by Eden Redd
All hands went up, even Aznara’s clawed hand.
“You all make it very hard to choose.” Professor Hart said and the class let out a happy sigh.
Trystan had been practicing every chance he could with spell combinations. In the last six weeks he spent every moment learning new spells and figuring out how to combine them. Having a teacher like Professor Hart only made it easier to want to learn. Hands fluttered as each mage in the room wanted to be next to Professor Hart.
“You seem pretty eager Aznara. Come show us what you know.” The professor smiled.
Standing up, Aznara walked to the front of the class and turned to everyone. Her brow pointed into a V as she made hand signals. Trystan sat in front of her, watching as the demon moved her hands with liquid grace. The demon glanced at Trystan with a smile before continuing with her spell.
A watering pail on the window began to shudder and shake. Everyone turned to it and watched as a stream of water snaked into the air and flowed to Aznara. The demon let the stream curl around her arm before controlling it to form into a ball. The ball hovered in her hand for seconds as she made hand signals with her other hand. Trystan leaned forward a little, observing her technique and making mental notes. The mage was fascinated by her skill.
Aznara turned her hand and the ball shape shifted into a long spike. Finishing the spell with her other hand, a breath of cool air entered the room. The spike grew frosty as the water slowly turned to ice. When it was solid, the class gave a small round of applause. Aznara smiled, showing all her teeth. With one quick swipe, she grabbed the spike and drove the point down toward Trystan.
The mage instantly called up a spell but it was still too late. The spike came down hard and stabbed through his desk, bits of wood flying in all directions. It felt like the air was completely sucked out of the room. Shock rolled over Trystan as he stared at the ice spike half driven through his desk top.
“Impressive Aznara, not only did you combine cold and water magic but you infused mana into it so it was as hard as steel. But I do have to say, next time try to be a little more delicate with showing your abilities. I hate to bring up another destroyed desk to the budget meetings.” Professor Hart smirked.
Trystan looked to Aznara as she gazed back. Licking her lips, she silently returned to her desk and sat down. The blue mage could feel a heat coming from Aznara but he thought it was her nature spilling out. Now he could feel it was something else.
Professor Hart made a quick gesture. The spike turned back into water and flowed back to the water pail. The wood bounced into the air and fell back into place on Trystan’s desk, smoothing over as if nothing had happened.
Professor Hart turned to the class with bright eyes. “Okay, who’s next?”
***
A chime rang out, signaling the end of classes for the day. Trystan was quick to get outside. Stepping through the main doors, evening light dazzled his senses. Taking a deep breath, the young mage stepped out onto campus and walked toward the entrance. Some mages sat about, deep in conversations. Others let their familiars out on the grass to take in the evening air. Trystan wished he could join them but he was short on time. He had to get to work before he was scolded again.
The city of Stukarr lit up with the fading daylight. The slip into evening caused a calmer mood as the city continued to bustle about. Horses and carriages clacked and rolled down cobbled streets while people went about their evening business. Trystan hurried along one of the main streets to the center of the city. The college grounds covered a large section of the western part of the city but the rest was tall homes and businesses. Buildings nearly ten stories high stabbed into the evening air and fountains flowed water at nearly every intersection.
Trystan wished he could just enjoy the crisp autumn evening but work called and he had to earn a living while he studied. In the distance he could see the cathedral spires of the Stukarr Library. It was the oldest building in the city, holding books from different lands in its deep vaults. Quickly the mage rushed to the front entrance.
The stone steps leading to the library were solid and a little worn. It gave it a bit of character, almost treating it like a living entity. Four statues lined the front. Each statue was that of a knight carved from solid stone just like the ones mounted on top of the city walls. Each statue was similar except for carvings of streaming water, flaming fire, earthly stones and cloudy air into their armors. Underneath carried their names but Trystan simply called them by their elements. Tapping the armored foot of the water knight, per his daily ritual, Trystan hurried to the heavy main doors and slipped inside.
