I'm on a roll!! 8 chapters and counting! Things are really heating up for the characters in this fanfic my friends, major heat!! But it seems the only reviews I'm getting some positive feedback is from Anna, (Daisuke Capt. Oblivious) my would-be pen pal and confidant. What she sends (other than what people send in reply to my reviews) is a whole lot more worth reading than what my high school friend (annoying underclassman) Jackie sends on a daily basis. Mainly crap. Lots and lots of useless crap. She sent me Chobits episodes 1-8 once but I can't remember what I did with it. Strange things happen when you give someone their own folder. Anywho we must continue with the story!!

Disclaimer: bow down to Kishimoto-san, for he is the only one who rightfully owns Naruto and its characters.

"Iii" speech

Iii thoughts/telepathy

Iii spirit speech

"" Translated speech

Chapter 8: Searching for Sasuke: New Foes and Old Faces

It'd been two days since their arrival into the strange city, already proving to be a major danger/war zone to any who came within range. Having witnessed a 'cleansing' and the death of the misshapen culprit responsible for starting this whole mess, the ninja group were too caught up in the weirdness to notice what was normal and what wasn't. Iruka, being one of these people, was trying to enjoy a good mug of coffee at one of the dining tables in the bar room while the others were wandering around trying to familiarize themselves to the building. Naruto's upstairs getting that cut checked; those kids are back causing trouble with Ms. Loni, and the others are simply being them here and there. Hopefully I can just sit here and enjoy some peace and quiet. Iruka thought to himself as he took in another whiff of the heavenly brew, trying not to drool as his brain was sent to cloud 9. Sadly his moment of peace was interrupted by the familiar scent of pine and the feel of two memorable arms wrapping themselves around his shoulders, a masked face cuddling his cheek with affection, a single eye curved into a smile as a sly voice purred into the Chunin's ear. "Morning koi. Enjoying the moment?"

Sighing at the expected intrusion, Iruka turned to face Kakashi with a warm smile that made Kakashi's heart almost stop. "Well I was until you popped up. Where have you been lately? Something on your mind?"

"Are you angry with me?" he queried, curious yet fearing the answer, not wanting the scar-faced man to keep turning him away. Being deprived of the thing he loved the most was excruciatingly hard not to pounce. (Trust me… I know what it's like. Two weeks without Internet shiver not pleasant). Thinking this over, Iruka truly didn't know how to respond only to inquire the meaning of the question. "Angry at you? About what?"

"Yelling at you."

Oh so that's it. Iruka's memory finally kicking in on the subject at hand.

--Flashback—

"You sent a wounded teenager after an unknown force of gods know what without any consideration to his health? What were you thinking Kakashi?" Iruka roared fiercely at the older man. Unexpectedly, Kakashi glared at the other man and snapped, "I had no time to think Umino. I had a student in a sack held by the enemy, another suffering from a strange spell of sorts even I've never seen and the third I sent to retrieve the other, all the while unaware of his condition since the smell of his blood mixed with that of the that thing that attacked us in the first place. Now if you'll excuse me sir, I'm going to find my students."

--End Flashback—

Chuckling Iruka shook his head smiling, "No I can't stay mad at you forever. Besides, I was concerned is all and I lashed out at you when you were trying to think straight. The possibility of you thinking straight… well, let's think about the odds of that happening…"

"Hey I'm standing right here you know!" Kakashi said, sounding like he'd been slapped but couldn't keep himself from laughing himself. Sipping the coffee, Iruka ignored the mans antics at his words, shaking his head while looking away in thought. Curious on what was on his koi's mind, Kakashi playfully poked him in the nose asking, "What're you thinking about now?"

"Oh, just how you could forget our anniversary is all. How could you forget anyway? I know you aren't the most reliable ninja in all of Konoha but did you really have to forget one of the most important days in your life…" he trailed off and turned back to the man standing over him. "You going to tell me or are you going to stand there and gap all day?" he asked, his tone inquisitive and demanding to know why Kakashi hadn't said anything in his defense. Looking into the chocolate brown eyes he loved so much, Kakashi merely replied, "How could I forget a day important to both of us? So important to you… I've no idea. Only that in the midst of the moment, it slipped my mind."

