JuliWuzHere

To not go on too big of a tangent, it’s basically the premise of “What if the Camp Camp characters were in the Killer Klowns from Outer Space universe and they were forced to save the town from the alien invasion?” It would follow three different groups of kids, with some of them not being friends prior to the invasion, being forced to work together due to there predicament. But they are actually more intertwined than they realize. It would have a slow burn romance, different povs, queer exploration in the 1980s period, blah blah blah.

Lots of very cool things you probably do not want to read about right now. I could give you the actual detailed premise, but that is not the point. The point is that that story has sort of consumed my mind and I’m trying to finish writing the first few chapters, get them beta read, and then uploaded on Ao3 and go from there. But because of that, I don’t really see myself writing Realistic Magic very soon. I’m definitely going to write it at some points but I can’t give an exact date.

I think one of the headcannons I often include in my daydreams or writing is the idea of his parents, before camp had been something they could sign up Max for, making him do a TON of other activities. And it didn’t stop after Max meet the age requirement for camp Campbell. When Max isn’t at camp, he’s doing all the other activities he is forced to do after school or on weekends. Sure, most of them his parents probably signed him out of due to them being too expensive or because Max complained too much, but for the most part, he has done an extensive amount of activities. The first activity that came to mind after reading this post? He’s probably done it and mastered it.

I mean seriously, this kid has only been doing gymnastics for a couple months. He had from august all the way to June to practice gymnastics, and he’s already so good at it the show writers had to make him do the obstacle course off screen?! (Actually it was probably because of the budget, but you get my point.)

And not just that, did you see the way he wielded that spear back in season 1 when Ered took over camp? I’m sorry, but that kind of skill with a spear isn’t just built into baby’s from birth.

Im also of the firm belief that most, if not all, of Max’s clothing is either too big or too small. Listen, I don’t think his parents are extremely abusive, physically or mentally. I think, like Max said, they don’t care. They give him the bare necessities a kid needs, food, clothes, a roof over his head; however, they do just that, the bare minimum. Let’s be frank here, they probably don’t know his size in any piece of clothing. A hoodie is actually a pretty good nod at that fact. Hoodies aren’t very tight like a t shirt, so they could get him an Medium or large and it’s not that obvious how big the hoodie is.

This also leads to my third head cannon. Of course, his parents give clothes and food, but most of the time it’s leftovers or just ingredients. Which means that Max most likely cooks really well.

Another one I have, and this one may get me burned at the stake, is that Max’s hair doesn’t look that bad in the morning. Now, hear me out! I get it, imagining Max having a birds nest in the morning is pretty funny. But I honestly think that after the events that occurred at Spooky Island, Max, Sasha, and Pikemen, whether they want to admit it or not, did grow a friendship. Sure, it isn’t a very nice friendship and Pikemen still attacks the camp, but they are a lot more friendlier towards each other. Because of this, I know that Sasha definitely helped him develop a skin and hair care routine. (The skin routine is more eye bag related since they’re like 11) Before the events of season 4, yeah he probably looked like shit most days, but the year after that? You could give Max shit about his attitude, but definitely not his appearance. For all I know, Sasha bought him some cologne or some crap.

He definitely has insomnia, I mean cmon. This kid has saved the camp from a cultist, the woodscouts, etc. I’m sure he has at least SOME issues sleeping. I sure would if I knew the guy who had brainwashed me and my friends and tried to kill us was still OUT THERE. (In Antartica possibly, but still.)

This technically applies to my previous head cannon but whatever. He can play guitar, just doesn’t want David to know because he will 100% force Max to play at the campfire. Max would thrust himself into the bonfire before you saw him agree to do that.

Max is really good at sports and in term is very competitive. But like, he’s both of these things but…terrifyingly so. Sorry, gonna go on a tangent to explain my thought process but hear me out for a second. I’m actually planning on writing a fanfic about Nerris learning hypnotism (they think it’s the closest thing to real magic) and accidentally actually doing it to Max after failed attempts on all the campers while at a sleepover. David catches them because it’s past there curfew and, to get out of trouble, Nerris decides to compromise with him. They tell David that if he lets all of the campers go without having to clean the messhall or whatever punishment he’s going to give them, Nerris would make Max actually participate in the camp activities. One thing leads to another and Max ends up actually doing all the activities with no complaining. But turns out, he’s way too good. None of the campers can actually beat him in anything, not even there own activities. Soccer, basketball, tennis, pickleball, archery, rock climbing, he can do it all. But like, imagine playing with someone who beats you every time and in less than a couple seconds. Obviously, everyone is mortified and decide to never give Max crap for not participating.

