It Started with Slime - Part 1

Chapter 100 - R & R, Ami

"I know, child. I know it is hard, but it will get better. I know it will. Sometimes these things take time to get used to or iron out." Haemish murmured.

It was something that they could not normalise, and it certainly would never get better. At least not for Boren, who had to suffer through the effects every second of every day.

"Y-yes, of course. Well, I will see you, Sir. Haemish!" A false cheer was the mask that Boren chose to don at that moment and strode past Haemish before breaking into a run again. Within a few seconds, he was out of sight and turning a corner onto another corridor. Haemish's sharp eyesight and perception saw drops of water on the floor where he had passed.

"That boy is either working very hard or...." Haemish intoned, leaving the thought unfinished and cradling Aarav in his large hands. The sound of Haemish and Boren talking had the Slime in and out of sleep. Now he was sleeping once more. The man carrying him patted his head and then walked towards the upper floor. "Now, where was that room again?"

Tucked away in the corner of the western wing's third floor was a cosy little room that might be perfect for a small flying creature that needed a place to nest. As Haemish opened the door, a gust of wind blew through the room's singular window across from the entrance. The glass had copper filigree instead of gold; less precious but no less ornate. The bed up against one wall made of wood was carved exquisitely by skilled craftsmen, showing forest scenes depicting various flora and fauna that Aarav had encountered. A washstand with a bowl full of water stood in a corner with a hint of steam coming off it, it had to be a recent addition, or it would have cooled already.

Haemish entered the room, moved to place Aarav gently on the bed and then closed the window and latched it so that only a sliver of wind came in. The windows were sturdy to withstand Aera's winds, and they could blow a window clean off its hinges, so one had to be careful. Then he covered the washbasin with a hand cloth set aside and closed the door behind him. He was careful not to make any noise to wake his slumbering student, a small, satisfied smile on his face.

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The Slime rolled over in his sleep, oblivious to what was going on around him. A lot had happened in the last few days, and finally, there was a chance for him to rest. His life had taken a significant and unexpected turn when he chose to visit the village close to him. It was unclear what had compelled him to seek out others of his kind, humankind. But he had done so by some machination other than free will. A subtle hand guided him that even he did not know fully, and only time would tell if it was for good or ill.

Aarav's soul twitched slightly deep in the creature, and something stirred. A golden light ignited and swirled, a tick, and then the light slowly faded and died down to a simmer. He might never learn what caused it or what entities watched over him. But he would know their effect.

Brow furrowed and drawn tight. The Slime continued his sleep, plagued by dreams and nightmares of the past.

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Content Warning: The flashback may get a little dark for those uncomfortable with this. There is a summary at the end.

Fifteen Years Ago

"Get up!" a boot found Aarav's small ribs, and he felt something creak. "I said get up! Don't make me repeat it! Vapus Nai!"

Those two words filled Aarav with more dread than he could imagine, and his heart thundered in his chest just as the boot shocked him awake. Where am I! What is going on? Then he remembered, and the adrenaline coursing through his veins demanded that he do something. Fight or flee. But Ami, I can't leave her. Any beating she received would take a far greater toll on her more petite body than his.