Chapter Text
Cranbrook, British Columbia - Early Morning
The sun was barely rising over the tree-lined hills of Cranbrook. Frost clung to the edges of car Windows, with the quiet streets waking up slowly. Detective Basil Karlsson stood in the middle of a narrow logging road just outside of town, his sharp blue eyes fixed on the figure sprawled against a moss-covered rock.
The victim was a middle-aged man, his clothes disheveled and his face frozen in an expression of terror. Around him, the forest pressed in, damp and eerily silent. The faint smell of pine mingled with the metallic tang of blood.
Basil crouched near the body, careful not to disturb the scene. His small stature-barley 5'7-belied the presence he carried, a mix of sharp professionalism and quiet determination. His blonde hair was messy under his RCMP-issued hat, but his demeanor was anything but casual.
"Detective Karlsson," a constable called out from behind him, breaking the stillness. "You're going to want to see this."
Basil straightened, brushing the frost off his knees. "What is it?"
The constable gestured toward a nearby tree. Carved into the rough bark was an unsettling symbol: a crescent moon with branching antlers, etched deeply into the wood. The intricate design, complete with strange runic patterns, gave Basil a pause. He stepped close, running his gloved fingers along the grooves.
"Looks fresh," the constable added. "We've never seen anything like it before."
Basil frowned, his mind immediately connecting this scene to another recent case further north--a woman found dead with the same symbol burned into the side of her cabin. Two bodies, separated by hundreds of kilometers, but linked by something ancient and inexplicable.
"This wasn't random," Basil murmured. He reached for his Polaroid camera, snapping a few photos of the symbol. "Get me everything we have on local legends, symbols, anything remotely similar. And I want a report on the victim's movements for the past two weeks."
"Yes, Sir," the constable replied, his voice tinged with unease.
Basil stood back, surveying the scene. His gut told him this wasn't just a local matter. There was something larger at play--something deeply rooted in the wilderness itself. He'd spent years in the RCMP chasing logic, piecing together cold facts, but this... this felt different. Something Primal.
As he packed his notes and prepared to leave the scene, his Radio crackled to life. The voice on the other end was clipped, official. "Detective Karlsson, you're being reassigned to a joint investigation. Report to Willowbrook immediately."
Basil frowned, his mind racing. Willowbrook? He hadn't heard of the place in years. The name stirred memories of his time poring over obscure case files--missing persons, strange sightings, and whispers of the supernatural. Now, it seemed, he would be heading straight into the heart of it.
"Understood," he replied, his voice calm but firm. He gave the symbol one last glance before heading to his cruiser.
As the engine roared to life, Basil couldn't shake the feeling that this case would take him far beyond the limits of what he'd encountered before--and closer to truths he'd long buried within himself.
Toronto, Ontario - Mid Morning
Meanwhile, in the orderly, bustling streets of Toronto, Haruto "Sunny" Suzuki, affectionately known as "Sunny", adjusts his tie in the mirror of his pritine apartment. His black hair for once was neatly combed, with his suit being impeccable. He would pick up his briefcase and exits through the door, greeted by the crisp morning air.
After weaving through traffic and a half hour of delay, Sunny came up to a high-rise building, the headquarters to the Financial division of the Toronto Provincial Police. Entering through the front door he nods to the desk as he passes through, taking a elevator up to the floor he needed to go. Coming up to a room he looked inside before entering, seeing his colleagues already seated, discussing a complex financial fraud case. Sunny's mind immediately goes to work, trying to piece together the intricate web of deceit.
"Morning, Sunny." his partner greets him. "We've got a lead on the offshore accounts."
Sunny nods, his expression focused. "Let's get to it."
Location: Willowbrook, Ontario (Border Town/On the Border but Ontarian side.)
Date: October 17, 1987
Time: 16:30 PM
The sun was beginning to set behind the thick pines surrounding Willowbrook, casting long shadows across the quiet streets of the small border town. The air was crisp, carrying the faint smell of woodsmoke from nearby chimneys. It had been a long drive for Detective Basil Karlsson, who'd started his journey from Cranbrook, nearly two days earlier. The town was smaller than he'd expected, nestled snugly between the forest and a wide, misty lake.
Basil's RCMP cruiser pulled into the gravel parking lot of the Willowbrook Police Station, the tires crunching softly. He stepped out, brushing dust off his jacket. The embroidered RCMP crest on his shoulder caught the fading sunlight as he stretched his arms, weary but alert. His blonde hair, still messy from the journey, peeked out from under his hat.
"Not much to look at." he murmured, glancing around at the modest police station and the handful of buildings that made up Willowbrook's main street. He took a deep breath, the cool air refreshing after hours on the road.