TLDR, Max doesn’t participate in activities because a) He doesn’t feel like playing games with people who can’t serve a volleyball, because you have to remember that most of these kids are probably really un athletic or nerdy, and b) Although he doesn’t want to admit it, he doesn’t want to be that kind of dick. After the events of the last summer, he’s not as rude. But of course, he still talks shit about their skills.

Sorry it took me so long answer but I decided to write a snippet of chapter one of this fic. I know it’s not quite what you asked for but I felt very motivated at the time. Take in mind, it’s obviously going to be tweaked. But still, I’m planning to post the final, polished chapters on Ao3. If it’s any good anyways. If not, well at least it was a great practice piece to get back into writing :)

Realistic Magic

Chapter one:

Ever since they're dad had taught them about Dungeons & Dragons, Nerris has wished that magic was real. They wished they didn't have to roleplay to be able to cast a healing spell or any spell for that matter. But it seemed that Nerris would forever be bound to the mortal plane. Or at least before their mom introduced her to the concept of hypnosis.

Nerriss had never really liked their moms job. She worked as a psychologist, which is the opposite of what Nerris likes. While phycology was more logical and scientific, Nerris liked fantasy things that were much illogical and artistic. Nerris never thought she'd like hearing about psychology until her mom started talking about hypnotherapy during dinner.

Nerris had asked her what it was and their mother had explained that Hypnotherapy was the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy. Which then led to the question of what hypnosis even was? Because it couldn't possibly be what Nerris had seen used in cartoons and movies, but turns out, it was. Her textbook definition of it was “the induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction.” The moment Nerris heard that, the first thing that came to mind was the hypnotic pattern in D&D. Was it the same per say, no. But did it sound pretty damn similar, absolutely.

From that point forward, Nerris developed a deep fascination with the concept of hypnosis. It was the closest Nerris could get to learning Magic in real life, and so they set a few goals for themselves.

1. Learn how to hypnotize someone before summer starts

2. Showcase their talent in front of everyone,

3. Make Harrison look stupid.

Those were the three goals that Nerris used to motivate themselves to continue to study and learn about hypnosis. Nerris didn't know how good of a motivator it was until they realized that they had the entire process memorized and at the time they still had a couple days before camp. Nerris not only felt proud of themselves but also confident in their abilities. Sure, it had sucked to study over the summer but it was all going to pay off at her sleepover.

It had become a tradition to hold sleepovers at different people's tents. Nobody quite knows how it started but they are always having a great time. It's like having a very small party with no balloons, music, and a couple stolen snacks from the mess hall pantry. It's better than it sounds. The moment Nerris had settled in on the first day of camp, they had made it clear that they were going to hold the first sleepover. Nerris was not going to let anyone get in the way of them beating their goals. The day of the sleepover had arrived and Nerris was ecstatic. Tonight was going to be the night that Nerris proved themselves.

Every time they had a sleepover, everyone always agreed to be quiet, but nobody actually believed they would be. Sounds of laughter and hushed whispers, probably some gossip Nerris assumed, resounded throughout the tent. The only thing that illuminated the tent being a lantern they had stolen from QuarterMasters shed. Everyone was wearing their vibrant pajamas, even Ered. And Nerris looked around the tent, they felt a smile start to grow on their face when they caught a glimpse at the Garfield pajama shorts Nurf was wearing. Seated right next to him was Ered, who wore much more trendier pajamas. But in Nerriss' opinion, Garfield is way cooler than Forever 21.

Due to the tents in Camp Campbell not being very large, everyone was practically inches away from each other. At every sleepover, the campers looked like a singular group of people, not a bunch of trios and duos huddled in different corners like how it was everyday at camp. Going to the sleepover always made Nerris feel a sense of euphoria start to blossom in their chest. They liked it when the camp felt united, it made them feel less alone. Nerris stood up, ready to show off her talent.