"Huh?"

"My mind was too caught up in the thought of you to notice what day it was. Happy now?" he asked, his voice purring soothingly into the younger mans' ear, sounding almost hungry from want. Trying to fight down the blush that to Kakashi, only made him cuter, he grinned shyly and merely said as he pushed the mans' face away from his chuckling at his piteous moans of disappointment. "Now, now. Down you naughty Jounin. You're gonna have to do better than that if you think you're gonna be forgiven that easily."

Silencing his moan of frustration, Kakashi perked up and snuggled closer only to be held back but kept trying anyway. "Upstairs then?" he asked hopefully, Iruka not sure if he liked the look in the jounin's visible eye. "Coffee first. Then upstairs." He contradicted, hoping to keep the hentai reading pervert of a koi off of him long enough to have some decent morning coffee. Smiling underneath his mask, the Jounin waited patiently as his one and only sipped the brew until there was no more. If the man had a tail, it would be wagging as the mug emptied slowly but steadily and when there was no more, the one-eyed man wasted no time in hoisting him out of the chair, setting the mug on the table and teleported them both upstairs. Iruka protested at the sudden action to only be silence by a heart-stopping kiss that completely blew his mind and drove the air from his lungs. A hungry tongue slid across his lips, begging for entrance to his mouth. He opened it slightly, the tongue darting in and swirling all over the place, making itself known, massaging the mouth it held in place. Iruka responded with the same vigor, trying to keep himself from collapsing, pulling the man closer with eager hands grabbing at the back of Kakashi's silver head. Chuckling Kakashi moved his own hands to rest on a very interesting spot, one on the mans' ass, the other fondling his chest under Iruka's shirt. The one tedious task at the moment was to not moan into this kiss, which might alert their neighbors of the action going on next door. The kiss continued, growing hungrier and more passionate, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. Breaking off for air, Iruka called. "Who is it?"

"It's Evan if you don't mind. If you two are done having your fun," the voice said teasingly from behind the door, "I'm sure you both would love to seek out your missing friend whom I'm sure will appreciate you taking a break from your interlude so to speak."

Shocked at being discovered so easily in the one moment he'd been hoping to gain all morning, Kakashi couldn't help but look surprised at the door as Iruka straightened his shirt, hoping his lips weren't too bruised when presenting himself in front of the others. Snapping out of his astonishment Kakashi put his cloth mask back on, pulling himself together and taking on his relaxed appearance as though it were any other day. Opening the door to reveal a slyly smiling young man, wearing brown, some of his hair back in a tail, mask at his hip, katana at his back ready and able, his knowing golden-green eyes seemed to be filled with mischievous thoughts and ways to trick those he knew in ways yet to be comprehended. Kakashi could've sworn he saw a bit of Naruto in the strange, alien face grinning happily back at him like there was nothing in the world that could keep that expression off of his face. Iruka raised an eyebrow at the mans' air of carelessness. "What are you smiling at? And how'd you know it was us in there?"

The smile widened as eyes somehow unfocused, becoming disturbingly distant, not staring at anything in particular before the man responded. "Love is blind Iruka-san, but fools choose to see what others refuse to look upon. Even if it is behind closed doors." His grin brought a blithe appearance to his complexion whereas his brothers' was smoother than smooth, only troubling to smirk every now and again. His eyes disturbed them the most, especially on how they changed so quickly from all seeing to dull and completely unable to perceive the world as it was. "No worries," he said kindly, somehow perceptive to their expressions. "Happens all the time. Comes and goes, comes and goes. Not even Lilith (1) can figure out why it happens, but I'm used to it by now. Even Brother's confused on why it happens to me and not him. Well enough on that, come on then, things to do, people to see."

