Chapter 6: The Slayers

A/N: Hi people, sorry this took me a while to get up, only I had to actually finish creating my plot line (details, details). Also, in case you haven't noticed I've changed the rating to PG-13 because I realized that it didn't really need to be rated R as long as I modified some of the language. Again, I love reviews, and without them it makes me feel exceedingly unloved pouts and snivels

It was a full three days before Karina decided to brave eating breakfast anywhere but her own room. When she did finally come to the conclusion that not dining with the slayers was cowardly, it took her a half hour to work up the nerve to actually go dine with them. During the rather entertaining process of building up her courage to see them, she pulled on the uniform she had grown accustomed to and pulled her thick, titian locks back into a low bun. The brush scraped against a narrow cut on her neck and she winced, more from the humiliation it had caused her than from the pain. Over the past few days Dilandau's training methods had become progressively worse, and yesterday he had dismissed her not only with his usual threats, but with a painful crimson line across her pale throat as well. The memory brought an angry flush to her cheeks, and she finished pinning her hair with unnecessary violence.

As she walked into the mess hall, fifteen heads lifted and turned to stare at her. They had all see her when she was captured, of course, but none had seen her since, and most had begun to wonder if she hadn't been executed after all. Despite rumors that she was a telepath and Dilandau had been known to have his way with important prisoners before, and the result was usually extremely unpleasant.

Karina could feel a blush rising to her cheeks, and tried futilely to suppress it, cursing her pallor and red hair. Good morning. She managed to say finally, with at least a semblance of cheer. Got any empty spots for a poor, hungry telepath?

Her attempt at a joke was greeted with a few weak smiles and even an actual laugh. She was beginning to wonder if she would eve be granted conversation, let alone friendship.

Miss Karina? A cherubic looking blond spoke first. There's a place to sit over here. Smiling gratefully at him, she began walking toward the one empty seat at the table, but froze at the sight of the man seated to her left. Bloodthirsty crimson eyes met her own, looking just as unhappy about the seating as she did.

Instead of indulging her brief fantasy of fleeing the hall and leaping off the Vione, Karina continued walking, holding her head higher than usual and taking a seat with unparalleled grace. She could see a smirk creeping onto his face and she fought the urge to slap him, instead meeting his gaze coolly, a challenge in her eyes.

Dilandau had secretly hoped that she would never gain the courage to come down and dine with his slayers, but she had, so disrupting another piece of his well constructed world. He did not take his eyes off of her, even when she looked away, but continued to stare at her elegant profile, not understanding why she was a telepath and he couldn't kill her. He was disappointed that the mark he had left on her neck didn't seem to be bothering her more than it was; had had so badly wanted to slit her throat then, to watch all her blood flow down her body and encase her like a crimson gown, but he had managed to control himself at the last minute, leaving only a paltry cut that would scar faintly, if it scarred at all.

Dilandau rose from the table only minutes after she had entered—her presence disturbed him—pushing his chair back roughly and addressing his slayers as he did so. I expect to see all of you in the training room in fifteen minutes. As he turned to leave he leaned down and whispered in Karina's ear, gently fingering the mar in her flawless neck. And I trust you will behave yourself. With that he left, imperiously throwing open the double doors as he exited and leaving Karina to swallow the lump of fear that had so quickly jumped into her throat.

For a few moments there was complete silence as each slayer watched the door, making sure he didn't come back and order them to train immediately. When they were sure the coast was clear, a brunette with shoulder length hair said cheerfully, Well, now that Dilandau-sama is gone, we can all properly introduce ourselves.

Karina stared at him, marveling at the change in atmosphere the absence of one person could create. One by one the Dragonslayers rose from their seats and introduced themselves. The curly-haired boy she had knocked out her first day here was a bit wary when she held out her hand to him, but at the other slayers' urging shook her outstretched hand anyway.

Sorry for the—uh—you know... Karina trailed off, and decided it would be better to keep her mouth shut from now on rather than attempt another apology.

Ah, Guimel doesn't care, one of the slayers said loudly. Miguel, she identified in her head, The one with the ego. A little bit of unconsciousness never hurt anybody. He leaned closer to her and in a stage whisper told her, He's just hoping you touched him while he was out.

She laughed, something she hadn't done for awhile now, and didn't stop as Guimel tackled Miguel to the ground and the rest of them joined in the brawl.

The chaos stopped as suddenly as it had started as Folken walked into the room, his dark cloak wrapped about his shoulders, hiding the metal arm that Karina now knew was there. A small smiled played about the corners of his mouth, and his amusement showed through the stern tone he took with the men—Boys really, Karina thought as she looked at them—as he addressed them.

Good morning, Gentlemen. He said softly in the low baritone that never failed in sending shivers up her spine. Dilandau has decided to be generous today and give you all the day off, so that you may better explore the town. He paused as he looked at each one of the slayers in turn, and Karina had a feeling she was missing something important, something vital. However, he wishes all of you to see him first to inform you of certain rules of conduct. He turned his gaze to Karina and smiled. Karina, I'm afraid we will still have our morning lesson, but the Dragonslayers shouldn't be gone long, and you are welcome to bear them company later on in the day. With that he held out his arm. Shall we?

