It was a sunny late afternoon in Starcoast City. Mistress Bellatrix Mirage rode in her carriage, pulled by a pair of ponygirls. They wore green and black full-body catsuits and horse masks, making them appear to be a matching set despite being of different species underneath their coverings. Their arms were bound behind their blacks in black leather armbinders, the straps at the ends running through their crotches to connect to the matching harnesses completing their ensemble.

Today, Bellatrix wore a dark green catsuit with a diamond-shaped cleavage window. A pair of black gloves exposing her fingers and palms, the garment hooking to a ring around her middle digit, adorned her arms, while a transparent green skirt hung around her waist. Attached to her collar was large jade oval engraved with her personal crest. Her long green hair was braided and hanging down her right side, a few sliver streaks in her bangs.

By her side was BM-0013, her personal slave. Her name was tattooed on her left breast and right butt cheek. Her mostly nude body was covered only by the leather harness that criss-crossed it, and the spiked collar around her neck. She had many slaves, such as the ponies and the driver, but unlike the others, 13 often stayed by her side.

The driver pulled back on the reins, bringing the latex ponies to a halt in front of the Obsidian Pearl, a latex club. 13 then opened the carriage door, stepping out to hold it open.

Bellatrix emerged from the carriage and puffed up her skirt. She walked over to the club, 13 following behind her.

A minotaur in black latex stood by the front door. He wore a studded leather harness, the club's name printed across his chest. He looked at them as they walked up. "Hello, Mistress Mirage. It's a pleasure to see you again." He opened the door for them.

Bellatrix gave the minotaur a simple nod as she walked in, 13 following about two steps behind her. They walked past coat check and through a pair of opaque latex curtains, entering the main room. By the entrance from the perspective of one inside the room, a pair of obsidian statues stood on either side, each one pressed against two pillars. Past those statues, the walls of the main space were coated in rubber, along them a number of tables and chairs with a short fence and rail not far away. There were a few openings to the center of the room, which had a tall ceiling and a low floor. In the back was a platform where a band, clad in latex like the other customers, played live music, a mix of classical and jazz performed with strings and percussion, with the stray saxophone thrown in.

She stopped at a vacant table and sat down, 13 sitting on the other side. It was a small table with a white sheet covering the top, with a small glass case in a middle housing an equally small floating crystal. The crystal emitted light like a candle, slowly flickering.

A waitress walked up and stopped in front of her. She had four arms and was covered in black and purple latex, with a matching PVC corset. Her black miniskirt had a purple trim. "Welcome back, Mistress Mirage. Can I get you anything to start with?" She bows to her.

"I will have a tall gin. She will have water." Bellatrix glanced at 13.

The waitress nodded. "Yes, Mistress Mirage. Right away." She stood up and turned to walk away.

The woman in black at the next table called over to her. "I'll have another rum!" She slammed her glass on the table with just enough force to make the ice cubes bounce.

The waitress turned her head. "As you wish, Mistress." She continued on her way.

Bellatrix turned to look at her neighbor. She had on a black latex catsuit with transparent stockings. A pair of spiked anklets were attached to her high heels. She had short black hair and her domino mask had a row of small spikes across the top and bottom edges. Next to her was a puppy slave in full latex, sitting on the floor by her feet.

"Oh, hello, Mistress Schwarz. It's nice to see you again." As a fellow upper-class mistress, the two of them had crossed paths at a few social functions. Bellatrix gave her customary smile to one of her standing.

She slowly turned to look at her. "Hello... Mistress Mirage, was it? I guess it's been a while since we last spoke."

"It was Mistress Nightshade's ball, if I remember right. It seems we only talked briefly then."

"Yes. I think you spent more time talking to Mother. Speaking of which, it still sounds weird being called Mistress Schwarz. You can call me Bonnie."

"Mistress Bonnie it is. That does make it less confusing." Bellatrix nodded. They weren't really close enough to be on a first name basis, but she spoke with the other Mistress Schwarz more often, usually about the shipment of goods.

Bonnie picked up her glass, swirling it around so that the ice cubes clinked together. She took a sip of whatever was left of the liquid inside. She then let out a sigh.

"Rough day?"

"You could say that. I was trying to get with this one orc with lovely red hair. I'm not sure if it was a dye job or if she was just a hybrid. Anyways, I thought I could collar her, but she turned me down when I brought it up."

