Chapter Text
“Hey uhh…dude are you alive..?” I suddenly darted up, coming to my senses. I looked at the dude who had awoken me, brown curly hair in a perm, a hockey jersey, and with an athletic build. I looked around in a panic, seeing the trees that surrounded us and a river that cut through them. Wait a fucking second, how did I even get here…???
[ ..before the current events.. ]
“ KENNY! Get ready, we're leaving in half an hour!” I heard my mom scream from downstairs, I opened up the journal she gave me to write down my camp experiences, and began to write an intro.. “My name is Liam, Liam Reed in full. However, I also go by Thunder, and to my mom…Kenny. She calls me it as it’s like my deadname but masculine. Honestly, I don’t mind too much, at least she doesn’t deadname me right to my face. Enough of this intro bullshit, time to get to the point of why I'm writing this in the first place. My mom bought me this journal to write my feelings out so I would have something to vent to if I needed it, also to document events from the camp as a secondary use. Oh yeah forgot to mention, I’m using this to document for my summer camp trip! I must have had insane luck as I got into a summer camp for only ultimates from some odd sketchy raffle I don’t even remember signing up for? I’m not even an ultimate! I’m just some average ginger scene kid! My mom didn’t want me to pass up this opportunity so I guess I’m going to summer camp–” I stopped writing, remembering I needed to get ready and jolted up to get into my outfit. Putting on my favorite Jax shirt and some random shorts, I went downstairs to get on my accessories. My brother, Allen, looked over irritated. He just wanted to get this whole thing done, as he wanted to play WWE games and Fortnite all summer. After throwing on my fingerless gloves, necklaces, choker, student belt, and Gir hat, I go upstairs to check the mirror, and DAMN! For once I don’t look half bad, and that’s a flex for me. I head downstairs with my bag and throw some crocks on, my mom and brother waiting a tad bit impatiently for me to hurry up, but eventually I’m finally ready. “Took you long enough..” I heard my brother mutter under his breath. I decide to try to give my brother a hug, but he pushes me away and I just accept it, deciding to hug my mom instead. She, luckily, hugs back so it isn’t awkward. After her whole “I’m gonna miss you so much! Stay safe, don't die!” Spiel we finally got going! The drive was amazing for many reasons, very scenic, peaceful, and most importantly LONG so I got to listen to music and daydream! After finally getting dropped off, I dashed in, excited to live my summer camp dreams. After I made it to the entrance though..something felt off. That's when everything happened. The world twisted in unnatural ways, my vision blurred, and I fell to the ground. I had blacked out
‘“Hellooo? Is there anyone in there?” I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts by the dude I had met before I had gotten distracted with my foolish thoughts. “Sorry, kinda just zoned out there y'know?"
“Yeah that makes sense, who even are you anyways?”
“Oh uh, I’m Liam, how about you?”
“I'm Thayne! The ultimate Hockey star! Say..wait a second, if I'm not mistaken, were you also invited to the summer camp for ultimates?”
How did he manage to guess that so fast?? We literally just met but whatever guess I’ll answer.
“Yep! In fact I did!”
“Then what's your talent? You're supposed to have one to get in and you never told me?”
Crap. How do I explain to this dude I only got in because of pure luck?? I didn't even apply for the raffle so even winning it is insane!
“Weeellll uhhh..”
“Cmon just spit it out! It can’t be that bad dude!”
“ I-I don’t have one” I was able to weakly mutter out, god I seem so pathetic, I have to be the only talentless camper out of the rest of our group. The dude I had just met, Thayne, seemed baffled by this. “How did you even get in then?? You have to be lying, you must have an ultimate talent!”
“I only really got in due to a random raffle so no, I don’t have one. Guess the closet I got is the ultimate lucky camper??” Thayne seemed to understand what I meant after that,
“Oh yeahhh heard that was going on, should have assumed so.” It was very awkward for me after that. He knew I was talentless yet still got into a camp of skillful and trained people. “I-I’m gonna go look around, maybe I can find something important.”
