Of Beanstalks and Kreddys(Job/Itazura)

Saika and Rin were walking through Beanstalk Village, searching for their job partner. Being in opposite sides of the small village, both kept track of their location by the GPS on their iLacs, and by the giant beanstalk in the center of this queer little village. Glancing down at her iLac again, Rin noticed an alert pop up, signaling a text from her older sister, Saika. Flipping over to that page, Rin skimmed the text. It contained a lot of "dos and don'ts," as expected of Saika. Her older sister was extremely protective, and Rin personally found it to be rather annoying.

Closing out, she looked up. It wasn't too bad a day to be out hunting criminals now, was it? There were a few clouds in the sky, partially covering the sun, but the light was still plentiful. The famous giant beanstalk spiraling into the sky blotted out everything else, drawing the angelic girl's attention immediately to it. Blinking, she would look around again, wondering when this Fairy Tail wizard would arrive. She really wanted to start on this job, now.

Word Count: 182

A slight frown dangled on the oddity's face as she looked down at the screen. Her darling little sister, would Rin be okay? Completely oblivious to the excellent weather, Saika's thumbs danced over the surface, trying to best explain her requirements to the other swordswoman.

Pooft.

Raising her eyes slightly, Saika blinked at the young man who had just fallen straight from the sky. From his height, he could be the same age as Saika, though his face showed a touch more age. And from that queer move, it would appear as though he wasn't human or could use magic. "Looking for me?" A cheerful voice emerged from beneath the hoodie, and a grinning face showed itself fully. Blinking, Saika thought momentarily before clapping hands energetically. "Ah, right! Of course! You're the other person here for finding this Kreddy, right? Oh, it feels so daring to be doing a job with someone other than Rin-chan and Tex for a change! C'mon, let's go find my sis!"

Energy completely changed the older sibling's demeanor, from the former worried one to a suddenly cheerful and motherly one. Before long, Rin would be standing before them, aloof expression and unusual albino-like appearance in its full glory. "Soooooooooo! I'm Saika, and that is my little sis Rin! We're both super excited for this job and oooh, it'll be so much fun~!" By now, Saika had grasped at one of Itazura 's hands with no consideration for personal space and would try and shake it up and down in a frenzy of excitement.

Word Count: 258

"Ah, Aruzati-san now, is it?" Saika didn't seem to suspect that this stranger would ever deceive her, yes? In a way, she was even more immature than her sister who was evidently younger. "No, no, the pleasure's all ours!" Bowing respectfully, Saika would tug lightly at the paler female's hand. In a reluctant move, Rin would bob down briefly standing back up and stiff. It was as if someone had taken the two, and gave all the spirit and energy and life to Saika, leaving Rin a pale, cold husk. A worried glance was shot at the girl, one that fit a sweet older sister figure perfectly. It would almost be impossible for anyone to realize what a weird and messed up relationship the pair had.

Getting right down to business, Rin pulled out a sheaf of papers. "I've done thorough research on the city, streets, sewers, rooftops, and any place we might need to go. Do either of you have a set course of action? Any information you may have gathered on our target? My sources provided no proper information and thus I am unfortunately clueless on the target itself. However, all the information we will need to navigate the town smoothly is in here." Despite the dull appearance, her voice rang out, strong and clear. She most certainly wasn't someone about to waver in her decisions.

Word Count: 228

Hmm, so far this guy seemed sorta nice. Saika nodded along cheerfully as he talked, then looked curiously up at him as he inhaled through his nose. "Huh? Smell something? I don't smell a thing, what are you talking about?" she said in a clueless tone. Comically, she would lift her nose into the air as well, scrunching it up in concentration. Then, when Aruzati pointed at the sewer, she froze: "Eugh... Aruzati-san, why would anyone hang out in the sewers?" Even if she said the line with plenty of conviction and energy, there was something off. It was such a well-practiced line that it slid out her mouth smoothly, too smoothly to quite fit with he context. In reality, she honestly didn't care much. Immediately, she would turn to Rin. "I mean, right, Rin-chan?"

Artificial. It was a term Rin used to describe almost everyone in the world. And here she went, stamping it neatly atop the newcomer in her mind. Too cheerful not to be artificial. And besides, there was something clearly different from the average human about him. Perhaps it was just his mage-ness, but she couldn't quite believe that. So... he liked running around on roofs and going into sewers. Interesting hobbies indeed. Ignoring the woman beside her that she found to be both a threat and annoyance, a silvery blade slowly slid from beneath her sleeve, and started up a bright red glow in both her eyes and the blade. "Sure. It's a good bet."

With a hop, Saika bounced wordlessly into the dank underground cavern that reeked of unmentionables. A helpless look would appear on the older girl's face, then she leapt down as well. A glow lit her eyes as well, but no blade. "So, where's this smell you sensed?" The cold question ricocheted about the sewer tunnel, aimed like daggers at Aruzati. Rim would do everything to make sure he knew she didn't trust him.

