DISCLAIMER:
It has begun, I'm did my best here. Sadly there is no trial for this one. Next chapter will be the start of it. Don't make any guesses until I give the go ahead.

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Why hello, I suppose with me being the cuddling looking bear I am you are expecting a happy story. Well let me tell you right now that this is not a happy story. The characters in here are going to suffer, under my paw, why? Because I designed this paradise for them, and they will never get to leave.

This camp ground is so deep within this forest that not even wolf howls reach the edges. They think they are coming for a vacation, a soothing place for their despair filled souls.

I hope they enjoy their stay... Upupupupu.

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Three friends sat in a large bus as it traversed through smooth town roads, all holding pamphlets to a camp ground. The back held the names of other students attending but the Chihuahua had shrugged them off to favor her music. A Lynx sat beside her, leaning on the back of the seat and resting her head on her forearms. The Red Panda began to list off the names with little interest as they began to become more of a mumble.

“So where is this place anyways?” Tasha asked as she took off her headphones. Aki looked through it once more, flipping it over a few times before shrugging with a confused look. “Doesn’t say anywhere, but I’m betting in some big forest.” She replied as she place the pamphlet back into her bag. Apple mulled over her reply before sitting back up straight and shifting so she was facing her friend across the isle. “Odd that they don’t put it on... Hey Aki did you pack any snacks?” She asked with her eyes big and her best begging face on.
The bus slowed to a stop before Aki could answer and a bright blue animal climbed on. Catching sight of the three at the back of the bus she quickly ran towards them as the bus driver shoved her luggage in the bus’s cabinet with a grumble. “Hey there!” She squealed as she waved. “I’m Genevieve.” Her teeth were pearly white as she wore a bright smile, each individual point very clearly defined.

Aki was the first to greet her. “I’m Aki, this is Apple and the recluse in the back is Tasha.” She smiled as she jokingly rolled her eyes at the sinking Chihuahua. The Sharkess grinned and jumped onto the seat in front of her and stuck her tongue out. “Don’t look so scared! I’m not going to bite you that hard.”

Tasha gulped and managed a fake smile as she had a nervous smirk. “Ah..yea, hi.” Apple couldn’t help but laugh a little before taking the pressure off her melting friend. “ It’s nice to meet you.”

Genevieve nodded and jumped off the seat to sit beside Aki. “So what are you guys anyways? The pamphlet told me but I threw it out.” She said as her thick tail swung in the aisle. “I’m a Scientist.” Aki said as she adjusted her glasses.


Apple perked up her ears, “I’m a master of Intuition, I’ve managed to piece together so many things I’ve gotten popular.” She said with a shrug as she looked at her friend. “Hey Tasha~, Tell her what you are.” The Chihuahua closed her eyes with an inward grown as she felt her friend poking and prodding at her. “I’m a Jack-Of-All-Trades.” She said as she took a deep breath to deal with the teasing.

“What about you?” Aki asked causing the Sharkess snatch her chance to shine. “Legendary Pyromancer!” She announced as she produced a lighter from her pocket. She flicked open the lid and scrolled the flint wheel to light the flame. Without a second to lose she let go of the lighter and let it roll on the tops of her fingers. She knocked it into the air with her pointer finger and caught it in the palm of her hand, snapping the hinged lid back.
Tasha couldn’t deny she was impressed as praised the Sharkess’s skills. It wasn’t until the bus came to a stop that their chatter halted. A Red Wolf burst through the bus doors as he tried to adjust his flattening chef’s hat. His shirt was covered in what was assumed to be pizza sauce and flour. “You said you weren’t coming for another hour! I was in the middle of perfecting my lobster tartare!” He barked as the bus driver slammed the doors behind him and put the bus into gear, completely ignoring his outburst.

The Red Wolf tossed his bag into one of the front seats and fell into it, crossing his arms and pouting as the bus pulled away. Tasha braced herself against the seat in front of her as everyone else succumbed to the inertia.
Genevieve didn’t allow the chef to brood any longer as she bounded over to meet him. She bumped him roughly with her hip as she sat into the seat. “Hey there!” She smiled as he glared at her in both surprise and anger.

Tasha had gone back to her music but felt a familiar poke to the ribs she always hated. Swatting Apple’s paw away she looked at her friend and waited. “You have the biggest ears, what are they saying?” Tasha grabbed her ears and pulled down with a frown but sighed and let them spring back up. “His name’s Rulu and Genevieve is trying to get him to sit back with us.”

