DISCLAIMER:

The characters, by now you have probably realized, are very Ooc. Mio and Mayu aren't very close anymore.

The Intern

Damn. Why did it always end like this? Every time she called her, one always got angry at the other, and after hanging up, she'd always be the one left crying. It wasn't TOO much to ask for. A simple day, at the least, with her every now and then. Ever since All God's Village, Mio had distanced herself from Mayu, probably afraid that she would get hurt again. But that wasn't true. Mayu blamed it on herself. SHE got fascinated with that insect of doom. It's traitorous beauty leading her into a world of never-ending darkness, a world where light had only shown through the lamp shades and candles, a tunnel where light had only shown at the end. She couldn't remember how she had gotten through most of the village or how she had survived that fall, but she had. After everything, she had come to figure out that eventually Mio hadn't cared anymore. She had only come back because it was THEIR promise. That and she wouldn't, she refused to be like Miku's grandmother. She hadn't been able to believe that Yae had just LEFT Sae. Her twin. She left her TWIN of all things behind. It was no wonder Sae was plagued with the Malice. Mayu placed her hands to her forehead and wept for a while, the tears streaming down her face. She didn't want it to be like this anymore, so she would change it here and now. They would be sisters once more. Not just people who looked alike, but sisters again. She slowly picked herself up, then took a moment to look around her apartment. It was a nice two bedroom. Her room, the guest room, which was normally used by the members of her expeditionary teams, a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms. It was simple, but nice. This time, the team would consist of her her, Mio, as usual, and a relatively new member. A trial member, Saiyuuri. Sumisuki Sayuuri, a student at Amanosaki High School interested in photography. There might be others that would arrive sometime, but until then, she only knew of the three of them. Mayu picked up the new girl's profile. She was fifteen, had good grades, highly appraised by her teachers, but she had attitude. She looked at the girl's picture. Blue eyes, green hair, mid-length. She was pale and tall. Thin and frisky looking. They had spoken briefly on the phone the other day. She had a report to do on the Calligrapher's Mansion. A perfect candidate for an intern, Saiyuuri had seemed enthusiastic. Mayu remembered the conversation vividly.

"Would this be the Amakura residence?" The girl on the other line was eager for the answer. She had an English hint to her voice, but was rather bright and cheery. Mayu could her her anticipating breath and simply answered her.

"Yes, may I ask who I'm speaking with?"

"Ah, I've been calling all over looking for you. I got the feeling your employers weren't very kind, but my name is Sumisuki Saiyuuri! I've applied for the internship opening for Calligrapher's Mansion."

"Oh, yes! The Sumisuki girl. I have your file right here. It looks pretty good." Mayu stated in a business-like tone. "But can you work with other people? There's a portion of this file that states you are very arrogant and self-deciding. Would this be something I could overlook or will this be problematic? You will be working with others provided I decide on you. And why should I choose you over the others?" Mayu's voice had gone from business-like straight down to the hammering voice of an overworking superior, lying in wait, watching your every move for one, even the tiniest slip up, to say 'No'. The girl was calm, she took some time out to think of a reply, probably making sure she didn't say anything TOO witty.

"Actually, I shouldn't have too many problems working with others...assuming I work for you. But that all depends upon how they're willed towards me, while yes I do admit I'm often pig-headed, but still, I do work hard. Besides, it's not a job I'm looking for. If I wanted a JOB, I could have gone down to the McDonald's down the street! I'm simply looking for the best way to get information on the Calligrapher's Mansion, get a couple of shots of it, and get my report done. What better way to do that than to actually be INSIDE the place?" She did have a way with words. So far the other candidates had either argued with her, wanted money, shown no emotion what-so-ever, or said that their profiles were lies. Others were probably more qualified, but still, she seemed like a good candidate. There was a long silence, and finally Mayu spoke. "Well then, Sumisuki-san," She could feel the girl cringe on the other side of the phone. Mayu sadistically seemed to enjoy this part of interviewing people. "It occurs to me that I have many more qualified people on this list than you. All you have is a hobby and a report. Is that the best you could come up with!" She said in a 'You've got to be kidding me' manner. "No other reasons?" She looked at the report. English 3A. Report on Historical Houses and Areas due in about two weeks. She smiled to herself as she heard the girl draw in a sharp breath.

"Well, I never...and to think I actually respected something like you! I oughtta-" she was cut off by Mayu.

"Thank you." She said, amusement heavy in her voice.

"Hey! This is just some sort of game to you, isn't it!"

"Hmmm." Mayu paused."No. Not a game. Just having fun with an intern before I hire them! A more personally based test!"

"But-"

"I don't work with job-consumed zombies who prioritize their lives by opportunity and opportunity alone."

"Huh!" The confused girl started stammering irrational words, thoughts, and phrases, finally settling on saying nothing at all.

"Have you ever read Dante's The Inferno?"

"I won't lie. Only sections...but why?" Mayu laid back in her chair comfortably.

"Simple. Before entering Hell, Virgil shows Dante the fate of all who are consumed by their jobs and money, phased by nothing but the complexities of their everyday lives, only working, and being truthful to no one. Not even themselves. They are plagued by opportunity, and doomed to chase a floating flag, which represents opportunity, for an eternity through stinging wasps and hornets, pus, and maggots. They are called the Oppotunists."

"Oh, well I assure you I'm not like that."

"You have personality. That is why I will hire you."

"Oh, thank you Amakura-sensei-"

"Don't." She said sternly.

"..."

"We will talk informally. You will call me Mayu, as everyone else does."

"Erm, isn't that disrespectful, ma'am?" She was puzzled.

"No. Not at all." Mayu was very call. "I simply wish to be called by my first name... That and, we will be working with my sister, as well."

"Oh..." She seemed to understand. "She must be excited about a job!" She said eagerly.

"Umm...Not exactly."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...she doesn't exactly know." She said in a round about manner. "Anyway, I will call when the arrangements have been set in stone. Thank for your time."

"No. Thank you Sempai."

"Ahem."

"I mean, Mayu." She said sheepishly.

Mayu had called later that week and discussed arrangements with Saiyuuri and her parents. Saiyuuri had denied Mayu the pleasure of her company, and said she would meet them at the mansion. All that was left now, was to officially get Mio over there. Mayu went into the kitchen, and started on her breakfast. Normally, the team came and stayed the night before, and they went over the procedure, building plans, and emergency precautions. That is, everyone except Mio. Mio was always the odd man out. She was never there, never came, avoiding Mayu throughout the trips as best she could, and even when they were forced to be close, she kept her distance. It was like she had developed the plague or something. But nonetheless, Mio always showed up to the rendevouz point at some time or another. Mayu sighed and went on with her breakfast preparations. Lost in thought, and still absently crying. It wasn't before long that she had realized breakfast was burned, and after all those years she spent in Home Ecomonics and Cooking classes. GRAAAAH!