From the opposite direction, a dark sedan rolled into the lot. The sleek, polished Ontario Police Services emblem gleamed on the driver's door. The car came to a stop, and the driver's door opened to reveal Detective Haruto "Sunny" Suzuki, his sharp black hair perfectly combed, his suit and tie as imaculate as ever. His clean-shaven face was set in it's usual calm, unreadable expression.
Basil raised an eyebrow, recognizing the distinct air of precision and order that Sunny exuded. He had read about Suzuki's reputation before arriving--a meticulous detective from Toronto known for his methodical approach. "Great." Basil muttered to himself, already anticipating a clash of styles.
Sunny, noticing Basil, gave him a measured look before walking over, His shoes crunched softly against the gravel.
"You must be Karlsson," Sunny said, his voice steady and polite, with just a hint of curiosity.
"That's me." Basil replied, extending a gloved hand. "Detective Basil Karlsson, RCMP."
Sunny hesitated for only a second before shaking his hand. His grip was firm but not aggressive. "Detective Sunny Suzuki, Ontario Provincial Police."
The two sized each other up briefly, their contrasting appearances and demeanors almost comical. Basil, with his casual posture and slightly disheveled look, was a sharp contrast to Sunny's clean-cut, no-nonsense aura. The tension between them was palpable, though unspoken.
Before they could exchange more words, the door to the police station swung open, and a middle aged, kind looking man stepped out, this was Sheriff Thompson. He held a no-nonsense demeanor. His hat was tilted slightly to one side, and he had the air of someone who had seen his fair share of trouble.
"Well, well," Thompson said, his deep voice carrying across the lot. "So you're the two detectives I've been hearing about. Come on inside; we've got work to do."
Inside the Police Station
The station was small but functional, with a cluttered desk dominating the central area. The faint smell of old coffee lingered in the air. A map of Willowbrook and its surrounding forest was pinned to the wall, with red markers scattered across it.
Thompson gestured for the detectives to sit. "Let me get straight to it. We've got three bodies in the past six weeks, all found out in the woods. Same carved symbol near every one of them." He pointed to a photograph on the desk. It was a close-up of the crescent moon with antlers, etched deeply into the bark of a tree. "Locals are saying it's connected to some old folklore--'Stag Man' or something. Superstitious nonsense, if you ask me."
Sunny leaned forward, studying the photograph. "Have you identified all the victims?"
"Two so far," Thompson replied. "Third one's still a mystery. First was a logger, second was a hiker. Both were locals. Last one... well, we're still waiting for the coroner's report, but they didn't look like they were from around here."
Basil, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, his sharp blue eyes scanning the map. "And the symbol--any idea how long it's been around? Or is this the first time anyone's seen it?"
Thompson sighed. "Not officially. But I've lived here long enough to know folks whisper about these woods. People say they've seen strange things--shadows moving between the trees, antlers where they shouldn't be. Now, I don't put stock in fairy tales, but... well, this symbol's got the whole town on edge."
Sunny straightened, his voice calm but firm. "I assume you've secured the most recent crime scene?"
"Yeah, it's taped off," Thompson said. "Out in the northwest quadrant, near the old logging trails. We'll head out tomorrow morning. I suggest you two get some rest first--you'll need it."
Basil smirked faintly, crossing his arms.
"Rest? Sounds like a luxury."
Thompson chuckled. "Hit Mari's Diner. Tell her I sent you. Best food in town, and she'll fix you up."
Sunny glanced at Basil, his expression unreadable. "We should get started on reviewing the files tonight."
Basil shrugged, standing. "Or we could get a meal first. Long drive. Can't investigate on an empty stomach."
Thompson waves them off. "Go on. Diner's just across the square. You can fight over the files after you've eaten."
On the Way to the Diner
Walking across the square, Basil glanced at Sunny out of the corner of his eye. "So, you're the organized one, huh? By the book, I'm guessing." Basil's Swedish accent once again came out.
Sunny didn't look at him, his tone neutral. "I prefer things to be methodical, yes."
Basil chuckled. "Figures. We'll see how long that lasts out here, doll."
Sunny finally glanced at Basil, his gaze sharp but calm. "And you? I'm guessing you're the type who bends rules to get results."
'At Least he didn't catch onto that last word' Basil thought to himself, before smirking.
"You could say that. But don't worry--I play well with others. Usually."
Sunny didn't respond, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as they reached the diner door. The bell jungled as they stepped inside, the warmth and smell of fresh coffee enveloping them.
Inside the Diner
The diner was modest but inviting, its booths lined with red vinyl and a jukebox humming quietly in the corner.
