I do not own Naruto but I DO own all the OCs in this fic, and this fic itself.
Chapter 37: Jack O. Lantern
Everyone could do nothing but be surprised at the unpredicted turn of events that had just happened. Shinzouko had just killed a fellow witch. Did she suddenly have some miraculous change of heart or was everyone in the room dead and/or hallucinating. Was it even possible to be both at the same time?
Kakuzu kept his gaze on Shinzouko who slumped to the floor and dropped the knife, breathing heavily.
"I'm impressed," Kanjou said, walking over. She coughed up a little blood. "I didn't think you had the guts, Shinzouko. Well, good riddings."
Seishin stood wearily next to her sister and friend, not speaking but seemingly analyzing the situation. Kanjou locked eyes with Kakuzu.
"This had nothing to do with you or your friends," Kanjou spat.
"I hoped as much," Kakuzu replied.
Kanjou helped Shinzouko to her feet.
"Then what?" Hidan asked, stepping into the room. "Aren't you supposed to kill us?"
"That thing was a monster," Shinzouko growled.
Suddenly, a light began to flash in the middle of the room and there appeared a man in a suit and top hat with…a jack o' lantern for a head?
The three witch girls seemed both relieved and afraid at the same time but none spoke a word.
The jack o' lantern guy walked over to the three witch girls and nodded to them.
"Kaori is dead," he said simply. "The entire event was watched."
His voice was dark but composed but yet somehow insane, in a way.
The witches flinched.
The jack o' lantern guy looked at the three scared witches and smirked. "Miss Fuji is amused."
The witches' faces lit up.
"I'm sure Miss Fuji will deal with any of The Mistress' complaints. You are free to leave."
"Arigato gozaimasu!" Shinzouko bowed deeply and then all three witches left.
The weird man stayed. He looked at the bewildered people standing before him.
"Excuse my manners," the odd man said. "I am Jack, Witch Fuji's servant, protector, butler, advisor and whatever else she may want me to be, depending on the day. Most know me as Jack O. Lantern but my middle and last name have never been revealed to anyone other than Miss Fuji."
"Okay, Jack-san," Kakuzu raised a brow. "So apparently you have a reason to be here?"
"Indeed," Jack replied. "I am going to say all of this once and only once, do you hear me? So listen carefully. I am one of the only non-witches of a large coven planning no good. This is just as we like it of course-our bodies being laden with evil-this is the nature of who we are. As our three lead witches detected, Mister Hidan is the host of a mahoko. Most of the time mahoko are unable to find a host strong enough to support it, yet fitting the correct needs that are required for it to survive and usually die before finding a host. Our previous generation possessed few special attributes, and so this is the first time in a long while that a mahoko has actually found a suitable host in this realm that fits the correct conditions for it's survival. Therefore, we have no choice but to try to steal it from you. Tonight's attempt and the others before have been direct failures thanks to all of your unexpected strength and determination. My missus and her two affiliates have been waiting eagerly and impatiently to get what it is they want, yet their plans have been continuously foiled so they have decided to invite you to our, 'banquet,' shall I say? Take my card."
Jack handed Kakuzu his card.
"Just use the address on the card," Jack instructed.
"And if we don't show up?" Kakuzu asked.
"Well then, The Mistress will have no reason for Tokyo anymore. To prevent the mahoko from falling into other people's hands that could possibly unlock it's secrets we must wipe out any trace of it and people possibly affiliated or in contact with it's host. Also, The Mistress finds any reminder of failure an eyesore. Do you understand?"
Kakuzu narrowed his eyes at Jack; Jack smirked.
"I do," Kakuzu replied, firmly.
"Good, then," Jack turned away but then stopped. "I suggest you come prepared. The witches you've fought with before are different from the missus and her two friends."
"Different?" Hidan asked.
"Yes, they are quite much more violent that the others. Kaori was an 'experiment.' She was only a fraction of those three's power and bloodlust. I possess quite a bit myself. Just looking at such worthy opponents makes me want to rip you to shreds."
Jack cackled manaicly and then gave a last, creepy grin to Kakuzu and Hidan.
"I quite enjoyed this chat, Mister Kakuzu, Mister Hidan. I very much hope, and believe, that we will meet again." With this he picked up Kaori's corpse and disappeared in the same fashion he had came.
Hidan grasped Kakuzu's arm. "I have never once in my life been afraid of a jack o' lantern."
"You're not going to start now, are you?" Sasori asked.
"No," Hidan replied, firmly.
"Neither will I," Erena said, slightly perturbed. "Absolutely not with his attitude. Jack, huh? A suitable name."
"Honestly," Kakuzu smirked. "When us S-rank criminals are reduced to actually saving a city, that's when I get pissed."
A/N: Hmm, well most any questions that pertain to the witches were probably answered in this chapter but if you have any others, PM me (or if you're an anonymous reviewer, don't hesitate to include any questions in your review). Now Jack on the other hand-ohohoho-I enjoyed writing about him. A freaky character: he's able to strike fear into the bravest hearts, being as he is. But still, he's fun to write about. B) Well, thanks for reading! :D