“Oh okay! Stay safe!”
I rushed off, god that was humiliating, having to reveal how stupid my reason was for being here. Wait a second, is this even camp? Maybe this is our first test or something stupid, to prove we truly deserve to be here. Well, better find my way there I guess..??
I stumbled through the forest recklessly, seeing weird tvs every few trees. How did they even work! Do they even work? Not like I’m able to answer that..whatever I just need to get to camp, I just need to prove I’m worthy by being first. Yeah! That’s what I need to do! Then I won’t be as talentless as the rest. As I zoned out, thinking about how I’d seem useful if I get there first, I tripped and fell, scrapping my leg. That's when I saw it. My blood, it was pink?? What the actual fuck that is NOT normal. Whatever, maybe I’m still dazed from blacking out, yeah that has to be it. As I look up, I see a bridge leading straight to camp like I had seen before. But the sign I had read before, “Camp Hope!” had been changed. Hope was crudely crossed out, being replaced with a more intimidating word that shook me to my core. The sign had now read “Camp Despair”
Why did it even need to be changed anyways..?? It was strange and confused me, yet it also terrified me for the implications of what this “Peaceful camping trip of ultimates” could truly lead to. Whatever the implications don't matter to me, as it seemed I was one of the first people there! This was amazing! I rushed in to explore the premises. I ran past an archery ring and a tennis court. I probably should have assumed a camp like this had the budget for almost any activity!
I wasn’t paying attention as I was running and accidentally ran right into someone! God I’m so clumsy I should have done better. I fell over, feeling mortified I had run into someone full speed I didn't even know yet! Even though I had ran into them, the person I ran into..still helped me up? That's when I finally got a look at the figure I had run into and..holy shit he looked awesome. Red hair with raccoon tails in his bangs, tan-ish yet still pale, silver rimless glasses, and very dark brown eyes that looked as dark as the night sky without stars at first. “You uh..okay?”
I heard the man say. Why was he so concerned for me when I was the one who ran full speed ahead into him?? “Yeah I'm fine! sorry for running into you by the way”
“Oh uh no need to apologize it’s fine”
This dude was surprisingly nice for me accidentally running, full speed, face first into him.
“So uh..who are you?” I gained the courage to ask, still feeling ashamed for running into him.
“O-Oh uh I’m—“ he seemed to stutter a lot before getting himself together “God damn it! I’m Leviathan, Ultimate Cosplayer, but you can just call me Seven” well I should probably introduce myself back, but do I be honest about having no talent whatsoever? That'd be embarrassing, but part of me tells me he wouldn’t judge..whatever it doesn’t matter I might aswell “Well I’m Liam! Ultimate..uhm..l-lucky student”
“So did you get here outta pure luck?”
“Yeah basically, although my luck must have been pretty insane to get added into that raffle. I never even signed up!”
“That's strange you were added to the raffle when you didn’t even sign up for it? You also won as well? That seems shady to be honest.”
“Yeah I thought that aswel–” I was cut off by a loud bell sound.
Ding dong bing bong!
One of those strange monitors attached to a tree nearby turned on? So they do work?? How the fuck does that even work! That was the least of my concerns as I saw a strange silhouette on the screen, shrouded in darkness. I could make out it seemed to have some cat ears or something? Yeah no I’m probably going insane. “Hello campers! Nice to see you all awake and ready for the day! Everyone should make their way to the Amphitheater for our orientation!” Well at least I know it is in fact my camp..? Yet something just seems wrong. The whole random raffle, waking up in the woods, heck the TVs on the trees are just more evidence that– “So uh..wanna stick together and find the amphitheater place?” Once again I had zoned out with my absurd anxiety-filled thoughts. Honestly, yeah it’s probably just my anxiety, maybe things are strange but doesn’t mean we’re all gonna die or anything. I finally responded to Sev’s question “Yeah sure! I could use some company anyways”
We rushed off to the amphitheater, not wanting to be late.
