New Friends

"My name's Matt. So what kind of boss tortures their employees like this?"-Matt says with a smirk.

"Just the kind that wants to recruit promising talents to help the world."-Ariana

"Big words coming from a girl with a concealed weapon who tried to make our run in look like an accident."-Matt

"How did you know?"-Ariana

"Just a guess until now. I had a feeling when I saw how steady you were after I caught you."-Matt says while thinking about how to cover up his quick appraisal.

"Well you do seem pretty good at picking up ladies."-Ariana says with a wink.

"So what did you want from me? Most people carrying a gun around here aren't the kind of people I want to know."-Matt

"I represent a group with special interests who seeks your assistance with elimination of highly dangerous individuals. You would be paid well and keep your name off that list, given that you don't break any major laws without reason. We would also give you amnesty for the actions of last night. No judge in the world could turn that into a self defense plea. We've been monitoring high risk individuals like yourself since the world went crazy. Your quick recovery from that accident put you on our radar."-Ariana

"So you guys knew about that? I shouldn't ever lose control like that again. How can I get any guarantees that you are telling me the truth though?"-Matt says while silently thanking his hardened mind for leveling up.

"Normally I wouldn't believe someone after personally watching most of that episode of yours, but I can see you completely believe it will never happen again. We are a group of individuals with inhuman abilities tasked with protecting humanity through these chaotic times. If you join us, the benefits and disadvantages are as I said before. Make your choice."-Ariana

"Well, what are the hours like? Pay? Medical? Never mind that last one, don't really need it actually. I won't do anything against my morals though. Is that alright with you?"-Matt

"We already assumed you would say something like that. We only plan on using you to eliminate dangerous threats. Your pay would be based on the assessed threat level of the target or targets and your hours would be flexible. You would essentially be on call for whenever we can locate targets. You can also pull in some freelance work if you ever find a talented individual to introduce to "The Company."-Ariana

"Alright, any papers I need to sign? Need my number or have any jobs right now?"-Matt

"Do you always try to give girls your number this quick? We already have access to your number anyways. We have some paperwork to fill out for your cover, can't exactly have your taxes say you work for a shady agency. On paper, you would be a contracted handyman for a lucrative clientele. How does that sound to you? It explains strange income bursts and even stranger hours to friends and family. We will give you a badge so that you can access certain areas that normal civilians aren't allowed to and it will help you with local law enforcement if they get involved during your work."-Ariana

"Can I tell anyone about this work?"-Matt

"We won't stop you, but if it spreads to too many people then we will eliminate loose ends. So I recommend you don't. Wanna get a drink?"-Ariana

"Uhhh...What? Are you asking me out?"-Matt says confusedly.

"It's really hard to find a normal person in this line of work, even if you are a bit bloodthirsty that's nothing compared to some of the people we see. Getting a partner outside of work is hard with the secrecy of the job. Plus we are around a lot of combat and with the blood racing, so does the libido..."-Ariana says with a small blush.

"Rain check, I actually was trying to buy a few things for an experiment later. You ever tried summoning an all powerful creature of darkness? Apparently it's not that hard."-Matt says while trying to change the subject.

"You'd rather play with cult shit and summon demons than go on a date with a cute psychopath? That actually sounds pretty cool. What do we need?"-Ariana says excitedly.

"I feel like I heard something strange in there... We need four candles, some sage and incense, some blood and finally chalk. So I was thinking let's just go to the local mart."-Matt

"You sound completely serious. Well can we get some alcohol too? It's the only way I can blow off some steam and maybe the demon is a drinker too."-Ariana

"Sure. Let's go."-Matt

Matt quickly locates all the materials he needed, and sees Ariana happily holding a bottle of 100 proof vodka under each arm. He quickly grabs some pineapple juice and a two liter bottle of soda just in case she "forcefully requests" for a drinking partner. Carrying his haul home in his inventory, Ariana questions him about where he put the supplies.