Evan walked away, smile serenely plastered onto his face, walking straight toward a side table with a delicate and intricate looking vase with several tiger lilies displaying their colors to passerby. Out of nowhere a fox of earthy golden fur with brown speckled wings out of its back appeared and gently raised its front paws to stop him in his tracks. Coming to a halt, Evan tilted his head as the creature jumped to his shoulder to whisper in his ear. Laughing to himself, Evan sidestepped the obstruction and said to the creature, "Thanks Lilith, I almost forgot. Come on you two, things to do!" he called the last one, continuing his calm stroll down the hall. The creature dubbed Lilith turned to face them as he walked, winking its beautiful hazel eyes at them before jumping down again, its form going watery and shapeless, landing harmlessly on the carpet. It rose to Evan's exact height, wings still poking out of its back, long almost black hair falling like water at its back, its sleek form standing tall and proud beside its master. Turning it smiled happily at the two men, its female form dressed appropriately for bad weather, head to toe in earthy browns and airy yellows. Her hazel eyes looked normal enough, though they didn't seem to move. A bird's eyes. Lilith put one of her hands on Evan's back, using the other to hold his semi-gloved hand, guiding him past any other obstacles with a kind whisper that only he seemed to hear. Pointed ears poked out of the watery hair, seen whenever she moved her head one way or another. Downstairs, other people were getting their own surprises:

Chevy had long since picked up the abandoned mug after Kakashi had teleported Iruka upstairs to 'make up' for past discretions. He took the object to the kitchen the went back to the bar room to wait for the others to gather before heading out for the one Naruto had so kindly dubbed 'Sasuke-teme'. It wasn't until two and a half seconds later he had his skull sent into his spine by two very angry fan girls. Some of the group had taken to waiting at some of the tables, trying to be patient as Iruka and Kakashi appeared after Evan came walking in with a strange young woman. Brows furrowed in curiosity at the woman but shot up in surprise and shock at Evan's eyes: they were completely blank, seeming to stare at something none of them could see at all. "Ah. Evan. About time you got here." Chevy said, standing up, "where's Ozzy?"

"Sorry, he's still getting things together. And to think I was the messy one," he laughed, still facing forward as though it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"Another one?" the dog man queried, acting as though it were a normal thing.

"Yes, and I'll be fine. It'll pass like all the others. Thanks Lilith, that'll be all for now." Evan said calmly, turning his attention to the young woman.

Until you need me again Evan? A voice asked; seeming to echo with power and knowledge unsurpassed.

"I will. You know I will." He said, a grin forming on his face. Dropping the hand she'd been holding and withdrawing the other from his back, Lilith became a strange mist that floated with an eerie glow, flowing through the air and into Evan's back. He never moved, eyes forward unseeing, the grin on his face never yielding to the loss of his guide.

"Coming?" he asked, turning his head slightly in Chevy's direction.

"In a minute Ev, in a minute. Twelve paces to the door, two to the left and four forward again. Can you do it or will you trip again?"

"Don't know, but I can try can't I?" the smile that graced his face would've made the angriest person alive take a calming breath. But Chevy wasn't angry; he merely stared at the teammate before him before he responded. "Yeah. I guess you can."

"I'll be waiting." Smiling again, Evan walked the twelve paces to the door, found the handle and simply walked outside like nothing was wrong. It shut behind him without another word, like words weren't needed to express what was already known. As if on cue, Ozzy came down the stairs, his face blank and emotionless. Chevy faced him then indicated the door with his head. Nothing was said as Ozzy just nodded and walked outside himself, ignoring all the stares that came his way. Ms. Loni came from through the back door, her face stern. "You boys come back in one piece you understand?"

"Yes Ms. Loni."

"And I want our guest back before the snow gets too thick or the sun gets too low you got me?"

"Yes Ms. Loni."

"I expected nothing less. Now get going before I boot your lazy ass out the door."

"Yes Ms. Loni." He chuckled, waving the group out the door. Uneasy at what was seen not several minutes earlier, they hesitantly headed out the door into the snow where the twins waited. Evan stood next to a nearby lamppost, Ozzy lingered nearby, almost anxious and foreboding. Gaara approached the elder twin, wary that the other wasn't very far away before he spoke. "Ozzy."

Turning to face the red head, he answered in the same monotone voice. "Yes?"

"What's wrong with your brother? Yesterday he was fine but now…"

He blinked at this. Looking at his brother, a look of pain shimmered across his features, bringing a tragic look in his golden green eyes. He turned back to them, the sad gaze never leaving his exotic optics. "I'd rather not speak of it."