The smell of old books washed over the young mage. If Trystan had another true love, it would be books. Thinking back to his time at the bookstore back home, it didn’t compare to working in such a lavish and awe-inspiring library.
A tall busty blonde working the main desk looked up at Trystan as he walked in. She made an annoyed frown and pushed her glasses up her nose before going back to an open book.
“Evening Mistress Jenny.” Trystan said cheerfully.
“You better sign in before you are considered late. Time is ticking.” The blonde said without looking up.
Trystan smiled and ran off to the employee’s lounge. After singing in, he went to the locker room, put his backpack away and changed into his normal working clothes which consisted of a button up shirt and black pants. Hurrying, he was back out on the main floor and looking for a cart.
Jenny Warg walked over to Trystan with almost closed eyes and her brow in a sharp V. She pointed to a cart filled with books. It was in complete disarray and looked untouched for the entire day.
“Put everything on that cart away and make sure it goes into its correct section. The library thrives on order and you must ensure we do not fall into chaos.” Jenny said with further annoyance.
Trystan wanted to roll his eyes. Jenny would say the same thing every time he started his work hours, every single time. It reached the point that he wanted to say it before she did but he knew better. Under the dress suit and skirt lurked a fiery beast. It was Trystan’s second day when he saw the fallout from it. A young female mage had started the week before he did. She was trying really hard to keep up but Jenny was merciless. Several books were placed in the wrong sections and Jenny exploded. Trystan didn’t see the actual explosion but saw the aftermath of poor Cindy running out of the library in tears. From that day on, Trystan made sure to triple check his work so he didn’t have to suffer Jenny’s wrath.
“Right away, Mistress Jenny.” Trystan said as he took hold of the cart and began wheeling it away.
When the coast was clear, Trystan’s shoulders relaxed. Steering the cart, he made his way to the poetry wing. Stopping by the big shelves, the mage now book clerk, culled through the cart for poetry books to return to their rightful homes. A wondrous solace settled as Trystan went about his routine and blessed silence.
Peace blanketed the mage’s senses as he pushed book after book into the shelf. The library was so quiet Trystan could hear his own heartbeat. The tension bled from his shoulders and a tiny humming vibrated up his throat. Putting a book onto the shelf, Trystan turned to his cart for another when mist flowed down his arm. Looking down with a question mark engraved in his raised eyebrow, the mist took shape and Bella appeared with a shy smile.
“Hello Master.” Bella smiled, her blue slime body bouncing with subdued joy.
“Bella? Is everything okay?”
“Yes of course master, I’m ready to have my date.”
Trystan stared at the blue slime. “Um, tonight, here? I’m at work.”
“It’s quite alright Master. Sylk said I could have the first date. I know your fondness for books so I thought we would have it here.”
Trystan looked around to see the area was empty. Redness flowed into the mages face in embarrassment and he was glad no one was around to see him.
“Bella, I don’t think this is the right time to be doing this. People usuall
y plan dates and I’m busy with work.”
Bella reached up with a cool hand and touched her master’s cheek. “We can simply talk. I really am quite all right with getting to know each other.”
The blue slime oozed on slimy feet to a nearby table and sat in an empty chair. Trystan wasn’t sure what to do next. He could have ordered her to return to his arm but the slime was smiling ear to ear. She was really looking forward to simply talking and hanging out together. Trystan opened his mouth and then closed it. Holding the book in his hand, he walked over to Bella and leaned against the table.
“What do you want to talk about?” Trystan said while trying to not seem awkward and doing a terrible job of it.
“I don’t know. What do you want to talk about?”
The area became silent. If they were in the desert, a tumble weed would have rolled by. Trystan shuffled while Bella looked to him with bright blue eyes. The mage could see that she was perfectly content to sit and talk about whatever he wanted. Mind scrambling, he tried to think of something.