“Alright everyone! Listen up.” The tent grew quieter and quieter until Nerris had everyone's attention. “Who wants to be the first to try and be hypnotized?” Nerris asked, adding a dramatic and suspenseful hint to their voice, courtesy of Prestons advice.

“Oh, oh, me!” Spacekid yelled, raising his hand with a toothy smile.

“Alright! Come on up to the front.” Nerris responded, gesturing to the spot right next to them. Since everyone was huddled away from the entrance of the tent that gave Nerris and Spacekid the closest thing they had to a stage. A spot where everyone in the tent could see the spectacle. Nerris was starting to understand why Harrison was so fascinated with being a magician, having people's attention felt nice.

Spacekid sat down right in front of Nerris, waiting expectantly. Nerris pulled out their pocket watch from the pocket of her pajama pants and let it hang right in front of the space kids face.

“Alright Spacekid. I'm gonna need you to stare at this pocket watch. Do not break eye contact with it. You have to stare at it the whole time. Got it?” Nerris asked. Spacekid nodded his head, his eyes filled with excitement and determination. Nerris and Spacekid didn't have much in common, but today they seemed to be on the same page emotionally speaking.

Nerris was ready to prove Harrison wrong. They were capable of performing magic and being a mage. It's just that Nerris can perform a different and much more logical kind of magic.

Nerris took a deep breath in and out, then finally, started moving the stopwatch from left to right. Letting it sway and move in a constant rhythm.

“Okay. As you watch this pocket watch you are going to start entering a deep state of relaxation. The longer you stare at the pocket watch, the further into this state you will start to be enthralled in.” Nerris explained, letting the pocket watch sway for a couple seconds. She looked at Space Kids eyes, expecting the signs of exhaustion to become more and more apparent but nothing changed. A spark of doubt started to light inside Nerris but it was quickly put out. They still had one last part of the process to go through.

“On the count of three, I will snap my fingers. The moment I snap them you will feel yourself fall into a deep sleep” Nerris drawled, glancing at the crowd before starting to count. Their excitement made Nerris feel excited.

“One…” Nerris starts. “Two…” Nerris starts to raise their hand. “Three!” Nerris snapped their fingers. Nothing happens. Nerris’s smile falls, why didn't it work?

“Did it work?” Spacekid giddy asked, expecting an answer from Nerris.

“If it had worked you would have been asleep right now, dumbass.” Nurf retorted, earning a few giggles from some of the campers.

“Oh.” Spacekid said, clearly disappointed.

“Well, maybe I just have to try it on somebody else. You know, it said in my book that some people can't be hypnotized so I guess you're just one of them, Spacekid.” Nerris replied, not letting this bring her down. It was a rough start but at least she still had many more people to try and hypnotize.

Nerris moved on to the next camper, Ered, and followed the same process as before. But once again, it didn't work. Nerris is glad they had asked Ered to be the second try when hypnosis sounded cool. Because after their fourth attempt, Nerris had not only made themselves look stupid and made hypnosis look uncool. By the time Nerris had reached their last camper, they had lost all hope. A feeling of embarrassment started to replace their previous euphoria.

“C’mon Nerris, just admit it. The only person who can perform magic is me.” Harrison conceited. Nerris had just snapped her fingers and, as expected, nothing had happened. They had followed every rule, trick, and even shortcut to try and make their attempts successful but all had failed. The confidence in Harrison's voice made Nerris feel even more embarrassed than they already did. They let the chain of the pocket watch slip out of their hands, too exasperated to care if it breaks from the fall.

Nerris had gone through everyone in the tent and Harrison had been the last to agree to be hypnotized; And from the looks of it he appeared to be the only one enjoying himself anymore. Everyone else in the tent looked bored, their attention now elsewhere. Nerris knew Harrison hadn’t meant to me too hurtful with his comment. Afterall, it was how they spoke on a daily basis. But today Nerris was just too upset to not feel even a little butthurt.

“Fine. Maybe you were right. I guess I'm just a loser who will only ever be able to act like they can do cool stuff rather than actually be able to do it.” Nerris admitted. It seemed that roleplaying and strategizing in a board game would continue to be the only skills they had.