"If there's something wrong with him, why doesn't his spirit do something about it?" Sakura asked from where she stood. This proved to be a bad move. He seemed to flinch, as though she'd hit a very sensitive nerve. Glaring harshly, the pain still visible, he growled in response. "You think she hasn't tried? You think I haven't tried? Just leave it you hear? Bring it up again and it's going to take more than my aunt to keep me from ringing your necks, got it?"

He turned away again and stomped off to stand next to his opposite, his angered breath rising in big puff into the cold air. Gayle appeared through the door to stand next to the pink-haired girl. "You shouldn't have brought that up you know. It'll be the same answer every time. No matter how many times you ask."

Turning to face the dragon-masked man, Asuma's inquisitiveness and raised eyebrow was visible upon asking. "Why wouldn't they want to talk about it? If there's something wrong with the spirit-"

"It's not the spirit. It's Evan. And the spirit Lilith can't find the problem. Neither can Ozzy, and it frustrates him. Hell, it probably scares him. Ozzy's been trying to find out what's wrong for years and after all the pain and effort: nothing. Even our best doctors are confused."

"This has happened before?" Kurenai asked, brow furrowing in concern, her red eyes moving to look at the young man's back turned to them. The two had gone to conversing, a hand sometimes pointing in one direction or another. Evan's eyes had cleared, bright and alert to his surroundings, allowing him to match sight with smell and sound. Chevy had moved to join them, putting his own word in to gain approval on his thoughts and opinions. "Yes and it, in all probability, won't be the last," Gayle said sadly, his brown eyes nothing more than moist pools of gloom. "From what those two have told me, these 'black outs' as they've been named, either last a minute or two at a time. Others have been known to go on for more than a day or maybe half a week. I'm surprised they haven't tried to pull him out of the field yet." He finished thoughtfully, worry and calculation overtaking his brown optics.

"Out of the field? You mean like discharge? Retirement?" Kakashi asked, wondering about this himself. Looking at the young man now, one couldn't possibly see anything wrong with him. That is until another episode kicks in and rendered him useless to the group and the mission. "Why not take him out of the field now and find the problem? Surely they've thought of this by now."

"That may be true Kakashi but they just can't pull someone when it's obvious he or she's in perfect condition. We all know there's only one reason for their waiting: they're biding their time. patiently awaiting the arrival of the final straw. A moment where there'll be no choice but to get him out of harms way."

"Like what exactly?" Sakura almost whispered.

"Like when he goes into the dark… and doesn't come out."

Without another word Gayle joined the three at the light post, ignoring the cold ice and snow that was starting to fall faster by the second. In a gruff voice Ozzy called with a wave of his arm, the four men walking out into the icy street oblivious to the temperature. "Come on, time to move out! Ain't got all day."

Moving out into the street, the group was already starting to shiver. Even Shino was turning a little blue, his glasses already starting to frost over. Several blocks later the four masked figures took a left turn, passing a metal post with green signs on top, the white lettering hard to read in the snow covering it like a sheet. Other than the four young men Naruto seemed the only one unaffected by the weather while the others just shivered at a constant. "HEY!!" came Ino's irritated screech over the howling wind, making all jump in surprise. Reluctantly turning to face her, the four stared wordlessly, obviously aggravated at her sudden outburst. "We gonna get out of this sometime soon? I'm freezing!! Where you takin' us anyway?"

Looking at each other, three of the four continued to walk on as though she hadn't said a word while Chevy just chuckled and said, "You'll see soon enough. Just a pit stop is all. Can't have you dying on us now can we?"

"Huh?" Was all she could say in response. His chuckle almost became a full out laugh at their expressions.

"Winter gear. Need to wrap you guys up before something falls off."

"NO NEED!!" Gai roared, taking on that god-forsaken pose of his. "I CAN OUTLAST ANYTHING, EVEN THIS WEATHER!!"

"Yeah. Uh huh. Says the man who's shivering like there's no tomorrow in a spandex suit that's better off for a sunny day at a beach no less."

