In a few minutes, Jack would be dead.

Mournful feelings among the guests dissipated as the lunch progressed. Jack, Elli, Stu, and the mayor sat near the center of the room, closely surrounded by other tables and chattering people.

"I'll be right back," said Jack, leaning inwards so his companions could hear him. "Gotta use the bathroom." He stood and waded through the crowd, eventually making his way to the restroom door.

"Say, where's Doctor?" asked Elli once Jack was out of sight. "He left a while ago..."

"He went to use the restroom," answered the mayor, "but it has been a few minutes. He must be getting more food."

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All sound was abruptly cut off when the door thumped shut behind Jack, refreshingly quiet. Whistling softly, he padded across the pale green tiled floor to the mirror. He was startled to hear a voice when he was adjusting his tie.

"Congratulations, Jack. You've got what you always wanted," it said. He wheeled around to look for the source. It seemed to be coming from a closed stall.

"W-what?"

"You know what I mean," the voice continued. "You have found happiness, while my life is empty; devoid of light. I'm living in your shadow."

"Who are you?"

The voice sounded amused. "Who am I? I am the one who killed your chicken. I am the one who ruined your house. I am the one who attacked you on Mother's Peak. I am the one who will destroy you." There was a snarling hiss, then nothing but blasting pain at his neck. Intense pain, pinching, piercing, ripping his throat. Warm, thick liquid splashed across his face and everything went black.

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The doctor frowned. "Yes, yes, Ellen's death really was a sad thing. But she lived a long, fulfilling life..."

His words were lost in a flood of Manna's rambling. Damn, the woman talked too much. She had him cornered on his way to the bathroom. He really needed a minute alone, but she wouldn't shut up. Eventually, he pushed past her and headed towards the restroom. She didn't seem to notice him leaving.

Rubbing his eyes, he hefted open the big wooden door and stepped inside. The door slowly swung shut behind him. His hand dropped from his face, allowing him to see the most gruesome thing he had ever seen, even in all his years as a doctor.

Jack. On the floor. Dead. Blood everywhere. And a dog, tearing bits of flesh from the farmer's throat.

"Chachi!" The doctor yelled the dog's name, but the animal did not react, only continued to savagely attack Jack's body. In desperation, the doctor grabbed the nearest weapon he could find: a toilet plunger. He swung the plunger and smashed the dog in the side. Yelping, it ran towards the exit but crashed against the door. Good, it was trapped.

Just then the door swung open. "What's wrong? We heard yelling!" The innkeeper Doug blasted into the room, not noticing as Chachi slipped through his legs.

"STOP THAT DOG!" The inn burst into chaos as the blood-soaked dog shot across the room. Men dived after it, attempting to catch it. Women jumped on tables, attempting to avoid it. Elli stood and weaved through the mayhem, her eyes set resolutely on the bathroom door.

"Elli, no." The doctor caught her by the arm and pulled her away. "There's... there's been an accident in there."

"Jack." She forcefully jerked away from the doctor. "What did that son-of-a-bitch do to Jack?"

"Elli, no, this can wait-" She jammed a hand over his mouth and tramped into the bathroom. The doctor followed her.

She froze by Jack's side. "No..." Her cry was weak.

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Elli had always known there was trouble with Chachi. Jack treated his dog terribly. He never fed him, always left him outside, and if a stray dog wandered onto the farm, Chachi would be expected to fight it. Often she asked him to be nicer to the poor thing; she didn't like the evil eye with which Chachi leered at Jack. But in the end, it didn't matter.

Officer Harris confirmed the cause of death; the jugular was ripped by animal jaws, most likely a dog (Though at first, he was eager to blame the doctor). The police carried the body away while the townspeople watched, crying and hugging each other. Elli leaned against the doctor, her fist jammed into her mouth to prevent sobs. Poor Jack. Killed by man's best friend.

THE END! :D

Author's Note: I know, I know. "WTF Kikixeni. WTF."