“Well, acting is a very powerful tool too, Nerris.” Preston stated in his usual dramatic voice. “It is one that only true professionals, like myself, can master.”

Nerris felt a smile tug on their lips. In Prestons own way, he was trying to cheer them up. Even if he built himself up to be a professional actor along the way. But although they appreciated the help, Nerris still felt like they’d taken a critical hit. Nerris picked up the pocket watch and cupped it in their hands. They look at the reflection of themselves in the pocket watch, not surprised to see their disappointment evident in their face. Nerris failed, and in front of everyone for that matter. Nerris didn't even know if their face felt hot with anger or embarrassment anymore, probably both.

Suddenly, the loud ruffling sound of the tent being opened made Nerriss' thoughts quiet for a moment. They really hoped it wasn't David. This was the first time the camp sleepover was being held in their tent, it would be horrible if the night ended with Nerris failing at the thing they had been hyping up ever since they got to camp and a punishment. They would never let Nerris live it down.

But just as quickly as the fear had started to build up in her chest, it evaporated. Instead of the tall and cheery counselor they had all grown to tolerate, stood the short and moody Max holding a party size bag of chips while three Capri Moons peaked out of the front pocket of his hoodie. He was still wearing his signature hoodie that nobody could seem to rip off of him, but replacing his jeans were a pair of dark blue plaid pajama shorts. Nerris never thought that Max would be a sight for sore eyes. For a brief moment his eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting for everyone to be staring at him. But in an instant calm confusion seemed to wash over him.

“Damn, did someone die or some shit?” Max asked, opening the party size chip bag and taking a bite.

“Oh Max, you have got to hear this!” Harrison exclaimed, clearly excited at getting to embarrass Nerris some more. Nerris really shouldn't have insulted his outfit last week. Actually, no, nevermind. They don't regret it, it was horrific.

“What?” Max grunted, his brows furrowed with suspicion; the distrust in his tone was evident. Nerris is reminded that Max has never been quite fond of Harrison. Harrison stands up with a large grin mocking on his face. Nerris glares at him when he glances at them on the way towards Max.

“Nerris apparently thought she was a wizard or whatever, because they learned how to hypnotize people. Well, they tried to learn at least.” Harrison joked. Nerris scoffs, they were starting to get very pissed. Harrison started to summarize what Max had missed in the sleepover, which is the entirety of the sleepover. This was the first time through the whole night that he had come to Nerriss' sleepover, and it wasn't even expected he would come.

He had told everyone that he probably wasn't going to attend because he was too tired and would prefer to just go to sleep. However, it is very clear he didn't even get to have a nap. As Harrison continued to giddily summarize everything , Max looked at him with tired half closed eyes, every so often reaching into the bag to get some more chips to munch on. He radiated disinterest and exhaustion, his eye bags were more noticeable than everbefore, and Nerris can tell that whatever Harrison is saying is entering one ear and coming out the other. Surprisingly, the rant wasn't very long. However, it was still very annoying to hear. Nerris hopes they don't sound like that when they make fun of Harrison.

“Yeah, yeah, we get it Harrison.” Nerris groaned. “I suck, you suck a little less. Listen Max, it's probably not going to work but would you be fine with me trying to hypnotize you?” Nerris pulls out the pocket watch and holds it up from the chain to let Max see it. Max considers the question but Nerris already knows the answer. Max doesn't usually do something just because you asked him to. In fact, he'll probably go out of his way to not do what you asked him to do.

“You know what, it's fine.” Nerris starts. “You don't have to-”

“No, I'll do it.” Max responds. Nerris looks up and stares at Max, their brows knitted together.

“Wait…really?” Nerris asked, their eyes wide with shock. He wants to do it? Nerris wondered why he would even say yes, until they came to the conclusion that he's probably just doing it to make fun of Nerris. Yeah, that makes more sense. Nerris glances towards the huddled campers to find their equally surprised expressions.

“Sure. I've got nothing better to do anyway.” Max yawned, making his way towards Nerris. He handed the bag of chips and Capri Moons to Neil and Nikki and promptly sat down with his legs crossed. Neil and Nikki scooted over to be closer to Max and to get a better view.

