushing off dust from his charcoal dress pants and shoes."I'm fine," he murmured to himself, "now to figure out my present location."
Pressing his back against the wall he peeked around the corner down the hallway, ever cautious not to be seen.
It's a bar, obviously a private one. I can see three people, alive. The bartender with the white hair looks dangerous, but the black haired woman and young child don't seem to be a threat...yet.
He noticed the bartender look his way, and he ducked back behind the wall.
Don't tell me they were expecting me! I don't remember anyone like them hiring-
"Hello?"
He froze. The young woman smiled at him, and he could tell it was genuine. "Will you come join us?"
Act natural. They may be your next clients.
He gave her his warmest smile and quickly swept his hand through his side-combed brunette hair. "I'm terribly sorry to keep you waiting, miss. I've always been a bit shy around such beautiful girls as yourself."
The girl's eyes widened in surprise, and he could make out the faintest blush of her cheeks. "Thank-you, sir."
"Please, the name's Hajime Tan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hajime. Please do join us." She gestured towards the bar counter. "He's waiting to serve you."
He followed her down the hall, and he examined the rest of the room. There were tables set up around the counter, and a larger tank filled with small jellyfish walled off a large, vacant space Sashiro could only presume was for celebratory purposes. "What a lovely establishment you run here, miss...?"
She frowned. "I'm afraid I don't remember my name."
"Oh, I'm sorry, that was inconsiderate of me."
"It's only natural to ask someone for their name," she replied, "no need to be so formal."
"Ah, right."
I need to stay alert. If they see through my character I'll be at the disadvantage.
"My name's Mayu Hakuba!"
Sashiro looked down to find the young girl staring up at him, grinning ear to ear. She had a round face, her black hair in two pigtail and her pale skin complimenting her hazel eyes and lemony gown. "I like your eyes! They're very blue! I'm seven and a half, and I love apple pie!"
I was right, she's no threat. "It's an honour to be in the presence of such a lady," he bowed to her and shook her plump fingers, "my name is Hajime, Hajime Tan. I also enjoy the occasional pie."
"I know, right?!"
The black haired woman signalled to the bartender. "He would like to speak with you now." She took Mayu's hand and led her over to the table. "Let's go talk over here, Mayu."
"Okay! Can I call you Missus? Oh, how about Missy! I like that!"
Alone with the bartender. It's time to get some real answers.
Fixing his tie once again he stepped over and sat down at the counter, where the bartender was preparing a drink. "Welcome to the Quindecim Bar," the man bowed to him, "my name is Decim, and I will be your bartender."
"Thank you. I'll take your regular poison."
"Of course."
Decim quickly prepared Sashiro a light glass of a drink he could taste little alcohol in. He wants me to be sober...I need to know where this Quindecim Bar is, and why I've never heard of it.
"I know this may sound strange to you," Decim broke his concentration, "but I must know – do you remember anything prior to arriving here?"
"Prior?..." Sashiro thought hard, but he found his mind was still blank. "...Nothing of importance, I'm afraid."
So I was drugged beforehand and brought here down the elevators. If I can get back to them, they'll be my escape route.
"Look," Sashiro let his act drop for the moment, "let's get some facts straight first. Am I still in country, or have you brought me far out? I want the exact location or you get nothing from me. I'll also be needing the name or main alias of your leader."
"Of course, but first," Decim took his empty glass and began to clean it, "I must explain your situation."
"Fine, but I'm on high alert. You alone speak to me. Leave you partner dame out of it."
"Yes, sir." Decim placed the glass down. "Listen closely, please."
"Firstly, I'm afraid that I can't give you your exact location at this time."
I must be somewhere that connects to his leader's other outlets, or it wouldn't be so hush-hush.
"Secondly, I'm going to have you and the young girl over there play a game."
A game? With the girl?
He glanced behind his shoulder. Mayu was cheerfully gabbing away with the black haired woman, as if nothing had changed about the situation, like she was used to being alone in strange bars."What do you mean when you say "Game"?"
"Your game will be decided by roulette," Decim continued, ignoring his question. Sashiro studied the glass window behind the man as an electronic board slid down with nine red squares marked off.
"I must also tell you," Decim added as he reached under the counter and pulled out a small red button, "the stakes in this game are high."
Sashiro gave Decim a cold glare. "How high are you reaching?"
Decim's expression remained emotionless, impossible to read.
"Your lives are at stake."