She took his arm, and Folken led her down the long hall to the throne room she went to every morning, and asked her how she was as he always did. It was strange how quickly these things had become routine to her, how she would actually miss them if she were to suddenly disappear or wake up to find it all a dream.

He turned to her as they entered the room and smiled at her, that little smile that made her heartbeat a little too fast for her peace of mind.

he began slowly, we're going to do something rather different today.

It took Karina a moment to realize he was talking to her—she had been speculating on the origin of the purple tear on his cheek—and another to figure out what he said.

she finally asked.

he began to pace in front of the throne, the fingers of his metal hand tapping against his arm in agitation. We are going to actually go into the mind today. Explore it, read it if you will.

She was confused. Karina hadn't thought she was supposed to learn any of that for another several weeks at least.

Because you are progressing so well. he said briskly. There was something troubling about that smile, more troubling than merely its insincerity.

All right. Let's do it. Karina began cracking her knuckles and stretching out her fingers—a nervous habit of hers ever since she was young.

I won't have you actually read anybody's mind today, because it is an unfair thing to do to anybody unless circumstance requires you to do it. But I will tell you of the construction of the mind and how to unlock its secrets. Folken clapped once and a three-dimensional image of a house appeared in the middle of the room.

This is the structure of the mind, he explained, gesturing to the house. It is built like a house, with rooms and hallways and doors and windows. And in some cases, he added, smiling a little, there are secret passages as well. He brought his hand up to the front door of the house, and it opened, revealing a long, narrow corridor winding into the distance.

The only difference between the construction of houses and minds, he continued as the image switched to the inside of the house, is that the construction of a mind can change at will. Things can be moved to different places within the mind, new doors can appear with seemingly unbreakable locks. The only thing you need to remember about the mind, Karina, he said softly, walking closer to her, is that nothing in it is closed to you. If you think you cannot get into a room, you are wrong. You have the power to get in and get out without harm.

Karina frowned and looked up at him.

The human mind is also a dangerous place, full of traps to cage your own mind. Though there are few telepaths here, there have been cases where a person's mind has become trapped in another's, where it becomes impossible to leave the other's mind.

Trapped. Forever. Like an animal in a cage. That would suck. Karina said faintly.

Yes it would. But you have nothing to fear. You're perfect.

A tense silence followed his last words as she looked deep into his eyes. She could see the lust behind them as his eyes caressed her face, her eyes, her lips, and instinctively she turned away.

You are dismissed, Karina. he told her softly. And remember, this is only a talent to use as needed.

Um, Folken, she said hesitantly. You still haven't told me how to get into the mind. How am I supposed to search the house if I can't get in?

Just knock on the door, he said with a smile.

§

No, a flush beats a straight. Jesus, Dalet, don't you know anything?

No, he doesn't. Never had time to learn anything, he's always too busy making sure his hair looks good.

If it helps me get the women, why the hell not?

Do you actually get any women?

This last comment was greeted with loud laughter, and Karina clutched her stomach as the rest of the Slayers laughed with her. They had invited her to play poker with them that night, as was their tradition every night they had free, and it had been a long time since she had heard a more ridiculous game.

Yes, actually I do get women. Or at least more than you do, Miguel. Dalet retorted once he could be heard again.

At least my women aren't my mother!

You bitch! Take it back!







In the struggle that ensued, Miguel got a bloody nose and Dalet a black eye, and nobody in the room could stop laughing.

Karina shouted suddenly. Miraculously, the fighting stopped. They both looked up at her with slightly guilty looks on their faces. Hiding the mischievous smirk that was threatening to show itself on her face she hopped down from the bunk bed and gave each of them a look full of disapproval. she said to Miguel, I thought you would have had the decency to never fight in front of a lady. And you, she turned to Dalet and this time the smile and laughter couldn't be suppressed. What would your mother say?

The Slayers stared at her for a moment and then burst out laughing.

You gotta love this girl, Gatti said, climbing down from his bunk and slinging his arm around her shoulders. Even though she can read our minds and probably fry our brains if she thought hard enough, you gotta love her.

Oh, come one, Gatti, you know I would never fry your brain unless you really pissed me off.

So, Karina—or Kar, can I call you Kar?—how is it here compared to the Mystic Moon?

Karina was silent for a minute as she processed the question. As sad as it was, she was starting to forget the Mystic Moon—Earth, she corrected herself quickly. She thought about what she had gone through since she had gotten here, being picked up in the woods, imprisoned, trained to be a telepath, and befriending ruthless killers. And of course nearly being slaughtered by a certain red-eyed general.

Here is... great.

A/N: Review for me, pretty please makes puppy eyes please please please realizes nobody is listening never mind, but please review anyway.