I have to admit. This chapter was quite fun to write. Enjoy!

~Kara Metallium

P.S. I don't own Slayers; however, I wish I did.

Chapter 9 - A Second Solution

The following day, Kara went to Juuou-Sama. Approaching from a hall, Kara walked through the doors. The floor was made of dark green marble mixed with splashes of cream, which vaguely reminded Kara of the woods on Wolfpack Island. The walls matched the cream of the floor, and white and gold tapestries hung upon them at intervals. Most of the tapestries featured sylvan scenes with many lupine subjects. One entire side of the hall was covered with glass french doors, which were open letting fresh air into the room. The breeze ruffled the gauzy white cloth that hung over the doors' openings. The doors led to a long balcony that overlooked most of Wolfpack Island. A massive forest could be seen along with the faintest glimmers of the sea that reflecting the dawning of the sun.

Kara's eyes finally traveled to the far end of the room. Juuou-Sama sat on a large, plush throne that looked more like a luxurious chair. To Juuou-Sama's left stood Xellos. He watched her carefully despite his deceivingly cheerful trademark smile. Kara stared back, sensing there was something hidden beneath that normal genki facade. The Beastmaster gestured toward herself and Xellos with a slim hand, the bangle bracelets making a melodious clinking that echoed throughout the hall. Kara strode forward and finally stopped in front of the Beastmaster. She dropped to one knee and bowed her head.

I am here as you commanded, Juuou-Sama, Kara said, in a clear voice.

Stand up and face me, Kara Metallium, commanded the Beastmaster. Kara stood and looked into Juuou-Sama's golden eyes. Kara Metallium, Juuou-Sama continued, You have proven that you are strong enough to become my minion. You have proven yourself resourceful enough to become my minion. You have served your former master well, and have never displeased him at any point. Kara Metallium, I offer you the post of priestess serving under my command. Kara drew in a breathe. She had never expected to be offered such a high post, especially under Juuou-Sama, whose one and only powerful minion had been Xellos. Xellos had served Juuou-Sama for more than a thousand years, and here, with the Beastmaster's offer to Kara, was something threatening to break such a strong tradition. Kara bowed her head once, and then looked into the Beastmaster's eyes once more.

I accept, Juuou-Sama. The Beastmaster smiled, almost gleefully.

rang her golden alto voice. The Beastmaster stood and stepped down off the dais and stood in front of Kara. Before Kara knew what was happening, slim arms had slipped around her and were pulling her closer to the mazoku lord in front of her. Kara looked up startled into Juuou-Sama's eyes, only to have them widen further when Juuou-Sama closed the distance between them with a kiss. Kara's crimson eyes stayed open an instant further, before shutting swiftly.

Juuou-Sama's mouth was warm, inviting, and sweet with thick red wine. Slowly, Juuou-Sama's tongue coaxed Kara's lips open and slipped inside her mouth. Kara was startled, due to her inhibitions kicking in; however, they stopped kicking in when Kara felt something else in Juuou-Sama's kiss. Power. Kara could feel sheer power flowing from Juuou-Sama's body into hers. It took Kara only a few moments to realize the meaning of the kiss, before she hungrily started to kiss Juuou-Sama back. Kara suddenly understood that the more passion she put into the kiss, the more quickly the power flowed into her. Soon, the two mazoku's tongues were battling, wet and warm soaked in the power that is of darkness. The power of the mazoku. There was something subtle, that Kara had never realized that dwelt within the power of Shabrinigdo's race. The subtle power of sensual pleasure. Of course, the darkness meant pain and death, but it also meant seduction. Knowing this, Kara came upon the conclusion that there were really two ways to transfer a mazoku's power. Killing, and then resurrecting the creature as a minion; or, to transfer it through the dark sensual nature of a kiss. A simple kiss.

Kara's mind snapped back to focus on Juuou-Sama's attentions to her mouth, when she felt the power decreasing. Slowly, the Beastmaster withdrew her tongue from Kara's mouth and released Kara from her arms. She stood back from Kara and looked approvingly down at her.

I think a change of clothing is in order, said Juuou-Sama suddenly and snapped her fingers. Formerly, Kara had worn a simple white tunic, red pants, and thigh high brown boots, and sometimes a white cloak. Her old outfit was replaced with an entirely new one. Her brown, thigh high boots remained. She wore a black leotard that stopped at a somber purple breastplate that molded to her chest perfectly, accentuating her large breasts and the cleavage that went with them. She had a long red loin cloth outlined in the same somber purple that hung down the front and back of her to her ankles. White gloves that stopped at her wrists and a white cloak, clasped with a red stone set in gold, added to the ensemble.

You're missing something, said Juuou-Sama, with a finger tapping her lip. Juuou-Sama turned to Xellos. You have any ideas, Xellos? she asked. Xellos opened his eyes, for he hadn't during the whole ordeal, and studied Kara.

Hmm. I think a piece of jewelry might finish off the outfit, Juuou-Sama. The Beastmaster smiled happily.

Of course! exclaimed Juuou-Sama. She snapped her fingers and a spiked choker appeared on Kara's neck. the Beastmaster squealed. Suddenly, she regained composure.

Kara Metallium, you now hold the title of Lesser Beast, priestess of Zelas Metallium. You would do well to remember your title, as other mazoku will be asking you for it.

Hai, Juuou-Sama, Kara answered bowing her head. Juuou-Sama gestured Kara away with her hand.

she commanded. Go play with your new powers, as I'm sure you're eager to do. Do not abuse them. I will call you later with instructions for your first mission.

Hai, Juuou-Sama, Kara answered, inclining her head once again. With that, Kara straightened, turned on her heel, and strode from the throne room of Zelas Metallium, with an extremely large grin on her face.