Only an Angel born in Hell…
Can remove a Satan-Spell
Well, I know that you're in love with him,
'Cause I saw you dancin' in the gym…

"It's been more than a month since Jack crossed over from the dark side," I told Keiko, "And things are going so smoothly, I'm almost a little worried."

Keiko and I walked down the streets of Tokyo, gray, grainy pavement scuffing our shoes. We'd made it to Japan after our latest conquest, the Shiva Lotus, and I'd run into my friend on the way to my favorite restaurant.

"What's he like now?" she wondered, jamming her hands into her pockets.

"Mostly the same… we can't seem to cure his kleptomania and he still whines, but he's super funny in an accidental way—not to mention it turns out he's really sensitive - in a good way - too." I smiled at the memory of his surprisingly genuine empathy. He has good taste in flowers.

"I never thought you'd go for the Goth type" mused my friend, "You always seemed to pick the scene boys."

"Oh, he really isn't Goth, he just likes the way he looks in the clothes. Not to mention the way people look at him when he wears them, even now that he's on our side… Y'know, he still refuses to call himself one of the good guys." I shook my head at the stubbornness.

"Then what is he?" She frowned in puzzlement.

"He calls himself an 'opportunist'." I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, he claims that since I'm on this side, it's best for him too… Well, I can't really see him being good for no reason—no wait, I can, I have, and I never want to again," I shivered and Keiko laughed.

I must've told her about our experience with 'good Jack' during one of our many e-mail chats… Thank god we don't need secret identities like superheroes.

"Although," I added, "He says good is more rewarding in the long run…"

"What a weird guy!" My friend laughed, "Have you guys gone on a date yet?"

"Once or twice" I nodded, checking the street signs. It was good to read in Japanese again. "I was a little—no, a LOT—surprised, but he always pays. He really isn't as much of a shirker as he seems"

A boy across the street waved at me, and I waved back, though I had no idea who he was. I really had been gone a long time.

"Yeah, and I shouldn't've been surprised at all the romantic touches, what with him being so girly and all…"

"Hmmm," came the response. "Maybe I should start picking up Goth boys too…" she mused and I jammed my elbow in her side.

We broke down laughing as we pushed through the restaurant door. The smells of salted squid and fresh fish washed over me, and Keiko started giggling.

"What's so funny?" I asked, craning my neck to see the source of her amusement.

"Over there," She whispered, pointing, "Look who's at our table!"

Through the crowd of dull coats and giant knock-off bags, I caught a splotch of vermilion hair, shining like copper in a sunset.

I saw bright ruby eyes, and I started smiling like an idiot.

--

So Here I am, and my story's been told.

It's never really over, but you can guess the rest.

Oh, you wanted to know the truth. And the book of Exedon never lies, does it now?

"And while the king was looking down,
the Jester stole his pointed crown"

--

Much love to all who actually read. 3

And that crown thing at the end? That's refering to Chase Young, in a vauge way.

And Yeah, this whole story is in the book of Exedon... what I forgot to mention is that you can write your own history in there, if you want, which is then followed by all those pictures.

It's a complicated Wu... If you really want to know then ask, but I can't be arsed to explain it now.

(DeviantArt posted on HALLOWEEN- WOW it's been a while.)

Undieing gratitude went to:

HalfHuman, for being awesome and generous and for donating one of her stories. (Now a good friend)

FireCrackerGirl, for seeing this through to the end and always reviewing. LOVE YA GIRL!

Elena, because she was always there, even though I couldn't always understand her. (Translation errors)

SAABS, I still love your name (Sasuke sucks) and you rock.

NigaleCross, Thanks for the thoughtful comments--I hope I'll see you around.

As for the rest of you:

Tallest Red- You can just watch

Tallest Purple- You should've tried harder

Thank you, my sentaments exactly. Farewell, and may the horse be with you!

"Hold the dark holiday in your grasp, face it and survive- journey from the dead tunnel and be glad, Oh so very glad, that you are alive" -C.C. Moundshroud, from The Halloween Tree