Marionette

A/N: I finally finished! Whoo! This is the longest chapter so far, but it includes background on Alison (and I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again). I think you all will enjoy this chapter. It starts off sweet, becomes horror, and then ends in humor. I guess you could call it bittersweet. I hope that some of you will feel some emotion during her nightmare. I think that if you actually try to visualize everything while reading, then you'll have a better experience. It also may be a good idea to look up the music that is featured in this chapter because it might seem a little more… Idk, realistic? Though of course, you don't have to! By the way, in this chapter there will be plenty of Alison vs. Aidiot moments and of course AlisonxShiki moments as well. I hope I did not disappoint with this chapter and I hope you all continue to read Marionette.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone who followed/story alerted/favorite Marionette. Special thanks go to, Incendo, who reviewed multiple times, motivated me, and answered some questions I had about my fanfic. Special thanks also go to thecoldforest for reviewing and Ketsueko for reviewing, answering questions, and also favoriting/following me as an author. I hope you all continue to support me and my fanfic.

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight, if I did then there would be more RukaxAkatsuki moments XD

So, like usual, I want to thank everyone who is continuing to read Marionette! As thanks…

Me: Have some cake ^_^

Alison: Grr… This is getting old… GIVE ME BACK MY CAKE! *tackles*

Me: *falls and drops cake* OOF! Oww~ that hurt, Alis- *gasps*

Alison: M-m… MY CAKE~ WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A CRUEL THING?! *beats up*

Me: A-Alison! OW! I-it was an accident! Honest! And- OW! Senri, help~

Senri: …*sighs* How troublesome ( -_-)

Me: Do something! Help~

Senri: Mimi-chan is currently being beat up at the moment so-

Hanabusa: -Please enjoy this chapter of Marionette, ladies~

Senri: …Yeah, what he said -_-

Chapter 4: Trips and Fall, Lost by All

A little girl with light blonde curls happily stands by an ebony piano. The pure sound of the grand piano vibrates off the walls. Its soft melody bathes the room in a warm light. The girl's eyes glimmer with glee as she listens to the beautiful music.

"Alice… Do you like this song? It's Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major," say a tender voice. The little girl nods her head rapidly, "It's pretty!" The voice laughs, "Is it? Well, if my darling Alice thinks so, then it must be!"

The light song slowly comes to an end. The little girl looks up with a sweet smile on her face and says, "Papa, play another song, please!" The man at the piano gives a teasing smile. "You want me to play another song? But I just played one!" says the man in fake astonishment. "Please, daddy," pleads the girl. The man ponders, "Hmm… Well, I guess if that's what my little Rose Princess wants, then I'll have to comply." A kind smile grows on the man's face as he says, "Your wish is my command, my Princess." The little girl giggles at the man's antics.

"Hmm… What should I play next?" the man asks himself. The young girl sits next to him on the piano bench and childishly kicks her legs. "Play another Chopin song!" The man picks up the petite girl and places her in his lap. "Another? Are you sure?" he asks the girl. "Yep!" replies the little girl with a soft smile on her face. "Very well then," replies the man. He starts to gracefully move his fingers along the keys of the piano. "Will this song do? Do you know what piece this is?" The little girl shakes her head. The man chuckles, "This is Etude in E major. Do you like it?"

"Yeah! It's pretty!" the girl answers gleefully. "Ehh? This one, too? Why does Princess think it's pretty?" the man asks in mock surprise. The little girl exclaims, "Because anything Papa plays is pretty!" The man finds himself only able to laugh at the cute girl's manners.

"…Papa?" the girl asks warily. "Yes, what is it?" The little girl looks down at her shoes and back at the piano. "Could you… teach me how to play the piano?" the innocent girl inquires. The man abruptly stops playing and looks down at the girl in pure shock. "You want to learn?"

The girl only nods her head. "Well, I could teach you, but will I?" the man teases. "Please, Papa! I'll practice every day! I promise!" the girl pleads. The man acts as though he's thinking over the little girl's request. He teases her by shaking his head and says, "I don't know… You promise you'll practice every day?" The girl raises her fists under her chin and nods her head in determination. "I promise!" The man chuckles, "Well, then I guess I have no choice… Is it an order, Princess?"

"Yeah!"

The man ruffles the girl's hair and says, "Very well, then. We start your lessons tomorrow!"

"Yay! Thank you, Papa!"

The girl turns around to hug the man and snuggles into his neck. He chuckles a "You're welcome." and hugs the little girl back.

"I love you, Alice…"

The girl looks up at the man, about to repeat the same words, but she ends up screaming. To her horror, the man she was about to tell, "I love you, too, Papa" was drenched in blood. Blood gushes out of his forehead and falls on the little girl's head.

"Papa! Papa! What's wrong?!" the little girl screams in terror. The man before her merely smiles and then disappears in her arms. She puts her head in her arms that are now holding nothing and screams, "PAPA! WHY?! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?! DON'T GO! PLEASE DON'T GO!"

Blood coats the interior of the room. The once pearl-white keys are now tainted by deep crimson splotches. The keys shatter and turn to dust. The room spirals and the windows break. Sheets of music whirl around the room as if there is a tornado. The little girl sees crimson eyes staring back at her and then her vision slowly fades to a deadly, bloody red…

A little girl, wearing a ragged, torn dress, no longer finds herself in a calm and peaceful music room, but in what appears to be a jail cell. As opposed to sitting on a piano bench, she now finds herself bound by chains on a cold, steel chair. 'W-where am I?'

Several dark figures wearing black cloaks appear. A deep gruff voice says, "I see you've awakened. Do you remember who you are?" The little girl with dead eyes shakes her head. "Do you know where you are?" She shakes her head again. "Do you know why you're here?" Again, she shakes her head. "You are 'Marionette'. Now, as for the reason why you're here… You are here because you have been cursed." '…Cursed?' A melodic voice continues, "You have been cursed since birth. And now you must atone for your sins. Yours, and that vile man's. Do you understand, 'Marionette'?" The little girl nods her head. "Good. Now do exactly as we say and live like the little doll you are," the voice commands.

The girl makes no movement. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" yells the deep voice. The girl nods her head. "Good. Now, do you know what your sin is?" The girl shakes her head. A harsh voice continues, "Your sin, is your very existence! A CHILD LIKE YOU SHOULD'VE NEVER BEEN BORN!"

A quieter voice asks, "Shall we make the preparations?" The gruff voice answers, "Yes, begin the purification." Several voices are heard saying, "Yes, milord." Arms from different directions now move closer to the girl. 'No… NO!'

They begin to chant:

"The little Marionette with light blonde curls and demon eyes,

Chased by red and taken by the twelfth twilight. 'GET AWAY!'

That wicked man painted in red, died without a fright; it truly was a sight.

