SuKiss: Wow…you honour me with all of your flattery. Thank you very much. Your feedback encourages me a lot. As well don't be afraid to tell me if you don't agree with something too. I can take it no worries. Hopefully everything will be to your liking but who knows...haha…but anyways I actually don't read Anne Rice or Stephen King. Never had and I don't think I ever will. It doesn't really interest me. I told Swtangel the reason I'm writing in this genre. In case you didn't read it I'll tell you as well. See I have this thing with originality. For myself I don't like writing using conventional methods/ideas. The way I write is usually very serious, very dark, and very pessimistic. The problem is that I felt that all my plot lines were too alike and thus redundant. I felt that I wasn't creative and that's why my stories were all alike. Theme wise that is. So I try to think of stories that have not really been seen or explored before. As I was looking through all the Hana Yori Dango fanfics, I noticed there were only two other horror oriented stories. And they were incomplete. So I thought it would be an interesting idea to write Doll House. I really want to explore different genres of writing to broaden my experience. But I suspected as you pointed out yourself, that in a series like HYD it doesn't really match which explains the relative lack of interest in my story. But I don't mind as long as some people enjoy it and get scared then I've gone my job. And I'm o.k. with that. But anyways, wow…I wrote a lot to you. Haha. Once again thank you for taking the time to write me a well rounded review. I value your opinion and I hope to hear more from you. Please enjoy the next chapter!

Swtangel: Hi there. I have seen Meteor Garden. Unfortunately I watched it without subtitles. But I knew what was supposed to happen so it didn't really matter. I have it with subs now so I am currently re-watching it. When I find time that is. I guess I will be writing a Rui/Tsukushi story possibly in the near future. But you didn't give me an idea for one. Well…I do have one situation I've been thinking of putting them in. It would be a one-shot though. Who knows I've started writing something…I may hold out on the fifth installment of this fic to finish it...but we'll see...And yes, twisted the plot will become, compliments of my deranged mind. Hope you like the next installment. Peace.

CrazyButterfly: Oh changed your penname I see. Very nice…hehe…are you getting excited? Hopefully I won't disappoint you then. I like hearing what you think of my work. Oh and by the way have you seen the show Maala aka mo kaya? I guess you probably have…I had never heard of it until now…my parents borrowed it from one of their friends and they've been watching it ever since. My dad was even crying. LOL. Oh man. Then he challenged me to watch it and see if I couldn't cry. If I didn't he said he'd pay me 50 bucks. I think I can do. I'm so unemotional and detached. Haha. Update The Man Behind the Corporation soon please! I can't wait to read what happens next! Your last chapter got me excited I even dreamed about it. Anyways I hope the next chapter is to your liking!

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And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting

On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;

And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming.

And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted –nevermore…. (The Raven By: Edgar Allan Poe AWESOME POEM!)

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Chapter Three – The Hitchhiker

"Wah! The train moves so quickly!"

"Shigeru-san, is this your first time on the bullet train?" (1)Yuki asked.

She nodded her sandy hair bobbing up and down. Tsukushi laughed at her friend. Shigeru had her face pressed against the window, her hands spread out before her touching the cool glass, watching the scenery fly by at a speed of 200 mph.

"I was always driven around everywhere. And if we had to travel far we of course had our own private plane." She said turning back in her seat to face them. She smiled brightly. "Isn't this exciting? Ne Sakurako?" She nudged the girl in question beside her.

"Ugh, I don't know how you could find this exciting." She said covering her ears. "There are too many little kids running around. I should have gone with the F3." She stated grumpily watching a couple of toddlers run up and down the aisle.

Rui, Soujirou and Akira had all left earlier that day by private plane. Stating that they needed to keep up certain standards of travel to preserve their reputations. They asked if the girls wanted to come with them, but just going to Kyoto from Tokyo by plane seemed so unnecessary. Tsukushi sighed to herself. It would have been fun if they had all left together, but then again, Tsukushi couldn't picture such high class guys rubbing elbows with the general masses of the city.

"Sakurako it's not that bad. Besides we'll be there just as fast. The train only takes 2.5 hours to get there."

"I'd take privacy over speed any day." She said cringing again as the same two children sped past her in the aisle.

Tsukushi rolled her eyes, sighing. Oh well. The train suddenly ducked under a tunnel. For a minute, the car was plunged into darkness. To her right Tsukushi heard a heavy thud followed by the pained whimper of a child. In front of her she could hear Sakurako chuckle sadistically.

"Serves the kid right."

"Sakurako! That's not nice!" Shigeru whispered fiercely to her friend.

