The sheriff pushed open the double emerald painted door to the Northway Summer Camp, responding in regards to a call from a benefactor and from a deranged woman at the station screaming about protecting the children and monsters in the hills. As the door creaked open discarded spent shotgun shells, deep slashes embedded into the walls, and metallic scent in the air was the only evidence to be collected. The sheriff covered his face with a red handkerchief and lifted his radio to his face. "Mr. Wallace. I've arrived at the lodge like you requested… I'm shutting it down. Your suspicions were correct. Something horrible happened here. I have to let you go, I need to call my team up here, a thorough investigation needs to take place."
The stocky sheriff made his way to his cruiser and lifted the shortwave radio. "Dispatch. Detour the buses, no one arrives at Northway. Are the kids okay?"
A static crackled over the frequency before a young woman's voice came over. "Yes, Sheriff Lockey. The children and the counselor are fine. What did you find?"
"Well." The sheriff took a long pause and opted not to say in detail in case any children would be in earshot of the radios. "I can't say for sure yet. Send out the investigators." As he finished his sentence, an earth shaking rumble was heard before a detonation erupted from the nearing mountain side. Staring with wide eyes the sheriff lifted the radio and shouted into it. "Get everyone out here! I mean it, ya hear!? Everyone! All first responders, hell, the National Guard if you can! Get 'em out here! Now!"
4 Years Later
Day 1
An elderly man sat serenely in his wheelchair with ten young adults, five on either side of him. Women on the right and men on the left. The stocky sheriff crossed his arms over his chest. "Mr. Wallace. Are you sure? Nothing ever came up from the incident four years ago."
The elder man smiled as he craned his neck to look at the restored lodge behind him. As grand as it was in the photos, deciduous trees carved in the spaces in between the windows, rustic pieces of wood creating a makeshift window pane on every window, the emerald double door repainted and all the brass shined to perfection. "Yes, Sheriff Lockey. Nothing has happened, this place was under twenty-four hour surveillance and nothing more than a stray fleck of dust and a hungry raccoon; Ah! A thought occurs, did you by chance fill the roster that you sought to force me to employ?"
Clearing his throat the graying officer nodded and smiled proudly as a police transport vehicle rolled up through the grand wooded entrance. "Yes. I believe this team is well equipped for anything that comes your way."
The elder man let out a hearty laugh. "Seems like a lot of us are here for the first time then! I'm very excited to get things up and running so I can finally see her in her glory, teaching and guiding children to pave the way for a brighter future."
The sheriff looked away from Mr. Wallace and clutched the manilla folder a little tighter creating small creases on the edges a small frown forming. "Yes. There are strict instructions left from your father who carried the mantle of this lodge before you, sir."
A young female counselor with long raven hair shifted an uneasy glance to another male counselor with equally long ebony locks, he seemed to return her stare of concern. Several female counselors released an airy gasp and whispered amongst themselves as the first of the security detail exited the bus. A tall, muscular blonde lifted a large backpack over his shoulder with ease, his piercing eyes flicked from the awaiting group and lifted another formidable sized case while quietly talking with another man. A slender man with messy onyx hair stumbled off the bus behind the first, a huge bag strapped to his back, unsettling his steps. A charcoal owl-like stare glared backwards as a hand landed on his pack shoving him forward. "Beyond, are you going to be my personal poltergeist this summer?" The monotonous voice called out.
"Oh positively so! I can't help it. I could probably throw you." Another lean muscular raven man stepped off the bus, a backpack haphazardly clinging to his back as he pulled another coffin sized case from another from behind him. A devious smirk curved on Beyond's lips as he gave one strong tug, toppling another slender man out of the bus. Bracing the case with one arm and catching the other man with his other arm the raven let out a loud laugh. A head of platinum blonde hair yanked away from Beyond and scolded him in a hushed tone.
His hazel eyes widened as he darted them away from the offending individual. "Oh…" His voice seemed to lose all intensity as his eyes landed on the three story lodge. "We're here…"
An evenly lean muscled brunette stepped off the steps behind the blonde. "Prettier than I expected. Near, this is your big bad ghost story?"
Near sighed quietly, lowering his head, hiding his hazel eyes behind his platinum hair. "I said it was mostly myths and legends."
A gruff voice scolded at the slender raven in German from the interior of the bus. "L! Stop staring like that and help!" L snapped and helped unload another large case from the bus, assisting a muscular blonde man with shoulder length blonde hair and icy blue eyes. "You British guys are worthless, all brains, no braun."
