Stories of Tie Up Games

This was meant to be for the story contest,but I got carried away and went over the word limit. So enjoy anyway. It's long but I had a lot of fun writing it.


Stan arrived early to Camp Arrowhead, he was the first to arrive of the young men who volunteered this year to help set up. This would be his third year as a counselor for Arrowhead. The camp was designed as an extension of the big brother program. A camp run by upstanding young men, designed to give an escape for kids from rough upbringings. Stan was every bit the all American male. At the age of 22 he was the most athletic of the guys standing tall at six feet. Chestnut brown hair with solid muscle that glistened as he unloaded food he had picked up from the suppliers.

He was wearing a red bandanna tied over his forehead, and his sky blue camp shirt was tucked into the back of his tan shorts. He carried box after box to the mess hall where he would return to load the food into the freezer.

“Wooo hoo Stan the man!” Yelled the familiar voice of Chad.

Chad 23, was a few inches shorter but a handsome blonde haired guy dressed in his camp uniform. He was carrying in a portable radio that he set up on the table outside blaring Today’s Top 40. Which in this neck of the woods was about five months behind the hit parade.

“Hey folks we interrupt this stream of hits to tell you last night a Flemings Point Penitentiary van had capsized in route of a transfer, no survivors found in the capsized. Vehicle had held two inmates and two guards. None have been accounted for as o….” The broadcast cut short when Chad changed the station to one that was playing music.

“Need any help with the grub?’ Chad asked.

“Nah man, if you could get the boats moved that would be awesome. I still have to Get the freezer packed.

Chad left toward the boathouse. And Stan finished carrying the last box into the mess hall. He propped open the freezer door and walked into the dark space, flicking on the light his dusty Addias running shoe crunched on something on the floor.

As the lights flickered on and off he caught sight of some cheese doodles that were left on the floor.

Stan belt down to investigate, he found it odd that the chips weren’t stale. Out of nowhere, a hand clasped over his mouth and Stand lost balance and fell backward onto his attacker.

“Mmmmm” Stan screamed into the assailant's hand that left go of its grip once the weight of Stan had fallen on top of them.

“Ouch! What did you eat for breakfast cement?” Shouted Ricky who let go of Stan.

“Very funny Ricky, I got cheese dust all over my ass now.” Stand complained as both guys stood up.

“A refreshing change from the piss on the front.” Ricky said eyeballing Stand groin.

Stan looked down and Ricky flicked his nose.

“You play around way too much Ricky, go do some work we only have a couple of days before the campers start to roll in. You know how pissy Mr. Durst gets if we don’t have the prep done.” Stan said as he dusted off his shorts.

“Calm down I already got the barracks opened and I’ll be letting the beds down. And you should talk standing around eating cheese doodles.” Ricky said picking one off the ground and eating it.

“They aren’t mine.” Stan said making Ricky spit them out immediately.

“The hell you let me eat raccoon doodles ya douche!” Ricky sid scrubbing his tongue with his fingers.

“They aren’t stale, I threw out all the food from last year, it’s strange.” Stand said looking at the chips.

“Well maybe you missed it. Those things are fuckin loaded with preservatives anyway.” Ricky said dragging a box in.

“Language man, you gotta get into PG mode for the kids. So get the fucks and shits out of your vocabulary.” Stan shook his head.

“Please, those little shits say even worse when you try and get them to do anything. You have fun with the food I’m gonna go finish the beds. Chris and Durst should be arriving any time now. They texted me a few minutes ago. ” Ricky said walking out.

Ricky 24, was the fun-loving bearded type. Ricky was well put together, muscular with a dark black cropped cut with a trimmed beard to match. He had a gigantic smile and was the best around the campers. Mostly due to the fact he stirred up the most trouble with his pranks. He made his way out of the mess hall and towards the barracks.

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Chris was on the road to the camp in his four-door Hatchback, he saw a man standing on the road near the entrance to Camp Arrowhead. The man looked to be in his late twenties, was wearing blue slacks and a white shirt and carrying a small bag. He waved Chris’ down and being the good-natured guy Chris pulled over.

“Hey, guy, need a lift? It’s a long hike to Camp Arrowhead’s base.” Chris said with a big bright smile.
“Uh, yeah… I’m the new cook, Lou.” The guy said walking towards Chris’ car.

“Well get in buddy!” Chris unlocked his doors and let the guy in.

The man looked him up and down, Chris Garcia 21, was in the total camp counselor spirit. He was an attractive guy with brown eyes and cropped spiky black hair. He was in great shape, he just looked so dorky with his camp shirt tucked into his shorts and his knee-length white socks. Lou couldn’t help but almost feel a little bad about what he was about to do next. As Chris turned into the path to Arrowhead he was caught by surprise. The back of his neck was gripped by Lou and a blade was being held to his neck.

“Shut the fuck up and do exactly what I say and you won't get hurt. We are gonna take the long route you got that?” He asked and Chris nodded with a gulp.

“You aren’t the cook are you?” Chris asked already knowing the answer.

“You bet cowboy now drive we gotta meet up with a friend of mine. And stash you somewhere.”

Lou directed him to the far side of camp where the old barracks were. They were set for demolition next summer to keep campers from hanging around them and smoking weed, and god knows what else.