We didn’t seem to be late, but we sadly were the last as we had to stumble past cabins and a whole dodgeball court. When I walked in,I noticed two things. One, there were 18 whole people, most I recognized from school, I just never bothered to talk to them. At least I know most of their deals from shit I've overheard? Two, I recognized two of the people! It was Elania and Lynlee, aka K4tt and Koko! My best friends ever! I rushed over to them, happy to see some familiar faces
“Thunder?! You're also here??” K4tt said shocked
“So you two are ultimates?” I blurted out “Why did you guys never tell me that's awesome!”
“Well I never really thought of myself as the ultimate writer, always thought I was just decent so..” Kokomi said softly.
“Yeah no i can see you having that talent” I replied, I can easily see her being the ultimate writer!
“Well K4tt, what’s your ultimate!” I said excitedly, wanting to learn what they were the ultimate of
“Apparently I'm the ultimate CQB!”
“Wait, what's that..??” I said confused, what the fuck is a CQB??
“Close Quarters Combat Expert! It means I'm good with close range weapons!”
“So Thunder, what’s your talent?” Kokomi inquired.
Shitttttt how do I explain I'm only here because of the most bullshit insane luck ever seen in my life! What do I even do! They stared at me expectantly, wanting to know every detail. What was I supposed to tell my best friends! ‘Oh im only here due to dumb luck lolll im talentless!!’ That’d be pathetic!
Before I could decide what to say, K4tt got distracted, noticing two other people gathered in the amphitheater.
“Josie!? BECCA?? Holy shit almost all my closest friends I know are here!"
They ran off to catch up with them and Koko followed..guess im on my own now. Damn, might as well listen into conversations. I go over and sit nearby that one Thayne guy who woke me up. Why? To listen into his convo with two other dudes obviously! I overheard their names, Ryan and Winston, the ultimate tennis player and trivia expert respectively. They seemed very sporty and popular, but kinder than most! I was distracted in my thoughts when I heard a voice speak. “Oh my GOD!! HI LIAM!!”
I look over in pure horror, knowing that voice from anywhere. Cameron. The most annoying person I know
She scattered over to me, I wished I could get out of there but she would peruse me
“Heyyyy Cam….!” I stumbled out, obviously uncomfortable. Sadly, she doesn’t pick up on the hint and starts babbling about being the ultimate infamy to me, why she was chosen, and how she is super excited to be here with me. Sadly, I can’t say I felt the same about being here with her….
“H-Hey uhm..how about we split up and talk to other people!” I remarked, “That way we can uhm..meet more of the folks here..?”
“Great idea biggie! See you later, I'm gonna go find someone else to meet!”
Thank GOD that worked. I would have shot myself if I had to spend another minute near her. I decided to go and find someone else to meet so I didn’t seem suspicious, even though I hate people, I hate Cameron more.
I walked over to two random people. One blonde with pink, glittery glasses and a clip-on pink raccoon stripe in her hair, the other with brown hair, black basic glasses, and tank top.
“..who are you..??” The blonde girl demanded.
“I was wondering the same thing..” the other girl chimed in.
Damn. I didn’t even do anything and I’m already being sassed!
“Well uh, I’m Liam Reed!”
“And?” The blonde girl hissed, crossing her arms.
“And what..?” I responded, very confused on what the fuck she was questioning
“She’s asking about your talent?” The other woman replied, “isn’t that obvious? We’re in a summer camp for ultimates after all so you have to have one.”
Yeah there’s NO way I’m telling these assholes about being talentless.
“Well, how about you two introduce yourselves first.” I replied, “since you guys seem to have such great talents to be this prideful!” I sarcastically taunted back, since they were being so rude and demanding I might as-well be it back right??
“Well I’ll have you know I’m Isabella Lynch! Ultimate gossip girl.” The blonde one boasted, “Don’t you forget it!”
Holy shit that explains why she’s such an asshole, of COURSE she’s a gossiper that makes so much sense!
“ I’m Peyton Salceado, the greatest influencer here!”