Bellatrix remembered Bonnie hitting on a drow at one of the parties who was catering. She felt she came on a little too strong, making the latex-clad elf run off to a staff-only area. "That's too bad. How long did you know her?"

"A few days. We met at a bar and I got her a few drinks."

The waitress returned. She set down Bellatrix and 13's drinks on their table, then walked over to Bonnie and set her rum down on the table. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Bellatrix smiled for a quick moment as 13 picked up her water.

The waitress bowed. She took Bonnie's empty glass and left.

Bonnie took a big sip before setting down her glass. "It's been too long since I got a new slave. There was this cute redhead at this tavern, a human I think. It was so much fun to mess with her. I just wanted to take her home. Then Aunt Lilly just had to come in and tell me otherwise."

"Wait, Aunt Lilly?"

"Mistress Smith, sorry. I've known her as long as I can remember. She would come to our mansion to talk with Mother often enough, or have drinks." Bonnie took another sip.

"Oh, her." Bellatrix rolled her eyes and took a sip of her gin. Lilly Smith was the owner of the Cheerful Fairy, a rival department store of her own Silver Hourglass. Bellatrix had worked hard to grow her store to compete with hers over these past few decades. However, she didn't know anything about Lilly's family. "I know how much of a pain she can be. Was the waitress one of her slaves?"

"No, she wasn't, or so it seems. Still, she said I had to stop harassing her. I was just having a bit of harmless fun." Bonnie pouted. "She didn't say anything about the other waitresses, but lately she keeps ending up at my table. I think her name was Melissa."

That piqued Bellatrix's interest. "Is that so? Sounds like she has her eye on her."

"Something like that. She said they had something going on. I forget what exactly." Bonnie took another sip of her rum.

Bellatrix leaned forward. "Something like what?"

"I don't know. I can't remember exactly what she said." Bonnie waved her hand past her head, as if brushing away a thought.

"Too bad." Bellatrix took another sip. "Let me buy you a drink. Waitress, another round on me." She raised her hand at a passing by waitress, who bowed.

Bonnie glanced at the waitress as Bellatrix gave her order, though the thought of a free drink was far from the forefront of her mind. With a blink, she turned back towards Bellatrix again, this time a little skeptical.

“What’s with all the questions, anyways?” She raised her eyebrow, high enough to peek out from the top edge of her mask. “Are you planning something involving that Melissa girl?”

“Maybe~,” Bellatrix replied with a smirk, which she kept from coming off as obviously conniving. “But for now, all I’d like is to meet her, see what she’s like.” With a blink, she glanced back at Bonnie. “You think you can introduce me?”

“You mean in person?” Bonnie leaned closer.

“Of course. It’s only polite for one to return a favor.”

“Then count me out,” Bonnie replied, turning back and lowering her head as she rested her crossed arms on the table. “Whatever you’re plotting, it clearly has something to do with your little rivalry with Aunt Li-I mean, Mistress Smith. There’s no way I could even think of involving myself, not while she and Mother still have their little partnership. Not to mention what she’d do to me if she found out I was helping you…” She brought her arms, still crossed, back up to her chest and shivered.

Bellatrix saw fit not to ask what was going through Bonnie’s head in that moment, instead closing her eyes in solemn recognition. “I see. That’s a shame.”

“I can tell you one thing, though.”

“Oh really?” Bellatrix opened her eyes again. “And what’s that?”

“The place where she works.” Bonnie raised her head and glanced back once more. “It’s a tavern on the west side of town, called the Seasick Crocodile.”

Bellatrix’s smile widened. “I see. Thank you, Mistress Bonnie. That will be most helpful.”

“Hmm,” Bonnie grunted in response. “Whatever gets me out of the crossfire of your little scheme.” She picked up her glass and drank from it again.

It was shortly after their conversation finished that the order of drinks for both of them arrived. Outside of the occasional piece of small talk to break the silence, both Bellatrix and Bonnie remained fairly silent for the remainder of their stay, having said all that needed to be said regarding the most important matter between them for the evening.

***

Day 135 of omnisuit testing. Melissa walked about the tavern doing her rounds. She dropped off a few more pints to group of adventurers; two bisala, an elf, and two wolf-kin. None of them wore latex, so she didn't pay them any mind and went on her way.