Oh, his poor Marionette now trapped in the web and haunted by the endless nightmares,

Shall be tied by strings and guided by lies. 'LEAVE ME ALONE!'

Marionette, Marionette. Are you scared yet? You're only hanging by a hair.

The 'War of the Roses' has ended in our favor; the monsters shall die as the pure now rise.

Behave and complete our goal. 'STOP!'

Marionette, Marionette. Crystal tears you shall cry.

Voided of life, our empty doll with no soul. 'I BEG OF YOU!'

Marionette, Marionette. Did you know it's only a matter of time before you live our lie?"

"Are you having a goodnight's rest, our precious 'Marionette'? Have you been torn apart by the endless nightmares yet?" 'STOP!'

"-STOP!" I scream, waking myself up. I sit up in bed as a bead of sweat rolls off my forehead. What was that?! I begin to hyperventilate. It was just a dream. Just a dream! Though I am under the covers, I begin to shiver uncontrollably. …Papa, I'm scared. Where are you?

Despite shivering, I kick the covers off and glance at the clock. 5 a.m.? Oh, so today I get up on time… WHEN THERE'S NO SCHOOL! I climb out of bed, knowing that it would be impossible for me to fall back asleep. I rub the exhaustion out of my eyes and slowly head to the bathroom.

I turn the tap on for a shower, strip my clothes off, and climb inside. I touch my left side. When? When I was tainted with this hideous mark? My fingers trace the mark. On first glance, it appears as if several marks collected on one part of my body; however, if you look closely, then you can see that together they form the shape of a crushed rose. A crushed rose with its petals carried off by the wind. I hate it. Disgusting. I scratch the mark with my nails. Revolting. Hideous. I turn the tap off and dry myself off.

What am I going to do with this thing I call a 'face'? I wash my face with cleanser and brush my teeth. Guess I'll buy those whitening strips, today… If I remember.

I take out my makeup bag and cake concealer on my dark circles. Well, at least they look better than last time… Though, not by much. I paint my face with liquid foundation and brush a loose powder on.

Hmm… Guess I'll use a bright pink blush, today. I do look a little paler than usual… And that's saying something.I softly pat the blush on the apples of my cheeks.

My eyes… need something, well, other than to be the same color. I put a fine line of liquid eyeliner on my eyes and coat my lashes with a deep, black mascara. They look like they're different sizes… They probably are. The only good thing about my eyes is that my lashes are naturally curly…

I then put on a baby pink lip gloss and call it a day.

What should I wear today? I open up my wardrobe and take out a peter-pan-collar button-down blouse, a pink plaid skirt with a belt, and some black tights. I put my clothes on and inspect how I look in the mirror. Hmm… Guess I'll just brush my hair, today. Maybe, I should add a braid?

Nah… Too much work. I yawn.

I start my laptop up and wait for it to load. I need to find some places… I search, 'music shops' and several places come up. Hmm… This one sounds good. Guess I'll check it out. I then type, 'ballet classes'. Let's see… This seems like the closest one. Maybe, I'll take lessons there…

I spritz on my Lancôme Trésor perfume. This scent… reminds me of you. Did you used to wear this too…, Mother? I put my treasured necklace on and grip the pendant. Thank you… for everything you have done…

I grab my navy blue cable-knit duffle coat that stops at my thighs and put my navy blue beret on my head. I heard it's supposed to be cold today… Though, it's probably colder back home. I try to brush my bangs over my venomous eye in order to conceal it. Nobody should have to look at my filthy eyes… I wonder if I really should wear an eye patch over one of them.I put on my indigo back-bow ankle boots with faux-fur over the top, grab my white bow-front quilted bag and head out to face the cold, fierce world.

Let's see… the shop should be this way. I find myself in front of a small shop called, Le boutique de Musique Classique. As I walk in, a bell rings. I look around to see thousands of wooden instruments along the walls and on the floor.

An elderly man greets me. "Welcome, Miss. May I help you?" I nod and ask him where the classical compositions are located. He takes me to a shelf and asks, "What instrument do you need music for?"

"Piano and violin," I answer politely. I may be rude to people my own age and even some adults, but I never disrespect the elderly. That's just poor taste.

"Ah! You play both?" he asks excitedly. "Yes, I do," I reply with a soft smile. He takes out music for both instruments and hands them to me. "Pick whatever you like, Miss," he tells me with a smile. I give a small smile and say, "Thank you, sir."

He leaves to go back to the front and I can hear him say, "What a nice girl." I giggle at the man.

Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major? I guess I'll take this… After all, Cross Academy should have a music room, right? Ooh~ they also have Chopin's Waltz in D flat major!

…Brother, I wish you were here. We could play a duet like we used to… I want to hear you play the cello. You always enjoyed playing Bach's Cello Suite: Prelude. You… played it beautifully. I wonder… did I ever tell you that? …Though, I can play it better on my violin.

I pick up a music book. Niccolò Paganini 24 caprices for violin… Heh. I look forward to taking this on! I notice an ebony piano, several, I should say, but one in particular stood out to me. Wow, a Steinway & Sons… I can't believe one is here. Feeling a magnetic attraction to the piano, I walk over to it. My fingers lightly graze the lid of the piano. I then carefully open it and tap a key. It's in tune… I hesitate before I take a seat at the majestic piano. My hands hover over the keys as if conflicted over whether they should take the chance to play or not. Chance… The more you risk, the better the payoff… Will I take that chance?

I begin to play Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major. Do I play as well as you, father? I'm sorry… I haven't kept my promise. I stop playing and clench my skirt. I'm sorry… I'm so very sorry, father… It's al-

Next to me, I hear applauds. "-That was magnificent!" exclaims the elderly man. My eyes widen in shock. I gawk at the kind man standing beside me. "T-thank you…," I mutter and then look back down. He surprises me by saying, "Pretty young ladies should never look down," he starts. No… Please don't. You haven't seen my monstrous eye… "And an amazing musician, such as yourself, should always walk with their head up high. Mmhmm… You should smile more!" I can't. There's no need to smile anymore… There's no reason to smile… There is nothing to smile at…, so I won't. I refuse.

"Thank you, sir," I say politely with a strained smile. "I'd like to take these books."

"Of course! I'll you ring you up at the front," the elderly man says as I follow him to the front. He rings me up and put my items in a bag. I rush to leave, but before I can open the door he says, "You come back now, you hear? It's such a shame though, that you don't smile more…" My head snaps back at him. He looks at me seriously and says, "You didn't think I would fall for that forced smile, now did ya?"

My features soften as I apologize. He merely raises a hand and says, "There's no need to apologize to me! You need to apologize to yourself. Smile more for you," he says with that kind smile. "Enjoy life. You only live once. And trust me, this old man would know!" he chuckles and points at himself. I giggle at his comment and give a tiny smile and wave goodbye with a promise that I'll be back. With that, I leave in search of the dance shop.

