SS: I'M ALIVE!
Rin: Took you long long enough

SS: You know the laptop that went KA-BOOM? well, it went...

LEN: BOOOOOOOOM!

SS: ...*cough* now I using an old laptop that has no Microsoft Word =_= so i have to try and hop on a computer with Word to type the story... Anyway, Enjoy the story~! I feel like I've fortgotten to say something though...

The Wolf who fell in Love with Red Riding Hood

Feelings at Masquerade

Once upon a time there lived a girl who dressed in rags. When she was young, her beloved mother passed away. Pained to see his dear daughter at grief, the girl's father remarried. The woman he married appeared to be a kind-hearted and gentle being. But that was only a façade. When the father was nowhere around, she abused the girl with no mercy.

The girl was threatened if she dared breathed a word. Soon the father passed away from illness and the girl was lifted to her horrible stepmother. The family was then plunged into poverty. Harassed and threatened, the girl was forced to bring money back to the family. She took the job of sweeping cinders and cleaning the fireplaces. The job however wasn't enough and she was beaten every night as a punishment for not earning enough.

One day, a masked stranger approached her. "I heard you needed some money," the stranger said, "I have a job for you. If you complete it you'll be rewarded with a large sum."

The naïve girl immediately accepted it and the stranger smiled. "There's a ball being held at the palace tonight. You shall attend that ball and your job is…to assassinate the prince at the stroke of midnight."

Miku stared out of the French windows to the milky white moon. The night was a tranquil one. Only the soft buzz of crickets were heard, glowing fireflies danced in the dew covered grass below and the stars littered the inky sky.

"It's been one and a half years now…," she softly breathed. Suddenly the clack of shoes was heard, approaching to her direction then Miku felt strong arms wrap around her waist and a warm breath tickled her ear.

"Are the invitations finished?" she asked as a smile played at her lips as Kaito nuzzled her teal hair.

"Yes my dear," the blue-haired prince replied, "The ball will be held next week."

The teal-haired Cinderella placed a gentle hand on Kaito's cheek with affection. "Yes, it's been one year already, hasn't it?"

Kaito gave a nod and kissed her cheek then straightened up, with one arm still around her waist. "Yes, a year ever since we first met."

She rested her head on his broad shoulders with a content expression but deep down Miku was uneasy from dark memories of that fatal day.

Things have been somewhat busier ever since Rin had bought injured Len in. The most knowledgeable dwarf was often seen carrying medical supplies up to the bedroom Len rested in.

Rin's mother would merely sit in the living room watching this. She would rise to her feet and check on her daughter often. Once she once found her daughter asleep while grasping the boy's clawed hand. Her grip tightened when she gently placed her own hand against her daughter's.

"Wanna a drink madam?" Meiko asked, snapping the widow out of her thoughts. She looked at the younger woman who was holding a glass jug of juice.

"Um…thank you," she said politely.

The feisty Snow White poured a glass and handed it to Rin's mother then plop herself down on a chair adjacent to her. "How ya feeling?" Meiko inquired while quickly draining her juice down her throat.

Rin's mother drank the juice slowly; it was apple. "I'm fine," she replied quietly, "I'm just worried."

Meiko noticed the concern in her voice and waved a hand. "Hey! Don't worry 'k? Lenny is a fine boy!" she beamed happily at the older women. Seeing her happy comments didn't change Rin's mother's expression, Meiko bit her lip. "I guess you know what he is, huh?" she asked.

Rin's mother nodded, "Yes I know," she replied, "I knew when he brought injured Rin in his wolf form."

The Show White fell silent but quickly yet quietly added, "He won't ever hurt her."

Memories of how the boy swiftly charged at the creature came to the woman's mind. She gave a final nod and finished her drink.

Len's azure eyes fluttered open. He was standing in pitch blackness. There was no sound; there was nothing else in sight. It was empty and silent.

"Where am I?" he muttered, "Am I…dead?"