As she said it the Red Wolf got up with a defeated sigh, grabbing his bag and following the happy Sharkess down the aisle. He sat down just in time as the bus came to a stop in front of a farm house. A Genet walked on board and didn’t even look around as his eyes were trained on the portable console in his paws.

Tasha’s ears perked up when she heard the familiar fantasy music and watched him sit in the seat just ahead of her. She tried to sneak a peek at his game but jumped when he announced a question. “Friend or Foe?”

She was taken aback by it but shook her head and answered. “Friend.” She stood up and tested the waters as she slowly clambered into the seat beside him. “What are you playing?” She asked as she fell into the seat and tried to see his screen with a stubborn glare. “Flame Emblem, it’s a turn based strategy RPG that uses royal conflict and war as a plot device.”

His main character slashed at a foe before jumping back to his original position and bouncing in place. Aki laughed as she watched Tasha’s eyes grow like a child’s before turning towards Rulu. “So, any good at making bread?” She asked as she remembered her family’s bread recipe that always made her mouth water.

“Depends on what you want, I make a mean boule.” He said as he closed on eye and tried to think of every type of bread he’s attempted. Aki got excited and her tail began to wag. “Could you possibly make some when we get there?” He smiled and uncrossed his arms, sitting up straight as she brought his happy side back. “Of course, I’m always willing to share my magic with a fan.” He grinned and his tail began to match hers.
Apple had walked to the front of the bust to stretch her legs out but found herself scrambling to catch a bar as the bus jolted to a stop. A dark Wolf mix climbed aboard, his glasses hiding his eyes when the sunlight glared on them. He carried a sketch book close to his side and sat near the window right behind the bus driver.

He opened it and brought a pencil from behind his ear, setting to work as ignored the greetings. Intrigued, Apple approached him, holding onto the seat behind him as the bus took off once more. “Are you an artist?” She asked as she waited awkwardly long for an answer. “Yea.”

The answer made her feel like there was a cool draft as she re-composed herself and continued. “I draw a little myself.” She said as she watched him detail tiny vines. “Are you here because of your art?”

Uncomfortable waiting,

“Yea.”

She couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed at how much he chattered as she planted herself in the seat across from his. She sat in silent for a few more minutes before getting up. “Wait, I’m Tiberius, sit there.” He said as he pointed to her previous spot with his pencil. She raised an eyebrow at his reaction before introducing herself. “Apple, nice to meet you... Tibby.” She tested but received no reaction. “Sit normally.” He asked as his pencil danced across the page.

She stole fidgets as he looked away from her, trying her best to return to her original position before he stopped. He placed the pencil back behind his ear and tore off the page cleanly. He handed it to her and started again. She took it and held it delicately in her paws as she began to admire a beautifully done portrait of her smiling, her bust was wrapped with an intricate frame of vines and tiny flowers.

“Wow! This looks amazing! Thank you.” She exclaimed as she couldn’t take her eyes off of it.

Tasha and the Genet had been discussing how they play different games and offering criticism where needed. When they both trailed off and focused on the screen once more he spoke out. “Myckal, you?”
Tasha didn’t process what he said for a second but as she registered it the name hit her. His eyes met a flushed face as a flood of memories hit her. “Tasha...” She said as she looked away from his suddenly intense eyes and back to his game as fanfare played from his victory.

The bus screamed to a stop and a Neko burst on board, throwing his backpack onto a random seat and running to the crowd. His charismatic face and bright smile caught everyone’s attention as he beamed. “My name’s Nekoto.” He practically shouted as he pointed to his chest with his thumb. He swiveled to Aki and with a curious look and a twitch of his ear he asked her name. “I’m Aki the Super Scientist!” She laughed as she felt infected by his good attitude.

Rulu spoke next, “5 star Chef, Rulu.” Genevieve jumped up to meet him and copied his action of pointing to her chest. “Super excellent pyromaniac Genevieve at your service!” She called out as she flicked her lighter on in her palm. Catching onto the giddy atmosphere Apple joined them. “Master of Intuition, Apple.” She said as she smiled and crossed her arms.

She looked back at Tiberius and cleared her throat. The Fox mix looked bored as he leaned back in his seat. “Artist of generations, Tiberius.” He mumbled before hunching back over his book.

The Genet didn’t look up as he felt eyes on him. “I’m the best strategist out there, Myckal.” He said in a clear voice but never leaving the enticing screen of his console. “Um, Jack-Of-All-Trades I guess, Tasha.” She tried to say but felt her voice trail off as she caught Rulu’s odd stare. “Doesn’t that mean you’re useless?”