They arrived and Chris was snatched out of the car from the passenger side door. He was thrown against the car by Lou who held his wrists tightly behind him with some gritty looking twine from a sack he had on him. Lou marched him into the old cabins and Chris was met with the sight of three men. One in an orange prison suit, another man in his socks and underwear who was bound on the floor in a hogtie with duct tape wrapped around his mouth. And another man in an officer’s uniform also tied in a similar fashion.

“What’s your name kid?” Lou said shoving Chris inside and tossing him the sack of ropes.

“Chris.”

“Well Chris meet Danson, and officers Jackson, and Alverez." Danson finish this one off I gotta see if we got any more to take care of before we dash out of here. And for fuck sake change your clothes!” Lou said leaving Chris standing before Danson who was a strong very silent, very scary type.

The man stepped forward and tossed Chris to the floor. He started tying his ankles tightly with more twine.
“Please just let me go I prom…” Chris was cut short as Danson gripped his face.

He snatched off Chris’ left Nike and removed his hot sock from his foot. Danson balled it up and proceeded to stuff the sock into Chris’ mouth. Cramming it past his teeth. Chris was wide-eyed as he was manhandled by this brute. He heard the tearing of duct tape as Danson started to wind layers and layers over his mouth to trap his sweaty Nike crew sock inside of his mouth. He wasn’t finished there he then took more ropes and connected his ankles and wrists to another. Chris was tightly hogtied and could only let loose a few pathetic moans that only the most twisted could find amusing.

Danson did something peculiar. He walked over and propped the two officers upon their knees so they could watch Chris like an audience. Danson then propped Chris up and stood behind them Chris was confused as Danson then took a firm grip of his hair and soon found himself the co-star of this madman’s show. Danson held a blade to Chris’ throat and slowly poked him deeper and deeper. Chris was pricked and a small drop of blood was going down his neck. The officers bucked and howled under their gags as Danson looked on. Chris was sweating heavily and looking down at the few drops that had hit his shirt. Danson stopped before doing any major harm to him, he wanted to get a rise out of the officers.

He yanked Chris’ head back so his eyes met the ceiling, he saw Danson pick up the roll of duct tape again and he tore off a small piece. Chris was confused. His mouth was already so taped up what could he possibly do?

Danson hovered the strip of tape over Chris’ eyes teasing the cops who watched on, and then quickly pressed it down over Chris' nostrils. He shoved Chris to the floor where he went into full panic mode.

The cops watched in horror powerless to do anything the cops thrust their bodies to the floor trying to break free in desperation.

Chris was flailing, scraping his nose against the dusty old floor of the cabin. His breaths more powerful and more painful than the last, he thought he was a goner and felt the tap be ripped away from Danson. Chris took big lung bucketfuls of air. Panting under his gag. Danson crawled down to him and cradled him like a baby. Chris could only look at the cold dead eyes of this guy.

Back at the camp, Ricky was unlocking the activities shed. He walked in and started throwing assorted things out, from mitts to balls, and an old wooden frisbee.

He was terrible at taking inventory and was just writing random numbers as he looked over the equipment. Deep in thought, he was struck from behind by that same wooden frisbee. The thing bounced to the floor with Ricky following as he too like the frisbee circling on the floor was trying to make his world stop spinning. A foot stomped his back to the floor and Ricky hit it belly first. Someone was pulling his arms behind him and tethering his wrists with jump ropes from a neighboring shelf.

“Ow! Lame revenge Stan. I think you knocked my memory back to seventh grade...Mmmmoth!” Ricky was cut off by an old hand sized foam ball is stuffed into his bearded yapper.

“I aint Stan.” Lou whispered into Ricky’s ear from behind and felt tape seize his mouth.

When he was finished he took Ricky over to Chris’ car that was parked alongside the barracks. He let the seats down and shoved Ricky inside the trunk, Chris' car had a collapsable trunk and he made quick time blocking Ricky's bound body from outside view. Another jump rope in hand he tied Ricky’s ankles together before wrapping him with a storm tarp Chris had in the back.

“I’m guessing there’s a few more of you?... Not a fuckin word kid. He said slamming the back hatch door shut.

Ricky wormed around all burittoed up in the back of Chris’ car, Ricky's head pillowed by a bag of Chris’ laundry. Ricky was furious the eagle scout never learned to wash his socks and underwear at home and not wait to do it at camp.

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Paul Durst 34, was a handsome guy. He was a teacher at a charter school, but during his summers he had been head of Camp Arrowhead now for ten years running. He loved these kids and made the tradition of making sure the old camp was in tip-top shape before any youngsters arrived. Mr Durst had arrived last, he waved to Stan who was working outside of the mess hall as he drove in.

“Where’s Chad?!” Durst shouted out of his window.”

“Lakehouse!” Stan shouted back.

Durst nodded as he parked his truck along the back path to the docks. It was too narrow a drive to the docks with his big truck, he would have to make the rest on foot. He stepped out of his truck and looked like a prized specimen of manhood in his hunters green vest, partnered with his Camp shirt, tan slacks, and New Port sandals. Placing his sunglasses on he made his way on foot down the road.

He saw in the distance a car that looked a lot like Chris’ car. Only there was no Chris driving it. He flagged the car down and the car stopped about twenty feet from him. Durst made his way over and greeted the guy with a smile.

“You are a new face.” Durst said leaning into the driver’s side window.

“New cook.” Lou said.