Shivering and suffering a runny nose, Gai finally fell out of his pose looking withered and pale, the shadows under his eyes and the twitching eyebrow saying it all. Lee, being overly dramatic, (heaven forbid) he yelled his sensei's name in terror, running over to lift the man out of the snow. Crying and yelling, Lee continued to panic until he was finally hit in the face by a large dark object. With an oomph, the boy fell to the ground with a flop, the object going down with him. A very angry Ozzy stood over the fallen figures, his brother trying to console him out of his fury. "Do you want them to find us? And you call yourselves ninjas. Get those on and shut the hell up before I kill you myself!" the last he spat at the two annoying duplicates, stomping away to grumble on about who knows what.

Unfurling the thing, it appeared to be a coat, several pairs of gloves, hats, a bunch of scarves and a couple of itchy sweaters. "Get 'em on before they get too wet!" Ozzy growled from where he stood (several feet away), obviously angry at the delay. Gayle just shook his head as he walked up with a couple more coats, socks and some boots. He was followed by a skinny man also carrying some clothes, his hair somewhat spiky, eyes lightly discolored, lips pinker than pink (cold does that), his clothes as patchy as the ones being handed out. Some articles looked brand new, others older than old but still worth wearing. "Thanks Bron (2), we'll bring you some soup next time we come around"

"No I thank you for letting me stay here. No taxes haha!!"

"In a sense we all have it made if you really think about it."

"I can't agree with you more my friend. Have a good one!"

"See ya later!"

"Who was that?" Iruka asked, his face having returned to its natural color, trying not to laugh at Kakashi's hair sticking out of the hat he'd been given, poking out from under the brim at odd angles. "Oh just a local. He's a real nice guy, our Bron, makes good clothes. Some of these he really had to dig for but others he made himself with the materials we usually find for him to use for his work."

"What was he saying? I've never heard that language before." Neji remarked, adjusting a scarf to wrap around his neck and not his face prior to Tenten giving him a hand with it, him trying not to blush. "Of course genius. This world has over 100 various languages, dialects, lingoes and forms of speech, all easily written and read with proper know how." Evan popped in almost happily, his matter-of-fact tone sounding more mocking than possibly intended. The shocked looks on their faces caused him to laugh, stumbling away attempting to keep his giggles from breaking free of his hands. Ozzy simply rolled his eyes at his brother's antics, following with his usually grumpy self.

"I hate it when he does that. He's the biggest dumb ass in all our forces yet he still manages to outsmart people. And to think he spent most of the time sending pencils at the blackboard or spitballs into the ceiling… Ozzy usually slept or just stared forward the whole time, even if there was an important lecture being conducted… talk about puzzling…" A voice grumbled as another set of footsteps approached, boots crunching lightly in the snow and icy street. Wearing dark green clothes, a horse mask and a broad sword at his back, the man passed through the crowd heading straight to Chevy and Gayle. The two just chuckled as Chevy responded. "Yet another stubborn soul to join us in the quest for sustenance. You were always the easily roused. Nice of you to join us Kazuo (3), you're late."

"Snow does that to a guy okay? Besides, I didn't exactly know I had to come on time, especially with this crowd you've got. Locals movin' around or just people from out of town movin' in? Did those two destroy another building?"

"WHY DOES EVERYBODY THINK THAT?" Evan and Ozzy roared from where they stood, Evan still trying not to crack up laughing as Ozzy looked on edge, wanting to kill something. Sending the other two a questioning look, Kazuo helped Chevy and Gayle continued to pass out the rest of the winter gear. Wordlessly the group of five branched out, the twins behind, Gayle on the left with Chevy on the right. Kazuo in the lead, walked over the ground with a cautious and wary step. The original four seemed to tense with each step while Kazuo remained oblivious to the change, strolling with ease, though wary of where he was going and what might be ahead. After several blocks of silence Chevy spoke up. "G to l, O to l, E on r, C remains on r. On five."

Nods were the only response. Looking at Kurenai out of the corner of his eye he whispered. "Stand ready. Spread the word: no one goes or does anything unless told otherwise. Got it?"

