How could this really have happened
One second life was looking up
The next I'm on my way down -
Johnny's Revenge: Crown the Empire

"Uhhhh….. Where… am…I?" Tamaki groaned. His vision was blurry, his head hurt, and on top of all that he couldn't remember a thing. He managed to figure out he was sitting… at a desk… All of a sudden everything was gone; the headache, his vision was fine, but he still couldn't remember clearly. Tamaki's eyes widen from the site around him. His entire class was around him! It slowly came back to him…

"Tamaki, are you going on the trip tonight?" Haruhi asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"I don't really want to, but it is my duty to make sure you are okay!" Tamaki said, smirking like a prince. The twins appeared besided him, making Tamaki jump a little.

"You just wanna go, so you can be with Haruhi." They said.

"Not true! I have to make sure you guys don't do anything bad!" Tamaki protested. Kyoya was on his laptop like usual, selling what ever he got his hands on, and who knows what else. He noticed his blonde best friend fighting with the twins once more and sighed. He shut his laptop softly and rose to help his friend.

"What is the matter?" Kyoya asked.

"Hikaru and Kaoru are being mean!" Tamaki whined.

"Only because he asked for it." They said, sticking their tongues out.

"Please no fighting, we're all going to have a good time!" Haruhi said. Kyoya sighed once more and decided that the best approach would to be straight foreword, but he didn't want to linger longer than he had to. He was looking up something important.

Tamaki's memory was interrupted by someone sneezing extremely loud. Everybody stopped their gasps and fighting to look ahead. A very tall skinny man with barley any hair was there with two heavily armored and armed men; everybody's face paled. What is happening?! This couldn't be happening! There was no warnings and Kyoya would have defiantly have known about this! Tamaki frantically scanned the room for his best friend and spotted him sitting in the back on the other side of the room. He looked calm, but since Tamaki knew him best, he could tell he was on edge. Tamaki then glanced around to look for the rest of his friends. Honey was in the front, facing the man dead on; he couldn't see Honey's face, but he knew his expression must be terrified. The twins were sitting next to each other beside him and it made Tamaki feel a little better at the fact they were by him. Takashi was also in the back on the opposite side of the room. Haruhi was sitting in the front on Kyoya's side.

They were all sitting in school desk in a room that looked like a small gym. There was a huge chalk board hanging on the wall and there were lights everywhere. Unlike most gyms, this one only had one door and it was guarded by another soldier. Tamaki tried his best to sum this all up, but it didn't make sense! How could their school be chosen?! It was a rich kid's school and surely their parents would put up a fight!

"Hey Kyoya, do you watch that program on TV that comes on once a year?" A middle school Tamaki asked.

"I try not to, but my father is a huge fan and makes us chose a person." Kyoya replied.

"Ohh… Well I think its wrong… Making students fight each other to the death and all…" Tamaki frowned. "Why would they do that? Don't they feel bad at all?" Kyoya looked up to the bright blue sky. Tamaki had dragged him to the park and it wasn't a surprise that the question would be asked. It was that time of the year when the 'Entertainment' would be aired live. It was a sick program that came on once a year. One school would be chosen and whoever they chose would be forced to play in some sick game. The students would have to fight each other to the death and the last one standing would be offered whatever company got to them first. There was no real prize, besides living. Last year a young boy won, but he wasn't the same… he was smiling and laughing like he completely lost it. The Entertainment that was going on right now was someplace out in an abandon town. So far 12 out of 30 were killed.

"Well… They aired that show long ago and it was an instant hit. They managed to corner the Government into something so there is nothing they can do to stop it and in fact I bet they enjoy it… Who wouldn't enjoy a show where kids maul each other to death? It is sick, but at least we should be fine." Kyoya said.

"What do you mean?" Tamaki asked.

"We are in a rich school and the program usually chooses High schools. We are going to an even bigger and richer one then, so they shouldn't dare touch it. So we will be fine." He answered.

"That still doesn't help the people fighting now…" Tamaki frowned.

"You're all are probably wondering. Why am I here? Where is this place? What happened?" The man said in a screechy voice. Tamaki almost wanted to wince at his tone, but decided against it. "Well if you had any brains then you should know perfectly well where you are. You lucky class have been chosen to participate in this years Entertainment! Lucky you guys!" The man almost laughed with joy. Tamaki knew now why they were here and he could tell some of the other students knew as well… Some of them began crying. Tamaki wanted to cry badly, but he wasn't going to look weak in front of his friends! He had to be a man for them! For Haruhi!