“So Mr. Amos finally retired without telling us eh? Well partner could you possibly give me a lift to the docks? I gotta meet a counselor there I’m sure will drown himself trying to load the canoes into the water.” Durst asked with a cheeky grin.

“Hop on in…. Partner.” Lou unlocked the door and Durst ran around the side and dropped his phone and backpack between his legs on the floor.

“The pool house is not too, too far from here, thanks again.” Mr. Durst said.

“No problem.” Lou said trying to hide his annoyed tone.

Mr. Durst looked around the car, it looked so much like Chris’ even smelled like it too. His eyes met the rear view mirror and what his eye caught in the back really caught his eye. He could just make out a men’s sneaker with ropes tied around them. Something wasn’t right, but he didn’t know if this guy was dangerous so he didn’t want to take any chances.

The car stopped and Durst looked over at Lou.

“I gotta piss, be right back.” Lou said exiting the car.

Mr Durst had to think fast. He was devising a plan, he was so deep in thought that as he set that plan in motion of bending down to grab his phone Lou had opened the side door behind him and was holding a blade to his neck.

“Hands behind the chair partner.”

Durst did as he was told and felt ropes going around his wrists cuffing his arms behind the chair. Lou tore off a small strip of tape and pressed it over Durst’s mouth. Lou slammed the door and walked off in the woods to go drain the main vein. Durst went into motion. He tugged at the ropes but they would not budge. He needed to reach his phone and fast. But how?

He stared down at his feet and an idea popped into his head. He slipped off his sandals and tried to get a grip on his iphone. It took a couple of times but he managed to type in his code with a combo of his big and index toe. Being a size 14 was no easy feat, pun very much intended.

His last contact was Ricky who judging by the dirty red Nike Sneakers struggling behind him was no longer an option. Stan! He started to type “S….O….S “

And sent.

“????” Stan texted back with an alarmingly loud text tone.

Durst was starting to sweat….. He tapped the photo option on his phone with his big toe and seconds began to feel like hours as he tried to angle the phone with his toes. Each digit growing sweatier and losing grip more and more. He leaned in and caught a photo of him with tape over his mouth.

And sent. A swoop sound was like music to Durst’s ears as he lay his head back eyes shut. However, when he opened them he started to tremble.

“Who you talking to partner?” Lou said with a sadistic grin. He reached in and grabbed Durst’s phone. The picture of handsome Stan that was fed into his phone via Facebook brought a bigger grin to Lou’s face.

“Well let’s pick up our friend from the docks and make pretty boy’s rescue mission a bit more interesting shall we?” Lou laughed as he got into the car and cranked the engine.

Lou rode with the tape gagged Durst down to the poolhouse they could see in the distance an exhausted Chad dragging canoes outside. Lou reached over and snatched off Durst’s tape.

“Call him over partner. And tell him to get in.” Lou said nudging Durst in his side.

“Chad, hop in we have an emergency counselor meeting.” Mr. Durst shouted over to chad who jogged over.

The blond hunk hopped right in and didn’t notice at first the odd sight of his leader’s hands tied behind him till it was too late.

“Put your hands right here kid.” Lou demanded slamming his hands on the center console.

Chad did and Lou tied his wrists tightly. “You got anything I can gag you with kid?” Lou asked as he tied.

“No…” Chad answered back.

“You’re wearing socks aint you?” Lou asked coldy looking at a petrified Chad.
“Well yeah.”

“Take em off then and hand me them.” Lou instructed.

Chad popped off his low top converse and presented two warm ankle socks one red one green.

“God what’s with you kids and not washing your feet? Open up!” Lou stuffed the green sock into Chads mouth. He then looked over at Mr. Durst who was just looking on. “Now you partner mouth open!” Durst opened his mouth and accepted the sock knowing he was powerless.

“Say your prayers kid.” Lou finished by wrapping Chads mouth with tape.

Then forcing Chad’s palms together Lou taped his hands shut in front of him. And turned over and taped Durst’s mouth shut with five wraps of duct tape, each sloppier than the last.

Lou exited the car and the guys watched him storm around back and pop the hatch behind them. He dragged Ricky out who hit the ground with a thud. Chad looked over as Lou propped a bound and gagged Ricky into the seat next to him.

“Comfortable boys? We are gonna make a movie here for our friend Stan. So I’m gonna need you to really give your best performance.” Lou said as he held up Durst’s iphone.

He started a facetime call with Stan.

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Stan looked over at his phone that was ringing the familiar tone of a facetime call. The header said Durst, and Stan swiped to accept the call. He was greeted by an unfamiliar face of Lou.

“Hello Stan. I’m Mr. Lou. I have a few folks here you may know.” He panned around the car to show all the men struggling and moaning inside the car. “And there’s more where that came from. Now I’m in the playful mood and before I head out me and my friend Danson want to have a bit of fun with you. Rest up boy and meet me at the archery range in one hour. See you soon.” The call cut off.

Stan’s heart sunk into his stomach. What the hell was going on? He couldn’t just rush there like he desperately wanted to do. So He decided to get crafty. He rushed to the supplies closet where the first aide was located. Inside grabbed a couple of pocket knives he prayed wouldn’t need to be used. Tucking one into his shoe and other into his back pocket.

He slid open his phone and dialed 911, as he sat on the call and explained the situation they assured them they would get there as fast as they could, but if he can keep them distracted as safely as possible while they made the two hour trip north to the campsite.