Confused but sensing the tension and adrenaline, she only nodded as she whispered to those closest to her, oblivious to the note being planted to her arm. The red-eyed woman waited for everyone's response. Many either whispered or nodded their understanding, sending the answer to Kurenai. Upon receiving all conformations, she nodded at Chevy once again. "Good." Was all he said before calling loudly. "Hey Kazuo! Let's take five okay? I think I saw somethin' over there." He said as he pointed at a doorstep of a building close by, a bunch of trashcans sitting in scattered formations against the stonewalls.

Jogging over, Kazuo started barking orders. "Okay I see what you mean. Everybody back up now, I've got this. Chevy I said back up. Chevy?"

"Just one question Kazuo. It's kinda been on my mind lately."

The twins and Gayle moved in, taking their positions left and right of Chevy's position, cornering the horse masked man against the building steps. "Okay, shoot Chevy. What'd you want to ask me?"

"If you're standing right here in front of everybody, why is that you're also in the trash Kazuo? Right guys?"

With these words he reached past Kazuo and overturned a old trash bag. sure enough, a decaying corpse and a broken clay horse mask clattered to the ground in front of them. Reaching for their swords, the twins edged into their fighting stances, Ozzy growling menacingly. Gayle crouched himself, fully aware of Chevy not moving to do the same.

"Yeah, Kazuo" Gayle queried, already sounding suspicious, squinting in question at his supposed 'team member'. "What's with the corpse that looks so much like you?"

Unexpectedly Kazuo started laughing, his voice changing to something all too familiar to the ninja group causing them to tense and back away further. "So you found me out already did you? What a smart dog. I actually expected no better from those of your lot." 'Kazuo' cackled, removing the mask and flicking an unnaturally long tongue out to lick dry lips.

"You show yourself once again Snake man, overhear something you've been dying to get your hands on?" Evan asked, sounding mocking and avid for battle. Ozzy just growled in earnest, equally eager for some major action. "Now that you speak of it bird boy, there is something that's eluded me up 'til now. A certain Uchiha if I remember correctly" the man said, his crazy grin growing as the tongue whipped to and fro, his face peeling like wallpaper.

"And you were my ticket to finding him, but oh well, your faces might assist in my confiscating him from that strange girl."

Strange girl? Does he mean…? Kakashi's visible eye widened as the memory came back loud and clear.

--Flashback—

All the boxes in the bag, she nodded to Chevy who was still shivering, Naruto and Ms. Loni still like statues where they stood, the girl turned and headed to the door only to be stopped by Kakashi. The one eyed man narrowed his visible eye and growled, "What did you do to Naruto?"

The girl remained silent, only tilted her head at him, staring like a wild animal caught in the headlights of a car. Her silence was eerie and almost creepy. I did nothing. Staring is rude. Leaf. Found leaf. In pain, very sick… good hands. In good hands. Nothing wrong with fox boy. Only showed him if challenged by I. I move on now. The words resounded in Kakashi's head, sounding almost insulted but completely emotionless compared to a lot of responses he got from people, also sending him into shock. Ignoring him and instead of going around, she simply walked through the Jounin as though he wasn't even there.

--End Flashback—

I see what he means. Looks like Sasuke might be alright after all. Now how are we going to get rid of him? "Why are you here Orochimaru? Didn't you loose the war against the Leaf village? You must be really desperate to try and weasel your way around these guys. Even we don't know all the things they're capable of so why try it?"

They were at war with this guy? Interesting, all the more reason to tear him to pieces… especially after what he did here. Ozzy thought to himself, tensing further before saying, "Who cares what his name is? A snake's a snake and he's a perfect example of one that slithers wherever he goes. So Snake man, what'll it be? Return to whence you came and be punished like the slime you are or face me for what you did ever so long ago?"

This took even Gaara by surprise. Evan seemed confused while Gayle and Chevy anxiously cracked their hands, anticipating the battle to come, prepared to assist should they be needed. Evan on the other hand, was absolutely lost. When had they faced this guy before? Why didn't he remember? Did something happen? Still searching his mind for answers, the criminal grinned evilly and spoke. "Oh you remember do you? And to think you pitiful little creatures were forgetful like your brother. Oh I'm sorry. Slip of the tongue." He cackled as Ozzy growled angrily as he gripped his sword handle enough to have his knuckles turn white. "You might want to look away before I do the same thing I did to him unto you my angry friend. Don't want the same thing to happen twice now do we?" he mocked.