"No, you're not dead. Not yet anyways," called out a voice. There was the sound of heels clicking on the floor and out stepped Zatsune with a smile on her face; a smile that a snake might give before it devours you.

The azure blue pupils immediately narrowed at the sight of her. "What are you doing here?" he grumbled.

"That's not a very polite way to greet someone that allowed you to return back to a human," Zatsune pouted pretending to be hurt.

"You cursed me with these fangs and claws," Len coldly reminded her.

She shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "Every wish has its price," she declared.

"What do you want?" Len sighed in frustration.

Zatsune's smile grew to a smirk, "I have a job for you." Len glared at her. This didn't sound good. "The anniversary of Cinderella and her prince are a few days away," the witch continued, "I want you to attend the ball and to kill the couple."

The wolf's eyes widened. "W…Why would you want them to die?!" he cried.

"My twin sister just gets under my skin sometimes," she replied casually.

"Your twin sister?!"

Zatsune placed her hand over her mouth, "Oops! I said too much!" she exclaimed innocently, "Anyway, that'll be your job."

"What if I don't want to do it?" Len retorted

Her smirk turned into an evil grin and she simply murmured two simple words that was enough to send shivers down Len's spine; "Hunting season."

He nervously gulped, "But why me? Can't you send your lover huntsman to do it?"

Zatsune's pale cheeks flushed a light pink momentarily before she regained her composure. "Isn't it always the Big Bad Wolf's job to slaughter people?" she shot back.

Len bit his lip. Yes…isn't it the Big Bad Wolf's job to shed blood?

Suddenly a soft and gentle voice rang throughout the darkness and Zatsune retreated back to the shadows.

La li la lu li la la la lu li la… La la…

Rin was softly humming a melody from her childhood while holding Len's hand. She hoped this song might help him recover faster.

(A/N: I took the 'la li la' from the song Re_Birthday, the part where it mentions Rin singing a lullaby and threw in some more la's ^^)

"Please…Please open your eyes…," she whispered before resuming back to the tune. She held their hands up to her forehead while humming. Tears pricked her long lashes and Rin struggled to prevent the sob from clashing with the song.

La li la lu li la la…

Her lips began to shake uncontrollably and finally Rin broke down in tears. Her trembling hands still clutch Len's. "Don't die…," she softly cried, "Please…don't…"

"That was a beautiful melody…"

Rin suddenly look up. The dim candlelight was basking on Len's figure and the light made his half-open azure eyes illuminate in the dark. This sight made more tears flow down Rin's eyes.

"Len!" she cried happily, "You're awake!" Suddenly her body launched itself forward and her slim arms wrapped themselves around Len. Tears of joy left droplets flying through the air as she did so.

He winced slightly at the sudden weight on him but that didn't prevent the blood to rush to his cheeks. Len could feel Rin's own body warmth, her smooth arms and her soft hair brushing against his cheek. He remembered the sight he saw before the fight with the creature; the woodland animals snuggling close to one another. Is this how it feels? To be in someone's warm embrace…?

Len wanted to close his eyes again and drown in this pleasant feeling but he heard Rin's soft sobs. "D-Did I worry you?" he asked in concern.

Rin looked at him with teary eyes. "Silly, of course you did!" she sniffed, "You were out for five days!"

Len felt his heart stir at the sight of Rin's tears. Rin…I've never seen you like this before. I know this is wrong, but I'm glad you're shedding tears for me… Do you really care for me, Rin? He reached up and wiped the tears away. He was surprised she didn't flinch at his claws instead she allowed him to touch her.

A light shade of pink dusted her cheeks and Rin suddenly realized she was still on top of Len. Quickly she bolted off him and returned to her seat. "I-I'm so sorry!" she spluttered, "I-I must be heavy! And you only had just woken up!" Why does my chest feel like its got butterflies in it? She shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

A smile came to Len's lips. Rin…could it be, that you're falling for me? The thought of that possibility made Len's heart leapt in joy.