I look up at the building and say, "Well, this is the place." I warily walk to the door and open it. I take a deep breath to relax myself. It's OK, Alison. You've been to a dance studio before… yeah… IN WEEKS! I mentally pull my hair. No! I have to do this! For you… Ugh. And 'them'. I shake my head and continue walking through the building. Where's the instruct-

"Oof!" I had bumped into a pale woman with lavender hair wrapped in a bun and striking silver eyes. She looks... French.

…The opposite of Zero?

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I apologize to the young woman. The woman merely shakes her head and then widens her eyes. …What?

"Is there something wrong, ma'am?" I ask politely with curiosity tainting my voice. "N-no. You just look familiar…," she mumbles. Really? Are you sure there's another 'hideous' me walking around somewhere? I'd hate to run into 'her'

She probably started to feel intimidated by my gaze because she later stuttered, "A-ah! It's OK, though. I wasn't watching where I was going either." What's up with the people around here saying 'Ah!'?

I dismiss her reply and ask where the main instructor can be found. She smirks and says, "You're looking at her!" I blink at her comment. She's the main instructor?! Isn't she… kind of young? I don't know if she could read minds or if my mind to mouth filter was malfunctioning again because she yelled, "I am NOT too YOUNG to be the head instructor! If you are going to study here, then you are gonna have to respect me regardless of how young I may look!"

"Yes, Madame…," I sigh.

"That's more like it! Now let's get you signed up!"

I fill out the registration and hand her a check. "Sooo, what level do you think you're at? Have ever taken lessons before? Do you dance en pointe, by chance?"

I tell her I have done ballet my whole life and that I, of course, dance en pointe. "Great! Then I'll put you in the master class. When can you attend classes?"

"Weekends and evenings," I answer politely. "Perfect! I look forward to teaching you," she exclaims optimistically. "I look forward to being in your class, Madame…" I realize that I don't know her name. "Sylvie," she tells me. "Madame Sylvie," I correct. She looks at me before saying, "Excellent! You already understand your place as a student!" I nod. "Stop by as soon as you're ready to start!"

I tell her thank you and prepare to leave, but she stops me by saying, "Prepare to train hard, Alice." My eyes widen at the sound of my nickname. She giggles, "Hehe~ I'm your instructor, so I get to you call that!" She then tauntingly sticks her tongue out at me.

"…How childish," I mutter. "HEYY! I HEARD THAT!"

I walk out the door and say, "Bye, Sylvie~"

As I leave I hear a loud, "ALICE! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT! NO ONE GETS AWAY WITH DISRESPECTING ME!"

I sweatdrop and sigh. She's my new instructor? Well, now I'm kinda scared to show for class after pissing her off like that.

I start to head back for Cross Academy when I realize….

….I'm lost. W-where am I?

…1…2…3…

"SHIT!" Where the hell am I?!

I somehow found myself in a desolate back-alley. Guess… I'll keep walking forward. I continue to walk along the alley and realize that there is absolutely no one to ask for directions. It sure is… pretty eerie. I then hear the sound of someone running coming from directly behind me. *gasp* W-who could that be?! Don't tell me… I shake my head. NOOO!

I instantly take off in a full pace sprint, my bags swinging on my arm. *pant* I can't get caught *pant* The sound of rapid feet hitting pavement becomes louder. *pant* No they're close by *pant* I can feel a hand reach for my arm. I try to run faster, but it's too late…. No.. Please don't. Don't.. Just…

"NOOOOO!" I scream at the top of my lungs as I'm forcefully turned around. Before looking at my captor's face, I swing my purse with all of my might. "LET ME GOOOO!" I shrill.

"Al-"

"I SAID, LET ME GOOO!" I shout as I put up a struggle and try to fight back.

"Al-"

"STOP!" I yell just as I'm about to swing my bag again. To my terror, my assaulter grabs me by both shoulders and says in a blank voice, "Settle down there, Napoleon."

*twitch*…Napoleon? Wait a minute… Only one idiot calls me that…

"SMUG-ASS MODEL?!" I shout. To my chagrin, he casually says, "Yo." …Him? Of all people, I had to run into him?!

"STOP CALLING ME NAPOLEON!" I roar. He merely waves his hand as if saying, 'Yeah, yeah. Whatever.'

"You…. Piss me off!" I growl. "Why did you sneak up on me and chase me through a desolate alley?!"

"Why were you in a desolate alley?" he retorts. ARGH!

"Stop doing that!"

"Stop doing what?"

"That!"

He looks at me innocently and says, "…What?" Grr… At this rate, I'm gonna KILL HIM!

"You-" I am interrupted by a shocked yet cheerful voice. "Senri! There you are! You just ran off at a blinding speed!" Tamaki, err…, I mean, Takuma then notices me and says, "…Alison? What are you doing here?"

"What's wrong with being here?" I ask. The guy who pisses me off looks at me and says, "...It's odd." I can feel the irk marks multiply on my head. "If it's soo odd, then why are you here?!" I snap. "Isn't it stranger to chase someone?!" …Why does it look like he's glaring at my handbag? Oh, wait… I did hit him with it. Heheheheheh~ Score one for Alison!

Takuma blinks confusedly and says, "Chase… someone?" He then looks at Senri.

"...Touché," he says before grabbing his usual box of pocky. He adds, "But… we're not talking about me…, Napoleon." Grr… That bastard!

"VHY VU LIT-"

Once again I am interrupted by Takuma, "Now, now. Let's all get along."

"Zat's just ze ting. I don't vant to get along vith im," I spit out bitterly. They glance at each other then back at me. Heh. That's right. Shut up. Heheheh. I knocked them speechless. I am soo-

My thoughts are interrupted by Takuma's laughter and Senri clearing his throat. I look at them like they're crazy, "…Vhut's so vunny?" This only causes Takuma to laugh even harder.

…..1…2….3…..

"VHUT ZE ELL EST VRONG VITH VU PEOPLE?" I yell. Senri lazily says, "…Your accent." …KYAA!

"V-vhut do vu mean mon accent?" I stutter with an immense blush on my face.

Takuma looks at me intently, then…

"Kyaaa~ Alison is sooo cute!" he says while grabbing me in a bear hug. "D-don't call moi c-cute!" I say, my blush rising on my face. I shake my arms and yell, "Let go de moi!" Why does this seem so familiar? Oh, right. That's because he reminds me of him…

"CUTE~" Takuma says while rubbing his face against mine. "G-get away from moi!" He's too close! I look to the stoic model who seems to find the current situation amusing. Grr… I refuse to ask you, of all people, for help! I start to flail my arms. This. Is. TORTURE! And that smug-ass model is enjoying every minute of this! "Let go!" He only squeezes me even tighter. I cough, "C-can't bre…" and I find myself collapsing in Takuma's embrace. A ghost version of me escapes from my mouth. Hehe~ That's my soul! I can see it

Takuma shakes my limp body. "Alison? Alison? Alison!" He screams, "Kyaa~ I killed Alison!" Anime tears start to pour down his face. Senri says, "…That makes me an accessory... Takuma," he drawls out slowly, "Let's dump her body over there…," he says while pointing at a dumpster. *twitch*

"E-ehh?! We can't do that?! We have to get her a doctor!" shrills a panicked Takuma.