L snapped a cold stare at the blonde and fired back in fluent German. "Rather have brains."
A slender redhead hopped off the bus after the case was removed and lifted his orange goggles to inspect the large wooden lodge. Log cabin styled with intricate carvings and adornments along the encircling fence and building. "Damn. I wish my childhood summer camps were half this nice." He stepped up to Beyond and nudged his shoulder with his. "120,000 to keep this place in order? We could have done that ourselves and split a bigger pot."
The raven chuckled and hoisted the large case up on one side. "Probably, I'm not going to question good money or an easy job for said money, grab the other side, let's see where we're setting up." The redhead nodded and obliged the request.
The brunette glanced at his watch, adjusting it to the current time zone. He flicked his golden eyes up to the spacious lodge. "Something tells me this isn't going to be straightforward. I'll help you with that, Caspian." He assisted the blonde in lifting the case.
The first blonde nodded and hummed in agreement as they carried the large black case. "Indeed. Thank you, Light." The blonde's Australian accent could be detected faintly.
L pouted slightly as the group made their way towards the onlookers. "Beyond, why are you nice to Matt and Near, I've known you the longest."
Beyond chuckled while glancing back with a pearly smile. "Exactly, wouldn't be mean to you if I didn't love you like a brother."
The counselors excitedly whispered amongst themselves as the security detail approached. "Why do they all have to be drop dead gorgeous?" A red headed counselor leaned into the raven haired counselor and whispered with her hand cupped over her lips. "Twenty says I can get at least two of them to sleep with me."
"Sarah!" The latter counselor scolded out loud.
"Oh come on, Nadie, just because you're Indian doesn't mean you have to keep it in the tribe, it's just some summer fun, not like you're going to marry the guy."
Nadie stared at Sarah with disgust. "That was incredibly racist."
Sarah shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and pointed towards Beyond. "Besides, he looks like he might have a little in him. His complexion, hair color and build. Could still kind of stay true to whatever morals you have."
"Sarah! Shut! Up!"
The male counselor with long black hair approached them and spoke Algonquin. "Nadie, is everything okay?"
Shifting her annoyed stare from the red head towards her tribemate who came along, responding in their native tongue. "Yes, Nootau, the insensitivity of some people, but I will be okay."
The security detail filed behind the counselors after setting their things down in the lodge on the main floor. Beyond leaned against the lodge eyeing the two counselors suspiciously with a crimson stare.
Staring at the stranger for a moment, they continued their conversation before Nadie flicked her eyes towards Beyond again who hadn't stopped watching them, nor was trying to hide the fact he was staring. Continuing in their native tongue, she glanced back to Nootau. "You don't think he can understand us, do you?"
The ravened counselor glanced at Beyond and gave a respectful head nod. "Unlikely. But, let's test it." He turned to the security officer and extended his hand. "Kew!"*
Drifting his scarlet eyes towards the young man, Beyond clasped their hands together, "Mino Kidjebawak."*
Nootau released a brilliant toothy smile and continued in their language excitedly. "Are you from a formal tribe?"
Beyond shook his hair into his face. "No. My father is; he left to marry my mother and move to another state with her, though. My American name is Brian, my tribal name is Kitchi. My father said it was important to never forget my roots, so he taught me the language and traditions. When I was young, we'd go back to Illinois to visit his tribe during the summers."
Everyone surrounding the trio seemed to gawk slightly at the exchange of the foreign language. "Perhaps, if you have time after the season, you could come and see our tribe, we aren't far from here." Nootau nodded towards the two before taking his place in line as four full buses pulled around into the main court of the grounds. The shouting from excited children could be heard over the loud engines.
The large group of children poured from the buses; nearing 100 in number. Mr. Wallace smiled brightly as he lifted himself from his wheelchair while raising both of his hands above his head. "Oh, children! I'm so happy to see so many happy and shining faces here with us this season! Both new and returning campers, I'm so blessed you chose to spend your time here!" He gave a patronly smile as he took the manilla folder from the sheriff. "As you may know, as a returning camper, there are some stiff rules to be followed, but for our newcomers, we'll read them!
Mr. Wallace lifted his reading glasses off of his chest and onto the edge of his nose. "Let's see here…:
-Campers are reminded they are responsible for their own belongings.
-Stay in your assigned groupings to and from activities, no strays.
-Your counselor must know where you are at all times.
-Foul language is not tolerated.