She came across an elven man wearing some traditional garment Melissa could not name. Next to him, however, was a orc woman. She wore a skintight catsuit which was transparent save for the black cow print. Its open chest exposed her rather sizable breasts, adorned with large ring piercings. Another ring of a similar nature hung from her nose, and to finish things off, a cowbell hung from her collar, also adorned in cowprint but with a solid white backdrop for the characteristic black blotches.

Melissa couldn't help but stare at the woman. She stumbled on her words as she was snapped out about it by the man as he started talking. She took his order before heading away, blushing.

"Oh waitress, I'm ready to order." A human woman with green hair and a sliver streak called over Melissa. She wore a green latex catsuit, some parts transparent and others overlaid with a simple dress of a similar material, with a green brooch level with her collarbone.

Melissa walked over to the green-suited woman. She seemed oddly familiar. "What can I get you?"

The woman looked up at her with a curious air. "Your voice sounds familiar. Have we met before?"

"Maybe. Have you been to this tavern before?"

"No, it's my first time here. I don't normally get out to this side of town." The woman smiled innocently.

"Then I don't know where you might have seen me." Melissa couldn't shake the feeling she had seen this woman before, but couldn't place it. Maybe around town, she did do a lot of people-watching.

"Oh, I remember now. You were at the unveiling for Zexa's latest prized statue." The woman smiled as she locked eyes with Melissa.

"Zexa? Who was that?" Melissa racked her brain for a moment. "At the art gallery?" She couldn't recall the name of the medusa, but she remembered being turned to stone. Well not quite, she blacked out, but she was certain she was turned into a statue.

The woman nodded. "Yes, that's right. You were on the arm of a mistress, one with rather deep pockets at that. So really, I’m surprised to see you working at a tavern of all places."

"Well, she isn't my owner or anything."

"So was it a date or a trial run?"

"Trial run?" Melissa was a bit confused. "She only said it was a promotion." She thought about it for a moment. "Wait a moment, I thought I was wearing a mask the whole time."

"Call it a hunch." The woman smiled.

Melissa struggled to recall the woman's name. "You're... Beatrice?"

The woman's smile disappeared, if only for a moment. "Bellatrix."

"Oh, sorry, Bellatrix. What can I get you?" Melissa pulls out her note pad, trying to change the subject.

"I wouldn't mind some tea..." Bellatrix smiled, leaning forward. "…with you."

"I can get you some tea, but I'm afraid I've got other tables to work."

"I'll be happy to treat you to something on your break. In the meantime, I will have something light. Perhaps…" Bellatrix tapped her menu, deciding on something within seconds. "…the deluxe Reuben sandwich with a side of the house potato salad."

"Thank you. We’ll have it right out." Melissa wrote down the order and turned around, heaving back to the kitchen counter to place it with the cook. "Seems like we've got another rich one, but she could be trouble."

"Sure thing, little lady." The minotaur took the slip of paper and got to work.

Melissa then went about her rounds. When the time came, she picked up Bellatrix's food and carried it back to her. It did look rather nice. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Bellatrix picked up her fork and knife, then gave Melissa a good look-over. "You do seem rather tired. I know a place close by were we could get some tea that would help you recover."

"I'll think about it." Melissa turned and headed to the kitchen to pick up another order.

Bellatrix pouted a little at the girl’s averse response, but shrugged it off as she took the first bite.

****

It took much deliberation fragmented between her taking and delivering the customers’ orders for the day, but Melissa eventually relented and met Bellatrix at the café she mentioned, Little Ferngully. The place was certainly green, with leaves painted on the walls and everything. The waitresses had translucent fairy wings, even though most of them were clearly not fae.

Bellatrix led the way, picking out a seat at an open table. She sat down, her back facing some rather scantily-clad women at the next table. "Thanks for coming."

Melissa sat down as well. She was still wearing her uniform from the tavern. She thought about changing it, since it would’ve taken no more than 5 seconds, but she wasn't sure if she should display that trick carelessly. "Sure." She eyed the menu on the wall for a moment. Unfortunately, she couldn't make much sense of it. There were several types of tea, but she didn't know what kind she wanted. "Do you have any recommendations?"

"Of course. They have a wonderful tea for recovery." Bellatrix gently tapped the menu line where said tea was listed. She soon got a waitress's attention, ordering the tea and two slices of lemon cake.

"You know, I don't think I've seen you at the tavern before."

"I'm sure it would be hard to miss a girl like me." Bellatrix smiled, the green sparkles shining around her more than just metaphorical. "It was my first time there. And I must say, I was surprised to find the woman who molded Lilly's new toy waiting tables at some tavern. I assumed she took care of your living arrangements."