Senri calmly asks, "Is she alive?" I can feel him come closer to my body. He then… pokes my cheek. *twitch*

"JUST VUT ZE ELL DO VU ZINK ZUR DOING?!" I shout.

"*gasp* Alison, you're alive! I thought I killed you!" says Takuma, squeezing me again. I finally break out of his grip and hit him in the back of the head and say, "Of course I'm alive, idiot." I then glare at the apathetic boy in front of me. He nonchalantly says, "Oh… I see. You're….. alive." Grr… why do you sound so DISAPPOINTED?!

Just as I'm about to curse Senri out, Takuma says, "Well, I guess that proves the rumors." Rumors? "What rumors?" I ask skeptical about what 'rumors' he's talking about. "The ones about you being French!" he says with that stupid smile on his face. My only reaction is to facepalm. "A-anyway, why are you guys here?" I ask with my accent finally gone. Despite wearing a hat, I can feel my hair sticking out from the stress caused by these two boys.

"It's dangerous here, Alison," Takuma says with a frown tugging on his lips. I look him dead in the eye and say, "You're right," I agree. "There's a lot of STALKERS here," I say, narrowing my eyes at Senri. He meets my gaze and says, "Don't forget… there's also crazy foreigners."

"YOU! How the hell can you say that with a straight-face?!" He innocently tilts his head and asks, "…Say what with a straight-face?"

"ARGH!"

Takuma plays mediator and says, "Erm… let's talk somewhere else."

"Why?! I don't want to go anywhere with- HEY! LET GOOO OF MEEEE~"

An awkward silence is upon us as we walk around town. Takuma tries to break the ice several times, but I refuse to look at and speak to them. Damn Night class students making me hang out with them… Just who do they think they are?!

Senri then comes besides me and pokes my cheek with a strawberry pocky stick. *twitch* "Come on… I know you like strawberry, Madeline," he says in an impassive voice, though I can tell he's mocking me. I suck the cheek that doesn't have a treat pressed into it. "…That's an interesting look, Frenchie" *twitch* He finally stops and says, "….Wow…, I had no idea that you had so much self-control, Napoleon" *vein bursts*

"WOULD YOU SHUT UP?!"

"Ah…. There's the Napoleon we all know," he says blankly. I turn around and grab him by his shirt collar, which is probably designer brand, but who the hell cares!

"DO YOU WANT ME TO KILL YOU?" I say through gritted teeth. "…Can you?" he simply asks.

I instantly let go of his shirt and prepare to stomp off when I notice something…

"…Hey, smug-ass model. Where's the mediator?" Instantly knowing who I was talking about, he turns around. "…Takuma?" Don't tell me… he left me with this GUY!

I'm about to yell out loud when Senri pulls my arm. I glare at him immediately. He points at a bookstore. "He's in there…"

"D-don't point!" I stutter. He just raises an eyebrow at me. I rip my arm out of his grip. "And d-don't touch me!"

"Ah… Sorry, Fre-"

"-Don't. You. Dare," I say darkly. We stare at each other challenging the other to look away first. After approximately 5 minutes he says, "…Frenchie." and starts to walk towards the store. Grr…

"GET BACK HERE YOU SMUG-ASS MODEL!"

"HEY! Peacemaker! How could you leave me with this guy?!" I ask grabbing Senri by his shoulder. Takuma blinks at me confusedly and then laughs nervously, "Well, you see… As we were walking I noticed this bookstore and decided to check it out. Sorry, I forgot to tell you…"

"…Don't apologize," I mutter. "If you wanted to check it out, you could've just said something."

"Alison…"

"Now apologize for leaving me with this smug-ass model!" I yell at him while Senri, still in my grip, chews on a pocky stick. "Haha~ Sorry, Alison!" Takuma replies playfully. "Hey! Don't laugh! I'm serious here!"

"Haha~ OK, whatever you say, Alison!" Grr… This guy… No wonder he's friends with smug-ass model! "I wanted to check out some books!" he says excitedly. Books? He likes to read? "Oh… I see. Well, I guess I'll look around as well," I reply.

Let's see… No, I already read Pride and Prejudice… I also read Sense and Sensibility. I already read Jane Eyre as well. Hmm… Ooh! They have Shakespeare over here! ...Romeo and Juliet? No, I already read that. Othello… OK, I'll take that. Ooh! I always wanted to read Hamlet! I'll take that too! …As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew are both supposed to be comedies…? Guess I'll find out. I stand on my toes and reach to grab the other two books. Ugh. They're… they're too high!

"Shakespeare?" an empty voice interrupts. I jump in shock. "S-senri?!" Damn it! He always sneaks up on me! "…Which book?" he asks quietly. "Hmph! I don't have to tell you!"

"You're right, but… it doesn't seem like you can reach it, Napoleon," he says. *twitch* "Stop calling me that! A-and I can reach it!"

"…Really," he asks and tilts his head. "…I-I don't want your help and I don't need it," I say as I look at the bookshelf and drop my gaze to the floor. "Hmm…"

He then surprises me by placing an arm on the shelf besides my head and raising his arm towards the bookshelf, trapping me between him and the shelf. "Which one?" I gape at his actions and find myself unable to speak. I feel his hair brush my neck as he leans down and asks, "…Alison?"

"…A-as You Like It and T-the Taming of the S-shrew," I whisper, my face turning red. I can feel him nod his head behind me as he reaches for the two books. "…Alison?" I turn around at the sound of my name. He gives me a long look and tilts his head before he says, "…Is there something wrong?"

"N-no! Of course not! W-why would anything be wrong?"

"…Are you s-"

"-A-anyway! Are you gonna give me those b-books or what?!" I lamely stutter. He gives me another long look before handing me the books and sighing. As we walk to the cashier, I notice Takuma about to pay for his…

"…Takuma?"

"Huh? Oh, Alison! Is there something wrong?"

"…Just how many books do you need?" I ask while staring at a large stack of books that look like they are about to reach the ceiling. No… saying he likes to read is an understatement. "Oh, quite a bit! And besides, all of these aren't books." I look at him with confusion. He continues, "Some of these are mangas!" I facepalm at his antics for the second time today. This guy… is unbelievable. Senri sighs, "This is gonna take a lot of space in our room…" Huh? Room? "You guys are roommates?" Senri merely nods his head. I sweatdrop. "I see…"

Takuma interrupts, "So, Alison! Did you find some books you like?" I give a curt, 'Yes'.

