The Guild

Chapter 2

As I walked through the streets of the Underground, my mind wandered. Back to the woman who, sort of indirectly, pushed me down this path. Kathryn Walters, my ex. Shaking my head I cleared my mind of those thoughts. All of that is in the past, I shouldn't think about it. In fact, I shouldn't even remember her name, but I couldn't help it.

Me: Come on Quinn. You're better than this.

A tear began to run down my face, and I couldn't wipe it away because of my mask. Luckily, it had dried and I calmed down by the time I approached Club Paramount. It has one of those neon moving signs, displaying a martini glass rocking back and forth. There's a good reason for that actually; because it's a nightclub, sorta. The owner, who I know personally and you'll meet in a second, decided to make it both a nightclub and a strip club. It provides entertainment for the members that don't have anything going on, and gain a second form of income. So really it's a good deal, although it can be distracting for clients at times.

You can't get into the club without either an invite, membership card (given to, you guessed it, Guild members). Or, of course, lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of money. I walk up to the door and knock a couple times. After a second or two I saw the peephole panel slide open. A single orange eye stared at me, and a voice came from the other side. I knew the large bear fur, but he enjoys messing with me.

Guard: "State your business."

Me: "I know it's you Ben, and you know it's me. Come on, open up."

With a deep chuckle I heard him open the several locks.

Ben: "Aw, is the big bad bounty hunter not up for some jokes?"

Me: "Not really, no."

I walked in and he punched me in the shoulder.

Ben: "Oh, you're no fun."

Me: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just get back to keeping the ecstasy addicts out man."

I walked away while he playfully flipped me off, I did the same and he laughed. We've known each other for a year or two now, and he's pretty cool. Never hung out outside of work, but he's a decent acquaintance nonetheless. The club's huge, about 10,000 square feet actually. On the right is a very large bar, about 50 feet in length. Behind that is a large chalkboard that has the top twenty killers; which includes bounty hunters, mercenaries, and assassins.

1- The Titan
2- Angel of Death
3- Twilight
4- Hex
5- The Archer
6- Phantom
7- Blackshadow
8- Soulsplitter
9- Hatchet
10- Azrael
11- Smiling Freak
12- Executioner
13- Jury
14- V
15- The Lost
16- Tombstone
17- Ninth Inch Nail
18- Mindbreaker
19- Hel
20- Judge

Behind the bar, cleaning a glass out, was the owner of the bar and the "kingpin" of the Guild; Romero. He's a huge black and gray wolf fur, I swear he could crack your skull with a single punch. Anyways, he always has a cigar in his mouth, and his left eye is missing.

Towards the left of the very very very large room are ten stripper poles. Flashing pink and purple gave the place an amorous feel, at least to me. I really dunno the explanation behind it, but that combination of colors gets some (including me for some reason) going. Anyways, in the very back of the room is a small stage with a band playing. In the middle of the room are a couple pool tables, where several furs were gathered.

I walked over to the bar, pushing past several different furs. Most tried to fight me, at least until they realized who I am. Every time they got a decent look at me, the "challenger" would back off. Still, there were several furs who gave me hateful glares. I didn't and still don't care, if they have a problem with me I'll be glad to... sort it out.

Taking a seat right in front of Romero I put my forearms on the counter. He put his bar rag on his shoulder and leaned on his left arm. Blowing smoke out of the left side of his mouth he spoke.

Romero: "So how's the one and only Soulsplitter doin lately?"

I shrugged and scratched the back of my neck through the suit.

Romero: "Wanna beer? On the house."

With a sigh I shook my head.

Me: "We've been through this man. Not takin this off, ever."

Romero: "Why not? Still haven't given me a decent answer."

My right eye twitched, he and I have talked about this several times. Obviously I couldn't tell him, but I'm human. That may not sound like that big a deal, but I'm the last human. I'm all there is, so that's fun I guess. Gets pretty lonely a lot, and I gotta be careful because of that. Some want to use me for ridiculous experiments, fame, fortune, and more. So, in order to keep myself hidden, I took up this life. Even those who are able to learn my identity will either die a moment later, or I trust deeply. I'm never making the mistake I did with Kathryn again.

Me: Goddamn it. Don't you dare.

Quickly I was able to settle myself down.

Me: "Because, I'm not letting people know who I am. Now back off."

He put his hands up in mock surrender.

Romero: "Well sorry. Lina's been lookin for ya."

Someone walked up and asked for a Manhattan. The wolf nodded and got to work while the fur sat down.

Me: "Oh really?"

Romero: "Mhm."

I turned and looked for her, it only took a second or two. She's a stripper, one of the most popular ones as well. Lina isn't her actual name, it's just her stripper name, her real name is Tara. A 6 foot tall snow leopard fur, she's honestly quite beautiful. We had a number of one night stands, but there isn't any actual "love" between us. A while ago we settled that, her job wouldn't allow me to date her honestly. This relationship is merely a friends with benefits type of deal.

Once she spotted me she blew me a small kiss, and I "caught" it. Tara winked and continued her dance routine while I watched.

Timeskip (45 minutes)

Tara finished a minute or two ago and walked up to me with a sultry look. She changed into ripped jeans and a black, sleeveless t-shirt. Once she made it over she hopped onto a seat to my left.

Tara: "So, my place?"

I nodded.

Me: "Your place."

She smirked and her tail brushed my chin for a moment or two.

Tara: "See you soon cutie."

Without another word, she walked out and over to her apartment. Suddenly, I felt someone grab the back of my head and slam it on the counter. Due to the way I designed my helmet, I was perfectly fine... the wood not so much. There was a small dent, it was noticeable but nothing huge. Turning around I got a look at whoever made the mistake of doing that.

Three large furs stood behind me; a rhino, a lion, and a German Shepard. The Shepard was in the middle, arms crossed and staring at me hatefully. Before he could even open his mouth I grabbed him and threw him behind the counter. Then, the entire place erupted into one giant brawl. No one was safe, everyone was going nuts.

Me: "Goddamn it."

To Be Continued