“Just make this quick.” Max mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

“Don't worry, it will be.” Nerris avowed with a resigned sigh. This wasn't going to work, but Max was already here so, whatever.

“Okay. Just look at the pocket watch and don't break eye contact the whole time. Got it?” Nerris asked, much less excited than in her first attempt.

“Sure.” Max replied. Nerris took a deep breath in and out, this time more out of exhaustion rather than anticipation. For one last time, Nerris started swaying the stopwatch.

“Okay. As you watch this pocket watch you are going to start entering a deep state of relaxation. The longer you stare at the pocket watch, the further into this state you will start to be enthralled in.” Nerris said, repeating what they had told every camper. The words now tasted sour in their mouth. Nerris glanced at Max and felt conflicted.

Either Nerris was imagining things or Max looked more tired than before. They noticed how Max’s shoulders started to slump and his eyes started to droop down. Still, they just brushed it off, remembering that he was already tired to begin with. As Nerris let the stopwatch swing from left to right, they were ready to say the final words and just go to sleep. Nerris wanted this to be over as soon as possible, the embarrassment was becoming too much to handle.

“On the count of three, I will snap my fingers. The moment I snap them you will feel yourself fall into a deep sleep” Nerris drawled once more.

“One…” God, Harrison is going to make fun of Nerris for this until they're dead. “Two…” Well, at least it's almost over. “Three.” Nerris snapped their fingers. And unexpectedly, Max slumped over.

Instinctively, Neil leaped and grabbed Max's head, effectively cushioning a hard fall. A couple people in the tent had gasped as they saw Max collapse into Neil. Nikki stands up from her spot in the tent and tries to help Neil lift Max up, concern evident in both their faces. Neil and Nikki start saying his name, trying to get a reaction out of him, and Nikki starts shaking his shoulder. Max was completely limp, made clear by how much Neil was struggling to lift Max back up, but Nerris didn't buy it.

“Just stop faking it Max, I'm not in the mood today.” Nerris scowled, their eyes narrowed. They looked away, waiting for Max to stop pretending. But the longer Nerris waited, the more curious they got. Nerris glanced back at the trio, now very confused.

“Wait. Is he not joking?”

“No!? He wont wake up!” Neil shouted, his voice cracking. Nikki shakes Max violently to emphasize the statement. Max was now being cradled from his upper half by Neil, with Nikki right beside him concerned but also curious. All the campers leaned and scooted closer to get a better view of the issue. Eyes staring unblinkingly at Max. Everyone started murmuring amongst each other, but Nerris couldn't care. Nerris had just had the greatest realization.

“It worked…” Nerris gasped, a smile tugging at their lips.

“What?” Harrison blurted, his eyes wider than everyone else's and his jaw on the floor.

“It worked! I did it!” Nerris beamed, standing up and pumping their fists in the air victoriously.

“In your face Harrison!” Nerris laughed, pointing at Harrison; whose face was the epitome of shock. Oh man, Nerris was never going to forget his face. Everyone started talking, the tent sounding just as loud as it had been at the start of the sleepover. Campers started to blurt out requests.

“You should make him do something embarrassing.” Ered grinned.

“Or make him not be able to lie. Do you know how many dirty secrets I could blackmail him with?” Nurf smirked, him and Ered smiling at each other in agreement.

“Could you make him like art? It would be great to have a new art partner!” Dolph said eagerly.

“No! That's stupid. Make him unwilling to not act in my next play!” Preston protested. “He never puts in the effort that is needed to create the perfect theater viewing experience.”

“Oh, can you make him want to talk about space?” Spacekid asked nervously. All the requests started to blur with each other, the volume in the tent being deafening. By the time Nerris had realized they should probably quiet down, it was too late.

“What is going on here?” David shouted. Everyone immediately went quiet. “You kids are lucky I was the only counselor who woke up. You should all be asleep, it is way past all of your bedtimes.”

“Oh geez Louise, sorry David!” Preston replied, trying to make himself sound innocent, but in the end, only making himself sound like a mini david. “We were just so excited after hearing your lesson today that we decided to get together to talk about…um, trees!” Preston excused. Nerris was glad Preston had done an improv class. Everyone started to agree with Preston, following the “yes and” rule he had driven into their heads when he had taught an improv class lesson they were forced to attend.