Word Count: 323

Catching Aruzati's odd comment didn't make Rin trust him any more. In fact, he was now the target of her gaze for much of the time now. Already, she was considering how best to eliminate him if needed. She could always pull Saika into this with a little lie... but that might get too bloody. Now, this wasn't really because of the essence the itachi seemed to radiate, but instead because she felt this way about everyone. No one was to be trusted, because the one person she should be able to trust was the most unpredictably dangerous person she knew. "Hm. Lets hurry on with this job I don't wish to dally here any longer; we've wasted enough time as it is." With this short reply, she would warily follow behind the yōkai.

Saika fell into step gingerly behind the two shorter beings, feeling extremely awkward as the last one in line. Tch. What the heck? Why was Rin ignoring her? It was disgraceful, disgusting, yes, to ignore her sister in front of some strange member of the opposite sex! Shouldn't the white-haired girl at least acknowledge her in some way? A pointed glare was shot neatly at the angelic being, while the dignified one would continue to walk forward, paying no heed to the dark red eyes boring into her back. Realizing this would do no good, Saika soon grew bored and started up a lively stream of chatter with the itachi. "Soooooooooo, Aruzati-san! What guild are you in? Me and Rin-chan here, we're in the Garou Knights! We used to being another really cool and secret guild, but the master decided to merge with this boring new one. "

Word Count: 282

"Ooh, Black Rose, huh? Ugh, why didn't the old dude move us there instead? At least you guys have fun with that Hyoujin lady from what I've heard!" Saika groaned unhappily, seeming to be thinking about how her life might be like if she wasn't in some super savior type guild where people were all "We must be faithful and vigilant wolf things! Even if wolves aren't really that amazing but whatevs!" This would earn her a sharp kick from Rin as the younger girl dug the heel of her dress shoe into Saika's foot. "Please do ignore my sister, she is still immature and does not understand the decision our current pack master Daemon Spade had to make. However, I am sure she will eventually come to her senses." There was special emphasis put on the 'sure' just for the demon's sake. In reality, though the yōkai was quite old, the possibility of the siblings being physically older if not mentally was very possible. Being the current forms that the twin blades used in the great battles the heavens centuries ago, their age may even outstrip that of Fiore's.

However, ancient blades or not, the two were still unfortunately affected by the hypnosis that occurred soon afterwards. Collapsing quickly as the wave of magic sped over them, the power that linked the blades linked the girls in dreamland as well. Awaking in an odd forest, Rin would instantly guess what had happened. Being someone extremely grounded in reality, a realm of illusion was very clear to her. "Demon! Get up and help hack through this new spell!" The sharp and unacknowledging command caused a crinkling of Saika's eyes, but due to her utter loyalty to the angel's blade, she followed. Immediately, shadowy beings popped up ahead of them; beings that were instantly recognized as enemy.

Without a word, the fatefully entwined would begin preparation for battle: one with a weary heart, and one with suddenly renewed anticipation. Yet, there was no need! The apparition faded away on its own, leaving the girls rather puzzled and worried.

Word Count: 347

Apparitions, something neither child dealt often with nor knew very well how to. Saika, with her mind embedded deeply in a fantastical world of messed up ordeals, and Rin, refusing to lose the attraction of cold, hard, and predictable reality. Both rejected the idea there could ever be a trick in their life, each in their own way. The illusion had startled both. Saika was plenty used to the category of such it had come from, where the rest of her imaginations found their way to the surface. Rin was much troubled, already in the process of erasing the memories from her head. It was in this fashion that they ended up facing the sounds of battle coming from behind the two.

Perhaps it was better that neither were in their best states, and perhaps it was worst. Arriving as the orange-furred weasel let rip a slash through the meaty neck of the dragon before transforming into a human youth again, the two were in much too flustered a state to give much thought. Thinking it had to be a part of Aruzati's magic (which it was in a way), they followed the familiar movements into battle. Though one would think it was Rin most affected by the scene, due to her distrust, it would have to be Saika whose emotions were most triggered. As with most of her personality kind, she didn't realize how psychologically different she was from Rin and other people, and so seeing the same expression found upon her own face in battle started up an irrational surge of jealousy.

Blades leapt out from all over her body, her hand finding itself gripping tightly to the handle of a katana. Barely restraining herself, the blade slid away from Aruzati onto the body of the dragon. As blade met scale, they tested the strength of one another, giving up at last. Rin joined into the assault, lending her powerful and controlled strength of the wrist blades. Steel spoke to the sister of the mountau where it had been mined. Gliding over the other blade, the twins shifted into the appearance of two dragons: one of a pure, white shade with russet splotches decorating its skin like blood, while the other was a singular shade of orange red. Claws shining with the light of their blades, the sister blades were in synchronization for once. Crossing powerful forearms, the claws bore down upon the target. As an orb of power gathered there, tension filled the space. Magic flashed into position, bursting apart from the sheer rejection of the two people.

