DID YOU MISS ME?

Chapter Four

Neil woke up to see Max curled up on his bed, holding his cup of coffee close. By his side was an old and ruined looking bear, and the other half of the staff that David gave to him. What was also strange was that he wasn't wearing his blue hoodie.

"Max? How long have you been up?"

Max jumped a little, startled at Neil's voice, before looking over at his friend, as sighing.

"Today's the day, Neil," Max muttered, ignoring the previous question. "This plan must not fail or else we'll all be dead."

"ALRIGHTY CAMPERS! RISE AND SHINE! WE HAVE TO WELCOME OUR NEW COUNSELOR!"

"Fuck," Max mumbled to himself as he chugged his coffee. "Well, let's go meet her, Neil."

Neil nervously nodded as Max placed his cup down and threw on his hoodie. The two friends made their way out of their tent and into the area where the rest of the campers were quietly standing. Nikki noticed them and made her way over, her usual smile gone. QuarterMaster was nowhere around, probably getting breakfast ready. Gwen's usual grumpy self was replaced with a smile, while Campbell, David, and Daniel all stood there, trying to blink sleep out of their eyes. Max shivered underneath the smile Daniel gave him when their eyes met.

"Alrighty campers!" Gwen began, making everyone jump at the cheerfulness in her voice. "I'd like you to welcome back another previous counselor, Jen!"

"Hello everyone!" Jen greeted, waving. "It's great to be back! I've heard all about you from Daniel!"

The campers visibly tensed up at this and muttered to each other worriedly. The counselors ignored this and David began to talk, a smile forming on his face.

"Since today is Sunday, I think that this is a perfect day to go on a hike!" David exclaimed. "After breakfast, meet us outside with all of your hiking gear!"

The campers visibly groaned at this as they shuffled off towards the Mess Hall for breakfast. Gwen took this chance to show Jen around the camp again, in case she forgot everything, dragging Campbell with them. David and Daniel followed the campers towards the Mess Hall to make sure that they didn't cause any trouble.

"Hey David, I have a suggestion for the hike," Daniel brought up, smiling. "Since there are four counselors now, we can split the kids up and take different paths."

"That sounds great, Daniel!" David smiled back. "It'll definitely let them appreciate nature even more! Do you want to make the groups?"

"I'd love to, David!"

David chuckled at Daniel's enthusiasm as the two entered the Mess Hall. However, he frowned a bit when he noticed that the campers were quieter than usual. The usual arguing, complaining, or usual conversations were nonexistent. He ignored this and began to talk.

"Alright everyone!" David began. "Daniel though of a great idea! We're all going to split up and take different routes for our hike today!"

Outbursts of complains arose from the campers, and David soon quieted them down.

"Daniel has chosen the groups!" David continued, his smile still plastered on his face. "The groups consist of Jen, Ered, Nurf, and Dolph; Gwen, Preston, and Space Kid; me with Harrison and Nerris, and Daniel, Max, Neil, and Nikki! Meet all of you outside when you're done!"

More outbursts broke out when Daniel and David left. Max stood up and slammed his hands on the table.

"THAT FUCKING CULTIST THINKS HE CAN SEPARATE US?!!" He yelled.

"Calm down, Max," Neil said, patting his friend's back. "We have to play along, remember?"

"Right," Max grumbled, sitting back down.

"Kids, I want in."

Everyone turned their heads to see Gwen standing there, hands on her hips.

"I saw the news," Gwen continued, frowning. "We're not safe here with Daniel and Jen. And knowing Campbell, he'll soon join their side. Tell me you have a plan."

The campers smiled in relief at her and recited their plan. Hopefully this plan will work.

***

The campers begrudgingly separated to their assigned counselors. Daniel smiled as Nikki, Neil, and Max approached him and Campbell.

"Are you three ready for a hike?" Daniel asked, tilting his head with a small crack.

"You do realize that your arm is broken, right?" Nikki asked.

Daniel casually shrugged with a small "Yup!"

"Oh, we're so fucked," Max muttered.

"Hey, like David says, language," Daniel scolded.

This made Max's anger rise. How dare that cultist use his da-David's own words.

"Well, let's go hiking!" Daniel exclaimed, begging to lead them.

The three friends wanted to stay at the back, but Campbell moved behind them, giving them no choice but to follow Daniel.

***

"David, I need to talk to you about something important."

"Now Gwen," David smiled. "We can talk about it after the hike. Let's go, Nerris and Harrison!"

"Dav-" Gwen's voice faded as David walked away with the two campers.

"Gwen, does David still not realize who Daniel really is?" Preston asked.

"He's got such a good heat that he only sees the good in people," Gwen sighed, looking down. "That's what usually gets him trouble. Come on, kids. We have a hike to go on. We'll all be safe after today. We won't have to deal with Jen, Daniel, or Campbell anymore."