"I hope he's o.k." Came, Yuki's voice to Tsukushi's left.

Just as quickly as they had entered, the train pulled out from the tunnel; bright sunlight once again poured in through the glass windows. They had officially left the cityscape behind. To Tsukushi's right rose a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The mountain's slope was covered in a light layer of powdery snow. It's summit obscured slightly by a white mist.

She heard Shigeru gasp in delight. "Mt. Fuji looks so pretty!" She gushed. "Sakurako take a picture before we pass it! Yuki get in with me."

Tsukushi smiled and looked out the window once more. Something black caught her eye. She blinked and turned her head back just in time to see a small child with dark hair standing in the middle of the woods right at the edge of the tracks. "Aren't they cold?"

"Isn't who cold Tsukushi-chan?" Yuki asked her.

"There was a girl without a coat back there." She replied gesturing behind her. "On the edge of the tracks. We just passed her."

"I don't see anyone." Yuki stretched her neck trying to get a glimpse out the window.

Tsukushi quickly pressed her face against the cold glass straining her eyes to try and see as far back down the tracks as she could. White snow stretched as far as she could see. Her brows drew in confusion.

"Well there was someone there." She said as she sat back in her seat facing the others.

"Did you see something sempai?"

"I thought I did." Her voice was filled with uncertainty.

"Maybe you saw an animal? Or a hitchhiker?" Yuki supplied.

"Maybe. But a hitchhiker on the tracks?"

Yuki shrugged her shoulders.

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"Hoy! Makino! Yuki-chan! Shigeru! Sakurako! Over here!"

As the girls were exiting the train onto the platform they turned and spotted Soujirou on the edge of the crowded platform by the parking lot, waving at them.

He was standing in front of his silver Mercedes Benz. People, especially women, were milling about inspecting the hot car and the gorgeous man standing in front of it. But he ignored them all.

"Nishikado – san what a beautiful car!" Yuki exclaimed a white puff of air escaping her mouth. The air was cool, but it was sunny. He smiled at her and offered to put hers and the rest of their bags in the trunk. They piled in settling into the cars plush leather seats, eager to get out of the cold weather. Once they were all buckled up, Soujirou pulled out of the parking lot.

"How was your train ride?"

"It was really exciting! It goes super fast! 200 mph! We were sitting on the right hand side so we got to see this awesome view of Mt. Fuji!" Shigeru gushed while ticking points off on her hand. Her whole face was alight with pleasure.

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. He glanced in the rearview mirror spotting Sakurako's sour expression. "You don't look as happy Sakurako."

"Of course not. There were a bunch of kids running up and down the aisles making all this noise. The only good part was when the train ducked under a tunnel and one of them tripped."

"That wasn't good. The poor kid might've have been really hurt." Tsukushi reprimanded her. Sakurako just shrugged her shoulders.

"Anyways, Soujirou how far is it to the villa?"

"Oh it's about forty minutes outside of Gion Kobu. And we're not there yet. We'll be there in about an hour."

Tsukushi nodded her head. She looked out the window tuning out the voices of her friends as they continued to converse amongst themselves. She had been to Kyoto and Nara for her junior high trip with Yuki but they had not ventured to Gion. She had always wanted to visit the Karyukai to see the Geiko and Maiko. (2)

After a bit they ended up passing the Inoue School of dance. Tsukushi spied a few Maiko walking out of the school. Next they passed by the Ichirikitei. She stared in awe at the shops, landmarks and busy streets filled with people going about, snapping a picture or two occasionally. Soon they left the city. The houses were getting sparser as they continued east.

Soujirou took a right turn off the paved road onto a secluded road. They were about to enter a wooded area at the top of a slight incline. Yuki, Shigeru, Sakurako and Soujirou continued chatting quietly amongst themselves. As they rolled steadily forward Tsukushi could hear the thin layer of snow crunch under the weight of the car.

The trees stretched into the darkening sky. Their barren limbs extended towards each other creating an archway above the road. Each branch was encased in a small blanket of snow and ice. It would have made an enchanting sight, like slender hands gently protecting them from the outside world. But in the fading light of the approaching evening they looked more like thin fingers clawing at one another.

"Ah! It's kind of warm in here. Can we open the window for a little bit?" Shigeru asked while fanning herself lightly.

"Of course you're warm. You've been talking and gesturing with your hands a lot." Sakurako said. "Besides it's too cold now to open the window."

"Oh I won't open it wide just a crack." She insisted. "Tsukushi can you roll your window down a bit?"

Tsukushi complied. She pressed the small silver button allowing the window to open.