Yeah. Their attitudes made sense.
I decided to just leave after that, they didn’t seem to protest thank god and went back to their convo..that’s when some person walked up to me.
“Hey, is that a Jeff keychain on your bag?” He guessed.
He had black curly hair, a t-shirt that had Deadpool on it, and was a little bit chubby.
“Actually yeah it is! I assume you also play Marvel Rivals?”
“Yep! I actually play Deadpool if it wasn’t obvious.”
This dude seemed chill enough, I could vibe with him
“Well uh, what’s your name?” I inquired
“Well I’m Dylan McCue! Ultimate comedian! If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name?”
“I’m Liam Reed! Nice to meet you Dylan!”
I looked over and noticed someone listening in
“Say uh, who are you?”
“Oh sorry, I kinda overheard you guys discussing Marvel Rivals and decided to listen in since I occasionally play that aswell!” The man explained
He had brown hair, a grey-camo hoodie, and seemed a little bit younger than most people here.
“So what’s your name dude!” Dylan asked,
“Well I’m Ethan,” he explained, “I’m also the ultimate forsaken player”
“Sweet! Who do you main?” Dylan asked, and they both seemed to get into heavy discussions about the game, I used this as an opportunity to slip away and get some time to myself. All this social interaction tired me out. I sat on the step-seat things on the amphitheater, when two other girls sat nearby, I chose to listen in.
“Well, seems we have a bit in common huh?” One of them noted, she had red-ish hair that was definitely dyed, a black crop top on, and pretty short shorts. Damn she has a decent fashion taste! Although she’s lucky there’s no dress code..
“Yep!” The other girl responded..blonde-ish brown hair, blue eyes, and…oh my god it’s Emma! My childhood friend!
“Well, what’s your name?” Emma requested to know from the other girl
“Psh I’m Ava Mitchel, ultimate juvie” she shared, “andd you are?”
“Emma Chew! Ultimate majorette!” She gushed, going into detail about what that meant and her baton routines and—
God that’s boring. I'm listening into someone else’s convo. I got up and sat near two dudes. They seemed like annoying kids, both having brown hair and wearing pretty basic fits.
“Hey, hey Nolan?” One said,
“Yeah Matthias?” The other replied
Basic white boy names..but I can’t be talking. I named myself LIAM.
I just listened to them talk about their talents, Nolan’s being a tractor expert and Matthias a hunter?? How is a tractor expert a talent??
Anyways, I heavily dislike these two as their whole convo was just about right wing politics and being Christians..most basic people I’ve met smh..
I got tired of listening into people's convos and went over to my group of friends.
“Hey Liam! Your back!” K4tt exclaimed
“Hm? Oh hey Liam!” Josie shrugged, seeming busy doodling in a sketch book
“Say, what are Josie and Becca’s talents?”
“Hm? Oh I’m the ultimate paleontologist and I heard Josie was the ultimate artist!” Rebecca stated happily
“Say Thunder, you never said your talent” Kokomi contemplated
“Oh yeah! C'mon Thunder tell us!” K4tt chimed in excitedly to hear it.
Shit..well I’m sure my friends wouldn’t mind..right..?
“Well I’m actually—“ I was rudely interrupted by someone speaking into a microphone. “Testing, testing.. Can you all hear me well? Good!” What the hell?? I got up and stared at the stage, and it seemed like almost everyone else did as well, and that's when I saw it. On the stage's podium, stood a tiger plushie. Not just any plushie, a golden one. I also noticed one half of it looked demented and evil, with its menacing gold eye staring right into my soul. The other half? Looked like any other tiger plush i’d seen, just more human-ish?? “Holy shit is that a stuffed kitty??” Cameron squeeled annoyingly
“I'm not just a stuffed animal, I’m your awesome head-scout of this camp, Monotoro!”
“Yeahhh it seems more like a stuffed animal than the person who runs the place..” I overheard Winston say Ryan and Thayne snickered, finding his comment funny.
“Oh? You don’t believe me? Do you really want a demonstration of how truly powerful I am compared to you poor little campers?”