“No we weren't.” Spacekid innocently denied. “We were talking about what to make Max do now that he's hypnotized.” Apparently, he had forgotten all about the rule.

“Spacekid!” Preston shouted angrily, with a chorus of “shut up”s and “be quiet”s being thrown Spacekids' way. Well, looks like playing dumb was no longer an option.

“Listen, I need one of you to tell me the truth right this instant or you are all cleaning the mess hall tomorrow.” David warned, crossing his arms to appear more threatening.

“Fine.” Harrison murmured. Nerris snapped their head to stare at him with angry eyes. Quietly communicating that she wanted him to shut the fuck up.

“Nerris wanted to show off how they had learned how to use hypnosis on other people so they invited us to their tent.” Harrison explained, excluding the fact that they have sleepovers very often, and instead making it sound like they've only had one sleepover. Although Nerris currently hated his guts, they are glad that he didn't snitch about all the other prior sleepovers. It would have been worse if Nerris caused everyone to get in trouble.

“So,” Harrison continued, “they tried to hypnotize everyone until they got to Max and it actually worked. In my opinion, Nerris is still a pretty shitty wizard.”

“A mage…” Nerris corrected, looking down. God, they were in so much trouble.

“Okay…” David said exasperated, clearly trying to make sense of things. “First off, language. Second of all, what do you mean Nerris “hypnotized” Max.”

“It means that he's asleep for as long as Nerris wants him to be and we can make him do whatever we want.” Ered elucidated.

“Yeah, I shook him and everything and he didn't even get mad at me! He's completely knocked out.” Nikki grinned, patting Max on the cheek.

“Are you sure?” David started walking towards the clueless Max. “Listen I know you kids are very talented but learning that sort of stuff takes a lot of professional lessons. I don't think that you can just learn that kind of stuff from youtools.”

“Youtube.” Neil corrected.

“Right, yes, youtooth.” David said, getting down on one knee and putting his hand softly on Max’s shoulder.

“Max, c’mon bud. It's time to wake up.” David gently said. No response. “Max, time to wake up. You actually followed the bedtime rule but you got to be in your own tent to get the full credit buddy.” David smiled. When Max didn't wake up, his smile faltered.

“Max?” David asked much louder. Concern started to become evident in his facial expression and body language. You could see the exact moment David started to consider the reality of the situation.

“See. Told you.” Nikki said. David looked at her then back to Max, he still seemed in denial.

“Well um, maybe he's deeply asleep! He is a very heavy sleeper afterall.” David argued.

“Yeah, but can he sleep through this?” Nikki raised her hand and smacked Max so roughly she turned his head the other way. Nerris grimaced as the sound of the slap echoed through, other campers exclaimed and cursed in alarm. That sounded like it hurt a lot.

“Nikki!” David shrieked. He reached for Max, seemingly expecting him to be outraged, only to discover he was still asleep. Not even a little rattled by the very harsh slap Nikki had given him.

“See! Nothing! No reaction whatsoever.” Nikki insisted, gesturing towards Max.

“I mean, if that didn't attest our claim I don't know what else will.” Neils adds. Although he seemed pleased with finally having a obvious piece of evidence, he clearly had not expected such a move from Nikki.

“Gosh darnit. How did you even do this?” David asked, looking at Nerris.

“I don't know, I just sort of…did it?” Nerris began explaining. “I read a book about hypnosis and studied how to actually do it but it only worked on Max. Maybe because he was really tired or something. Anyway, it only worked on him and I have full control right now. He’s not dead or in a coma…Well actually I guess it could technically count as a comma.” Nerris looked back at David. David stared at her with huge eyes and an agape mouth.

“No, wait! What I mean is that as long as I dont tell him to wake up he will stay asleep.” Nerris corrected themselves.

“But I can tell him at any time to snap out of this state and he will be back to normal.” Nerris assured

“Well that is exactly what you are going to do right now.” David scolded. Nerris knew that even if they did as they were told, they would still get in trouble. Which means this sleepover would not only end in a very anticlimactic way, but they would also be stuck cleaning the sticky mess hall floors and whatever other punishments CJ added on. Nerris needed an alternative.

“But-” Nerris started.

