Chapter 9

Gosh I can't wait until Haruhi shows up. I can't wait to start writing about her and the twins. Next chapter, guys, they'll be there *winks*

Oh by the way, google Ouran Live Action and look for the tumblr page. It gives you full episode links and what not. Because Ouran Live Action is AMAZING.

I'm sorry about late updates, I've just been lazy. Someone needs to beat me into shape. Not literally please.

Note: Yes, I've been an idiot. One of my reviewers said that Hunny always calls Mori Takashi. And I realised, he does *is shot by a machine gun* so lets just say that Hunny calls him Mori *shifty eyes* thanks for pointing that out, Serein Q :D

The staircase spiralled steeply upwards and smelt musty, like wet dog. There were no windows or lamps anywhere so the whole place was freezing. As Tamaki climbed, he could hear something. Faint music drifted down the stairs. It was gentle, soft, alluring. It drew Tamaki in, and he found himself wondering about it. Maybe if he got to the top, he'd see who was playing. Maybe he could have a go.

Without warning, the staircase ended. Tamaki found himself face to face with a sturdy wooden door. He could hear the music playing from behind. He grabbed the doorknob and opened the door. Light flooded the staircase, momentarily blinding Tamaki just as the music stopped abruptly.

A woman was sitting at the piano wearing a purple gown. Her auburn hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She was the woman who gave him the drink earlier, Tamaki was sure of it. She was beautiful.

Then Tamaki saw her eyes.

They were cold and mocking, like black coals. They made her look ugly and twisted. And evil. Tamaki took a step back.

"Oh no, young Prince!" the woman said, her voice mocking. "Don't run away! You wouldn't want to leave her behind, would you?"

Tamaki had a feeling of dread in his stomach. "Who are you?" he yelled.

She chuckled. "So rude! I'd have thought Kyoya had taught you some manners. No matter. Why don't you come in and check on dear Ayankouji?"

"Ayankouji!" Tamaki yelled. He ran inside and froze. The room was circular, and Ayankouji was slumped in a heap next to the window. Tamaki ran to her. She seemed alright, she was breathing at least. But her eyes were blank, almost dead-looking.

Tamaki spun to face Éclair. "What did you do to her?" he yelled.

Éclair smiled maliciously. "I rather like your girlfriend. Ayankouji, right? She's so feisty. So I decided to make her my puppet. She'll only answer to me now. Unless," she added. "You do me a favour."

Tamaki glared at her. "What kind of favour?" he asked warily.

Éclair laughed, giving off the impression of a cobra getting ready to strike. "You could play me the piano," she said.

Tamaki looked at her. "But I've never played the piano before," he said.

"Doesn't matter," Éclair said. "Just play it. If you play it, I'll set her free."

Tamaki looked at Éclair, then at Ayankouji. He got up and walked to the piano.

"They're in the top tower," Hunny said as Mori pointed.

"Can't we go there?" The King was frustrated.

"It's sealed, though," the Queen said. "No one has ever been able to go there."

"We have to find a way!" the King yelled.

"We'll go up there," Hunny said. "We'll stop Éclair –"

A single music note drifted though the air, cutting Hunny off. It was definitely a piano note. Followed by another. And another.

The Queen started to cry.

The melody floating through the air was sombre and haunting. It was beautiful. People began to close their eyes, listening to the music. Then they fell as the spell began to work. Hunny, Mori and Kyoya watched silently as people began to fall around them, curling up on the floor as they slept. The King and Queen were the last to fall.

"Help him," they whispered. Then their eyes drifted shut as the joined the sleeping crowd on the carpeted floor.

There were many odd things about this situation, Tamaki realised. One, why could he play piano? He'd never even seen one before, let alone played one. Yet here he was, playing like he'd been playing all his life.

Two, why was he getting so tired? He could barely keep his eyes open.

He finished playing and looked expectantly at Éclair. Her eyes were shut, like she was savouring his music. "Aren't you going to set Ayankouji free now?" Tamaki demanded. "I did you a favour. Now keep your part of the bargain."

Éclair opened her eyes. "That was beautiful, Tamaki," she cooed softly. Her voice made Tamaki even sleepier. "Now then. Would you like to go to sleep?" she glided over and pulled him up, then started to lead him to the bed in the corner. "You are sleepy, young Prince. Sleep. Sleep your troubles away."

Tamaki protested weakly. "But…Ayankouji…"

"Sleep," she cooed again. "Sleep your troubles away…"

Tamaki found himself lying on a bed as soft as a cloud. His eyes began to flicker shut.

"Ayankouji," he whispered.

His eyes shut.

Éclair smiled.