"As you well know about the Entertainment. You guys will have to pick each other off one by one until the last one standing is the winner! How will you do this? By killing each other of course!" He smiled widely. How could this sick man smile about this!? Was he enjoying their fear and tears!?

Kyoya glanced around and found all his friends. This made him ease a little, but not much. He should have researched more! He should have stopped his friends as soon as he felt on the edge! He could have prevented all of them from being here, but he had to relax. He had to let his instinct be ignored and that one time he decided against it… he ended up here and putting all his friends in danger. Kyoya noticed the room was pretty packed and some of the students he knew would be an instant problem. He saw Kanari, the main bully of the school, her long pink hair flowed down her back and her green eyes looked calm. Kyoya knew she was probably enjoying this. There were reports of her stabbing a boy once behind the school. Normally Kyoya wouldn't have mind the fact Kanari was in his presence, but this one time could be dangerous. Kanari knew how to fight and pretty damn well too, if a fist fight was in order… well let's just say he didn't have a chance.

Kyoya stood by the front entrance of the school, thinking if it really was a good idea to go on this trip. He looked up information about the place they were going to and it just didn't seem right… when does a water park let students in for free and specially this many of them. The trip was suddenly announced and usually Ouran High School didn't have trips. The students requested the trips and that's only if they had a club. Kyoya knew for certain that the Host Club didn't plan this trip and the Newspaper Club didn't type anything about a water park. This was odd and it truly bothered the glasses boy.

"Kyoya, come on before we miss the bus!" Honey smiled, tugging at his sleeve. Kyoya snapped out of his thoughts and glared at the large bus in front of the school. "What's wrong?" Kyoya didn't answer the little Lolita boy and kept his thoughts to himself. He didn't want to frighten Honey, but could he go through with this? The tiny feeling that this wasn't right was screaming at him to do something.

"Don't be a party pooper!" Haruhi said, nudging his side. "It's going to be fun and a change."

"Yea Kyoya! Loosen up!" The twins said, already heading for the bus. Kyoya wanted to grab their arms for the weirdest reason.

"I guess…" He said, walking down the steps to the vehicle that made him uneasy.

"Much better! Just wait Kyoya! It's going to be amazing!" Tamaki cheered, rushing to meet the twins. They were the first to board the bus of Host's. Kyoya stood there looking at the bus driver. He's never seen him before and he doesn't remember the school needing a new driver. Haruhi pushed his back gently.

"Come on!" She nudged, making Kyoya enter the bus. He decided to let his worries slip by and try to relax. It was just a trip and before he knew it; it would be over and he would be back here in the school on his laptop to sell more items.

Kyoya wanted to slam his fist down so hard that it would break his knuckles, but he couldn't. He knew what would happen if he tried to outburst and do something. He's heard it happen before on this show and… it never ended well. He would have to sit there like a good boy and listen to the mad man go on about what they had to do. Kyoya decided to take the chance while the man was talking about how it's so much fun to watch the Entertainment and that everyone should be proud they're in it. He spotted another threat… Rin… she was sitting behind Kanari and it made perfect sense. She was one of Kanari's followers and her main one too. Rin was always beside Kanari 24/7 and it scared Kyoya knowing he had to deal with not one but two fighters. Rin was calm just like Kanari and she flipped her short blonde hair out of her eyes with a smirk.

"There are 48 of you here today! 24 girls and 24 boys! That should make things fair in your minds and it makes it even funner to watch! But don't be getting the right ideas! Last year a girl won, so boys don't be thinking that you have the upper hand. I've seen some pretty bad stuff happen over the years and I can't wait to see what ideas you muster up!" The man giggled.

Honey stared in fear of the man in front of him. Oh how Honey wished he could just jump up and run into Takashi's arms. Where ever he was. He wasn't dumb enough to look behind him and take his eyes off the man in front of him. Honey knew all to well of the Entertainment program and it sent shivers up his spine. He never liked the show and his mother always convinced him that it was all unreal… It was all too real now. Honey gulped silently and tried his best not to shake. He could defend himself easily, but with heavily armed men… that was out of the question.