"Oh, really? That's good! Isn't reading fun?" he replies excitedly. Fun… Only when it's not for school. "Sure," I say curtly. He then finishes paying and I pay for my four books. "So what are you buying, Alison?" Takuma asks, trying to make conversation. I sigh, "Does it matter?"

"Of course it does!" he proclaims enthusiastically. "Shakespeare…," Senri answers for me. "S-shakespeare? Ehh? Why Shakespeare?"

"Is there a problem with it?!" I snap. He ignores me and asks, "Wait… How do you know, Senri?"

Senri looks at me and says, "Well… Napoleon was too short to reach the books." *twitch*

"You…," I say darkly. I'm pretty sure you could see my dark aura. I pay for my books with a glower on my face, which probably scared the cashier. Takuma changes the subject by saying, "Well, let's head out!" …."Head out"?

"What are you talking ab- HEY! Let go of my hand!"

…Why am I walking with these two guys again?

Takuma gasps pointing at a store, "Look over there! I'm going to check it out!" Ehh? He excitedly runs off to the store.

"W-wait! Don't just- Ugh. That guy…" I say. Senri and I soon slowly follow after the optimistic boy. As we are about to walk into the store, we run into a familiar blond.

"YOU!" I hear a voice shout. Senri and I both turn around. "YEAH, YOU!" Senri and I look at each other, then back at the boy speaking. "…Who?" we say in unison. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'WHO'?! WHO ELSE WOULD I BE TALKING ABOUT?!"

"Mmhm…"

"Who knows?"

In front of us, quivering in anger is that blond, blue-eyed playboy and… Some tall guy with orange hair. Isn't he… 'Wild'?

"Yo," Senri greets. I merely stare at the blond boy.

"HEY! DON'T THINK I FOR-"

"-I'm sorry, but… Who the hell are you?" He gapes at my words. "WE JUST SAW EACH OTHER LAST NIGHT!"

"Hanabusa," scolds the tall guy. Senri takes a box of pocky out of his jacket pocket... again.

"Please refrain from yelling, we are in public," I scold. He twitches at my words. "YOU-"

"-I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you're mistaken." He blinks confusedly at my words. "We did not meet last night. I am not that kind of girl and I would never choose to see you," I sneer. "ARGH! Y-"

"-Well, now that the confusion has been cleared up, I'll be taking my leave."

"WAIT!" he shouts. I turn around again. "…What?"

"Grr… Did you honestly forget who I am?" he asks. "I told you we never met before," I answer. "ARGH! FORGET IT!" he yells and stomps off. His tall companion shakes his head and sighs, "Unbelievable…" Senri merely stands back and watches with a piece of pocky in his mouth. "Soooo…. Where ya going, Aidiot?" I ask with a smirk on my face. He looks back at me and blinks in shock. "Y-you-"

"-Sooo… Who are you?" I ask turning to look at his companion. He blinks at me, surprised that I addressed him. "…I'm Akatsuki Kain," he finally says. "Do you always have to deal with that 'guy'?" I ask pointing a thumb at Hanabusa. "Yeah, we're cousins…," he begrudgingly confirms. I pat his shoulder and say, "You poor thing. I pity you," I wipe a fake tear from my eye and say, "Please stay strong…"

"HEYYYY!"

"Well, Senri, let's go see what Takuma's up to." And with that Senri and I walk off.

"DON'T JUST IGNORE ME!"

"Alison! Shiki! You came!" Takuma gasps. "Ehh? Hanabusa, Akatsuki, what are you guys doing here? Did you guys already deal with 'that'?" "That"? What is he talking about? Akatsuki nods and repeats the same question while Hanabusa sulks. Takuma nods. What are you guys talking about? "Yeah, we came and they followed. Now what the hell have you been up to?" I ask. "Look around!" he says excitedly. I look around to see…

"CANDY!" Hanabusa and I say in unison. Takuma nods and says, "Yep, there are all kinds of candy and confectio- Ehh? Hanabusa? Alison?" He gives Senri and Akatsuki a puppy-dog look and asks, "Where did they go?" Senri points at the two blonds in question.

"OMG! YOU CAN FILL UP A WHOLE BOX OF CANDY FOR JUST $5!" we say in unison. We then glare at each other. I could feel the electricity surrounding us. "Hmph! Stop copying me!" we shout in unison. "I'm not copying you!" we again yell in unison. "You… STOP IT!" we growl baring our teeth at each other.

"What are you guys up to, now?" sighs Akatsuki. We point at each other and yell, "HE/SHE'S COPYING ME! I AM NOT! STOP IT!" Akatsuki sighs at us, Senri looks bored, though I'm sure he's amused because I'm annoyed, and Takuma's laughing at us. "Haha~ You guys must really get along!"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! ME, GET ALONG WITH HER/HIM?!" We growl at each other again. "Hmph! I'm going to pick some candy!" I spit out. "Hmph! This isn't over!" Hanabusa yells. "Oh, it's far from over. It's just getting started," I retort. Akatsuki sighs and tells Hanabusa to give it a rest, but Hanabusa ignores him.

"Ooh~ I want this one! Ooh~ That looks good! Mmm~ That looks delicious!"

"…You sure like sweets," interrupts an empty voice. I look up at the impassive model and say, "Hmph! You're one to talk." Oooh~ I want to try that! It looks sooo mouthwatering and-

I feel someone poking my cheek. *twitch* "What?" I ask sharply, already knowing who it is. "….You're smiling," the model comments. "A-and?! What of it?!" He looks at me and hesitates before he speaks. "Well… You never genuinely smile."

"Y-you don't know that! We don't even have class together, so how would YOU know?" I challenge. He looks at me and sighs, dropping the subject. I continue to look at the chocolates on display. Mmmm~ I want to eat them a- *twitch* "WOULD YOU QUIT DOING T-"

"-You're drooling," he points out.

…1…..2…3….

"KYAAAA!" I scream and jump back in terror. He looks at me with amusement and laughter clouding his dull eyes. "…pfft!"

"Ugh! Stop it, Mr. Stoic!"

"Stop what, Madeleine?" the apathetic boy retorts. *twitch* "Hmph!" I say and stomp off. "…Did I hurt your ego, Napoleon?"

"THAT. IS. IT!" I then grab a random container of candy and throw it at him. "…I guess I did," he says. I only glare at him. He ignores me and starts checking out different flavors of pocky. Grr… It's either him or that Aidiot!

As he is about to reach for a box, I instantly snatch it. He looks at me from the corner of his eyes. He then reaches for another. It's mine! Another. That's mine, too! He narrows his eyes at me. He fakes to the left and snatches one from the right. "Grr… Like hell, I'll let you have some!" I start to tug on the box in his hands. "You don't even like pocky….," he states with a raised eyebrow. "You're right. I don't, but I like the taste of you not having any," I say and stick my tongue at him. Though the strawberry one isn't too bad... But I'll never tell him that. He stares at me intently for a while. Heheheh~ I'll never let go.

