Ahem... AHEM!!! I'd like some feedback people! Even proofreading notes would be acceptable. I'd even like a flame. Grr. Just please, tell me something. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Do you like chicken legs dripping in mint jelly on rye toast? Anything at all!

I DO NOT OWN SLAYERS!!!

Truly yours,

Kara Metallium

Chapter 8 - Servitude

Kara's eyes blinked opened suddenly. Her vision was a little fuzzy, which she quickly cleared, blinking a few times. The image of the trickster priest, sitting on her bed beside her, rapidly came into focus.

Kara croaked, surprised at the sound of her own voice. The dark priest smiled.

Ah, Miss Kara. You are finally awake. She cleared her throat and sat up, locking eyes with the trickster priest.

What happened to me? her voice sounding considerably smoother.

Well, Miss Kara, it seems that after casting your spell, your body was caught in the shock wave and the radiating energy. You were injured quite badly.

How did I get here? she asked, sounding a great deal like her old self.

Ah, Juuou-Sama and I were having a conversation-

When we felt a giant wave of magical energy released, finished a melodious alto voice. Kara's eyes tore away from Xellos to rest on a slim figure. The woman's short, wavy blond hair was stunning against the white, gauzy dress she wore. Gold gauntlets and bracelets adorned her wrists, and sharp nails decorated with white nailpolish accentuated each hand. Strappy, high heel sandals made her feet look graceful and elegant. Xellos quickly got to his feet and bowed.

he murmured.

Leave us, Xellos, she said, waving him away.

At once, Mistress, Xellos answered, bowed, and disappeared. The Beastmaster walked to Kara's bedside and sat on her bed. Gleaming golden slit pupils gazed at ruby ones.

Kara Metallium. It was a statement. Kara could feel a shiver run down her spine. She had thought her life was a dream before, with becoming Xellos's minion and all. Now she had a mysterious, never seen before, dark lord sitting on her bed! Who would have ever thought. Well, now I know the truth,' Kara thought. And some people thought her hair was lavender or even pink. No, it's gold, a wonderfully thick gold. Not even worthy of being called blond. And of all surprises! It's short! Not long at all. Well, I guess it makes sense, she is a beastmaster. I suppose she can't run around in long hair, snagging it on brush while on the hunt. She is the Beastmaster, one of five dark lords. She is Juuou Sa ma' The room swam slightly before her eyes. That is, before she was pulled out of her reverie by another sample of the earthy alto tone.

What spell did you cast? asked the Beastmaster, staring at Kara. Kara blushed under the stare of the dark lord.

the umGiga Slave, Juuou-Sama, Kara lowered her eyes from the awesome dark lord to stare at the coverlet. She heard the beastmaster inhale a breath of air. Kara's eyes flitted back up towards the dark lord's face. Kara noticed she wore deep wine-colored lipstick, but no other makeup. Odd,' Kara thought. The beastmaster seemed to be considering something, with deep thought etched into her face. She then looked up at Kara. She stared into Kara's eyes once again and began to speak.

Kara Metallium.

Y-yes, Juuou-Sama?

How would you like to become my minion? Kara sat shocked for a moment. Then she recovered and considered the proposition. I might get more power,' she thought. She mentally shook her head. Though being a monster had increased Kara's desire of power and glory, they were not her primary desires. Kara would no longer take orders from Xellos, but from the higher-up. Xellos's own boss. Hell,' Kara thought, I might even work alongside Xellos.' Kara inclined her head toward the Beastmaster.

I would like that very much Juuou-Sama, she answered evenly.

Very well, said the Beastmaster, I expect you to report to me tomorrow. You should be healed by then. I look forward to having you in my service. Until later, Kara Metallium. Kara inclined her head again. The Beastmaster nodded approvingly, stood, and walked out of the room.

A few minutes later, Xellos appeared at Kara's bedside.

Are you feeling well, Miss Kara? he asked with a slight concern.

I'm fine, Xellos, she said with a smile. Say, were you the one who found me?

Yes, I am, Xellos said with a slight cock of his head to the side, I caught you before you hit the ground, brought you back, and treated you. Kara smiled and reached out and gripped Xellos's arm. His eyes widened in surprise at her.

Thank you, Xellos, she said. Xellos paused for a moment, looking into her eyes, but then quickly recovered with his trademark smile.

Ah, your welcome, Miss Kara. Anything for my one and only minion.

One and only? she asked with interest.

Yes, Miss Kara. I've never had a minion, aside from you that is.

Why Xellos, she said with a smile, I'm genuinely surprised and a little flattered. However, Juuou-Sama asked me if I'd like to be her minion, she paused, looking at him steadily, and I accepted. Xellos's smile faltered briefly, but then was back on at full strength.

Oh, well that's certainly a surprise, Miss Kara. I do hope you enjoy serving Juuou-Sama, I certainly do. Kara smiled warmly. I caught that look Xellos,' she thought to herself.

Thanks Xellos! Now, it you don't mind I'd like to get up and have a little time to myself. Xellos smiled a little too brightly.

Of course, Miss Kara. See you later! and with that, Xellos disappeared. Kara got out of bed and her regular clothing flickered into place. She walked to the balcony and looked out. I wonder what that look was,' she thought as she fingered her white tunic. Her thoughts brightened. Ah well, tomorrow I become Juuou-Sama's minion!'