The surrounding darkness of the abyss was no stranger to Lin’s dreams. Many a times she found herself in this emptiness instead of having an actual dream. In actuality it was the appearance of the three items that were foreign to her. A sword, shield, and rod sat in front of her. She had never seen these exact items before, yet she almost instinctively knew what each meant. The three objects seemed to beckon her towards them, each one calling to her trying to appeal to her in different ways, but the call of one was clearly stronger. After only a few seconds Lin stepped towards the the sword and grabbed it’s hilt. Her actions immediately triggered a flash of light engulfing the once dark void.
Just as quickly as it had come, the light then faded into reality. Or at least, something close to it.
“Ugh. The hell was that?” Lin asked herself as she slowly came to. Her surroundings were blurred by her freshly awaken eyes but she could tell this was not her room. Sitting up, she brought her hands up to rub her eyes only to suddenly let out a small wince of pain as a dull headache made its presence known. Between her light hangover and her mind still trying to process what exactly she drempt, Lin sumized her unfamiliar surroundings were nothing more than her own deliriousness. Once her vision had cleared up, though, she found that her theory was incorrect.
Instead of her mostly empty bedroom, Lin seemed to be behind the counter at some strange bar. Had she gone somewhere else last night? And how did she end up behind the counter? Had the staff just left her there passed out? That had to be a major health and safety violation. Lastly, what was she wearing? It seemed to be some sort of costume you would see in an old school fighting game, but it felt rather high quality. She was especially drawn to the greaves and bracers she had on and the fierce tiger each one had etched into it.
Lin was at a loss, and she needed some answers. Grabbing the edge of the counter, Lin pulled herself up to get a better look at the place, maybe see if someone was working. To her dismay, the place was completely devoid of life. Not a soul was present. The only thing of use was the sign above the door. Dangenki Café Club.
“Hello?” Lin called out, hoping maybe there was someone nearby.
“If anyone’s there, you’re kinda doing a shit job.” Still no reply. With a disgruntled sigh, Lin decided she would figure this out on her own. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the shelf, Lin poured a glass as she tried to think back and piece things together. She remembered walking out of the bar, heading the usual way home and then… The tower. The vivid image of the structure suddenly came back to her, but there was no way. That was impossible. How would she have even-
In a sudden flash the once dead café was now occupied by a small group. Initially Lin was startled. Dropping below the counter once more before any of the new patrons could see her. She stayed down long enough to hear them talk about cards and introduce themselves to what she guessed were newer members.
Well, Lin. You wanted answers. It’s now or never.Once more Lin pulled herself up from behind the counter and looked over each of the new arrivals.
“Hey there.” She said as a blanket greeting to the party.
“Names Lin. You all seem to have some idea of what’s going on here. Someone mind filling me in? Free bottle for the first one to answer.” She gestured behind her at the large assortment of drinks that were definitely not hers to give away.