The man drew an island like picture on the board with chalk and drew a tiny circle in the middle. "This is where you are now. The school building where we hold up everything. If you have noticed you all have collars on your necks-" Honey looked down and saw the scary man was right. A thin metallic choker was around him and he slowly felt it. It was smooth and flawless. "These will help us keep track of you and if you try to escape the island-" The man drew a picture of boats around the island. "They will gladly use you as target practice!" Honey's color faded from his face.

"The collars also have another purpose. We hate the idea of you students staying in an area for too long… You know that's no fun! So every so often we will make an announcement! Who ever stays in area for more than 4 hours… we will gladly give away your location and your collars with make a high pitch noise that will give you away for 20 minutes. Imagine running away with a loud pitch sound going through your head! That sounds unpleasant!" He gasped dramatically. "We hate to be dramatic… but if any of you get the idea of trying to come here once we let you go… we will gladly blow your heads off with the collars. They do have bombs in them so no bright ideas!"

That took the twins idea right away from them. They planned that once this was over and they were freed, they would come straight back and shoot the son of a bitch in front of them! How dare they make them play this sick game! Yes, the twins would pick a person to win each year… but that was only because they thought it was all a joke! Not once did they think about that they would be here today! Hikaru tugged gently at his collar, but failed to do anything to it. God! He hated be trapped and being told what to do! If it wasn't for his brothers concerned looks and warnings, he would have stood up right away and punched the bastard! Kaoru was glad his brother hasn't done anything rash yet, but his mind was at the edge. He frantically looked around and saw the one person he didn't want here…

"I'm highly surprised not one of you has said anything yet! Last year I had to shoot a boys head off! Well at least you get to say something now! When I point to you I want you to say the name of the first person you want to kill! Of course they have to be in the class." They man smiled, practically giving off rays of sunshine.

Haruhi tried to run through her memories, but nothing came up! She didn't really want to go on the trip, but her father made her saying it was going to be fun. How was this in anyway fun or entertaining! She has never seen the show or even heard about it! Okay, maybe a word or two, but she never paid attention! This was just pure on disgusting! How could they make them kill each other for some sick show?! There was no way in hell she was going to kill anybody or even say she was! Suddenly the memory hit her and she felt stupid…

Haruhi took a seat by Tamaki with a smile and excitement going through her body. She would finally get to see Seahorses and Crabs! She always liked Crabs! Well… the meat. Tamaki was talking to Kyoya who sat in front of them. The twins sat to the side, Honey and Takashi was in front of them. The twins were picking on Honey about him being scared of sharks. Haruhi smiled to herself and couldn't wait to touch the strange sea plants. The bus started too move and before they knew it they were far out of the city. She didn't remember there being a sea place outside of the city, but who was she question?

"Haruhi, what are you going to see first?" Tamaki asked.

"I want to go see the Seahorses! And Crabs!" She replied happily. Tamaki blushed suddenly and hid his face.

"I want to see the Seahorses too…" He mumbled. Haruhi was confused at first but let it slide. Tamaki was always the strange one. She sat there talking to Tamaki about what they were going to do until Haruhi noticed something strange. The bus was getting silent… She glanced around and yawned. Well that was weird? She remember getting plenty of sleep. She saw the twins were asleep on each other and so was Honey and Takashi. It wasn't like Takashi to fall asleep…. Why was she so tried all of a sudden? She glanced back and saw most of the students were asleep as well and some were yawning like crazy. Haruhi was about to ask the bus driver something, but noticed… he was wearing… a gas mask? She looked at Tamaki and saw he was asleep against the window! She tried to stand, but failed miserably… Everything was going black…

Haruhi's heart stopped and she couldn't help, but feel somewhat responsible for this! She saw the gas mask, but she didn't scream! But she couldn't have anyway! The gas was too much for her and she past out just like everyone else.

The man pointed at a small boy in the front. "Who would you like to kill first number 12?" The boy looked over him frantically and saw the number 12 was carved into his desk. He gulped, looking around to see waiting eyes on him. He didn't want to kill anybody! And he wasn't going to! Sure he was scared out of his mind and he just wanted to go home and play with his dog. God he loved his dog… The boy shook his head when the man coughed. "Well? Who is it?"