Before she could reply Apple had sat in the seat behind her and ruffled her hat, “Nah, it just means she can’t decide what she wants to do so she learns everything.” Tasha in response fixed her hair and hat and looked out the window as her face felt hot again.

Nekoto, satisfied with the answers he got, jumped over the seats and landed beside Genevieve. “So what are you then?” She cooed as she scooted over to give him more room. “Only the best martial artist you will ever meet.” He grinned as he crossed his arms behind his head.
By this time the bus stopping was going unnoticed until somebody climbed into the growing crowd. Introductions went on again and again until they boiled it down to just names. It wasn’t until a large presence filled the bus that the atmosphere changed.

A well dressed dapper rabbit swayed in , his pin-striped fedora covering his eyes. He dramatically walked towards them, the purple fabric on the edge of his suit’s sleeves swayed with each step of his exaggerated stride. His head came up and his eyes sparked as the large group egged him to perform.

“Good morning my fellow students, your wait is now over as I, Rexington Brassfields have arrived. But as I would enjoy being accepted into your, “posse” you may call me “Rexi”. The bus was silent as they all stared at him, even Genevieve left speechless as he stood waiting for a reaction. “Just Sitt-own kid!” the bus driver boomed. Rexi snorted and tipped his hat’s visor back down, slumping into the seat beside Tibby. The introverted artist shifted uncomfortably towards the window and hunched over his work even more.

Rexi watched him and his frown grew, finding more interest in the details of his sleeve as he crossed his arms and pouted. He glanced around one last time before pulling a phone out of his suit and shutting out the world.

He felt somebody brush against him but wasn’t in the mood to perform for anyone else. Two students had climbed onto the bus, a Lynx and Iguana. The reptile smiled and waved to everyone as they walked towards the crowd while her partner stayed silent, with his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her large striped tail waved slowly behind her as she continued. “My name’s Braelyn! Call me Brae if you want.” She wore a bright smile and you could almost feel her joy.

The Lynx had his nose behind his thick scarf as he let her continue. It was until he felt a gentle elbow to his side the he snapped back into their world. “Slip.” He mumbled as he quickly looked for a seat. A few students moved around so that they had a place to sit together but after all the introductions Brae refused to tell them her talent.

Unfortunately when they started walking towards their seat Nekoto jumped up. Brae took a step back as he began his introduction until the bus screeched to a stop. Brae was knocked over before Slip could catch her and managed to take out Nekoto and her tail had whipped forward, knocking Aki’s glasses off. She quickly caught them before they hit the ground and offered a hand to Brae.

She accepted the help and found Slip’s arm wrapped around hers and they both sat down. She felt a bright blush on her face as Slip smirked, releasing her arm and turning towards the window. “So then...” Aki started awkwardly.

The conversations felt awkward at best, each person branching off into their own niches. Slip wasn’t the most talkative Lynx so Brae filled for both parts of their conversation.

A cream Sheep boarded the bus quietly as his baby blue horns almost glowed against his dark black wool. He looked around for an empty seat in the middle of the bus and sat down. It wasn’t until he caught a few people’s glances that he realized he should introduce himself. “I’m Razzle.” He greeted with a cool smile.

As Apple moved to a seat across from him, as Tibby and Rexi and an air of anti-social around them, she realized somebody else had darted on board. A blue fox had rounded the bus’s stairway and sat on the seat right behind them. He didn’t give the crowd a second glance as he feverishly scribbled in his notebook.

Tasha looked up at the new comer and noticed him writing, she was curious to see what he was up to but didn’t want to disturb Myckal from his game by trying to get past him. Genevieve instead took the lead as she jumped at the opportunity to meet somebody new.

“Hey there!” She chimed as she pushed him aside mid sentence to sit beside him. He didn’t budge as she tried and didn’t even acknowledge her as he finished a paragraph. She huffed at his attitude and crossed her arms as she waited for an answer. He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Henry, Journalist, Busy.”

Genevieve scoffed at his attitude before jumping back into the conversation she had left. Apple found herself wondering when this ride would be over as the bus was starting to get crowded. With their self appointed greeter off put by the latest guest’s actions the newest rabbit didn’t receive the welcoming committee.

Tasha, now fully bored with straining over Myckal’s shoulder, decided to greet him as nobody else jumped at the task. She jumped onto the seat in front of her and climbed over, exiting into the aisle and meeting him. She waved as she held her other arm behind her.
She felt her stomach churn as he didn’t say anything or greet her back. She looked at the males around them, Tibby scared her and she heard the conversation Henry had with Genevieve. Rexi was in his own world so the only person left was the new one.
She pointed to an empty seat and tucked a stray strand of hair back under her painters cap. He took the seat without another word and she let him sit first. “I’m Tasha, it’s nice to meet you.” She said as she offered her paw. He glanced at it before taking it and slowly shaking. “Uh, Issac.” She caught a glimpse of his piercing red eyes and gulped.

