The Masks we Wear

Chapter 2 - A Peaceful Life?

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

~

April 3rd 2016 - Night

"Velvet... Room?"

I took a second to recollect my thoughts as my eyes darted around to take in as much as I could from the area I could see. Looking down at myself I noticed my article of clothing had also changed, now being covered in a long sleeved shirt with a horizontal black and white stripes adorning it along with matching pants; the outfit typically associated with prisoners. The correlation I found was further highlighted by the fact my wrists were now 

I stood up as I took a few step forwards to get closer to the long-nosed man in front of me. Upon my final step towards the metal bars I felt my leg stop turning back to figure out the source of the hinderance I noticed a large steel orb on the floor next to me and a chain connecting it to my lower leg.

"Focus up, Inmate!"

I flinched in response to the short girl in front of my cell lashing at the bars with a small baton. 

"The 'you' in reality is currently fast asleep. You are only experiencing this as a dream." Another similar looking girl said.

I felt my head turn on its side. This was strange even by my measures and everything I've lived through nothing came close to how lost and confused I felt in this moment.

I felt my hand wince from the sudden pain of the previous girl swatting my hand away from the bars.

"You're in the presence of master. Stand up straight!"

I already was...

I felt a bullet was dodged by not adding that part . I was in a completely unfamiliar environment and it would be unwise to do anything that might antagonise these two... kids?

Suddenly, I was torn out from my thoughts as the long-nosed man's resonant voice caught my attention.

"Welcome. I am delighted to make your acquaintance."

"...I am too."

"Silence, inmate!" The very same girl said as she assaulted my hand relentlessly with that damn baton.

The man only let out a chuckle in response as he waved away his hands to gesture for her to stop.

"It is alright. I am sure you are in quite the state of confusion and panic are you not?"

Confused would be an understatement if I was being honest.

But regardless, I nodded in response.

"This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter."

Dream... and reality? 

Should that even be possible? 

Am I dead?

"It is a room that only those who are bound by a 'contract' may enter. I am Igor, the master of this place. Remember it well"

I felt perturbed and severely off-put by the man. His expression continuously remained that strange, sadistic grin and I felt as if his eyes were boring into my very soul and being. The things he spoke of were grand and unheard of to me and yet his tone carried a sense of expectancy.

"I summoned you to speak of important matters. Matters that of course, involve your life as well."

"How am I involved in this?" I said as my gaze subtly crept towards the children, gauging whether or not the girl to my right would attempt to strike me again."