Wind howled against the captain's truck as he arrived at the Aspen Ranger Station. The wind was getting worse, and the dry June air had sent all of Kevilla Valley into a high fire watch. The night before, Onyx called the chief director and explained the situation. Currently, Ronno was helping oversee some issues at the Aspen station and couldn't leave, so Onyx had to leave the next morning to go to him.

Onyx had only been to this section of the park a couple times, but he knew he could make it to the station and back within a day. While he was gone, he had Cherryl take over. After everything she was understanding, and told Onyx she wanted to help however she could.

The captain felt she secretly knew what was happening, but as he told Jasper before, he was keeping all of them out of it. Except for the one person he knew who could give him guidance on a situation such as this.

Ronno was already waiting outside for him as his truck pulled up in the guest parking lot. The station was much more different than the Cascade River station. It was actually a newer station, having been formed about 10 years ago. The station incorporated the local aspen trees and paid tribute to this section of the forest. It was peaceful.

The chief director held the door open for the captain as he stepped inside. It was smaller in the cabin, but it was just enough room for those who worked at the station.

How was the drive? Ronno asked, walking into one of the side offices.

Quiet, although I'm not liking this wind.

The service tower got knocked down here, I'm actually surprised you were able to call me from Cascade but it seems the emergency systems are working.

Mm, Onyx sat down, rubbing his forehead.

So, what happened then, Onyx?

The captain let out a small sigh, looking up at the chief, We had a call from a woman that said something was after her and her boyfriend. They turned up dead 20 minutes later, practically charred. Jasper said he might've seen whatever it is a few weeks ago. I've had reports of burnt plants but no actual fires. I'm afraid this is the start of something bad.

Guess that ranger of yours did actually bring you some trouble, hm?

It's nowhere near his fault. I feel bad enough that he had to see whatever it was.

Ronno just nodded along, listening. He turned to look out the window before speaking, Onyx, do you remember your aunt Celeste?.

You mean Blue? He asked. What about her?

Your aunt was one of the first family members to realize all of your 'situations' tended to be connected. She believed that if there was something bothering you, then you'd be next to have an encounter. Or mistake.

So you think I have a problem then?

After everything, I'm surprised you didn't already.

Onyx scoffed.

It was only a theory she had. Although I don't know if she ever confirmed it after her own passing. She reached out to me briefly before she died, it sounded like a similar situation. Guests turned up dead, something went bump in the night, and suddenly she was gone. None of her rangers could find her. Her trail went cold in the snow and no dog could find her.

Was there ever a problem at that base again? After she left?

Abandoning your rangers and walking out into the forest isn't the answer.

I'd rather not involve anyone else. I'm not risking others.

You can't 'defeat' whatever the hell is out there on your own. Your family has proved that time and time again. Your own mother knew there was safety in numbers.

Then why did she go out alone? Onyx snapped, feeling his own anger rising.

Ronno turned around from the window, looking straight at Onyx with a stern face, your mother did it to protect the ones she loved, the same as you all have done. But that is not the answer. It is not one that you should have to take either.

Then what is? he spoke, anger replaced with deject.

I believe that is your problem.



Jasper woke up, sweat running down his face as he jolted up. His shirt clinging to his skin. The barrack hall was quiet, the only sound coming from the other sleeping rangers. Jasper stood up, walking out of the room and into the nearby hall.

He stood next to the wide windows, watching trees flow in the harsh wind outside.

He closed his eyes, thinking back to his dream.

He could still smell the burning flesh.

The sergeant shuddered slightly, opening his eyes. For over a week he had been plagued by nightmares. Things seemed to have calmed down at the base. The news of the discovered bodies appeared to have been swept under the rug, and guests still continued to visit the park regularly.

Although, one of the biggest changes was just how much Onyx was avoiding him again. Actually, avoiding everyone. Ever since the captain talked to the chief, he had been staying up in his office mostly, only coming down for required meetings or emergencies.

Even Cherryl was beginning to get fed up with his act.

Jasper rubbed his face again, the sweat cooling against his skin. He walked back to the barracks, gently grabbing a few items from the shelves. As he pulled up his sweatpants, he spotted his hat. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands as he touched the torn edges. Jasper felt a wave of determination wash over as he put the hat back.

I'll get Onyx to talk to me, that's what I'll do, he thought to himself, stepping back out into the hallway. It wouldn't be until a few more hours until everyone else would be awake, but he needed to plan. He walked briskly towards the back storage area, intent on spending his morning preparing for what he'd say.

Jasper?

The sergeant froze in his tracks, swiveling his head around to see Onyx standing in the main hall behind the receptionist desk.