“So, what are you in for?” She asked with a playful smirk as she stepped onto his seat and sat on the back of the one in front of them. “I’m a musician.” He replied without returning the smile. Her ears perked up and tail slowly began to wag. “Do you play the guitar?” She guessed as she looked him up and down. “Piano, but I’m only here because my parents don’t want to watch me anymore.”

Her ears dropped and tail fell flat, not knowing what else to do she tried to move on. “So Piano, I used to play. My keyboard broke when I was younger though so I haven’t played for a while.”

The long awkward silence made her leg start to bounce as her nerves racked up. “So uh... classical?” she inquired as she suddenly regretted it. “I don’t play anything that supports this suppressive culture we live in.” She stared at him as he said that. Trying to find the words to say as the bus stopped once more. She squeaked as the fell backwards, catching the back of Tibby and Rexi’s seat.

A second Neko crawled onboard as his bright white hair reflected the now setting sun’s light. He smiled as he readjusted his satchel, the clanging of tools echoing through the bus. He walked towards the group as his scratchy pants echoed through the aisle. “I’m Eric.” He said with more friendly smile as he looked to the rest. “What’s with the bag o’ noise?” Rulu asked as he pointed at it.

“Ah, it’s my tools, I always carry them with me cause I am always inventing something.” He explained as he sat in front of Aki and Rulu. “Cool! I’m a scientist.” She explained as they began to chatter in a language nobody else could decipher. The bus was alive with chatter until the bus driver boomed over the speaker box. “There is one last stop before we head towards our destination, please be ready to disembark when the time has arrived.”
The bus driver finished and hung his microphone back up as he slowed down the bus. The commotion was almost recovered when the final student came onto the bus. A shy white fox walked on in silence. He looked at everybody around the bus and quickly moved to the least populated area. His paws clutched a bright glowing green plumbob shaped necklace.
Apple happened to be sitting closest to him and since Genevieve was busy arguing with Nekoto she took it upon herself to welcome him. “Hello.” She said nicely as she turned her body to face him across the aisle. “My name’s Apple.” She continued as he stared at her without saying a word. His eyes glanced away but went back to her, she almost didn’t catch him when he spoke. “Moss.”

She picked up on the thick accent immediately and put the few pieces together. “ Ah well, um, I hope you have fun!...?” she said with an awkward smile. As the bus kicked back into normal speed the voice boomed over the bus once more. “I ask that you look over your brochures given to you as a final review before we arrive. You have ten minutes. “

Who still had them shuffled to grab them from their packs but Rexi, feeling back to his normal self, decided to enlighten everyone. He clutched the pamphlet tightly as he ran to the back and jumped on the seats. He placed one foot on the one back of it and cleared his throat. “The camp for the gifted, where only the best of the best are invited!” He began with a loud obnoxious voice. “You’ve been chosen because you excelled in what you do best.” He continued with a big grin. “I am the best out there so it only makes sense.” Slip rolled his eyes and shoved the rabbit’s foot off the back of his seat.
“This camp will have full necessities and activities that every student must be punctual for.” Rexi continued without fault. The rabbit continued as most students began to tune him out. Henry finally pulled his nose out of his note book and clapped it shut. His new attention was found on the rest of the students.

He got up with the intent of interviewing a few strangers but the bus had pulled to a stop. Everybody got excited as they grabbed their bags and hurried to get up. Tasha sunk away from the crowd till she found Apple. They both hung back till they thinned out. Aki joined them as Tasha pulled her backpack strap onto her shoulder. “Are you guys ready?” Aki asked as she barely contained her excitement. “Yea, this is going to be fun right?” the Lynx replied as she gently rolled up Tibby’s drawing and place it in her pack.

Rulu had began to catch up with Slip as Genevieve and Brae were as loud as ever. “I’m so excited!” they both exclaimed while Tasha looked to her feet. “Yea... me too.” She mumbled as they got to the stairs of the bus. She turned to the bus driver to thank him but she found herself at a sudden loss of words. It was common for anthros to have bi-colored eyes but humans was virtually unheard of. “Thank you.” She finally managed to say as she shook it off and exited quickly.

