Waking up to changes

Gob lifted his head and scratched it. The Maou was there holding his hand and asking him something. “Eh?” he asked as his eyes came back into full focus.

“I said, are you okay? How are you feeling?”

“Fine, I think. What happened?” He put his hand on his throat, his voice was weird.

“Our little competition caused the rings to fail. There was a massive explosion and I had to contain it before you were disintegrated. I’ve just been healing you.”

“I don’t remember, it happened so fast. What’s wrong with my voice?”

“It, er, seems that you levelled up quite a lot. I must have given you some power when I was healing you or something. I’m not really sure what happened,” the Maou lied.

Gob sat up and saw that he was naked. He wasn’t embarrassed about that but he was shocked to see his new body. He jumped up. “Have you got a mirror?” A full-length mirror appeared in front of him. “Wow, look at me? What level am I?”

“I read it at sixty-three.”

“Sixty-three? I was in the teens before.”

“Yes, it’s quite the jump. I didn’t realise goblins evolved as they levelled. Most sentient species don’t do that but there are exceptions.”

“Could I change more?” gob asked as he admired his more masculine figure.

“I suppose. You often find that changes slow down at higher levels. You might not even really be a goblin anymore but some higher evolved creature that comes from goblins like Rose.”

“Rose? Who’s that?”

“Sorry, you probably call her Ma’am.”

“Ma’am’s name is Rose?”

“Yes, I think it really suits her. It matches her sweet personality.”

“Sweet personality? Are we talking about the same woman? Eight eyes, spider body?”

The Maou laughed. “She is a consummate professional but I have known her for decades, she is an absolute darling. She started as my pet spider. A rare cave spider that I could sense had intelligence. As she evolved she became like she is now. She wanted her freedom so I granted it to her but she wanted to remain in my service. I suspect that she may yet evolve further in time but she doesn't eat live prey like she used to so she has slowed down.”

Gob started at the Maou. “I’m learning so much. I can’t believe I progressed so many levels. I usually only progress when someone submits to me.” He realised that he had just given something rather private about himself away.

The Maou was blushing. “You mean like your gnome friend and if I had to guess, Miss Tuppin?”

It was Gob’s turn to blush. “Yes,” he said, with a sheepish smile.

“Fascinating, well, it’s hard to say. I essentially had to rebuild you so maybe that was a kind of submission. My level is unknown. It is beyond measurement. Even that small act of service might have been enough.”

“Yes, that makes sense.”

The Maou quietly sighed with relief. “Gob, I want to apologise. I wouldn’t have put you in that situation had I known what would happen. I got carried away. I want to make it up to you.”

“That’s okay, sire. I think you already have by the look of me.”

“Gob, can I make a request?” The Maou looked unusually shy.

“Of course, sire.”

“Can you not call me sire when we are together? I like it when you are less formal with me.”

This was quite a big thing. “Sure, I guess, si… Sorry. I’ll do my best. What should I call you instead?”

“Leaf,” said the Maou quietly.

“Pardon?”

“Leaf. It’s not my real name. I don’t like my real name anyway. It’s something my father called me.”

It was an extremely cute name for one who could be potentially terrifying but Gob was honoured that he would share this with him. “Leaf, okay, I can do that.”

Leaf smiled a genuine and warm smile. “Thank you Gob. That means a lot to me. Now, I still want to give you something.”

Gob looked at himself. “Some clothes would be good.”

Leaf gestured at him and he found himself in leather trousers and a fine white shirt. “That’s nothing. Think bigger,” said Leaf.

Gob sat on the bed, taking a moment to enjoy the fact that he didn’t have to climb up to do so. He put his hand on his chin and thought. Then he realised that this was just the opportunity he was looking for. “Leaf, I do have one thing I’d really like from you.”

“Wonderful Gob, what is it?”

“Do you remember Tallie?”

“Of course.”

“I was wondering if you could let her out of jail?”

Leaf thought. “Hmm, that is tricky. She has only been there a few months. Letting her out so soon could be viewed as a sign of weakness. That’s why I usually prefer ****. It’s just simpler.”

“What if she was to continue her punishment outside of jail?” suggested Gob.

“Go on?”

“I was rather fond of Tallie. Her body I mean, her personality needed some work.”

Leaf laughed. “I know what you mean. She was only nice to me because of who I am and even then she got in trouble.” He paused and looked at Gob with a slight smile on his face. “I think I know where you are going with this. You want me to give her to you.”

Gob smiled back and nodded.

“You know what? I think it’s a rather good idea. However, there are some conditions I have. She must choose you over jail. I will give her the choice. I will not enslave her to you without her agreement. The other condition is that you are responsible for her care. She must be well treated, accepting that she will be obliged to do things that she may not want to do of course but she must be fed, warm and comfortable. Is that Fair?”

“Nothing I wouldn’t have done for her anyway,” said Gob.

“I thought as much,” he said with a smile. “I imagine the threat of being made into your property will keep the other maids in line.” He looked at Gob appraisingly. “But then again, with how you look now they might not complain as much. Well, no time like the present. Hmm, she is asleep. I’ll put her on the bed.”

Suddenly Tallie was there fast asleep and still in her maid’s uniform. She reacted to the sudden increase in comfort by nuzzling her head into the pillow then in a sudden realisation she jolted awake and sat up, frightened.

“Hello Tallie,” said Leaf pleasantly.

“What’s going on? Am I dreaming?” She started to freak out and Leaf waved his hand and a wave of calm passed over her.

“Young Gob here has come to me with a proposal. He feels bad for your punishment and wants me to set you free. I told him in no uncertain terms that you had not been in the dungeon for nearly long enough. I would say another ten years would be about right but he had done me a favour so I am making you an offer. Finish your time or be released now. If you choose release you will be fitted with a collar and become Gob’s property. This will be a lifetime commitment unless Gob should see fit to sell or release you as he desires.”

“Gob? Is he here?” she asked.

“Hi Tallie,” said Gob, waving to get her attention.

“Gob? What happened to you? Is it really you?”

“Gob can answer all your questions if you decide to be his property. I’m growing impatient Tallie. What is your answer?”

“Gob, I choose Gob. Please don’t send me back,” she said, her panic high enough to push through the Maou’s spell of calm.

“Are you fully aware that you are relinquishing your freedom and personhood?”

“I am. I can’t take another ten years in there. I’ll die.”

“Very well. Gob, she’s all yours.” With a gesture, a black leather band appeared on her neck. It seemed to be fastened with a simple buckle but that collar could not be removed so easily. No knife would cut it and any attempt to remove it by any means would kill the wearer. It would prevent her from acting against her master.

“Gob, it is getting late and I would like to rest. If you would kindly leave me and take your things with you.”

“Certainly, sire.”

Leaf gave him a subtle nod of approval for not letting their new informality slip in front of others. “I won’t be needing you again tonight Gob, your time is your own.”

“Thank you, sire. Goodnight.” Gob bowed and he held his hand out to Tallie who jumped off the bed and ran to his side. She curtsied and they headed out of the room.