“No but’s!” David interrupted. “You will make him wake up and you will do it now.” Nerris could tell Gwens lessons on how to be authoritative were working.

“I can make Max do anything you want him to do! I can tell him to be nice, clean the campgrounds, or participate in activities.” At the mention of the last possibility, David glanced up at Nerris.

“Wait, you can make him actually want to do the activities?” David asked. Bingo. Nerris had just found their way out of trouble.

“Yeah. I can tell him that whatever activity you tell him to participate in he will want to do, no questions asked. No arguments needed.” Nerris reasoned

“All you have to do is let us get away with this sleepover and in return you don't have to deal with an angry Max anymore.” Nerris offered, making the deal sound extremely beneficial, which for a very tired counselor, it probably was.

“And I mean, making Max do activities isn't really a bad thing.” Nerris added. “Because…well you know, it's great health wise to be active. So really, you're doing him a favor.”

Nerris didnt know what the fuck they were saying, but they had heard David go on enough rants to remeber some of the phrases he had used when he tried to make them do an especially boring activity. And by the look on his face, Davids seemed to be considering the deal.

“Well you're not wrong but…” David responded, his brows furrowed. Nerris was losing him. They had to come up with something quick.

“How about this? I only make Max do it for…let's say a day or two. And at any point in time or if anything goes wrong, I can make him snap out of it.” Nerris explained.

“We don't get in trouble and you don't have to beg Max to participate in an activity for 15 minutes. I think that's a fair deal, no?” Nerris concluded. If playing D&D had taught them anything, it was to be able to strategize on the spot. David stood there for a couple seconds, clearly thinking his answer through. Swiftly, his shoulders slump and his eyebrows unknit.

“Mhm… fine.” David drawled. Everyone cheered, glad to have avoided cleaning the mess hall floor with toothbrushes.

“But I will stay while you do it.” David affirmed. “Don't want you to make him do something I didn't agree with.”

“Of course.” Nerris replied.

“And he's really alright? Like, this isn't going to hurt him or anything” David questioned.

Omg. I have been waiting to be asked about my episode ideas for SO LONG. I’ve wanted to make them into actually fanfics on AO3 but I’m not sure if these are good ideas so I’m taking feedback on what ideas are and aren’t good!

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Muffled thoughts-

Okay so I love the brainwashing plot that Daniel had introduced A LOT. And I wish they had kept it but you know if the show runners didn’t want it to be this super epic thing they could probably follow the plot of this episode idea.

Basically, Daniel try’s to brainwash Max and get him to turn against the camp-

(Side note: I’ve been planning on writing a more serious version of this inspired by one of my favorite camp camp fanfics called “Nothing Sweeter than Revenge,” the sequel to a rewrite of the cult camp episode. If you’ve read it then you know it will follow the same premise but be a much longer and detailed dive into the moral ambiguity of the situation. And if you haven’t read it, READ IT, IT IS SO SO SO GOOD!)

-so he brainwashes him but the camp is able to immediately defeat him. Daniels arrested or something happens that removes him from the episode, and now the campers and counselors are trying to make Max snap out of it because unlike before, the brainwashing isn’t fading away.

This episode would revolve around the campers trying to get Max to act like himself again because he’s too nice. He’s not like, smiling all the time, at least not in a creepy way, but he isn’t frowning (which for Max is out of the ordinary.)

They try and get him to be rude to someone, or insult people, swear in every sentence, be rude to David, throw things at the camp mascot, etc. But Max can’t bring himself to do it. He doesn’t like being mean, he swears a regular amount of times, he likes David too much, and he cares about animals to much to hate the platypus.

I haven’t quite figured out what would make him snap out of it but I think one way I’ve come up with as a place holder is the campers being mean to him. Ignoring him, being annoyed at him, etc. This is because we have never really seen or heard Max talk about his life outside of camp besides some instances about his parents and the line he said in season 5 about not having any friends back home. So, for this placeholder reason at least, I would say that Max gets bullied, or people just don’t like him, so the campers treating him like this would spark up a feeling of deja vu and sadness that would lead to a heartfelt talk with David, and a moment of clarity where Max snaps out of the brainwashing.