The two gazed in each others' eyes, feeling a mutual bond between them. By the doorway, Rin's mother stood in silence. A thoughtful expression had befallen itself on her face.

Len stayed at Meiko's house for a few more days before the dwarfs announced he could leave. Rin had given him a heartwarming goodbye and when he looked at her mother, she gave him a small smile and a nod.

Also, Rin now often came to the woods to see him. According to her, she came 'just to check on his wellbeing'. Now lying on the soft grass, Len chuckled to himself. They talked normally now too and their conversations tend to be long, so long that sometimes Len had to remind Rin that she has errands to run.

He closed his eyes to enjoy the peaceful afternoon and the warm sunlight on his ears. Rin should arrive soon for their usual meeting. A gentle breeze blew, rustling the tree branches overhead.

"What a fine day for a party, is it not?"

His eyes flew open at the sound of the voice and the dreading smell of cherries. Zatsune stood over him with a sweet smile plastered over her pale face. Len sat up and glared at her. Her appearance just ruined his afternoon. He silently prayed that Rin wouldn't walk in on this or the situation could become worse.

"What do you want?" he spat.

Zatsune sniffed at his rude tone but decided not to rat it out on him. "You seem to have a short memory," she said, "It seems you have forgotten our deal already."

"What deal-" His throat suddenly dried up. That's right. The wolf was assigned to spill blood.

Zatsune's ruby red eyes lit up, "Ah, now you remembered."

Len swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to remain fearless. "Why do you do this?" he softly asked.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Why do you toy with people's stories?" he said a bit louder.

A smirk came to her face, "The plot of having a girl falling asleep then kissed to be woken up, or losing her shoe, only to lead to a happy ending is so boring," she mused, "So I decided to spice things up a bit."

Len stared at her in complete shock. "We're your entertainers…?" he hissed.

"Maybe," she shrugged, "Or I could be taking orders. There are many possibilities of why I'm doing this."

When Len didn't say anything, Zatsune decided to throw another option into the bargain. "If you do your job, my wolf…"

He shivered at her use of 'my'.

"…I'll return you back to a normal boy," she finished with an evil smile.

Her leather boots thumped along the dirt road as her red hood flapped behind her. Her breaths came out as pants as Rin raced to their tree. She couldn't wait to tell Len of the exciting news. Rin immediately spotted Len sitting underneath the tree.

Strange, he always lies down and lazes about instead…

When she neared, Rin instantly noticed a pale complexion over Len. "Are you ok?" she inquired.

Len flinched and looked at her. "Oh Rin, thank goodness it's you…," he sighed.

She cocked her head to the side, "Is everything ok? Did something happen? You look awfully startled."

He ran his hand through his blonde hair, "I'm fine," he replied with a small smile.

"Ok…," said Rin uncertainly, "Anyway, guess what Len? Guess what!"

"Um…what?"

"Hey! You didn't guess!"

"Ok, ok. Um, you actually grew an inch."

"No. Wait! Are you saying I'm short?!"

"No, no! S-So what's the news?"

Rin held up a clean blue envelope with a teal seal. "I'm invited to Miku's ball tonight~!" she announced happily.

Len stiffened at the word 'ball'.

"Are you happy for me Len? Me, a commoner, invited to a ball!" She suddenly noted he seems off. "Hey, are you sure you're ok?" she asked worriedly.

"Um yeah, of course," he said, "That's nice of Miku to invite you."

Rin stared at him uncertainly before nodding, "Yeah. I'm gonna have to find a nice dress to wear! I'm so excited! I've never been to a ball before~!"

Len smiled at the thought of Rin in a beautiful gown. However, he dreaded to go due to his task…

"Rin-chan…," her mother called when Rin had returned home.

"Yes Mother?"

There was a pause before her mother continued, "Do you have an escort for tonight?"