Behind the counter stood Mari Suzuki, expertly pouring coffee into a ug while chatting with a customer. Her long black hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, and she wore a retro waitress uniform with a clean white apron. Her easy smile lit up the room, but when she glanced toward the door and saw Sunny, her eyes widened in suprise.
Having set the coffee pot down and stepping out from behind the counter, her expression was a mix of disbelief and joy.
"Sunny? Sunny Suzuki? Is that really you?" Mari asks.
Sunny, who rarely showed much emotion, allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "It's me, Mari. It's been a while."
Mari didn't hesitate. She walked straight up to him and pulled him into a warm hug. Basil, watching frm the side, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, taking in the scene with quiet curiosity.
When Mari finally pulled back, her hands still on Sunny's shoulders, she studied him like a worried older sister. "You look so different! Still serious, though I see." she teased, before her tone softened up. "I didn't think I'd ever see you back here."
Sunny glanced away briefly, as if uncomfortable under her gaze. "It's work-related. But... it's good to see you."
Mari's smile widened, though her eyes carried a flicker of concern. "It's good to see you too. Really. Now, who's your friend."
Basil stepped forward, extending a hand with a polite smile. "Detective Basil Karlsson, RCMP. Sunny and I are here on a joint case."
Mari shook his hand firmly. "Welcome to Willowbrook, Detective Karlsson. You'll like it here--small town, good people. And, apparently, lots of trouble these days."
"Trouble's why we're here." Basil replied, his tone light but professional.
"Well, you're in the right place for food, at least. Sheriff Thompson called ahead. Sit anywhere you like. First meal's on me."
Both detectives slid into a booth near the window. Basil leaned back casually, skimming the menu with an approving nod. "She wasn't kidding--this all looks good."
Sunny, seated across from him, was more subdued. He set the menu down after a glance, his gaze drifting toward Mari, who was pouring coffee for another table.
"You two close?" Basil asked, noticing Sunny's distracted look.
Sunny hesitated, then nodded. "She's my sister. We haven't spoken in a while."
Basil blinked, suprised. "Your sister? Huh. Small world."
Mari then came over with a notepad in her hand. "What can I get you two? The coffee's already on the house."
Basil grinned. "I'll take a double bacon cheeseburger and fries. And some pie. I don't care what kind--just bring the best one."
Mari laughed. "You've got it. Sunny?"
Sunny glanced up. "Just the house special. And coffee's fine."
Mari gave him a mock frown. "Still as boring as ever. Got it."
As she walked away, Basil chuckled. "You really are the serious type, huh?"
Sunny shrugged. "I don't see how ordering pie is relevant to the case."
"Pie's always relevant." Basil said with a smirk, leaning back.
An hour later
After the hearty meal, the two detectives had thanked Mari and left the diner. The air outside had turned colder, and the faint glow of the diner's neon sign lit the square as the shadows of night crept in.
"Your sister's nice," Basil remarked as they walked toward their vehicles. "Kind of makes me wonder how you turned out so... stoic."
Sunny gave him a sidelong glance. "It's just how I am."
Basil chuckle. "Fair enough."
The Two drove to Willowbrook lodge, the town's modest motel, where the sheriff had arranged for them to stay during the investigation. Their rooms were adjacent, small but functional, each with a desk and a bed.
In Basil's room, the two detectives spread out the files on the small desk. Sunny had his jacket off, his sleeves neatly rolled up, while Basil leaned back in hi chair, flipping through a report with a pencil in hand.
"There's a pattern here." Sunny said, his tone clinical. He gestured toward the map that Sheriff Thompson had provided, now pinned to the wall above the desk. Red X's marked the locations of the three bodies.
"Yeah, I see it," Basil replied. "They're all within a few kilometers of that northwest quadrant he mentioned. Near the old logging trails."
"And the Symbol," Sunny added, pointing to the photographs of the crescent moon with antlers. "It's carved into trees near all three sites. Whoever did this wants it to be seen."
Basil nodded, his blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Could be some kind of ritual. You don't just carve symbols like this for no reason."
Sunny glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "How much do you know about local folklore?"
"Enough to know people believe in all kinds of strange things out here," Basil said, leaning back in his chair. "You?"
Sunny hesitated, then shook his head. "Not much. Mari used to talk about stories when we were kids, but I didn't pay attention."
"Well, maybe it's time we start paying attention," Basil said, tapping the photo with his pencil. "Becuase this? This doesn't feel random."
The two worked late into the night, piecing together the sparse clues from the files. Outside the wind howled through the trees, a haunting sound that seemed to echo the growing tension of the case.