Unfortunately for the dragon, it was right in the middle.

And fortunately for Saika, this time, she got to smile that same twisted grin of a blood-splattered expression she had glowered upon only moments ago.

Word Count: 466

Hearing the chuckle of the yokai behind her, Saika turned, flashing a V-sign that was completely unsuitable to the situation. However, it seemed not to affect the creature much, for he gave none of the usual disgusted signs at her display of skill. It was nice, she supposed, but unnerving as well. If people weren’t afraid of her, it would be harder to get them to understand how she felt, right? Shrugging off such long and needless questions, the yandere glanced over at her sister. “You okay, Rin?” The cheery smile plastered upon her crimson-stained face was the one she reserved especially for her loved one, the seemingly emotionless figure standing before her.

The eerie smile was ignored, Rin’s sharp gaze casting itself upon Aruzati’s. He was a tricky one, and she would have to be the one looking out for him as usual. After this brief moment of thought, she turned, facing forth again. “I would suggest that we simply continue moving. If this is like the stereotypical opponent in the magic world, they will have hidden a final boss in an illusion, whether to actually get rid of opposers, or for fun, letting their opponents “prove their worth” before stopping them.”

With her complete and utter lack of faith and confidence in either of the idiots she had with her, Rin calmly stepped forward, never looking back to see if Saika and Aruzati actually followed. It wasn’t like they weren’t too important, after all. Simply stepping stones for her to get her own way in life. Turning halfway to tell Saika to get into formation, her eyes narrowed, skimming the hazy horizon. Reeling back in surprise, something she rarely did, Rin turned to the others, letting loose a slightly incredulous cry of “Buffalo stampede!” And sure enough, if one studied the living stream of creatures, one could make out the familiar figures of the animals, snorting angrily while charging forth. She attempted to settle back into formation, letting the familiar energy aura surround her. She might have to manifest her wings if things went on like this. But were they truly real, or an apparition as before?

Word Count: 359

Slowly, Rin readied a spell at her side, face set into a determined expression. She could take care of this easy, right? It was just a dream after all… But she knew better than that. This wasn’t some normal dream should wake up just fine from afterwards. No, this was something else, something possibly more sinister than even real life itself. The crimson gaze swept towards Saika’s, and the sisters acted as one. With flashing blades finding their way into the apparitions’ flesh, they stopped in shock, as the swords impacted the spirits not. What was this? Even two ancient blades couldn’t pierce such ghostly beings? A chill spread through the twins as the forms passed through them, and the white-haired girl clasped at her chest in shock as she sudden felt a drop in her health. This was bad… Until the dream world suddenly began to warp.

In a flickering of images, of figures, the scene suddenly faded away, and Saika was blinking up at the ceiling of a blurred tunnel. Footsteps? What was that? Immediately, the yandere leapt up, katana flashing out of her palm. At least she was awake again though. Gazing around the tunnel, she noticed Rin slowly getting up as well, looking around for signs of Aruzati. Had the trickster left them in a trap? Seeing him nowhere to be found, she turned around, only to find herself staring at what looked like a little boy facing some really messed up looking guy. Oh good! Maybe she could continue working on making Rin trust her again, if she helped some kid. Without thinking much, she jumped in next to him, flashing a rather creepy grin, and saying, “C’mon, I’ll support you!”

Word Count: 286

Rin frowned quietly at her sister’s behavior, already feeling what the girl was aiming for. Although Saika could be truly very kind when she wanted to be, the white-haired mage knew better that this was no normal case. Her sister was riled up this time, and ready for some action. She would have to step carefully. The other mage would move quickly, hitting again and again at the shadow-like figure. Often, his blows seemed to go through the man, and a few times they hit solid. At the same time that Imai shouted out what he knew, Rin knew immediately what the pattern was. Nodding almost imperceptibly at Imai’s suggestion, the angelic one darted forward at the target, a blade flashing out from under her sleeve. Pattern, cross, and hit.

Naturally, it was only her little sister who could be so smart, right? The demonic one grinned with pride at Rin’s quick thinking that allowed her to complement Imai’s actions so smoothly. But…did this mean that Rin was ignoring her own actions? That would be disastrous… A frown on her face, Saika suddenly burst past Imai and Rin’s already forming pattern of attack, lunging at the man with her katana swooping over in a wide arc. Fury radiated outwards from the air the blade slashed through air. However, the stunning effect of the aura of hatred would freeze the figure briefly for Saika to get another couple of blows in before reluctantly slipping away at the angry yell of her sister.

“Stop it, Saika! I swear, you will get us all killed!” Even as Rin spat out the angry words, Kreddy began to charge again, his shadowy figure looping and darting at a startling speed. The siblings would slowly get back into a battle-ready stance.

Word Count: 295