To my surprise, he lets go, which causes me to stumble back, and flicks my forehead. "You can have it, Julia Child" …What?

"SHE'S NOT EVEN FRENCH!"

"Hanabusa, don't you think you picked enough?"

"I want to share some with Lord Kaname!" Hanabusa exclaims. His cousin only shakes his head at his childish actions. Reaching for a candy bar, another hand reaches for it at the same time. He turns around to see who the hand belongs to.

"YOUUU!"

"Hey, Aidiot!" I say mimicking Takuma's cheerful voice. "Grr… Let go!"

"Why? I grabbed it first. You let go!" I yell. "You…," he growls. We both start to fight over the milk chocolate bar. "Just let go!" he yells. "That's my line!"

"…Fighting again, Napoleon?"

"GAHH! I CAN'T TAKE BOTH OF YOU AT THE SAME TIME!" I shout. The store keeper then looks over at us and motions for us to be quiet.

"…..Smooth moves-"

"Shut it!"

"Heh! It would be you to get us in trouble," Hanabusa cockily remarks.

"Hmph!" I march off to the cashier to pay and get the hell out of there.

*twitch* Why the hell am I walking with these guys?

"Grr… I want to know! What are you doing here?! And why were you with them?!" Hanabusa asks.

"How is that any of your business?"

"JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION!"

"Well, to be fair, that was two questions," I reply.

"YOUU-"

"Senri ran into Alison in a back-alley," Takuma says with a cheerful smile. That… sounds sooo wrong. "DON'T INTERR- wait…" Hanabusa says. Akatsuki's and Hanabusa's eyes widen. "…You found her," Akatsuki starts. "'there'…," Hanabusa finishes. Senri nods and nonchalantly says, "Yeah, I had to run after her… After I caught up to her…, she hit me with her purse." He looks at me and asks, "By the way,... Just what exactly do you carry in there?"

"N-nothing in particular!" I shout. Takuma sweatdrops, Akatsuki shakes his head and sighs, and Hanabusa jaw drops before he falls out laughing. "Hahahaha~ You hit him with your purse?!"

"Yeah… It's because I thought… he was a pervert," I begrudgingly say while looking at the ground. Everyone is stunned before they all break out in laughter, well, except for Senri. He looks… peeved? "Hahaha~ Y-you thought… Senri was a pervert?!" Takuma laughs. Akatsuki shakes his head and chuckles softly. "Hahahahahahaha~ I-I can't believe you thought Senri was a pervert! What would a pervert want with you?!" Hanabusa laughs. Grr… JUST WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY ABOUT ME?!

"Grr… Shut up, you stupid, pathetic, worthless, PLAYBOY!" I sneer. "WHAT WAS THAT?"

"Oh! You want me to repeat it? OK, then I'll say it again. 'Shut up, you stupid, pathet-"

"-Now, now. Let's not fight."

"TELL THAT TO HIM/HER!" Hanabusa and I shout in unison.

Akatsuki gives me a skeptical look. "What were you doing there anyway…?" I look away from them all. "…I see. YOU WERE LOST! WEREN'T YOU?! HAHAHA~" Aidiot says. "I was NOT lost."

"Yeah~ Sure you weren't!"

"Hmph! I wasn't," I lamely retort and walk faster, hoping to get away from those guys.

"So where are we going now, Alison?" asks a smiling Takuma. Tch. Guess I wasn't walking fast enough. "What do you mean, 'we'?" I ask. "I know where I'm going."

"Oh, really? Where?" Takuma asks, ignoring my bitter tone. "AWAY FROM ALL OF YOU!" I say and stomp off. "…..You'll only get lost again," says a blank voice. I jump at his words. ""W-what do you mean, 'lost again'?" I question looking away from them.

"Ha! So, you were lost! Hahahaha~ You guys should've let her stay lost!"

"Hanabusa…" Akatsuki scolds.

Grr… I storm off in a random direction. I refuse to be around these guys any longer! I hear a loud, "YOU'LL ONLY GET LOST AGAIN!"

I look up at a pink building called, La Mignonne Petite Maison de Sucre. A… café? Ooh~ it looks cute! Hehe~ I wonder if they have cakes?

"Ooh~ a café!" says an all too familiar cheerful voice. I turn around slowly. WHYYYYYY~

"Grr…. WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?!"

"Hmm….. It looks like a nice café," Senri comments. "DON'T IGNORE ME!"

"Well, come on…." Huh? "Let's go inside…You're probably used to this kinda food, anyway, Madeleine" he says bluntly. *twitch* The next thing I know, Senri grabs my arm and drags me inside the café.

*twitch* How did this happen? …WHY AM I SITTING AT A TABLE WITH THESE IMBECILES!

A middle-aged woman with brown hair and green eyes approaches our table to take our order. "Hello, may I take your order?"

"Oui, Je voudrais un tasse du chocolat chaud, un tranche du gâteau de fraise et gâteau mousse au chocolat, un tarte aux pommes et un tranche du tarte au fromage blanc. Je voudrais aussi un crème brûlée, des macarons assortis et biscuits, et des beignets, s'il vous plait," I order. Hanabusa's jaw falls on the table, Takuma and Akatsuki's eyes widen in disbelief, and Senri looks bored. I tilt my head and blink confusedly. "…Quoi?"

"Umm… I'm afraid I do not understand, Miss," the waitress answers. Hmph! What do you mean, you don't understand? Isn't this a café?!

Suppressing my accent, so I'm not humiliated in front of Aidiot and Smug-ass model I say, "Hmph! I'll take a cup of café au lait, strawberry shortcake, chocolate mousse cake, apple pie, cheesecake-

The boys continue to gawk at me.

-a crème brûlée, assorted macarons, assorted cookies, and some beignets." The waitress nods with a smile, "OK, I'll bring that right out for-" I interrupt, "-You didn't take their orders. I don't personally care, but I don't want to share my food."

The woman gapes and stutters, "O-of course! Umm… Excuse me; may I take your order?"

"I'll take a strawberry shortcake and a cup of tea," Takuma says enthusiastically. "I guess I'll take a tiramisu and a cup of coffee," Akatsuki simply orders. "Hmph!" Hanabusa glowers at me. "I'll take-"

"I'm afraid the doctor said he needs to cut back on sweets," I interrupt. Heheheheh~

"WHA-"

"Remember, the doctor said to watch what you eat. As your 'friend,' it's my duty to make sure you follow your strict, doctor-regulated diet!"