“How are you and Sylk getting along?” Trystan said while mentally throwing his hands up in the air.
“We are fine. She seems to really enjoy our time together. I like spending time with her. We talk about you all the time.”
“Talk about me? What do you two talk about?” Trystan knew they were talking but he honestly wasn’t sure what they would talk about.
“Sylk talks about how sexy you are and how she wants to drain you almost every hour. I feel she is a bit obsessed but I can see why she loves you.”
Trystan felt his face glow hot. “Maybe we should talk about something else.”
“Sure. Anything you want.” Bella beamed.
“Um….I don’t know. I can’t think of anything.” Trystan said while looking at the book in his hands.
Bella touched his arm. “I know it is strange but I’m so glad you are my new master.”
Trystan looked to Bella. “You told me a little about your last master. Did he really cut you off his body?”
Bella kept her slimy hand on her master but her eyes looked away. “He…he was changing into a different person. Since you rescued me, I understood how misguided I was to care for him. I could feel the corruption blending into his body.”
“We don’t have to talk about it if you feel uncomfortable. I just thought it might make things easier if you get it off your chest.”
Bella’s head lowered for a moment, blue slimy hair framing her face. Looking up, she could see the concern in her master’s eyes. “It’s alright. I shouldn’t keep any secrets from you. You are my master and we already share our life together.”
“Did you really try to hurt his other familiars?” Trystan was genuinely curious.
Bella pulled her hand away and hugged her midsection. She looked away as she talked as if her mind was replaying an old memory. “It was in the beginning of his change. He had several familiars but he felt he needed more. He took on a fallen angel. It was clear that she was his new favorite.”
Bella hugged herself tighter. “I knew I couldn’t hurt her in a one on one fight. I appeared while master was feeding her. My hand formed into a sharp point and I aimed for her neck.”
Trystan could not take his eyes off of Bella as she talked.
“My old master was so strong. He grabbed my blade with his bare hand. It didn’t even cut his skin. Master closed his hand and shattered my blade. It hurt as I pulled away. Master stood over me. He conjured a blade and told me I was unworthy to be part of his new world. He had a different plan and I would be his instrument. He cut off the section of skin containing my essence.”
It was Trystan who reached out and took hold of Bella’s arm, trying to comfort her.
“The pain was too much. I felt like I was dying. The next thing I knew, I was in the ruins and master standing over me. He said I was a failure but from my failure I would become an asset. He closed the lid over the sarcophagus and my mind and body turned into a hungry monster. I drained mana from monsters and adventurers until you appeared and freed me.” Clear tears welled up from the slime’s eyes. One tear streaked down her cheek.
“I’m so sorry.” Trystan said, squeezing her arm.
Bella wiped away the tear. “It’s not your fault. You saved me. How much longer would I have been down there, doing terrible things beyond my control?”
Trystan pulled the slime to her feet. Bella’s eye widened as her master took hold of her and hugged her close. Bella’s body felt hot, frozen by the sudden compassion from her master. She returned is hug and buried her face into his neck.
“I’m sorry you went through that. I promise I will never do that to you. Whatever problems or issues we may have; we can work it out. I will always be there for you.” Trystan said with conviction.
Bella was speechless as she held onto her master. Seconds ticked away and her body began to sink and stretch. Trystan looked up and tried to hold Bella together as she literally fell apart in his arms.
“Bella?” Trystan said with worry in his voice.
“It’s….okay….master……I …must…..be…weaker….then…I….thought….” The slime tried to say while her body began to puddle.
Panic crawled into Trystan’s senses as he tried to hold Bella together. The blue slime’s face began to separate and melt away. The mage let his hidden senses reach out and touch Bella. He could feel how weak she was and getting weaker by the second, unsure what to do, the mage leaned into Bella’s melting face and kissed her lips.
