The Association: A Brand New World

Chapter 1: Welcome to the Association

"Welcome to the Hunter's Association!" The tall bearded man exclaimed. Rising from his chair he extended his hand out for me to shake it. Dal'reath Galmor, or Boss, is the leader of the Hunter's Association. From what he said in our initial meeting, he is a dwarf/giant hybrid who has lived longer than anybody could have imagined. He is a living legend among the Association and that's why he's the boss.

"Thank you! I'm honored you considered me to join." I shake his outstretched hand and it was very clear he was part giant. The amount of strength he put in the handshake was amazing.I couldn't feel my hand anymore, the pain was becoming too much. I started to wince. "Sorry!" He said quickly before letting go, "I'm just excited to recruit another from the Gale family." He turns toward the door and signals the guard to open it. "Here are the members of the team you will be with. Until we train you and get you settled, this will work for the time being."

The large arched double door slowly opens. Through the opening a guy around my age and height walks through the along with a taller girl trailing behind. "This is Alma and Rei. You will accompany them on their next mission." The dark haired guy, Alma, gave Boss a puzzled look, "Run that by me again. We're taking the new guy? First you dump me with the amnesiac here and now you're forcing me to bring him?" He closes his eyes and sighs. Rei glares at him for a moment before turning to me. " My name's Rei." She said smiling. Walking closer to me she held her hand out. "And your name is...?"

I reach out for her hand but I'm enchanted by her beautiful smile and deep blue eyes. I can feel my mind start to fade as my vision blurs. What's going on? I feel a pressure where my hand should be. Slowly my senses come back as the pressure becomes painful. My vision starts to come back as I look to my hand. She is gripping my hand rather forcefully, I might add.

" Oh, sorry. I was....distracted." I chuckle awkwardly, " My name's Matthias, but you can call me Matt. It's nice to meet you!" A yawn comes from behind Rei. "Okay, with the formalities out the way, can we get started with the briefing Boss?" Alma pulls a chair out from the conference table in the middle of the room and sits down, waiting for the Boss to start the briefing. We follow suit and take a seat at the table.

Boss sits a briefcase on the table and pulls folders out from it. "Alma, since your team is still recovering from the last assignment, I'll give you something easy one to show the new kid the ropes." Boss slid three of the folders across across the table to us. " The client's been having issues at his company's steel plant in Colorado. It may just be some gremlins or a poltergeist, but...." Alma interrupts before the Boss finishes, "Why are we being sent across the Rift to do trivial investigations? What's the point of it, why don't the Reapers handle this one?" He exclaimed.

Rei inhales and starts to stand but Boss waves her off, "Alma, why must you be so difficult? This is a simple investigation, there's no need to get anybody else involved. Besides, " Boss turns to me. " He needs some training."

"The last time somebody needed training we almost lost Illya!" Alma starts to raise his voice. "So new blood, can you hold your own if the shit hits the fan, do you know basic magic to help us or yourself, or will you get in the way and nearly get someone killed?" Rei becomes furious and slams her hands on the desk as she stands. "That was not my fault! You knew we were walking into a trap but kept going. Illya told you but you didn't listen." Shocked, Alma holds his head in his hands after realizing he said all of that.

She starts to leave. "Send the location to my phone and I'll take the Rift Gate myself since this asshole won't ......" She continues to talk as she leaves the room. After a few long minutes of silence Alma trudged out of the door.

"So, what d'ya think kid?" Boss says with a chuckle. I think to myself before answering. "Well, they seem to have some issues." Boss' attitude changes. He rises from the table slowly and lets out a deep sigh. "On their last mission, as some young folk say, shit went sideways and somebody was hurt. They walked into a werewolf den without realizing it and well....you heard them." He points toward the folder in front of me, " I think this job's just a haunting or some creature causing issues. Anything can happen so be careful. It's your job to watch out for them, okay?" He glances down at his watch, which looks like a toy on his massive wrist. "Well, you better get going before they leave you." I rush up from the table and towards the doors. " Down towards the left, you can't miss the platform!"