When he got off the phone it lit up with a new text from Durst saying to leave his phone behind.

Stan embarked on his journey to the archery range. It was a good distance away and his mind raced as he made his way there. Dusk was starting to set in and he needed to increase his stride if he wanted to make it there in time.

When he arrived he saw two men standing on the other end of the range where the youths would safely fire their bows, beyond them he could barely make out a bunch of figures on the range. As he grew closer he made out all of his friends and a few other guys he didn’t recognize. There they all were down a line tied back to the large targets ropes around their bodies and tape over their mouths. He saw the barefoot Chad next to tear and blood stained Chris who had only one shoe on, Ricky and Mr Durst tied and tape gagged, and lastly a roughed up cop tied next to a man in his underwear and long black socks.

“What do you want?” Stan called out.

“We want to play a fun game.” Lou said

“Ever read of the Most Dangerous Game?” Lou asked holding a bow and some bolts strapped to his back.

“Like back in tenth grade.” Stan responded as the reference suddenly connected.

“Well my boy we are gonna play something similar. Danson tied his hands.”

Danson walked over and forced Stan’s hands together in front of him. He tied his wrists together with some rope. And pulled them good and tight.

Stan grunted as his wrists were wrangled. Danson patted down Stan and pulled the concealed knife from his back pocket. He tossed the knife to Lou who grinned. Danson then bent down and started to pull off Stan’s right sneaker. Stan just stood there as the weirdo pulled off his sweaty Reebok crew sock. Stan sweated even more as Danson reached over to the loaded left shoe and paused as Lous shouted over.

“One sock is enough Danson. Gag him and let’s play already!”

Danson stood up and gripped Stan’s mouth. He plunged his sweaty sock into his mouth and started to mercilessly wrap his mouth with the tape. Four winds and Stan stood tall, and silent.

“Better get to running kid!” Lou called and with that Stan hit the ground running towards base camp. Ignoring the gravel against one of his bare feet Stan made a curve int the woods. He knew these woods, he was working this summer job for three years and he knew he could keep these creeps distracted. He had to.

He breathed and paused to try and catch his breath. An arrow zoomed past his head just missing him. He darted forward in a zig zag formation. He ran for what felt like an eternity, the base camp was in near sight. He didn’t know what he would do but he prayed for some kind of miracle.

Swoop an arrow just grazed his ear. He paused again and powered through his chase.

He could see the base and knew he could take shelter somewhere, Stan ran down to the first cabin he ducked between two of the close neighboring cabins and hid. He saw the two goons run past. Stand made quick work taking out his pocket knife, ripping and fraying at the ropes that held him captive. The ropes popped open and his hands were freed. He left his gag on to stay as silent as possible.

He jumped up and made his way around the corner to find another hiding spot when he hit the back of Lou who now was pleased to find his prey. He lifted his bow and Stan closed his eyes knowing he was a goner.

“I’m feeling generous. Instead of killing you here in the dark like a rat. Danson lets give this boy a proper farewell. He fought like a soldier and should die like one. Tie them hands behind him.”

Danson tied Stan’s hands behind him. And even bound his arms for added measure. Stan’s heart raced as he began his death march. Lou and Danson walked him to the center of the camp base. They arrived to the flag pole in the center of camp. Lou forced Stan down to his knees.

“I’m giving you quite the mercy killing. You see Danson and I love to torture our pray before we take care of them. You will be spared of that experience Stan. But your friends, they won't be so lucky. Now hang that head soldier and we will end this with honor.”

Tears have begun to well in Stan’s eyes. He hung his head and accepted his fate. He was defeated and soon his ears were met by a deafening ringing. Stan’s eyes were frozen shut, from shock. He looked over and saw Lou laying on the ground and saw Danson sprinting and soon hit the ground too after a fury of more bangs rang. Stan looked over and saw a bunch of shadows rush over to him.

“Are…. You….. Okay?....” Stan blacked out.

“Stan? Stan wake up!” Chad shouted as Stan opened his eyes.

He was laying in front of an ambulance. He looked over to the other guys who were all draped in blankets and drinking from cups on the grass of base camp.

“What the hell happened?” Stan asked as consciousness was regaining.

“You are a hero man, you led those assholes out long enough that the cops got here right in the nick of time.”

“Who were they?” Stan asked holding his head.

“Apparently a prison van capsized that those goons hijacked and they took refuge here. We all showed up and I guess the sickos wanted to leave a trail of terror for the campers to find before they headed to their next target. But You stopped them man.” Chad said giving Stan a big hug.

“I want in on Stan the man too, let’s hug it out bro!” Ricky said running over to give Satna hug too.

“Get the fuck off I was just tied up for a damn hour.” Stand said shoving them off.

“Fuck off Patty Hearst I was in that fucking tarp smelling Chris nasty ass socks way longer than that.” Ricky snapped back.

“Well, I was tied longest and had to taste those socks, and terrorized by that Jason Voorhees mother fucker.” Chris fired back.

“I’m pretty sure that makes you his wife now Chrissy boy!” Ricky said as Chris socked him in the arm.

Stan watched them all joke back and forth. He was just relieved this day was finally over.

END

I liked this so much I wanted to keep writing so here's a sequel. Lemme know what you think.