-All forms of physical fighting is not tolerated and is subject to have you expelled from the grounds for the season.
-Each cabin is responsible for its own cleanliness.
-Any damaged or broken property is to be reported to your counselor.
-Camp Counselors and Camp Security are the adults, they are to be listened to and obeyed at all times.
-After the sun sets, there are to be no campers or counselors outside of their assigned cabins, the only personnel that should be out is Camp Security. Anyone caught outside of their assigned cabins during the night will be immediately expelled the following morning."
Mr. Wallace looked up and gave a wry smile to the onlooking children. "Ominous." He chuckled out. "This on top of the packets you all received and should have been over with your parents or guardians. Welcome to Northway, children! Let's have a great summer!"
The children happily chatted amongst each other as they were being passed their cabin and group assignments, slowly shuffling themselves in groups by age. Mr. Wallace tiredly placed himself back into his wheelchair, wheeling himself into the lodge. "Mr. Lockey, Security, come inside and talk with me."
Following the wheelchair and over creaking floorboards the group settled in a small dining nook nearing a large wall of windows. Mr. Lockey sighed and pulled a small stack of files from his briefcase. "Mr. Wallace, as you know, these are the young men hired for the Night Shift Security. I have been provided with full background checks, drug screenings as well as medical files." He handed the small stack to the elderly man.
Sighing at the stack he set it on the table and gave a saddened smile. "Boys, this lodge has been in my family since the beginning. This will be its 120th year standing. I have been unfortunate to have the inability to be here and take the reins prior to my father's passing. I suffered from a spinal cord injury when I was younger. I'm still able to walk, but only for a short time before it becomes too painful. Making getting out here quite a tricky situation. So, while here, you will be my eyes, ears and legs."
He lifted the files one by one and spread them out. "Let's see who we have here, let's see how thorough Nate's notes are. I'm going to be asking you some questions as well."
He lifted the first folder and opened it to see a picture of Codename: Caspian.
Birth Name: Cassiel Johnathan Winters
Codename: Caspian
Age: 26
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 6'2; 188cm
Weight: 180lbs; 82kg
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW, AU (Australia)
Prior Military Service: Australian Coast Guard: Clearance Rescue Diver
Discharge Type: Honorable. End of Service.
Mr. Wallace cleared his throat in mild discomfort. "A certified badass." Chuckling in more discomfort under the stern gaze of the blonde. The elderly man flipped through more pages while avoiding the serious stare. "What would you say your strengths are and what are your hobbies?"
Pausing for a moment before responding stoically with an Australian accent. "Search and rescue. I like most outdoor activities. I've worked with Nate in the past in locating a missing vessel and her crew." Mr. Wallace looked up to Caspian with wide eyes of wonder, like a child waiting for the rest of the story. "Vessel was abandoned, her crew missing."
The elderly man let out a sad huff before flipping the page. "I see. Well, welcome to Northway." Turning his attention to the next file, he opened it to see a picture of Codename: Matt.
Birth Name: Mail Matthew Jeevas
Codename: Matt
Age: 24
Hair Color: Red
Eye Color: Green
Height: 5'11; 180cm
Weight: 160lbs; 73kg
Birthplace: Bordeaux, FR (France)
Prior Military Service: French Air Force: 4th Helicopter Division
Discharge Type: Honorable. Injury.
Mr. Wallace lifted his eyebrows in excitement and nearly shouted in elation. "Can you fly?!"
Matt ruffled the hair on the back of his head. "No, I was a gunner and a jumper. I'd provide ground support either from the bird or be dispatched down for suppression fire."
"Oh." The elderly man responded timidly. "It… uh, says injury, what happened?"
Rubbing his shoulder at the memory. "Ah. I got dispatched, and my harness didn't disengage. Pulled my shoulder out and tore up some muscles pretty good." The redhead chuckled and nudged the raven next to him. "It was actually Beyond here who picked me up, snapped my shoulder back into place and dragged me off the field."
Smiling as he responded Mr. Wallace nodded. "I'm glad you're here, to be here with us." He opened the next file to see a picture of Codename: Mello
Birth Name: Mihael Jonas Keehl
Codename: Mello
Age: 22
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 5'9; 175cm
Weight: 160lbs; 73kg
Birthplace: Munich, DE (Germany)
Prior Military Service: German Army: KSK Agent
Discharge Type: Honorable. Injury.
"KSK!? As in…"
Mello interjected the budding babble. "German special forces. I've worked with Beyond in the Middle East, Light in Japan, and Caspian on naval counter terrorism missions."