"So where did everything go? Some kind of space magic?"-Ariana

"You could say that. It's like a personal sub-dimension that I have access to."-Matt

They soon arrive at Matt's house, where Matt forgets that he just brought a woman home for the first time in quite a while. Fortunately for him, his mother is currently at her job so he doesn't have to deal with any awkward introductions or questions.

"Well, make yourself at home. I guess you can put the extra alcohol in the freezer for now. Cups are in the cupboard above the sink. I'll be in the attic setting up the ceremony."-Matt

"Do we need cups? I thought we'd just pass the bottle back and forth."-Ariana

"I prefer my alcohol mixed. Plus I'd rather not get drunk when dealing with this, don't want to chance getting more than I bargained for."-Matt

"You said all powerful earlier, what could be worse than that?"-Ariana

"If its really what I hope it is, it shouldn't be too dangerous. But if I get something else, who knows. The world could end."-Matt

"So you really don't need a drink after saying that? Come on, I'll even let you do body shots."-Ariana

"Do you talk to everyone like this? Have the hormones just saturated your mind at this point?"-Matt

"Nah, but it's been so long since I've been able to let loose. Plus you look so naive and cute I just want to eat you up."-Ariana says while licking her lips.

"I will tie you up and leave you in the corner."-Matt

"Oh kinky, I like that."-Ariana

Matt rubs his head from the growing headache and sighs loudly.

"I didn't think I could get headaches anymore. A bit of silence while I start this please."-Matt

Matt has already drawn out a pentagram with the chalk, large enough for two people to comfortably stand inside. He placed candles at the cardinal directions, each one representing the forces of nature. A candle for wind, earth, water and fire. He has a few sticks of incense burning and some slightly smoking sage scattered throughout the room. Quickly slicing his hand using a small blade of darkness, he drips his blood in the center of the circle and begins to chant.

"Tasa....Fubin.....Void.....Oncar."-Matt repeats the chant a few times.

A slight breeze is felt in the room, coming from what seems like nowhere. After a few seconds a small black dot begins expanding in front of Matt, seeming to be the source of the wind. As it grows larger, strange hazy shapes can be seen "slithering" through the dark hole in front of Matt.

"Freaky shit, I thought it was just a gag. You actually did it huh?"-Ariana

"Shut up, I don't think this is what I was trying to get."-Matt

The hole finally grows to a head sized shape, before something quickly ejects from it and the hole closes.

"HAHAHA. Foolish humans, for bringing me to this plane I shall grant you a wish before destroying this universe. State your desire."-A voice comes from all around them.

Matt looks around before finally looking at the ground in front of him. He sees something a bit strange.

"Hey is that a cat? Why is it so damn tiny?"-Ariana

"I am not tiny, I will slaughter your family mortal! My name is Cathulu! Worship me."-Cathulu

"I guess it could've been worse. Why do I run into so many troubles lately?"-Matt

"Let me out of this runic circle human. I demand offerings."-Cathulu

"Is the blood not good enough? Hey Ariana, give me that bottle."-Matt

"You finally need a drink? Here ya go."-Ariana

"Drink some of this little kitty."-Matt

Cathulu drinks some of the "offering" and seems to enjoy it as it continues guzzling down the rest of the bottle.

"Satisfying, human I appreciate your offering."-Cathulu

"Detected potential familiar, would you like to begin bonding to familiar?"-System speaks to Matt for the first time in a while.

"What do I need to do?"-Matt

"Just give it a drop of your blood. The chance of rejection is low due to the offering lowering its resistance to you."-System

"Hey Cathulu, drink a bit of this."-Matt says while putting a drop of his blood in the remaining liquor.

"I feel some kind of connection with you. Tricky human, are you trying to enslave me? Just because my powers are limited in this plane doesn't mean I am weak."-Cathulu

Darkness begins swirling through the room and the hazy figures from earlier slowly exit the darkness. They are clearly tentacles of varying sizes, but all of them seem very dangerous and are approaching Matt.

"Familiar ritual complete. Would you like to name your new friend?"-System