"Eh?!" Rin's face flushed red, "W-What are you saying?"

Her mother tucked a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear. "I'm saying that I trust you with that boy."

Rin stared at her mother, "R-Really?"

A nod was given, "Take thing slowly though," she said with a small smile.

Another light blush made its way to Rin's face. "S-So far we're just friends!" she exclaimed. Her mother chuckled and walked into the kitchen. Little Red Riding Hood skipped into her bedroom and collapsed on her bed in a happy heap.

However Rin's excitement turned into a cry of pure torture.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Stop moving Rin-chan!"

"I CAN'T HELP IT! WAIT, NOT THERE! HAHAHAHA!"

Rin was in her underwear; corset and petticoat on her hands leaning against a wall with a red face, holding back her laughter. Miku was holding a measuring tape with an exasperated expression on her face.

"Rin-chan...," she sighed.

"S-Sorry Miku," spluttered Rin, "I'm just really ticklish."

A devilish smile came to Miku's face; almost making her appear like her unknown twin, as she quickly ran over and started to tickle the younger girl. Rin broke into pearls of laughter.

"S-Stop it Miku!" she giggled.

"Only when you promise not to run away when I try to measure you!" Miku grinned, "Do you want your dress to be over-sized?"

"Ok, ok!" cried Rin, "I promised!"

Miku stopped tickling and put her hands on her hips, "Well then!" she exclaimed, "Come on! And you got to go the Neru for dance lessons too!"

Rin pouted. Getting ready for a ball was a lot harder than she thought.

(A/N: The scene from the anime 'Special A' just popped in my head so I decided to use it. In other words, I technically don't own that scene.)

The sun was setting, painting the sky like a canvas in hues of pink, orange and yellow. Len solemnly walked into the depths of the forest where no light of the setting sun penetrate through the branches. He stood there, waiting with a grim expression.

Zatsune stepped out of the shadows with a paper package in her hand. "So you've decided to take on the job?" she smirked.

Len made no reply.

The witch held out the package, "This is your attire for the night," she explained then placed an envelope on it, "And this is the invitation that you must show the guards."

"...It seems you've done this before," Len pointed out.

There was a pause as Zatsune fixed a hard stare on him. "I've cast an enchantment on your garments," spoke Zatsune, "You will appear as an ordinary nobleman for the night however when midnight strikes, you'll return to your wolf form. Therefore you must complete your task before then."

She then cocked her head towards the package, gesturing him to take it. Len slowly reached out and took it. Once the package was out of her hands, the witch disappeared leaving the wolf by himself.

(A/N: The song 'Masquerade' from the famous opera 'Phantom of the Opera' came to my mind for this scene)

Night soon descended on the land. The canvas sky transformed into an inky blue satin sea with sequins sprinkled throughout it. A white crescent moon watched the earth below, like an eye of a guardian beast.

The castle was like a jewel in the night. Lights were shone on its white walls making it radiate in the darkness.

A joyful tune tooted out of trumpets as different yet each beautifully designed carriages pulled in front of the castle. Bachelors and bachelorettes stepped out dressed elegantly and handsomely. They showed their invitations to the guards, proving their presence at the ball before sweeping inside.

The interior was brightly lit with crystal chandeliers, spangling the ballroom in its light. The crystals shone in the spectrum. An orchestra filled the room with melodies specifically created for such occasions.

Apart from the elegant decorations, the dresses were also an eye-catcher. Bachelorettes would slip in a boast or two in their conversations about how their dresses were 'tailor made' or 'made from the finest silk from this land or whatnot'. However, all guests held one of the same objects in hand or would be wearing it; masks.

In one of the rooms of the castle a white gowned figure was nervously pacing the room. She would occasionally stop by the full-length mirror, checking her appearance. She would stare at her refection for a while but not in a vain manner. She would brush a hand on her skirt or play with her neckpiece. She didn't believe the girl in the mirror was her. A knock was heard at the door.