"Why is that?" Melissa raised an eyebrow.

"I figured you were one of her slaves. Seems she was too cheap to give you room and board." Bellatrix smirked at her last comment, tapping one of her index fingers against the opposite knuckle as they sat intertwined on the table.

"Oh no, it’s nothing like that!" Melissa shook her hands in emphasis of her denial, then lowering them as a small blush of embarrassment came upon her face. “Fact is, I don’t think I’m ready for slavery…”

"It's not that bad, really. It has a worse reputation outside the city. A lot of people are registered slaves here, a couple thousand at least. Largely, it's a power exchange between lovers, but there are also companies that employ slaves. Even my maids are slaves. They have a lovely room in my mansion and plenty to eat. They don't have to go toiling away in a tavern all day." Bellatrix smiled. "After all, we are legally required to provide for our slaves. I know life can be hard in the big city, so some people take to slavery as a means of personal security for any future endeavors."

Melissa was having flash backs to Bon-Bon- err, Bonnie. Still, her mind ultimately drifted to her friend Frida. She didn't much care for the landlord herself, but Frida seemed to be happy enough with her master. Still, she did take work outside of cleaning the apartment building. Marigold also seemed rather happy, although Melissa had never met her master. "I'm still not sure about the whole thing."

“No worries,” Bellatrix said without a moment’s hesitation, almost as if she were expecting Melissa’s response. “For someone such as yourself, such a tight-binding commitment would be a more gradual topic to mull over, wouldn’t you say?”

“Y-Yes?” Melissa responded, a little confused by Bellatrix’s word choice but getting the gist of what she was getting at.

“Good. In that case, take all the time you need to think it over. And if you do decide to give that life a try, please, let me know. I did bring this whole discussion up to start with, after all.”

Just the first sentence was enough to alleviate Melissa’s worries, the pressure weighing down inside her starting to subside as well. A small smile reforming on her face, she closed her eyes and nodded to Bellatrix. “Of course, Miss Bellatrix. I’ll keep all of that in mind.”

Bellatrix’s grin widened some, a soft chuckle escaping the corner of her lips. “That’s a good girl,” she said just as quietly.

The rest of the two ladies’ time at the café went by swiftly, even though it lasted longer than their earlier conversation. The tea they ordered was served, with the cakes following suit moments later. In-between sips of their potables and bites of their confections, they made small talk. Bellatrix initiated most of the fleeting topics, which Melissa answered with honesty, albeit slight caution. The few questions Melissa asked avoided being too specific, but even so, the verdantly-dressed mistress dodged them just enough that her replies remained open-ended. Nothing that gave them away beyond surface-level was divulged, just the way both girls wanted it at this point.

Once her plate and cup alike were empty save for crumbs and residual liquid, Melissa stood from her seat and bowed. “Thank you for the tea and cake, Miss Bellatrix. I’d love to stay and chat a little longer, but I have to be getting back, before the M-trains get too crowded.”

“Of course,” Bellatrix responded with a small bow of her own. “It was a pleasure getting to know you, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future.”

“S-Same here…” Melissa gave Bellatrix a gentle wave of her hand as she headed for the door, to which the mistress responded with a simple raise of her own hand, no additional motions necessary. With a ring of the bell and the closing of the door, the two parted ways.

As she began her stroll down the street, surreptitiously searching for a place where she could change out of her maid outfit without raising too many eyebrows, Melissa couldn’t help but think back to the conversation she shared with Bellatrix mere moments after entering the café. It took a few seconds of thought before a quiet yet heavy sigh escaped through her teeth.

“Slavery, huh?” she pondered as her hand came up to her neck, lightly tapping the side of it. “It isn’t something I can just give a clear-cut answer on, even if I think it over…”

Back inside the café, Bellatrix’s eyes remained trained on the door Melissa departed through. The time it took for the waitress to return and charge her for her purchases was longer than she thought, what with customer presence in the restaurant picking up as the clock ticked towards peak hour, but she neither minded nor cared. She kept watching at nothing, the redhead still on her mind.

“What a naïve girl,” she remarked to herself, her grin twisting at one corner into a smirk. “She’ll come around before too long.” Turning her sights away from the door, Bellatrix closed her eyes and finished off her own cup of tea, setting it down on the table with a subtle yet rather harsh thud.