"BUT-"

"Oh, I see," the waitress says. "What'll you have?" she asks, looking at Senri. "…"

"Senri, don't you want anything?" Takuma asks concerned. I just look at the idiot. "Yeah, he'll have a cup of hot chocolate and a chocolate mousse cake," I order for him. He tilts his head and stares at me.

"O-OK," the waitress replies. "Will that be all?"

As soon as Hanabusa is about to open his mouth, I say, "Wait. Put it all on one check."

"O-of course," she replies and walks off. All of the guys look at me in amazement. "Alison, you don't have to do that," Takuma says kindly. "Do what?" I ask. Takuma typical smile grows and he says, "Alison, is really nice…, but you don't have to pay."

"Who says I'm gonna pay?" The boys then look at me curiously. I look at Aidiot with his mouth still open. "You'll catch flies that way," I say bluntly. He immediately shuts his mouth close. I then add, "Besides, Aidiot's going to pay for us."

"WHAT?!"

Everyone looks at our table. "Way to go, Aidiot. You're going to get us kicked out," I say with a smirk on my face. Heh. That's payback for what happened at the candy store! Another score for Alison!

Senri then breaks my train of thought and asks, "…Why did you order for me?" I look him dead in the eye and say, "Well, because one, I can. Two, there's no way I'm gonna share with you. And three, I just wanted to waste Aidiot's money." The said boy then growls at me. "I hate you," he says through gritted teeth. I then look at him as if he's grown another head. "W-what?!"

"What you think and how you feel, means absolutely nothing to me," I say sharply. He's about to yell something when he is interrupted. (A/N: LOL. "you feel me"? That was unintentional XD )

"U-umm… excuse me! Would you happen to be Night class students at Cross academy?" asks a shy waitress with a short black bob. …No, why…Who the hell cares? And… oh, god. Why are there three waitresses at our table?! They're not even our server! "Why yes, we are!" answers a kind Takuma. "Umm… Y-you're Senri Shiki, right?" asks another nervous waitress with her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. Annoying. Senri looks up and merely nods. Nooo~ Please don't tell me they're gonna- "I-if it's ok, could we p-please have your autograph!" requests another waitress with strawberry blonde, straight hair. It's JUST Smug-ass model. He nods again and bluntly says, "…Sure."

"Kyaaa~ Thank you so much!" the girls reply. Shut. Up. Aidiot then takes the opportunity to flirt with the girls. "Hello~ what have we done to be graced with the presence of such cute girls?" What. The. HELL! "Kyaaa!"

Our actual waitress comes with our order. "Here you are!" I nod and give a curt "thank you."

"S-soo what are you guys doing here?" …They're ignoring me. Hanabusa opens his mouth to flirt again, but I shove a hot pink macaron in his mouth. "Oh, we're just- MMMF!"

"Annoying…," I say darkly. Everybody looks to me. "Huh? What is it Alis-"

"-Annoying! Just shut up! I'm tired of sitting here listening to your damn 'Kyaa Kyaa!' It's. ANNOYING! If you want to flirt and do all of that STUPID stuff, then do it on your OWN time!" The girls' eyes widen in shock and the boys are stunned into silence. The one with strawberry blonde hair is about to say something when I interrupt. "LOOK. I'M. TRYING. TO. EAT! I like to eat in peace and quiet, so would you kindly shut the hell up and move on! Aren't you supposed to be WORKING or something?!" I spit with venom. The girls, taken aback then leave with a, "Can you believe that girl?!" Hmph!

The boys all gape at me. "…What?" I ask. Takuma looks at me disappointedly and scolds, "A-Alison… That wasn't very n-"

Not wanting to hear it, I say, "-Hey, Aidiot! Are you ever gonna eat that macaron stuck in your mouth?"

"Grr…"

He instantly starts chewing on the pink pastry in his mouth. Senri then gives me an odd look.

"…..What is it now?" I relentlessly ask. He looks at me and then back at Hanabusa. "…Don't you like strawberry?" He must be wondering why I would give anything to Aidiot… "Yeah, why?" He then gives me another odd look and raises an eyebrow. "Ugh! What flavor is this?!" Hanabusa asks in disgust. "Raspberry," I say bluntly. Takuma and Akatsuki give me a questioning look. "Alison…"

"…You don't like raspberries," states the stoic boy. I refuse to meet his eyes. "And?! W-what of it?!"

"Nothing…." He looks like he wants to say more, but he doesn't. Aidiot then takes that opportunity to exclaim, "You gave me a flavor you didn't like?!" I raise my hand in a 'meh' way. "Yeah… That's why I gave it to you, Aidiot. I wasn't gonna eat it and it would've gone to waste."

"YOUU-"

"-You're gonna get us kicked out," I say with dark humor.

"Yeah…. You're so loud, Hanabusa," Senri agrees.

"YOU TOO?!"

Akatsuki merely sighs in exhaustion and sips his coffee. Takuma, on the other hand, happily eats his cake. "Senri, do you like your cake?" Takuma asks. Senri nods his head and says, "Yeah… It's good."

"Hmph! Of course it is! I picked it out!" I say confidently. Senri just looks at me with his fork still in his mouth. …He kinda looks cute like that. B-but not that cute! J-just cute for him!

I begin to eat my sweets. Mmmm~ this is sooo good! Yay! Sweets are the best! I giggle without realizing it. "Mmm~ yummy!"

I can feel the boys staring at me. "…Is there something wrong?" I ask.

…..1….2…3

"Kyaaaa~ Alison is sooo cute!" Takuma states… again. Oh, great. Not again! "I already told you! Don't call me cute!" Hanabusa gives me a strange look and mutters, "Who knew she could have that kind of expression…" Akatsuki observes, "You must really like sweets."

"Hmph! I don't like sweets. I LOVE sweets!" I loudly proclaim. Senri gives me another long look and says, "….I know you like cake, Marie Antoinette, but… you're gonna get a cavity." *twitch* "Shut. Up. You. Stupid. MODEL!" I say slamming my hands on the table. Akatsuki sighs, "Between you and Hanabusa, you're gonna get us all kicked out."

"SHUT UP!" Hanabusa and I shout.

"Yay~ That was sooo much fun!" Takuma says.

"Hmph! Fun for who?! I can't believe you guys made me pay!" Hanabusa yells.

"I don't know why you're so surprised," I say plainly.

"YOUU-"

"Well, I think I can find my way back now. The Academy is just up this path, right?"

"Uhh… Yeah," Takuma hesitates.

"I still can't believe you went out without knowing you're way back," Hanabusa remarks. "Hmph! SHUT UP YOU STUPID AIDIOT!" I yell and stick my tongue out before running off.

"Why you… MARK MY WORDS! I'LL GET YOU BACK FOR THAT, ALISON BUTEI!"

"Hahaha~ it was nice hanging out with Alison today, wasn't it?" Takuma says. "Hmph! I'm glad you thought it was nice," Hanabusa retorts. "That girl pisses me off!"