They pulled their packs out of the bus’s storage and started to look around. It was a beautiful, lush camp site. Every building was finished with wood and had intricate signs on each front. The closest building was the Mess Hall, it had a large sun room on the front and bordered with a tennis court and in ground pool. There was evil a children’s play ground much to Tasha’s delight.

She began to make her way towards it when the camp filled with the vibration of white noise. Suddenly a voice cleared the static. “If all students please make their way to the Mess Hall. Repeat, all students make their way to the Mess Hall. “
Genevieve huffed. “Can we not unpack first?!” though her question went unanswered as everybody followed the command. Tasha’s rolling suitcase flicked gravel behind her as she followed beside her friends. She was more focused on everything around her, the beautiful air, the tranquillity of it all, the electric fences.

She did a double take and Myckal confirmed what she thought. “Is that... a fence?” Her stomach dropped.
Everybody’s heads whipped to see what the Genet was pointing at. As he said a large fence stood high above the ground. A low hum emitted from it as it towered over each building. Apple crossed her arms. “It’s to keep the wildlife out, we deep in the woods remember?” She said making everybody calm down.

“I bet there’s bears out there.”

“Stop it Slip!” Brae whined as Genevieve and Razzle shuddered.
The students poured into the Mess Hall, leaving their bags by the door as they walked to a cleared out section past the seating. “So we wait here?” Tasha asked as Aki pulled out a pamphlet. “It says here orientation is in half an hour so they are probably just getting ready.” She said as she checked her watch.
The students poured into the Mess Hall leaving their bags by the door as they walked to a cleared out section, past the tables. "So I guess we wait here?" Tasha asked quietly as Aki pulled out a pamphlet. "Yea, it says orientation is in half an hour so they probably almost ready." She said as she checked her watch.
Most of the students sat on the table while Aki, Genevieve and Brae all went to the bathroom. Apple preferred to stay standing, giving her legs a stretch as she noticed Razzle keeping to himself. “What are you up too?” she asked when he noticed the colorful, detailed cards he had in front of him.

“I’m reading Tarot Cards, would you like to try?” he asked with a smile. Her ears perked up with interest but her face tried to stay neutral. “Sure I’ll try it.” She sat in front of him and watched him pull all the cards back and hand them too her. She took them and shuffled for a few minutes before handing them back.

He looked at her for a moment before pulling the first card and flipping it over. “The Tower.” He spoke quietly as she leaned her elbows on the table to watch. “Eight of Swords.”
She was patient, studying each card and trying to think of what they could mean. “Justice.” The imagery of the last card still had her attention as the man was bound and blindfolded to eight swords. Makes sense of course. “Ten of Wands.” Was the judge holding sword? “Five of Cups.” She felt her breath catch in her throat as the figure on the card sent a chill down her spine. It looked like death itself as a cloaked figure stood looking over his shoulder. “Death.”

Well that fixed the last theory.

“Three of Swords.”
He stopped, a solemn look on his face. “Razzle?” Apple asked weakly as his grim face didn’t help. “Tarot cards read as a story.” He said as he arranged the cards more neatly. “The tower means that something is going to happen soon.” He said as she looked at the card he was pointing too. The tower was being struck down by a lightning bolt.

“The Eight of Swords means confusion and restriction, something is going to make you feel trapped and blind.” He said as he closed his eyes and pointed to the next with a deep sigh. “Justice means you will make a fair decision, weighing both sides and doing what is right.”

"The Eight of Swords means confusion and restriction, something is going to make you feel trapped and blind." He said as he pointed to the next. The judge holding the sword was one that set her a little more at ease. "Justice means you will make a fair decision, weighing both sides and doing what is right." It made her feel slightly more at ease.

“The Ten of Wands means burdens, you will find yourself with a lot more responsibility then you are used to.” She cocked her head to the side. “That’s a good thing though... right?” She asked quietly as he moved on. “Five of Cups means... it means loss. You will loose something very close to your heart and feel regret.

Razzle felt like he shouldn’t have offered, he never liked giving a grim reading but decided to finish it. Apple’s face fell as she felt a sliver of fear spike her heart. She didn’t believe in these things but it was scary non the less.

“And this one..” He said as it looked like he almost tried to cover the image of three swords piercing a heart but she had already seen it. “It means... you are going to become lonely and betrayed.”
The air was thick, others had caught on and joined in but everybody was silent. As the girls came back into the heavy atmosphere they found Apple and the others all staring at the cards. Tasha stepped towards the Lynx as she wanted to pull her friend from her trance but the sound of somebody coming on stage and tapping the microphone made her pause...