Primal energy flared. Only Trystan and Bella could feel it but it was powerful. Mana poured from Trystan’s lips as he held Bella. The slime felt the surge of living mana touch her lips and drain into her body. The thin stream of mana flowed and time seemed to stand still. The blue slime could felt a trickle of strength return. Body firming up, arms wrapped around Trystan’s neck. The mage pulled her up and Bella let her transparent tongue slip into his mouth. Tongues playing, energy rippled along her form. Pressing her firm breasts to him, the slime wanting nothing more than to gobble up her master and engulf him completely. Trystan was first to break away and he stared at Bella. The slime stared back with adoring eyes.
“How?” Trystan said staring.
“There are many ways to feed mana to your familiar. Thank you master, I’m not full but I have enough mana for a night or two.” Bella smiled.
“I see you’re working hard.” said a disapproving voice.
Trystan and Bella both looked over to see Mistress Jenny standing with her arms crossed and her face tilted. A finger tapped at her arm as if she was deciding what to say next.
Five
“Trystan, I didn’t know you were such a pervert.” Jenny said with a blank expression.
“She is my familiar. It is not perverted.” Trystan said defiantly while still holding Bella in his arms.
“I don’t think that is perverted. It looks like you cannot even contain yourself to wait until you were alone. I mean, doing that at work and in a public space, very naughty.” Jenny said as she continued to tap a finger on her crossed arms.
Trystan let go and Bella slid away, bowing her head. “It is my fault. I asked him to feed me.”
Jenny didn’t even look to the slime. “I knew you were a deviant. We don’t have to play games any longer.”
Trystan’s eyebrow rose. “Games?”
Jenny huffed. “I see how you look at me. I see how you want me.”
Both of Trystan’s eyebrows shot up. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he did look at her but it was only because it was difficult to not look at her. Her breasts were so large that it was nearly impossible to not stare. He thought he was being discreet but apparently not discreet enough.
“Mistress Jenny….I….”
Jenny cut him off. “I can see you like big breasted women. I can tell just looking at your familiar. I think the next question is what are we going to do about it?”
“Um…apologize?” Trystan said in a
low voice.
Jenny kept her head tilted forward, shadows covering her eyes. The master librarian walked closer, arms still crossed. Trystan felt his body go numb. He really needed this job and he hoped Jenny wasn’t going to fire him. He really liked working there and mentally began kicking himself for not being more careful.
Jenny was about a foot away, eyes hidden in darkness. “You don’t have to be coy anymore. I feel it too.”
“Feel it?” Trystan was completely lost.
“The connection between us, I felt it since your interview.” Jenny said as heat crept into her cheeks.
“Mistress Jen….” Trystan didn’t have a moment to finish as Jenny pressed her body and lips against his.
Trystan froze as Jenny’s tongue snaked into his mouth. The mage’s eyes were open as his boss pressed her large breasts to his chest. Bella watched with her head bowed. The air turned electric and a small moan flowed up Jenny’s throat. Trystan kept his own tongue still and was about to pull away when pale hands grabbed his ass and held him close. The mage couldn’t believe how strong Jenny was as he found it difficult to break away.
Jenny pulled away, heat pouring off her lips. “Why don’t we go downstairs? The vaults are usually empty of visitors. I could show you some of the forbidden tomes while you show me your secrets.”
Trystan took hold of his mistress’s wrists and straining, pulled her hands from around his ass. “I’m flattered Mistress Jenny but I don’t think it would be very professional if I….”
“I’m sick of being professional. Take me like you were about to take your familiar!” Jenny said with seduction pouring from her eyes.
Trystan stepped back. “I’m sorry Mistress. I cannot.”
Embarrassment crawled into Jenny’s face. Turning away, fingers clenched tightly into fists. “We are overstaffed today. We won’t need you. You can leave.”
Trystan reached out to touch Jenny’s shoulder. He felt awful for turning her down. Seeing how she was reacting spoke volumes. Trystan guessed she was never turned down before. Mistress Jenny began walking away before the mage could comfort her.