"Rin-chan, you ready?" Miku poked her head in the room. She had her long teal hair tied up into a bun, decorated with silk flowers and strings of pearls. Her dress was light blue with puffed shoulders with a separate collar around her neck. Gold frills line the edges, her white elbow long gloves and signature glass slippers complete her 'Cinderella' look.

Rin gave the last glance at the mirror than turn to face her friend. Her face was pale with nervousness. She had a blue rose pinned in her hair. Her dress was white too with gold ribbons tied around her neck and criss-crossing her bare back. A gold rose was sewn on her bodice and the ruffles stuck out of the end of the dress. She too wore elbow gloves.

(A/N: Rin's and Miku's dresses are the design they wore in their 'Romeo and Cinderella' PV)

"I-I'm ready!" she squeaked.

"Hurry up Rinny!" groaned Meiko as she entered. She wore a scarlet dress with black lace that showed of her large bust. A chrysanthemum was in her short brown hair and she wore black pumps. "I wanna join the party now!"

Neru was leaning against the door with a chocolate bar hanging out of her mouth. "Let the girl take her time," she said in a monotone, "It's her first time to a ball." A frilly hair tie was in her side ponytail and Neru wore a dark blue gothic like dress with ribbons and straps plus frills.

"Let's go downstairs now~!" cheered Miku as she grabbed Rin's hand and dragged her out of the room. The other princesses followed behind.

A twig snapped. A figure rose from the bushes on the side of the castle. He wore a white blouse with a tie made from a white strip of cloth with saffron embedded in the middle. A black vest was worn over the blouse and a handsome navy blue jacket trimmed with gold with a high collar, and gold tinsels were padded on his shoulders, draped over his body. A cape and gold-buckle leather boots complete his attire.

With a black gloved hand, the figure fixed on a gold mask designed almost as a wolf's face before walking to where the guards were stationed.

Trumpets blared as Cinderella along with her trusted friends swept down the stairs, except for Rin who kept tripping over her dress but luckily she was hidden behind the other three. The music died down when Miku joined her husband, Kaito in hands when she came down while her friends stood by the side. He kissed her hand before straightening up again.

"Ladies, gents, dukes, duchesses," Kaito addressed, "Thank you very much for being able to attend this event that celebrates one year of my marriage with Princess Hatsune Miku also known as Cinderella."

The guests applauded with thunderous claps. Standing behind a stone pillar, the mysterious figure clapped quietly.

"Please enjoy yourself this evening everyone!" Miku announced happily. There was applause before the music started again. Bachelors swooped over to the bachelorettes, inquiring for a dance before escorting them to the dance floor.

Meiko and Neru almost immediately were swarmed by eager gents and were eventually swept away. Rin gave them a small wave. Neru just rolled her eyes while Meiko mouthed 'you're next'.

Since she's now alone, Rin decided to take a seat on the walls of the ballroom. She toyed with her mask in her gloved hands. It was white with gold lines forming a rose vine. Being bored, she slipped the face piece on. It felt strange wearing a mask since once you slipped it on, the chance of you being recognised decreases greatly. That thought sends shivers of anticipation up Rin's spine.

Rin watched as chatty and giggly maidens brush past her, not giving her a sign of acknowledgement until she felt someone's gaze on her. She looked around and spotted a masked gentleman standing nearby; his head was turned to her direction. Her hands became clammy.

I-Is that guy s-staring at me…? I wonder why…What I do if he approaches me? What if he asks me for a dance?! I'm a terrible dancer! Neru said so herself! Aaaaah, please don't-

"Excuse me."

Rin jumped out of her thoughts and looked up. Shoot! He's right in front of me! The gentleman had approached her with she was busy in her thoughts. Rin swallowed a lump in her throat before stammering a; "Y-Yes?"

Up close, he looked more dashing. The navy blue jacket he wore suits him greatly, giving him a broad and muscular build. He almost looks like a nobleman.