“Psh yeah prove it!” I heard Ava say excitedly, wanting to see the mascot-like thing be proved wrong
That's when Monotoro pulled a small remote from who-knows-where and pressed a button, causing a spike to rise out of the ground below me. I quickly got out of the way before getting impaled, falling to the ground in shock. My friends rushed over to me checking on me fearfully.
WHAT DID I EVEN DO??? I SAID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING? WHY WAS I ALMOST KILLED?? WHY WAS I BROUGHT INTO THIS MAN MY LUCK IS SO ASS
“Oops! Seems like someone almost got caught in our little argument’s crossfire!!,” the seemingly heartless tiger smirked, “Now may I finally get to explaining why you all are reallyyyy here?”
Everyone seemed to go silent, guess me almost dying shut everyone up for sure.
“Well then, onto the big reveal! This isn’t just any ordinary summer camp, after all, it’s the ultimate one! You guys will stay here for the rest of your years training to be the best!”
What. What do you mean we're gonna be here forever?? I heard the 18 people all gathered mutter amongst themselves in shock and horror.
“You're joking…r-right...?” I heard Sev mutter
“Well, I mean, there is one way to leaveee, puhuhuhuh..”
“Well what is it! Spit it out!” I blurted out angerly, I’m not being trapped here forever, no fucking way. Not with Cam, not with Matthias or Nolan, and DEFINITELY not with Izzy or Peyton.
“Wellll you sound eager to leave! Might as well tell you all the way to graduate from this camp..”
He paused, adding suspense to the whole situation. God can’t this prideful stupid tiger spit it out!
“The way to leave is..to kill a fellow camper!”
What. The. Fuck.
Everyone went silent, in fear, horror, and just shock.
After what felt like an eternity, someone spoke up.
“You're joking rightttt..?” Dylan muttered, concerned and definitely scared for his life.
“Nope! To get out you must kill another camper, AND get away with it in trial!”
Nobody dared to speak..
“Well then, may as well hand out the monopads and go! I have explained all I needed to!”
“W-WAIT-!” I screamed without realizing I had even done it until it was too late..
“Hmmm? Yes, my camper?” The thing snorted expectantly
“How …how do the trials work..”
“Well I’m glad you asked!” It said happily to explain..I didn’t expect that.
“The culprit, otherwise known as the blackened, needs to get away with it in a class trial! Where you guys will go over evidence of the case and suspects! Once time is up, you guys will vote on who YOU think the blackend is, if you're right you all live and only the blackend is punished, but if you're wrong.”
It trailed off..
“Well…everyone but the blackened is punished and they get to leave this camp scott free!”
“What d-do you mean punished..?” Sev stammered out, just as afraid if not more than everyone else.
“By punished..I mean executed!”
…holy shit is this thing serious???
“Yep! You heard me right! Electrocution, brazen bull, the Guillotine! Any way you can think of can happen here!”
Not even a peep could be heard after that…everyone was silent and for a good reason..
“Well then, you all can grab your monopads up here! And you guys can read the rules and stuff! Also make sure to get to your cabins, it’s pretty late and it’d be a shame to have a murder on the first day puhuhuhu!”
After it said all that, it vanished into thin air, how? I have no clue..
I just went up and took the monopad with my name and left, maybe it was all a dream and when I woke up it’d all be normal right?? I rushed to my cabin, many following behind me after getting their monopads.
I didn’t wanna talk to anyone, not even my friends, I just needed to sleep. Today has been..interesting, and hopefully when I wake up tomorrow I’ll learn it was all some fervor dream of sorts.
When I made it over to the cabins, I realized there was only enough for half of the people there, I guess we’ll be sharing them?? Whatever. I don't even wait to read who my roommate is on the list, I just get to my cabin and collapse on my bed, passing out the moment I close my eyes..hopefully..when I wake up this’ll be over.
Hopefully when I wake up, I’ll learn it was just some nightmare.
[PROLOGUE END]