"Keep talking vermin. I'll make you eat your words. Now you gonna make up your mind or what? Or should I just decide for you?"

"Hmm let's see. Um no." With precise movements Orochimaru tore the four men apart, having dropped his guise long after the conversation began. Their bloody forms fell to the snow like rocks, hitting the icy ground with sickening thuds. Walking forward menacingly, the snake man smiled as his tongue continued to lick his lips saying, "Now, who's next?"

They backed away, not wanting to engage this terrible monster just yet. "Well Orochimaru, it seems we don't have to." Asuma said with a grin, pointing behind the evil shinobi who turned in shock to find Ozzy unmasked and smiling a sinister smile, sword in hand and standing in a pool of his own blood. "Now what did we say about repeating ourselves snake man?" His eyes changed to a golden yellow shade, irises transforming into harsh lines in the middle. A true animals' eyes. Three more pairs joined the first, glaring back like true predators on the prowl. The other three quickly circled the rouge ninja. Evan was the first to speak up. "I think Ozzy should take this one right boys?"

"I don't see why not." Chevy said with a shrug. "Gayle?"

"Fine by me. I never really wanted to do much today anyway. Go ahead."

"Brother? You may proceed." Evan's voice brought a satisfied grin to the mans' face, eyes piercing the figure before him, who actually shivered despite himself. "Come on snake face, don't shit yourself too early in the game now. I want to savor every moment you bleed. Oh and just so you know," the smile stretched to a full out fanged grin, sharp teeth gleaming in the grey light. "you won't be surviving this encounter. I might even let have Kakashi-san the honor of finishing you off so he can take your head back to whence you came as proof of your true downfall. I'm sure they'll be happy to have you gone. And as a consultation, we might actually help them destroy what's left of whatever you left behind."

"Oh really? Why don't you prove it?"

"Don't worry… I already have." Ozzy said, his voice sounding off in the man's left ear, causing him to spin. Dodging the raised blade, Orochimaru growled and spat. "Don't let your pitiful little brother help you in your fights bird man!" he nearly roared at the figure behind him, certain that there was still another one opposite of him. Only problem was that this person wasn't masked like Evan was. Face for all to see, the new twin smirked at him.

"What are you talking about snake man? I'm still over here." Evan said pleasantly from where he stood on the sidelines. Spinning between the two Ozzy's and the one Evan, the man couldn't help but feel very confused. This was going to be a long day.

Cliffhangers! How cool they can be! Sadly I must end things here for my fingers tire of constantly writing, but worry not my friends for I'm working on chapter 9 as we speak. But for now notes must be taken:

Lilith is a somewhat random character but her role as Evan's Kyuubi has given her a significant one. Her name is Arabic for 'of the night', making her kind of Evan's opposite on the spiritual level since he's more like the sun than anything.

Bron is yet another random person who's role is temporary but might be everlasting since I might bring him back later just for the hell of it all. His name was surprisingly simple and easy to choose considering what his purpose was in this chapter: (brohn) it's Afrikaans for 'source'. If you put an 'e' at the end, it'd have been Irish Gaelic for 'sorrow'.

Kazuo's role here was obviously short but considerably sweet, and I might actually bring him back later. I'll work that out. His name was actually difficult to choose so I chose a funny one: Japanese for 'first-born'. My computer's spell check kept on confusing this name with 'kazoo'. His original name was going to be Kaloosh, Armenian for 'blessed coming' or 'blessed advent' I personally would've chosen it for how much hilarity it caused me but I went for one that made more sense.

Well that's all for now I guess. I thank all those who will and might respond positively to my work and don't worry Anna, my other works are in progress and you get a cookie just for the hell of it all. Anywho:

Next chapter: chapter 9: Fighting Between Snakes and Birds

Looks like Ozzy's going to show his stuff, but to what extent? Who will win and who will lose? And what happened between the twins and the evil snake man anyway? Want to know? Wait until next chapter:

Chapter 9: Fights Between Snakes and Birds