Hell At Camp Arrowhead 2: Blood Ties


A year has passed and Stan looks over the rubble of the far camp cabins that were demolished right on schedule. He was positive his summer was sure normal one and he could not wait for it to start sooner. After the events of last year, his mind still raced with the eyes of that madman and his lackey. Most of the other guys decided not to return to the camp, which was understandable, especially Chris who had a near panic attack on the phone when Stan asked if he was returning. Who could blame him? Stan felt crazy himself for wanting to return after what he had been through.

“You thought I was done didn’t you Stan?” Stan looked over and suddenly found himself tied hand and foot to a chair as the wall rebuilt themselves around him.

“HelllpMmmmmmm” Stan’s words were cut off by a thick gag that wrapped over his face.

“Mmmmm?” Stan struggled and moaned as he looked down at his hands tied down to the armrests of the chair he was sitting on, wherever his eyes looked more ropes seemed to bind him.

It was like he was being cocooned in ropes, He looked ahead and saw Lou. He had a wound in his neck and looked like her had crawled out of a grave. An equally disgusting looking Danson walked from behind Stan to join him. Lou drew a bow and aimed it at Stan.

“Time to let you die with dignity soldier!”

SNIPPE!

Stan shot awake at his post on the patio of the mess hall. He was daydreaming again.

“Wake up Stan the kids are arriving. No way for a leader to act, sleeping’ on the job.” Said new counselor Sam.

After the incidents of last summer, Stan decided to take the reigns of Camp Arrowhead, after all Paul Durst stepped down from his position. And when the opportunity to take his place came, Stan took it with pride. And with the knowledge that both those crazy kooks were six feet under Stan at least took comfort knowing this summer was gonna be as “normal” as possible.

The campers were starting to roll on in on the buses, this year was a mixture of inner city and private donors. The camp took a real nasty financial hit when Chad’s father took the camp to court for the breach of safety. If the place wasn’t owned by an oil tycoon Charles Haystack it would of gone under entirely. So despite the owners disapproval the camp had to take in a more diverse group of campers this year. Stan didn’t mind this he always thought the owner Mr Haystack was kind of a bigoted old fart, who made his thoughts known about the new editions to camp to literally anyone who would listen.

Stan stood posted on the patio of the mess hall. He and his three returning counselors transferred into his squad, and one new recruit. First was Matt 24, a strawberry blonde guy from Jersey who was in terrific shape and lead on sports activities. Simon 23, who was a jet black haired fella with a mustache knack for the guitar. Joey, a scruffy faced brunette who was hired for his swim record at the local high school. And lastly, the new guy the spectacled Sam who was a cute guy glasses and all, he was really into the new wave teachings of building trust in one another. Stan knew he meant well even though he drove him up the wall.


“Alright men, let's line up for the welcome. We spent the last two weeks getting this place ready let's have a great summer, and make some memories!” Stan said and all the guys took formation.

They stood tall and proud in their camp uniforms of sky blue shirts, chachki shorts and sneakers and socks. They watched the groups all break away from the bus and the small group that Stan was in charge of was divided up.

Day one went off without a hitch. The teens seemed to respond well to the activities which is usually like pulling teeth. Well almost all of them, one teen Billy was a lot quieter than the rest. Stan tried to dismiss it as first day jitters. They all seemed so happy to be at camp. The five counselors lead their group to the mess hall where they would all gather to begin their series of orientation games. This task was left up to Sam to organize for his group.

As the teens sat with his squad of leaders Stan took a seat himself and watched Sam take lead on the welcoming activity. Sam walked to the center and presented a sack. He took out a bunch of cloths and presented his idea.

Joey got one look at it and chimed in. “Hey a magic show! Don’t you gotta pull those out of somewhere though?” He laughed nudging Simon.

“If he’s only make himself disappear.” Simon added.

“Now, I am going to demonstrate a trust exercise for you all. My father’s research has shown that this kind of group exercise is powerful in building trust amongst your fellow brothers.” Sam trailed on.

“Sam put a sock in it would ya and get to the game.” Matt pleaded with an eyeroll Stevie wonder could see.

“Fine. Stan could you join me up here?” Sam asked holding out his hand to help him up.

Stan took it and joined him in the center.

“Stan could you please turn around for me?” Sam asked and Stan obliged.

Sam then twisted the cloth into a blindfold and tied it over Stan’s eyes. Stan laughed at first, but felt uneasy as Sam started to take his wrists behind him. He tied them loosely with twine and started to spin Stan around.

Stan’s heart began to pound and he started to have a mild panic attack. He could see those eyes again. He felt like he was short of air.

“And fall back!” Sam said as he shoved the blinded Stand backwards.

Stan sandbagged Matt who was waiting behind and caught him before he met the floor.

“You see, Stan hesitated and we almost had an accident. You gotta trust your brothers here. Even the leader can have cracks in his foundation when it comes to trusting others.” Sam said with a smile looking at Stan.

Stan’s face flushed as he looked over at Sam very confused, he did his best to regain his composure quickly and clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Okay everybody pair up and me and Sam will oversee this exercise, we want you guys to build trust with your fellow campers. We are here to make friendships we can hold onto for years.” Stan said watching all the campers in his squad partner up, all but Billy who got up and left the group entirely to go sit by himself on the bleachers of the mess hall.

Stan excused himself and followed the boy. He sat down beside him and in an effort to have a heart to heart asked him what was the matter.