"May I have this dance?" he asked politely.

A light shade of pink dusted itself on Rin's cheeks. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Where have I felt this sensation before? "U-Um, sure!" she replied before hastily replying in a more lady-like manner, "I-I mean, of course!"

She reached up and took the gentleman's hand. Rin drew a sharp breath when she came in contact of the warmth of his hands. I've felt this warmth before…but where? She pondered as he escorted her to the dance floor.

Rin looked up to have her gaze fixed by her gentleman's memorizing azure eyes. "P-Please excuse the fact I'm not a very good dancer," stammered Rin as she looked away bashfully.

He smiled and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. Rin silently gasped at the closeness of their bodies. "Don't worry I'm not very good myself." She could feel more blood rush to her cheeks when his warm breath brushed her ear.

A new melody began to play; a slow and romantic waltz. The Little Red Riding Hood found herself biting her lip nervously as her body followed the gentlemen's lead. Her head started to spin but she wasn't sure if it's from the twirls they've been doing or…was it her or was it suddenly stuffy in this place?

Rin felt as if she's falling into a trace; her body felt like it was no longer in control of itself and her head was clouded with the warmth and scent of him. Is this how it feels; to be swept off your feet? She then slowly lifted her head to look into those eyes of his. They looked back into hers. Suddenly a pair of reckless dancers swept passes Rin, knocking her over. Both were taken by surprise when gravity pulled them both down.

A yelp escaped Rin's mouth before she felt something soft pressed against her lips. Her eyes flew open in shock to find her lips on her partner's! Rin stiffened. Her heart started to beat like crazy. She hastily hurried to her feet. "I-I'm so sorry!" she cried.

The murmur of spectators could be heard in the background. Rin curtseyed awkwardly as he got up. Miku suddenly appeared by her side.

"Hello you two~!" chirped Miku happily, "I see this fine gentleman had picked a dance with my lovely friend here~! You two looked simply wonderful, dancing together!"

All the blood rushed to her face until Rin swore it'll explode. "P-Please excuse me!" she blabbered, "I'm going to get a drink!" She then hurried off, unable to take the embarrassment.

Miku smiled at her direction before turning back to the gentleman. "She's a sweet girl, isn't she?" Miku beamed.

"Yes she is," he replied. Unbeknownst to Miku, he had unsheathed a small dagger from under his jacket. He kept his hand low but angled the dagger so it pointed to the ribs. If he thrust the dagger hard enough, it would pierce through Cinderella's upper torso.

"I say, you look somewhat familiar," Miku smiled, oblivious.

"Do I?" He drew his hand back.

"I saw what had happened. You better take good care of her, Len-kun."

The point of the dagger froze above Miku's sides. "You…recognized me?" The dagger was slowly drawn back to its sheath.

Miku playfully stuck out her tongue. "It's obvious~!" she laughed, "Except to the naïve Little Red Riding Hood. Oh, excuse me. Kaito-kun is calling me," she announced before hurrying away.

Len stood there, camouflaged in the crowd. His hands formed a tight fist. The wolf has failed to seize the opportunity… However, it's best… I do not wish to see Rin's face if her friend was killed.

A pair of watchful ruby red eyes peered from a feathered black and silver mask as a cherry was popped into red lips. The witch was seated upon a chair on the side of the ballroom with her legs, clad in black lace stockings, crossed over.

"The wolf has failed his mission," she muttered.

Zeito was leaning against the chair dressed in a long black trench coat with a red and black mask. "Does that mean…?"

Zatsune lowered her mask, "Yes Zeito. Midnight is around the corner…"

Rin was still breathing heavily as she ventured into the palace gardens. Her heart was still fluttering crazily. The gentleman's warmth still lingered on her lips. Her head was swirling like the sea in a storm.

I was kissed… I was kissed… My first kiss… W-what would Len think of this?!