"She's not bad though… At least, she's not annoying," Akatsuki says. "What do you mean 'not annoy-"

"-Oh, no! She dropped one of her bags!" Takuma gasps. Senri picks up the bag and inspect its contents. "…Music?"

"Oh, there's music inside? I didn't know Alison played an instrument," Takuma comments. "Hmph! She can play an instrument?" Hanabusa asks. Senri nods and says, "Yeah….. Violin."

"Oh, that's nice! Senri?" Senri looks away from the bag and turns his glance to Takuma. "Are you gonna return it to Alison? I can do it instead, if you want." Senri shakes his head. "No… It's OK… I'll return it."

The boys start to walk off, but not before Takuma gives Senri a knowing glance.

~Sleep as long as you can, our dear 'Marionette'. It's safer in your dreams~

A/N: OMG. That was such a long chapter! Anyway, I want to know what you all thought of Alison's nightmare. Honestly, as writer (since it's my head) it was sweet, but super depressing. Oh, right! I should probably say this. Every time she has a nightmare, it may or may not be a continuation of a past one. So look out for the ones that continue a past nightmare. Some of them may seem simpler compared to others, but it also depends on how much she remembers (since it is her POV). Moving on! We learn a new talent of Alison's! Yes, she can play the piano. We also learn the reason behind her being able to play the piano (which was just sad TT_TT ) So in case it isn't obvious (which it probably is, but idk cuz I'm the one writing :P ) her past is shrouded in mystery and will not be revealed right away. Additionally, so far we are only seeing what happened to her, but remember she has a brother. In other words, his past may or may not be similar to her in some way ;) What did everyone think when she was in the back-alley? Did you think it was a Level E :D Hahaha~ I'm sorry, but the secret of the Night class will NOT be revealed right away. I want Alison to get to know the characters first. Speaking of the Night class, how was the Alison vs. Aidou moments this time? I found them rather humorous and I hope you all did as well. Oh, yeah! Akatsuki was formally introduced! I hope I portrayed his character well. So tell me, what were your favorite parts? And why do you think I titled the chapter, "Trips and Fall, Lost by All"? I'll tell you this: "Trips" can pertain to Alison going out ;)

Please don't ask why I included Shakespeare… -_- Idk why, but he popped to mind ( ._.) I only read The Taming of the Shrew and Macbeth, for English class (obviously) -"-

I almost forgot OTL all of the music in this chapter are actual pieces of music. Well, you probably already knew that. I actually listened and personally picked each out. *Btw, I don't always/only listen to Classical music -_-* I find that Classical music is relaxing and calming, so I think it would help anyone who is stressed out or having trouble sleeping. I like to listen to Classical music when I write or draw sometimes, but it might be nice to listen to when you read a book… or fanfic! And even though it wasn't mentioned, Yiruma's Kiss the rain is soo beautiful, so if you get the chance I would check it out! Anyway, the piano that was mentioned is also a real brand. Apparently, it's one of the bests, but I wouldn't know since I don't play the piano, but I always wanted to learn ^_^ I play the violin instead… if I didn't already tell you guys that orz Also, the perfume in this chapter and chapter two (I forgot to mention it) are both nice, so if you're looking for one I would check those out! (Even though they are kinda expensive, so I would probably ASK for those. LOL :P

Review corner: (OMG I CAN FINALLY HAVE ONE! Err… for this chapter that is -"- )

Incendo: *hugs back* Thank you for comforting me If only we all could eat like Alison *sigh* My favorite scenes are when she verbally abuse Aidou XD

thecoldforest: I'm glad you love seeing Aidou being abused (but I'm sure he doesn't) In this chapter there will be plenty of Alison vs. Aidou moments, so I think you'll like this chapter.

Ketsueko: I'm glad you like Marionette and it's a good thing you like long chapters because this one is SUPER LONG. I'm sooo glad you don't think Alison is a mary-sue. Good luck trying to protect yourself from Alison AND Shiki. At the moment we're trying to restrain them, but… no promises. XD

Today's lesson! (I can't even call it a French lesson because there's too much to explain OTL )

"Trésor" (which is again is real perfume by Lancôme) means "Treasure"

"Le boutique de Musique Classique" literally translates to "The Shop of Classical Music", but would be translated as "The Classical Music Store" (Yeah, it's pretty plain. That's why I wrote it in French)

"La Mignonne Petite Maison de Sucre" literally translates to "The Cute Little House of Sugar" but can also be translated to "The Cute Little Sugar House" (…It just sounds better in French orz)

"Quoi?" means "What?"

Alison's order at the café is completely translated

OK, now for some explanations! (You don't have to read this if you don't need any clarifications :)

-First, Chopin is pronounced like Sho-pan (I think) NOT CHOPPING! XDDD

-Niccolò Paganini was a famous violinist and composer (obviously). A fun fact is that people believed he worshipped the devil or sold his soul to him in order to play the violin. In other words, he was a genius or a virtuoso. The reason why Alison was excited to take on his 24 caprices for violin,is due to the fact that it is difficult and a challenge for violinists. (If I tried to play that then I would be blinded because the notes would be all over the place. You probably have to play on two strings at the same time, shift between 3-5 positions, if, and then pluck and rush back to play with your bow. All I can say is UGH!)

-When Takuma bear hugs Alison, her soul slips out. It's just one of those anime things -_-

-Senri meant he would be an accessory to a crime as in he wouldn't have reported it and he could've been charged if the 'police' found out he was a witness.

-Senri calls Alison, "Madeline", which relates to a children's book series. You may remember it by this quote: "In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines ..." Madeleines are very small sponge cakes that can be picked up like cookies that also have a distinct shell-like shape acquired from being baked in pans with shell-shaped depressions. (I purposely alternated between both names). He also calls her "Julia Child", an American (not French as Alison said) who was known for bringing French cuisine to the American public. Senri calling Alison, "Marie Antoinette", is a bit of a pun because Marie Antoinette is known for saying, "Let them eat cake"; however, there is no evidence that she ever said these words. Marie Antoinette is also known as the last queen of France. She was greatly disliked as she was also from Austria and was eventually beheaded during the French Revolution.

If you have questions, are confused about something, or need clarification just ask! :D

Me: Alison, please tell everyone to review ^_^

Alison: Ehh? Get someone else to do it…

Me: …*sighs* I'll give you cake *holds cake*

Alison: *gasps* GIVE ME! *tackles and takes cake* Yay~ Mmm~ CAKE! :3

Me: Oww~ Please keep your end of the bargain, Alison… TT_TT

Alison: Oh, right! *chews* OOMP! PWEAV Mmm~ LEAVE… *swallows* Mmm~ Yummy! A REVIEW :3

Everyone: *sweatdrops* Alison…