“Hey man I know being away from home can be a little scary, and these big groups can be intimidating but you only rob yourself when you don’t participate.” Stan said patting Billy on the back.

“I’m sixteen you don’t have to talk to me like I’m a five year old. I just don’t wanna meet these guys. They all seem like stuck up assholes. I’m not trusting any of them to catch me. The whole ride up here they were throwing shit at me.” Billy fired back.

“Look I get it, people can suck. But you gotta give people the benefit of the doubt even if they treat you shitty at first, if you open up you’ll be surprised who people can truly be when you get to know em.”

Billy looked unconvinced. And Stan could take a hint when somebody needs to be left alone.
“Tell you what, join when you are ready. Hell you could do the exercise on me if you don’t feel comfortable. Just give em a chance okay?.” Stan patted Billy’s back and left him to rejoin the group.

He could tell Billy just needed his space, after a few years you meet campers with the same problem and by week one’s end everyone is thick as thieves. He was sure this Billy kid was no exception. They did the exercise for twenty minutes all the while Billy showing no sign of interest, and he didn’t join.

As the night wound down Stan did his final count before calling lights out on his group. With all of his charges accounted for her shut out the lights of his groups bunks, and made his was to the counselor bunks to turn in. As nightfall was upon him he walked across the field to his cabin where his squad was to spend their nights.

Stan walked into the bunks to see only Simon and Joey hanging out playing cards.

“Where’s Sam and Matt?” Stan asked taking off his shirt and shoes in preparation for bed.

“Matt is doing reps late at the field house, and Sam said he was going into town to get better toilet paper.” Simon said not looking up from his hand.

“Thank god, that hipster has been driving me nuts with all that waxing Kumbaya bullshit about trust, and brotherhood. It’s like Chris never left.” Joey said dealing his hand.

“Only Chris was a such a goodie two shoes I’m sure he would have to run to the side of a Mountain to yell ‘Shit!’ run back so nobody would hear him.” Simon dealt and all the guys had a laugh.

“Chris was a good guy though man.” Stan added as he laid over his bunk.

“I’ll miss all those guys.” He added.

“Hey! But look on the bright side, you got the best damn guys in your group now that the Arrowhead Beatles broke up you got Wings!” Joey said playfully slapping behind him onto Stan’s bare stomach.

Joey got up and announced. I’m headed to the showers. It’s been a long day, and I smell like a farm, feet, and whatever else Simon reeks of. Suggest you both do too soon.” Joey said sniffing his arm pit.

“Fuck off Joey, I’ll go in a bit.” Simon said picking up his cards.

“Same.” Stan said half asleep.

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Matt was finishing up his shower after a long late workout. The showers were empty all but the deafening sounds of circuits outside.

“God damn they are loud, what is it mating season? Noisy ass bugs.” Matt said to himself as he wrapped his towel around his waist.

He looked down at the ledge where he left his clothes but only his underwear was there.Confused he put them on and wrapped the towel over that. The sounds of his wet feet cracking at the old tile floor filling the room. Matt could see across the room a note taped to the door. He rushed over to see what it said.

“If you want your clothes back meet me behind the equipment shed, blindfold yourself, spin around three times and say yoohoo. Heart you best bro Joey.”

“Son of a bitch it’s like Ricky never left.” Matt said crumbling up the note.

He marched onward to the equipment shed that was thankfully right outside the field house. When he got behind it he saw a blind fold from the earlier trust exercise and Matt reluctantly put it on. He did as the note asked, it was either that or walk back in a towel and his skivvies. He spun and after a bit of dizziness said softly. “Yoo hoo?”

“Yoo hoo!” Said a voice Matt didn’t recognize and fast as a flash Matt felt a kick swiftly to his groin.

Winded Matt hit the grass and tried to shield himself. Not even thinking to remove his blindfold he felt another kick this time to his head, disorienting him. His attacker worked fast pulling his arms behind him and in a few hasty clicks thick zip ties went around his wrists. The assailant added two more around his wrists and Matt was trapt.

“What the….Mmmmmph!” Matt’s cries were cut off by a moist fabric invading his noise hole.

“How about you put a sock in it Matt.” The guy said as he crammed in Matt’s second black hanes ankle sock.

He heard tape and soon felt it wind around his head in rapid succession. One, two, three, four wraps and Matt was dead silent. The unknown man then took a few more of those ties and zipped up Matt’s ankles , and then his knees. Matt was blinded and blindsided by this attack. He could only hear the commotion as he heard this guy open up the shed and pull something out.

Suddenly he was being rolled, onto something, and this something he was being wrapped in. It was a goal net. If the zip tied weren’t enough the man was tying him up like a tree with jumping cords. And with a hard tug at his ankles he felt himself being dragged. But where, and why?

------------------------------------------------
Joey had his shower caddy and a bag of clothes with him, the one downside of his cabins location was how far it was from the showers. He would be covered in bites by the time he got there he was sure of it. He walked down the wooded trail his hiking boots snapped making the wilderness aware of his existence. He made a half of step before he felt something flash past him, passing air hitting his face. He whipped his head the direction it came from and saw a dark figure in a camp uniform wearing a black mask standing there with a bow and a handful of bolts at the ready.