Jesus! Jasper gasped, catching his breath after the captain scared the living daylights out of him. What're you, a fuckin' owl?

What are you doing up? Onyx ignored his comment, placing a few documents back down.

I could easily ask you the same.

The captain raised a brow as he sat back against the counter of the desk, folding his arms. He looked Jasper over before opening his mouth again.

You don't seem like you're getting much sleep.

Like you would know, Jasper bit back, frowning. It's not like you've seen me much these past few days.

It was Onyx's turn to frown, sighing as he stood up fully.

I know, I've been avoiding many of you, and I'm sorry. I just need time to think, especially about, Onyx waved his hand, all of this mess.

Jasper nodded, glancing away as wind continued to howl outside. He glanced back towards the captain. Has there been any progress on that side?

Onyx moved to walk past Jasper, looking out the tall back windows. The distant trees swayed in the wind, dark against the black sky.

Very little.

You talked to the chief right? What'd he say? Jasper asked, standing next to Onyx as they both watched the trees move.

The captain sighed softly, He gave me a few ideas. Although he mainly told me what not to do. Onyx frowned, truthfully I just– his voice trailed off.

Jasper glanced back over.

I really just don't know what to do.

The revelation hung in the air. Jasper can only try to understand where Onyx is coming from. When he first started out, he had heard many campfire stories of those who had died or gone missing in the park. He knew some of the stupid stories were based on real rangers, but there had been very little information on Onyx's actual family, besides the fact that the Nankoweap lastname carried lots of weight.

Jasper was sure if he was in Onyx's situation, he wouldn't know what to do either. But, he wasn't in Onyx situation. Right now, all he knew was that he wanted to support Onyx and help him however he could. Although they both may not know how to solve everything, they could take it one at a time. That's what I'll do.

Well, Jasper spoke, turning to face the captain again, We'll figure it out eventually. It's not like we're in a rush or anything. Maybe we can try focusing on our work until we're given more clues as to what to do.

Onyx looked a little dumbfounded as he mulled over this idea. After a minute, he nodded his head, Alright, we can do that for now.

Don't sweat it too much, Cap'n. You'll get through it and I'm right here to support you, whether you like it or not.

The captain frowned, I don't need you getting involved, Jasper.

I won't, the sergeant winked.

Jasper suddenly grabbed the captain's coffee off of the receptionist's desk, gasping, My god, you're practically out! C'mon, let's get this thing filled up so you don't wither away, Cap'n!

Onyx rolled his eyes as he followed Jasper. Although the sergeant knew it wouldn't be easy solving something as complicated as Onyx's situation, he'd do everything he could to support him anyways.



Pete sat on a lawn chair, sipping his canister of tea as he watched the sun set across the local valley. Mt. Burnfire casted a dark shadow across the forest below, and the distant Salvation Lake glowed in the last few glimmers of light from the day.

Although it had been windy, it was hot, and Pete knew it would only get more–so as summer carried on. The only time it was bearable was during the evenings, when the sun was back behind the mountain and the wind could cool off the warm air.

Hey Pete, it's Tom, do you copy?

The sergeant grinned as he reached around for his walkie. He held the radio up to his mouth as he replied, What's up?

We just finished dinner, I'm finally free for the evening.

How's the volunteer? Has she been handling the desk well at night?

Finally, she is. Onyx practically took over her job for a while, but he's laid off a bit thankfully.

How is everyone doing over there? he asked, standing up to lean over the balcony. The last bit of sun finally dipped below the horizon.

Recovering, we all had to attend those critical incident stress management sessions and talk with the peer counselors. But, overall, we're all fine.

I'm glad, I still can't believe what you guys saw.

It was weird, Tommy replied. The wind howled again, the lantern attached to the overhang began swinging.

Has Spencer been doing okay?

I haven't really talked with him much. He's back on regular duties now but that's all I know.

Let him know I'd like to catch up with him.

What, you miss that bastard or something?

Pete frowned slightly, Well he is my friend.

Tommy didn't reply afterwards. The wind picked up again, this time almost knocking his canteen over. Pete sighed, standing up from his chair, tucking it under his arm as he began walking back to the front door. He balanced his canteen in his arm as he held the radio back up to his mouth,

I'm gonna head back inside, it's really windy–

Before he could finish his sentence, what sounded like distant coyote howls echoed in the wind. Pete tried to strain his ears to get a better listen but the radio blocked out any distant noise.

Yeah. Stay safe up there, man. It's windy here too, let me know if anything.

I will, Pete replied, locking the wooden door before heading to bed.

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