"Aaaaaah!" cried Rin frustratingly. She tentatively brushed her finger past her lips. A blush crept its way to her cheeks. Rin grabbed her skirts and ventured further down the garden path.

Would Len be angry if he finds out about my first kiss? Would he be unhappy?

Rin came to a halt.

Wait…why am I so worry about what Len thinks? Does this mean… Do I…have feelings for him?

A bright blue light illuminated the spot of Rin had stopped. She looked up. The light was coming from an elaborate white marble fountain. But it was the beauty of the fountain that had caught Rin's eyes; it was the figure sitting by the fountain, looking up to the inky black sky.

A gasp caught Rin's throat. It was the gentleman…but his mask was removed. Sensing a presence he turned to her direction…revealing Len's face.

Rin's heart froze.

Her body froze.

Len stared.

Then he blinked.

"Ri-"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Rin screamed and hurried away with a bright red face.

"Rin, wait!" He grabbed her by the wrist. She stiffly turned around with a deep blush. Her aquamarine eyes were brimmed with tears. Len's heart sank at the sight and gently brushed the droplets away from those beautiful gems.

"I'm sorry…for what happened," he muttered, "I didn't know things would happen like that. Forgive me for hurting you." She remained silent and Len slowly took her into his arms. "I'm sorry."

To his surprise, Len felt the slim arms of Rin hugging him back. "It's…ok…," she sniffed, "You didn't hurt me…I was just surprised…And…"

Len suddenly felt her shaking, "Rin?"

"I…I..," She looked up at him with teary eyes, "There's something I want to say!" Len stared at her with those handsome azure eyes. "I...I should have realised this sooner...I guess I wasn't aware of what I felt...but...now I've realised it and I'm not going to hide it anymore!"

Len didn't say anything. Rin...are you saying...?

"I...I really like you Len!"

Wide azure eyes stared at her in astonishment. "Rin...," he breathed.

"I think I liked you ever since I've met you," she shyly admitted, "When I saved you..."

Len hugged her tightly causing to blink in surprise but accepted the embrace. The two looked into each other's blue eyes, slowly leaning closer with pink dusted cheeks then shared a kiss underneath the moonlight.

The two had bashful looks on their face as they walked back to the palace, hand in hand.

Miku smiled upon the sigh of Len and Rin talking to each other normally but occasionally would stare into each other's eyes with a new look. Miku nearly skipped up to her love with the knowledge of the new emotion that had blossomed in the two's hearts.

"Kaito~!" she chimed when she reached her prince charming, "I'm going upstairs to change dresses. Will you wait for me at the stair case?"

Kaito smiled, "Of course my dear." He then escorted up the stairs and watched as she progressed to the second storey by herself.

Cinderella walked into her dressing room, shutting the door behind her. She slipped off her dress and into an aqua one with white frills, ruffles and lace. Just as she was fixing her pigtails in the mirror, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Kaito, is that you?" she called out still focusing on her reflection, "Sorry, did I take that long?" She heard the door creak open and a sigh escaped her lips, "Oh Kaito, how many times do I have to say not to come in unless I say you can!"

She smiled when she finally tidied herself up then straightened herself. Her sky blue eyes widened. Her skin turned pale. There in the mirror, a mask stranger stood by the door. That's the same mask as... Miku swiftly turned around.

"Who are y-"

"You two!" called Meiko as she advanced towards Rin and Len, "Well, aren't you two lovely-dovey?" she grinned.

"M-Meiko…," Rin blushed.

Meiko then patted the two on the back, hard. "Well I'll leave you two then! By the way, where's Miku?"

"She's off changing," replied Neru who now has a ball of chocolate truffles in hand, "You know how she is-"

"SOMEONE CALL A DOCTOR!"

All heads turn towards the staircase. Kaito was rushing down, two steps at a time, with Miku in his arms. Her body was limp and motionless and there were large bloody claw marks etched into her torso. The guests gasped at the sight.