Joey dropped his belongings and shot his hands up immediately. “Look whatever it is this isn’t funny. I know a good joke and this aint it…” Joey pleaded hoping they would just leave him be.

The man tossed Joey a blindfold and motioned for him to put it on. Joey did and tied the cloth over his eyes. He heard footsteps and soon felt an arrow pressing against his back. The man was tugging Joey’s arms behind him and he was being tied at the wrists with rope.

“I got like fifty bucks in my...Mmmmmm” Joey was silenced by a shower sponge being stuffed in his mouth.

The man took a few strips of tape and taped the sponge in with an “X” across his face. The guy was mercilessly wrapping Joey’s upper body in ropes ad he stood there powerless to stop it or call for help. The sponge welling up with his saliva. This twisted freak then tied a rope around his neck and tugged at it as if it were a makeshift leash. He was being lead somewhere and his body was pushed forward and Joey was just trying his hardest not to trip in the dark journey that lay ahead.

---------------------------------------------

Simon was late getting out to shower. He couldn’t wait to wash up through today took a lot of him and he knew tomorrow was only going to be more hectic. He made it to the shower house and was stopped by a sight he didn't expect to be here till much later. It was Sam’s car parked right outside. The high beams were on and it was a blinding sight to say the least. He made his way closer to the vehicle and saw the driver side door left open. He flicked the beams off but left the door open.

“SAM?! You around? It’s early what did you speed?” Simon shouted looking around him.

Muffled noises could be heard from the back of the car. It sounded like they were coming from the trunk, Simon reached in and popped the trunk from the driver’s side door. The trunk whipped open and the sounds grew louder. Simon rushed to see what it was and looked upon the sight of a bound and gagged Joey who was struggling inside the trunk tied hand and foot with something taped inside his mouth. His blindfold was askew and his one exposed eye bulged wide at the sight of Simon.

“MmMMmmmmmlp!” Joey moaned into the soggy gag.

“Hahaha, you must of trusted Sam an awful lot to let him do this to you Joey bear.” Simon said slapping Joey’s face playfully as he struggled to get his serious attention.

“Mmmmmet mmmmmme mmmmout! Mmmmmooo…...” Joey moaned as he ceased struggling at the sight of something that wasn’t Simon.

“What? Okay I’ll get you untied, but the…. Gah!” Simon was taken off guard by a burlap sack goin over his head and down his arms.

The sack was a giant sack normally used to hold the dodgeballs, but made for a human sack in a jiffy for our attacker. He slammed Simon to the ground and proceeded to wrap his upper body with ropes sealing the bag over him. Soon he was consumed by darkness and his vision nothing but black with small specs of light. He was picked up off of the ground and dumped inside the trunk on top of Joey.

“Asshole let us go! Let us goo...Mmmmmm” Simon felt two thick fingers press the edged of the bag into his mouth to gag him.

The figure pressed his two fingers in that the remnants of the bag around him contoured to his head. He then gripped Simon’s head tightly as he taped over the bag where he could make out where his mouth would be.


“Mmmm mmmm mmmm!” Simon grunted as he was forced on top of Joey in the crammed trunk.

“Let’s go for a ride boys, you’ll meet up with your friend Matt soon enough.” The voice said to them.

Both men struggled as the trunk slammed shut.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stan awoke to a dark cabin, his roommates had not returned yet which was odd since his now near dead phone said it was going on one AM. He sat up in his bunk and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He couldn’t believe he overslept. He needed to shower and try and get some rest. But first to locate the other guys. He set his bare feet onto the floor and made his way to the dresser to grab his shirt. Sliding his pocket knife into his back pocket. Just an extra precaution he now made a way of his daily routine.

He picked up his camp shirt and before he was able to slip it on he heard a pounding on his door. Stan walked over and saw it was Billy.

“Billy! Come in. Why are you out so late, curfew is in effect..” Stan said letting him in the cabin.

“I couldn’t sleep, I wanted to talk to one of you guys. I bumped into Stan earlier but he blew me off in a huff and I honestly…” Billy stopped mid sentence and sat on a bunk.

“What man?” Stan asked setting what he was doing down and joined him seated on the bunk.

“I wanted to apologize for being such a dick earlier. I should've participated, you were right I was only hurting myself.” Billy said with a crack in his voice.

“Man it’s okay. Dude it was just a trust exercise. Sam will make us do plenty more ALL summer long trust me.” Stan said trying to lighten the mood.

“I should of just joined. I feel so terrible, this is what my old man always goes on and on about. I need to stand up like a man and take action. Or else opportunity will pass me by.” Billy said beginning to sob.

“It was just a game dude. It’s..” Stan had an idea. “Remember I said you could join whenever you felt comfortable? Well How about we act like the game didn’t end okay. It’s just going really late.” Stan suggested.

“Okay, so what?” Billy said wiping his face.

Stan stood up and put his back to Billy. “Okay so here goes, I’ll fall back and let’s see if I can trust my camp brother to catch me.” Stan said.

“We need a blindfold though don’t we?” Billy added.

“I guess we do. Well I don’t… This’ll work in a pinch.” Stan grabbed his long white sock off the floor and tossed it to Billy.

Billy stood up and tied it over Stan’s eyes.

“Not the best smelling blindfold but I digress let’s see if you’ll catch me..”

“Hold on this too.” Billy said taking Stan’s arms behind him and wrapping his wrists with a piece of rope.