"Thanks Tsukushi."

A cool draft of air suddenly blew into the car. The cold air rushing into the warm vehicle created a faint moaning sound; the kind that rattles the windows creating a howling noise. A gust of wind blew through the trees. The sounds of the ice covered branches rustling against one another added to the haunting melody of the woods. The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the bare branches reflecting off of the ice.

They sound like voices. Tsukushi thought to herself. At the disturbing thought she gave an involuntary shudder. She could feel her chest tighten in apprehension.

"Tsukushi-chan are you cold?" Yuki asked from behind her.

"Just a little bit." She said with a forced smile.

"Gomen Tsukushi, you can roll the window back up I'll manage. It's not that much farther right Soujirou?"

"No actually we're already here. This is the driveway. Once we clear the trees in a minute you'll be able to see the house."

"This is already the driveway? How big is this property?" Yuki asked.

"Does it matter?"

She didn't get a chance to respond. The woods abruptly ended and before them rose one of the nicest homes Tsukushi had ever laid her eyes on. It was smaller than she imagined considering the size of the driveway. But it was nonetheless charming. It was cottage style; which was unusual for this part of Gion. It looked more like a home out of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Powdery light snow covered the thatched roof. A few remaining tendrils of ivy clung to the sides of the dark brick walls. At the sides of the entrance were two tall windows. Large white drapes were drawn across them. Along the second story were a row of windows. Bedrooms, Tsukushi assumed.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the large front door. The group of friends exited the vehicle.

"Wah! It's such a cute house!" Shigeru exclaimed. "This is an unusual design for a house here though isn't it?"

"Well the curator tells me that the original owner of the house spent time in the English country side. Apparently, he liked the architecture so much that when he returned to Japan, he had his house, this very one, built in that style." Soujirou informed them. He popped open the trunk and extracted their bags. As he closed it, the dark mahogany front door creaked open. Akira popped his head out.

"Hey took you guys long enough!"

"Yo Akira!"

"You know Soujirou; you should really get this door oiled." He said swinging the door back in forth. The creaking echoed in the cold air. He looked back up at them. "Aren't you guys going to come in?"

"We would, but you seem too preoccupied with inspecting the door." That remark earned Soujirou the finger, compliments of Akira. The girls laughed and began to walk up the stone steps toward the entrance.

Tsukushi had a somewhat difficult time dragging her luggage up the steps and consequently ended up dropping her purse, its contents spilling out onto the snow covered ground.

Sakurako looked back spying Tsukushi picking up various things from the ground. "Need help sempai?"

Tsukushi glanced up from the ground. She pushed her hair out of her face to see Sakurako looking down at her. "Oh no I'm fine. You go inside. I'll join you in a minute." She said dismissing her concerns with a wave of her hand.

"O.k."

Tsukushi stuffed the remainder of her things into her purse and straightened up. She grabbed the strap of her duffle bag and started back up the stairs again. Movement to her right caused her to turn suddenly. Nothing but barren vegetation. She focused her gaze on a large weeping Sakura tree to her right. Its thin ice covered branches swayed gently in the wind. Occasionally hitting one another.

She turned her head away. She glanced up at the house. It kind of reminded her of Doumyouji's villa in Canada. The sun had already set, but there was still a crimson light colouring the western sky, a few white clouds dotted the darkening heavens. She stopped and squinted her eyes upward. There was something in one of the second story windows.

Half hidden in darkness behind the creamy white drapes stood a young girl in her night gown. Her dark hair brushed her thin shoulders. A sharp contrast to her small pale face. Tsukushi waved her hand at the girl in greeting. Instead of waving back the girl seemed to take a step back, blending into the shadows of the upstairs hall. Tsukushi's brow creased slightly in puzzlement.

Maybe she's shy? She thought to herself.

"Makino, do you plan on staying outside tonight?" She averted her gaze to see Akira staring at her, one hand on the door waiting for her to come in. He noticed her slightly bemused expression. "Something wrong?"

"No, sorry…I…was just…admiring the house."

"Well you can do that tomorrow. We've been waiting for you guys so we can eat. Get in here its freezing." He said gesturing to her with his hand for her to hurry up.

She quickly hauled herself up the stone steps and walked in. Akira shut the heavy door closed behind her. She set her bags down and looked around. The front entrance was so much bigger than she imagined. The ceiling was high. In the center of it was an ornate chandelier. It's pleasant light filling the room. A large sweeping staircase was the focal point of the room. At the top of the flight of steps was an enormous oil painting of a Heian princess sitting on a grassy knoll. She looked peaceful and serene looking our over a sparkling silver stream. Pink cherry blossom petals fell softly around her landing in her hair and drifting in the water. The hard wood floors were stained a rich brown colour. It gleamed beautifully under the gentle light.