"No one." He answered with a frown.

"What was that?" The man raised an eyebrow. The little boy repeated himself and instantly a gun was pointed in his face. A couple of the girls gasped in shock and the boy looked like a ghost. "I'm sorry I didn't quite hear you?" The man placed his hand by his ear to hear better. The boy now didn't have a choice! He had to say someone, but whom?! He didn't want anyone to hate him! He searched around the room frantically until he saw a certain someone. It would be okay to say their name! They never liked him anyway! And it wouldn't make a difference now!

"T-Tashi…" He stuttered. Instantly the little boy felt a dark presence from across the room; he dared not look knowing it was Tashi staring at him. He just dug his own grave…

He continued down the line until he stopped at Takashi. He was always the silent type and now suspected him to say anything at all or make up a simple lie. However, Takashi did have someone in mind; no he wasn't going to kill him, just challenge him to a fight.

"What about you, tall freak?" The man chuckled.

Takashi slowly opened his eyes and without hesitation said it. "Doresu." Everyone was shocked by the name of the person he said! Doresu was a skilled swords man who had no desire to fight. He wouldn't even hurt a fly; it kinda explains the reason why he wouldn't fight Takashi. They always had some kind of rivalry going on since middle school and now Takashi had a chance to face his enemy. Takashi knew some sword skills, but he didn't worry about that. There were certainly no swords on this island… hopefully.

"Oh my! The pretty boy! What do you have to say?!" Everybody looked at Doresu. His extremely long light purple hair was tied up in a loose pony tail; several strands in his face.

He only smiled and happily answered. "The answer is mutual. I would like to kill Takashi." His purple eyes showing seriousness. Takashi was some what pleased by his answer. Now he knew for certain, he was going to fight his enemy.

Honey's heart stopped by his friends name escaping Doresu's lips. Someone wanted to harm his Takashi! Honey would rather die than let that happen!

"Such friendly rivalry!" He cheered. Everybody's names were called and of course not a lot of people wanted to harm the Host's; except for a couple jealous males. They all lied besides Takashi, on who they wanted to kill. The sick freak in front of them got a kick on how many students started crying when they had to answer. Of course there were those who… didn't seem bothered, some seemed even pleased. Kyoya took that to mind. When they were all done, two more armored men came in with a giant crate that was filled with long black bags.

"There is one for each of you and inside has the necessary survival items! Like water, food, a compass, and a map of the island. Also in each bag has one weapon for you! It could be from a simple pencil to a machine gun." Kanari got an evil grin by the fact some had guns in them.

They were serious… they wanted them to kill each other… Tamaki gulped. Could he brave enough to shoot someone? Even if it was for self defense? He couldn't… he just could not take someone's life.

"I might as well give you some advice. I would stay away from being in groups. Trust is usually a big thing when it comes to these things and groups usually die quicker. So go alone! Haha comment for the day!" He clapped.

Kyoya already knew trust was going to be a problem with most of the students here, but he knew that he could trust the Host members. He would never point a weapon on them and if they did that to him… he would accept it. He just thought they would only do that if they had a reason. Now with other people… Kyoya could see himself pulling the trigger.

"Now that is all finished with! I'm going to announce your number! Then you will come up and grab a bag and head down the hall that leads to outside. By the way you only have five minutes to escape the school area or your collars will be activated to go boom! Now the first one to go is… number 20!" A plump girl with short black hair rose from her chair filled with fear; tears streaming down her face and snot. She went up to them and one of the heavily armored men tossed a bag at her. She caught it clumsily and looked at the skinny psycho path. "Go on now! You get a head start!" He pushed her. She awkwardly took off out of the room, her foot steps slowly faded. A couple of more students were announced until… Tamaki's number was called.

Tamaki rose to his feet slowly and walked up. None of his friends have been called yet, but he had a feeling they wouldn't be called in under five minutes. He took his bag with fear and stopped by the door. He glanced back to see Kyoya wink at him with confidence. This gave Tamaki a little hope and he left the room. The hallway was long and dark. There were doors, but he dared not enter them. He needed to get off school grounds and fast. He went out of the school and immediately froze in his tracks… In front of him was the plump girl…

Dead with a stake stabbed through the side of her head.

1 out of 48 eliminated...