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Nerris and Max centric episode-

I only have 2 story ideas revolving Nerris but god are they some of my favorites. This episode would be revolving the idea that Nerris really wants to learn magic. But, since they live in the real world, she can’t really learn it. So, she learns the closest thing to it, hypnosis.

Since it’s a new year at camp, she is ready to show off her new skill. All the campers gather at one of the tents and have a sort of sleep over. Nerris tries her first attempt of hypnosis on one of the campers by grabbing her pocket watch and doing that thing in cartoons that isn’t really how hypnosis works but hey, god in camp camps universe is an octopus so really, who cares?

She tries to hypnotize them and, it fails. She goes one by one on every camper and it fails on all of them. Max walks into the tent with snacks he’d stolen from the mess hall and Nerris, completely hopeless on it working, gives it one last shot. She tries it on Max, says the whole “When I snap my fingers you will be in a sleeping state” speech, and when she snaps her fingers, Max clocks the fuck out. Neil is able to catch him, avoiding Max a concussion

Nerris, obviously doubtful, tells Max to stop acting. She thinks he’s making fun of her, but when they see that he is not waking up or reacting, Nerris cheers in joy at it actually working. Turns out she just needed to do it on someone who was really exhausted, aka- Max.

All the campers are little shits so obviously they all start pitching in with their own ideas on what to make Max do. As they argue on who gets the say on what he does, David comes into the tent due to all the noise they are making.

They are staying up past bedtime and so David starts scolding them. Max is still passed out so the campers are trying to come up with excuses saying that they were just having so much fun but Spacekid slips up and ends up mentioning the fact that Nerris hypnotized Max.

David doesn’t believe it but his curiosity gets the best of him and he tries to wake Max up. Obviously, this doesn’t work. David is now upset because, you know his favorite camper is basically in a coma, but the campers start trying to defend themselves saying that it wasn’t there fault rather it was Nerris’s. Nerris, to avoid punishment comes up with the trade that if she’s allowed to get away with this without a punishment, she’ll make Max participate in camp activities.

Now listen, David is nice. But I also think this guy is very obsessed with loving camp activities, nature, and anything of the sort. So to finally be able to have his favorite camper actually participate in his activities, without having to beg him to. Of course David takes the exchange.

The whole episode would revolve around the campers realizing that, oh shit, max is kind of good at everything. Archery, sports, you name it.

(This is following my head canon that before his parents sent him to camp they would sign him up for stuff like piano lessons, guitar lessons, dance lessons, anything, just to not have to deal with him. They still have him in those classes but now it’s throughout the whole year, with the expectation of summer since he’s at camp.)

And the second thing that they do is take advantage of Max. Like no shit, they are 11. Obviously they are going to make him hang out with them and do their laundry and chores while he’s in the suggestive state he’s in. The episode would revolve around how to not treat people poorly and take advantage of them and also talking about the fact that the kids at camp Campbell probably get lonely at times. Sure, most people are in trios or duos but most of they don’t have another person at camp who likes D&D, or magic, or space. This episode would sort of be like the episodes in camp camp where they try to teach a lesson or something like that. Either way, I feel like this one is the most camp camp episode idea I had since it’s a chaotic and fun thing that I could probably write into an episode.

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I only have one episode idea that I already have a title idea for but I would need to explain a little bit about the one shot idea so bear with me.

One of my episode ideas, and one I wrote about a while back, is about Neil creating the matrix on his computer ( because, like, c’mon. If he was able to make a portal with a 3D printer, he can probably make the matrix.)

But while taking a break after finishing the project, Nerris decides to use the computer to type out her dungeons and dragons writing, like assigning the campers roles as knights, royalty, elves, giving them backstories, etc, because she doesn’t have anybody to play dungeons and dragons with, so this is the next best thing. She clicks enter and everyone is transported to the matrix world nerris created but they have to complete the tasks given to them to make the other campers remember who they are.

Only Nerris and Neil still have their memories so they are forced to go on quests like saving the princess from the tower or stuff like that. But the longer the campers are there not only could they be stuck forever, (Neil forgot to work out the kinks,) but the campers who have yet to have been rescued, helped, etc, will forever think they are the character that Nerris wrote them as.

Because the two main ideas are the time limitations they have due to the matrix and dungeons and dragons. I would probably call it “Deadlines & Dragons.”