"Tsukushi let's go to our rooms now." Yuki said breaking her out of her admiration She nodded her head and picked up her things once again. The girls Akira and Soujirou onto the second floor.

"Will we be sharing rooms Nishikado – san?"

"You can share a room with me Yuki if you like." Tsukushi shot him a glare before smacking him upside the head.

"Don't even think about it you perverted playboy!"

"Ow! Relax. The house has ten guest rooms. There are enough for everyone." Soujirou and Akira led them into the east wing of the house where there were a row of closed doors. Five on each side.

"These are the rooms. The one's on the left have balconies that face the terrace in the back. The ones on the right have their own personal bathrooms. The ones with the balconies have washrooms too but you have to share them with the person beside you."

The first three rooms on the left were already occupied by the Akira, Soujirou and Rui respectfully. Shigeru took the one after Rui claiming she liked balconies. Yuki and Sakurako opted for two rooms on the right. (3)

"Where is Hanazawa Rui?" Tsukushi asked noticing that she had not seen her friend yet.

"Oh, he's taking a nap in his room right now. He claimed that he didn't get enough sleep earlier." Tsukushi nodded her head.

"Tsukushi take the room beside me here!" Yuki gestured. Tsukushi complied but as she reached her hand out to one of the last rooms on the right she found that it would not open. She jiggled the handle more, but it didn't budge.

"Nishikado – san do you have a key for this door?"

"Eh? Oh no that door won't open. Even when we tried the key it wouldn't unlock."

"Why not?"

"The curator said that something might be blocking it from the other side. He's not here right now though. He had to make a trip to Gion so he'll be back tomorrow morning. Why don't you take the room across from it, beside Shigeru." She nodded and crossed the hallway.

She pulled open the heavy Mahogany door, stepping into the room she flicked on the light switch. The room was flooded with light. Immediately to her right, was a closet, dresser and mirror. A large four poster bed was in the center of the room leaning against the left hand wall. It was Cairnsmore finished in black with antique lace. At the foot of the bed was a beautifully carved wooden chest. She walked further into the room placing her hand on it feeling the smooth texture of the wood. Across the bed was a fireplace. The metal chain curtain was drawn across it. She left her bags and purse on the bed, walking over to the French windows. She pulled back the long white curtains and took in the view.

The sky was a deep blue. The first few stars began to emerge decorating the heavens. What a gorgeous view. She thought to herself. Turning back around, she smiled and flung herself onto the bed marveling at its softness. The posts of the bed were draped with white silk curtains. They were tied with a burgundy sash that matched the comforter. The sheets were also made of silk. Its cool texture felt wonderful against her skin.

She rolled over onto her belly facing the window. She lifted her legs and began swinging them back and forth humming to herself all the while. I wonder what room Doumyouji will stay in. Knowing him he'll try to sleep here with me. She giggled to herself. A sudden creak of the floorboard behind her caused her to stop. Her back stiffened and the hairs on her arms and neck stood on end. She slowly rose up in a sitting position her back still facing the door.

About to turn her head she screamed in terror as a rough hand grabbed her shoulder.

To be continued…

Well then this chapter turned out longer than expected. I had actually planned on ending it three pages ago. Wow this is probably my quickest update. I finished this so quickly. On the down side I seem to have distracted myself from my actual school work which is not good. I need to keep my average up or else my early acceptance will be revoked. Bad Ming-chan (Slaps her own hand) no writing except on weekends and only after your work is done! Bad Ming-chan!

Well anyways please read and review I look forward to what you wonderful people think! God and if anyone has any suggestions…I need better chapter titles…

(1) I don't know much about the bullet train's interior but I know that it goes super fast. The time it takes to get there should be right. I looked it up…yeah…I'm a loser… but anyways somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. Which I may be. I hate inaccuracies. (Cringes as she thinks about how unbelievable parts of this may sound) Oh well what is important is that the guys would probably not take the train there but the girls would.

(2) Karyukai means the 'flower and willow world' Geiko are the women of art and Maiko are the apprentice geisha. I don't know if Gion has any large wooded areas. I was trying to find a map of it but I couldn't find a thing…well in my world there is…just in case there isn't.

(3) Oops sorry about that. I did make everyone take rooms on the right. Terribly sorry if I caused a misunderstanding. I must have had a little Freudian slip there. Thinking one thing then writing another. Thanks piglet for catching my blunder.