“Where did you get that?” Stan asked getting a bit nervous.

“I saw it on Sam’s bunk. It’s part of the game. You said you’ll go first and see if you can trust me.” Billy said tying off Stan’s wrists.

“Okay, I trust you…. But just in case you better catch me, okay here goes.” Stan said as he fell backwards.

He hit the floor hard and his head thudded against the floor. His ears ringing.
“You were supposed to catch me.” Stan said delirious.

“Stan help! It’s mmmmph...” Billy shouted and was soon muffled as Stan could see nothing.

He just heard a lot of commotion. And felt more roped wrap his body. “Leave him alommmmmm!” Stan’s other sock went straight into his mouth.

The attacker pressed tape over his mouth. Stan’s was in a world of pitch. He struggled to get free as this attacker laid into him with more ropes. Soon he was tied hand and bare foot. It all went completely lights out as he was kock aside his head. Sending him into dreamland.


-----------------------------------------------

Stan’s eyes were groggy as he awoke still inside his cabin. He was seated in a chair. He wrists tightly bound behind him, and his ankles roped down to the legs of the chair. His sock was still lodged in his mouth with a long strip of duct tape holding it temporarily. He was seated at the foot of the bunks and hadfull view of whoever laid there. In each bed he saw Joey tied spread eagle with a gag strapped into his mouth, above him was an underwear clad Matt wrapped up in a net and tied down like luggage going on a road trip. Across was Simon who also spread eagle on his bed, and what looked like a fresh duct tape gag over his mouth judging from his bare feet he knew what that tape was holding in. Above Simon on the top bunk was a set of bare feet that were bound up inside the blanket, Stan couldn’t make out who they could be.

“Look whose awake.” Said the disguised voice.

His attacker sounded so gruff and almost like a smoker. His shape obscured by the campers uniform and a large baggy coat.

“Mmmmm! Mmmgah! Who are you? Where is Billy?” Stan spat out as his gag was released.

“He’s here. Wanna say hi to him?” the man said coldly.

“Sam you bastard when I get out of this…”

“Sam?. Oh Stan, you got me all wrong. Sam is right here!” The figure said dragging the body of a bound and gagged Sam from the top bunk into Stan’s line of vision.

“What?.” Stan was so confused.

The man removed his mask to reveal the face of Billy. “Sam was right about something Stan, you do have cracks in your foundation of trust. But you were right..” Billy walked closer and got right into Stan’s face. “When people open up, you’ll be surprised who they are.”

“What do you meaMmmmmmmPh?!” Stan’s word cut short by Billy stuffing his sweat sock back into his mouth and taping it shut.

“You have a lot of nerve taking this job after what happened last year. My father would still be alive if it wasn’t for YOU!” Billy screamed punching Stan hard in his stomach.

“You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to sneak onto a bus. Lou “The Skinner” Hodges. He was my father, and the best one I ever knew. Pop told me all about how he planned to over throw that transfer, and he would come back for me. We were going to be together again, AND YOU RUINED IT!!!” Billy shouted gripping Stan’s face.

“Mmmmm mmmmph!” Stan bucked in his bonds.

“Its fine now, I can at least finish what he started. Now hold still.” Billy said showing an apple he was hiding on his person.

He placed the apple on Stan’s head. Then walked over to the other side of the room to pull something long from a bag. The guys looked on in horror their moans filling the room.

Billy pulled out a bow and some bolts.

“See me an pop enjoyed playing hunting games. Since the thrill of the hunt proved too much for my old man I’m not going to make the same mistake he did.” Billy said drawing his weapon.

Stan bugun to shiver and sweat. Billy shot the bow and it nailed the apple to the wall in a explosive splat. Stan shrugged in releaf.

“Don’t get comfortable I’m gonna kill ya, but I will have fun toying with you first. Billy said bending down to fetch another apple from his sack.

Stan worked his bonds but it was too tight, then it hit him. The knife was still in his back pocket, he reached and reached. And managed to pull it from under his rear. He had seconds to get the ropes cut. Billy stood up and walked forward to Stan, a foot away he was hit with a powerful sneeze. Dropping the apple from his hand. It rolled under Simon’s bunk.

“Fuck! Just a moment Stan.” Billy said going to fetch it.

Stan had the blade open and was slicing at the ropes, he could feel them weaken. Trying to cut and not seem suspicious. Billy stood up and walked to Stan apple in hand. He leaned in and placed the fruit on top of Stan’s head and with rock solid Stan haymaker knocking Billy to the floor.

Billy laid unconscious and Stan made a mad dash to get untied. Once his legs were freed he rushed to a gagged screaming Simon to get him untied.

He ripped the gag off his face and Simon spit out the white ankle socks. “Ick! Get us out of here, before that fucking crazy kid gets up.”

Simon sat up and looked at the floor where Billy had laid.

“Stan.” Simon said pointing to the floor.

Stan turned his head to see the floor with no Billy in sight. Stan rushed out the cabin to see Sam’s car spark up and peel off the grounds. Stan ran after it until he collapsed on the dirt road. He was left in the dust. Matt, Sam, Joey and Simon ran after him a few moments later to find the panting Stan.

“He got away. Fuck he got away.” Stand said distraught.

“It’s over bro, relax now.” Joey said trying to console him.

“Is it?” Stan said looking at him.

“Is it?.”

THE END?