Patting the table for the next file Mr. Wallace shifted his eyes between all of the young men in front of him. His hand landed on a file and he pulled it towards him. "I see… Codename Light?" The brunette flashed a brilliant smile and waved.
Birth Name: Raito Haru Yagami
Codename: Light
Age: 24
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Amber
Height: 5'10; 179cm
Weight: 119lbs; 54kg
Birthplace: Tokyo, JP (Japan)
Prior Military Service: Japanese Army: Special Forces Group
Discharge Type: Honorable. End of Service.
Mr. Wallace opened his mouth to speak before being interrupted by Light's smooth voice. "If I may, sir, my unit specialized in counter terrorism and deferment of guerrilla-styled attacks on Japanese soil." A sweet smile came forth as he continued. "I've worked with Caspian, Mello and Beyond in the past while guided by surveillance by L. I've also been stationed at the same camp as Matt for a brief moment."
Matt leaned forward to look at Light excitedly. "For real!? That's awesome!" Light smiled and bowed his head slightly to Matt.
"Well then!" Mr. Wallace exclaimed happily. "I suppose we should read Beyond's file next! You, young man, seem to be quite instrumental." He happily lifted the file to Codename: Beyond, his face paled as he lifted his eyes from the page. His voice fell flat as his eyes landed on the confident smirk.
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Wallace?" Beyond spoke in a hushed tone.
Birth Name: Brian Kitchi Birthday
Codename: Beyond
Age: 24
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Red
Height: 6'0"; 183cm
Weight: 172lbs; 78kg
Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA, USA (United States)
Active Military Service: United States Navy: S.E.A.L Team 7
Discharge Type: TBD
Beyond smirked smugly. "I think anything I'd have to say about what I do would be classified. But, I enjoy hunting, fishing and most outdoor activities. I can assure you, I've taken the appropriate amount of leave to be here, once my leave is up my contract with the US military finishes, so I cannot be deployed, if that's the worry."
Mr. Wallace smiled and he yanked Near down by the collar of his shirt and spoke in a hushed tone. "You brought me an active S.E.A.L?"
Near smirked confidently and patted Mr. Wallace shoulders gently. "'Only the best,' was what I was told. I can speak from experience, he's it. And the only one willing from his team. His team specializes in densely forested, desert and urban scapes." Mr. Wallace's gray eyes lifted to a smug crimson stare.
"Ah. Yes. Very well, welcome aboard Mr. Birthday." Mr. Wallace steadied his breath and lifted Codename: L.
Birth Name: Luis Langley Lawliet
Codename: L
Age: 26
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Gray
Height: 5'9.5"; 178cm
Weight: 130lbs; 59kg
Birthplace: Winchester, GB (United Kingdom)
Active Military Service: British Army: SRR, Special Reconnaissance Regiment
Discharge Type: TBD
Mr. Wallace glanced up to the haunched figure of L briefly nodding before closing the file. "I apologize. I didn't realize my Sheriff had overstepped in such a way. I knew Nate was active in the Canadian Task Forces, but I didn't realize…" his voice trailed slightly as he lifted the final file. "I'm truly honored to have such spectacular specialists here, but I'm unsure if this will be a waste of time for you."
Birth Name: Nathan "Nate" Robert Rivers
Codename: Near
Age: 22
Hair Color: Silver
Eye Color: Hazel
Height: 5'8"; 173cm
Weight: 150lbs; 68kg
Birthplace: Windsor, ON, CA (Canada)
Active Military Service: Canada Joint Task Force: JTF2
Discharge Type: TBD
"Well, I think I've prolonged you boys long enough, the entirety of the upper level is yours." The young men dismissed themselves, grabbing their gear and heading up the spiral staircase to the upper level talking amongst themselves cheerfully. "Mr. Lockey… why? I am having a hard time with hardened military men around the children… not that I think they'll hurt them, but I'm afraid they'll scare them."
The sheriff watched the men ascend to the upper story with a crooked smile. "I don't think they'll scare them… they're here to protect them. I've left special instructions for them as well upstairs. Mr. Wallace, you don't need to be fearful of them. They're all highly trained, efficient and work well together from Nate's reports. They're your team now. That, Mr. Wallace, is your Night Shift."
Kew is a general greeting in the Algonquin language.
Mino Kidjebawak is a morning greeting in the Algonquin language.
49 Days Remaining
10 Counselors Surviving
100 Campers Remain