"SOMEONE GET HELP!" Kaito cried.

Neru, for once, dropped her bowl and raced through the crowd, her sandy blonde ponytail trialling behind her.

"Miku!" screamed Rin as she ran forward to the prince who holds her dear friend's body. "Miku!" she sobbed. Miku's sky blue eyes had already lost their lively look and now appeared hazy.

Meiko cursed underneath her breath and began shredding her skirt and applying the fabric to Miku's bleeding wounds. Her long dress was suddenly shortened to her knees.

Len could only stare at the lifeless Cinderella. "I want you to attend the ball and to kill the couple." That sentence rang in his mind. Miku's dull eyes were staring straight at Len. He nervously swallowed but his heart rate kept increasing.

DONG! DONG! DONG!

The clock gave twelve loud yet low strikes as if it's signalling the occurrence of death. Len drew a sharp breath as he felt a familiar tingling sensation. He froze in realisation of what it was. No! Not here! Not now! Len quickly took a step forward to where Rin was, with an extended hand.

"Ri-!"

Suddenly a light engulfed his body and his shape changed. His fingertips became claw-like, ears sprung up from his head and a tail sprouted. When the light died, in Len's place was a large with striking blue eyes. Len's sophisticated garments had turned into a piece of sheep skin, draping over his furry back.

"A WOLF!" screamed the guests.

"A WOLF is present at the ball!"

"It KILLED Cinderella!"

"KILL IT! Someone KILL IT!"

"NOOOO!" cried Rin as she flung herself in front of Len, "Don't you dare touch him!" She rested a hand on Len's head. Rin looked down at Len and give him a smile. He watched her in surprised. She then looked back at the others with a fearless look. I won't back down anymore. I've let Len down once and I'm not going to let him down again.

"What are you doing, young girl?!" snapped a nobleman, "A dangerous and filthy creature clothed in sheep's clothing is in the present of us and at the time of an assassination!"

"But he didn't commit the crime!" Rin yelled back.

"What makes you so sure?!"

"ENOUGH!" cried Kaito, "I humbly ask that all guests except for Red Riding Hood and Snow White leave immediately and do not speak of the matters you have witnessed. If I hear any unpleasant rumours, I'll see to you personally." Kaito's tone was solemn.

A murmur rippled throughout the crowd. Before slowly one by one, the guests walked out and departed from the palace. After everyone left, Kaito heaved a sigh.

"I've got the doctor!" cried Neru as she ran in, followed by a man with dusty grey hair and spectacles in a white coat.

"Doctor…please, can you save her?" Kaito quietly pleaded. His serious character had quickly faded.

The man frowned as he examined Miku's body.

The prince then looked at Rin. "Rin, I want an explanation about this," he nodded towards Len, "For down, it's late. All of you may return to your homes and rest. I want to see the four of you tomorrow morning."

Meiko bit her lip as she turned to Rin. Neru was still catching her breath from the run she had. Rin didn't take her hand off Len. This night had certainly been an eventful night.

Zatsune stood on a hill overlooking the palace. The moonlight shone from behind her, causing her to appear as a silhouette. Zeito suddenly walked up beside her with a katar equipped to his hand.

A breeze blew past them and Zatsune tugged her red ribbons off from her hair. The wind whipped her midnight black hair in the air, causing it to appear like a demon's wing. A smile full of madness and evil spread over her pale face.

"It all starts now, Zeito."

All happy stories are in danger of having their happy endings turned upside now…

SS: Oh, that's right! I forgot to tell you there's a CHARACTER DEATH!

Miku: Too late to say that SS~!

Rin: W-We kissed...

Len: We kissed...

Len and Rin : WE KISSED?!

SS: Yes, u kissed ^^

Kaito: I GOT LINES!

Miku: Yay~!

*Kaito and Miku dances happily*

Other Vocaloids expect Rin and Len: 0^0?

*Rin and Len blushes deeply*

SS: Please R&R ^^