The hallways were quiet. It was early, the sun was just peaking over the horizon. Onyx had just finished speaking with Delilah and she had unfortunately reported nothing on Pete's end.

Unlike the police, Search and Rescue could send out a team anytime if they felt it was needed. All rangers knew the risk that came with working in the woods. Each ranger had skills that would keep them safe in the woods. The only issue is that every ranger can make mistakes.

Onyx began the processing. A missing person's case is a lot more different than an unresponsive ranger. There were still a few important steps that needed to be taken, but each step they took depended on what an investigation found. He would send a small team out to check on Pete's situation. Onyx couldn't just send out random rangers. Those who are closest to Pete needed to be kept out, just in case of emotions rising if something bad happened. Jasper, Cherryl, and Seal could go.

It's a good start. Onyx made his way upstairs, waking up the team that was needed. Delilah would unfortunately need to remain at the desk. Tommy was too close to Pete and would be unreliable if something were to come up.

As he stood in the supply bay, preparing the truck, Seal walked in.

Good morning, Captain, they spoke, placing a couple medical bags into the back. I had a couple of questions before we headed out.

Hm? he questioned, fixing the straps on one of the bags.

That sample Jasper brought in, I was able to analyze it a little. Where did you get it from?

Didn't he tell you?

He only mentioned that you had wanted me to analyze that before rushing out.

The captain tilted his head, confused before nodding, I had found it outside and needed to know what it was.

Sir, I'm only asking because the sample was blood. It appears to have been mixed with ash and dirt.

Onyx nodded, Thank you for checking that for me.

The captain turned, avoiding Seals' questioning eyes.

Captain–

I'll get the others, you all need to head out soon.



Jasper sat quietly. Everyone in the truck was quiet. For some reason, he had a pit of dread settled in his stomach. With everything that was happening, he was afraid of what they might find heading out to the tower.

The day was gray, though it wasn't raining. It was like the clouds themselves were holding their breath, keeping rain just out of the park's view. Though the wind hadn't given up, blowing the truck and dirt around as they drove.

Fuckin' weather, Cherryl muttered under her breath. The lieutenant looked tired. Before Jasper headed to bed, he heard Cherryl talking with Tommy near one of the balconies. Tommy had been complaining about the Captain, explaining how worried he was for Pete.

Jasper believed Onyx made the right call. They couldn't run to Pete's tower every time they couldn't get in contact with him. It was just that no matter how many times Jasper tried to logically explain away the situation, dread continued to plague him.

Before they knew it, they arrived at the trailhead. It'd be a good hike before they actually made it to the tower. Jasper finished up attaching his bag, letting out a small sigh.

You doing okay? Cherryl asked, glancing at him as they walked.

Yeah, he nodded, keeping pace with the others.

This is your first mission after everything, are you sure you'll be alright?

Seal glanced at Jasper this time, giving him a small look of concern. He felt like a child.

It all comes with the job, and as hard as it gets, it's what I'm here for, he replied, keeping his voice steady.

Just be ready for anything, Jasper.

Like I said, it's what I'm here for. I wouldn't have gone along if I felt I wouldn't perform at my best. You can trust me on that.

Both Seal and Cherryl slowed, looking at Jasper.

You're right, let's keep going, Cherryl nodded. Seal gave a brief nod as they continued.

The wind blew dust into the air, causing the surrounding fields and treelines to become hazy. It was weird to think a month ago Jasper was enjoying how beautiful of a valley it was. Now, it haunted him.

I'm glad you're talking with Onyx, that guy needs more friends.

Jasper turned his head to look at Cherryl, I thought he was pretty social with everyone.

He's social but none of us are really that close with him, she replied, stepping up a couple of rocks. The area was becoming rockier, and Jasper had to focus on where he was placing his feet.

Huh, I had figured you were the closest with him.

Seal laughed as Cherryl rolled her eyes.

I've known the bastard the longest, that's for sure. But he's a rock–solid wall when it comes to getting him to open up.

Cherryl let out a small gruff, using her hands to stabilize herself as she climbed up a couple of rocks. Jasper followed her steps as he made his way up too. He met her gaze and she looked away with a frown.

He didn't know how to respond to that. Jasper figured Onyx was closed off about his personal life, but Cherryl was making it seem like Onyx didn't tell them anything that wasn't strictly related to their work.

Just don't expect too much from him is all I'm gonna say.

That surprised Jasper. He glanced over at Cherryl and Seal. They were walking on the left side of the path, facing forward. The wind pushed against their backs as they continued onwards. Jasper frowned.

Don't worry, I plan on bothering him for a long while so I'm sure I'll crack him soon enough, Jasper smiled. He continued on the right side of the path.



In the distance, the fire watch tower came into view. Pete hadn't been lying, the tower itself looked really nice, and Jasper certainly wouldn't complain if he was stationed there. Except for the fact that it is so isolated from everything else.

Cherryl paused, taking a sip of her water.

We should be in range of his radio, Seal could you try using your walkie?

Seal nodded, clipping the radio off of their vest as they held the receiver up to their mouth.

10–45, this is park medic Leah Peters. All units within range please report.

All three listened for a minute. The wind continued to howl throughout the valley. The bushes and trees moved alongside the wind, and a small sign reading: 0.5 miles to Mt. Burnfire tower creaked against its chains. Cherryl frowned.

C'mon.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the base of the tower. It was unlike what Jasper expected. Since the tower was located right on the hill of the nearby mountain, the tower itself wasn't as tall compared to most. The base of the tower was different as well; instead of wooden stairs that were built on the outside, the stairs appeared to be inside a rock base that held up the main building. It looked more like a lighthouse than a fire lookout.

They continued up the trail to the front door. As Jasper stood next to the front door, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The entire area felt too quiet. Cherryl grabbed the handle, twisting it roughly to no avail. She sighed, knocking on the wooden door loudly.

Inside, they could all hear the echo of the knocking, but no response.

Do we have a key? Jasper asked, glancing at the locked door. Cherryl frowned, giving the door one last shake before stepping away from it with a huff.

No, we had a couple of spares but fuck knows where those are.

Seal crouched in front of the door, peering into the keyhole.

It's an older door, I think I can open it but I'll need some time.

Okay, work on that. I'm gonna update Onyx on the situation.

Cherryl moved away, allowing Seal some space near the front door. Jasper looked up towards the top of the tower.

Hmm, he squinted, taking a few steps back. He got an idea. Jasper pulled his pack off, moving about 20 feet back, and holding up a pair of binoculars he had stored away. He gazed into the windows of the tower.

Inside he could see books, plants, and various equipment stacked in a few of the windows. It appeared dark inside. On such a gray day one would think they'd keep a few lights on. The balcony looked empty too.

See anything? Cherryl asked, making Jasper jump slightly. The lieutenant held her hand out as he handed her the binoculars.

It looks dark, I don't see any movement.

Onyx said if we can't find anything to wait here for another hour. If he doesn't respond to any of the emergency signals we're gonna have to set up a search perimeter.

Great, Jasper sighed.

I got it!

Both Jasper and Cherryl looked over. Seal waved their arm as they held open the wooden door.

How'd you get it open? he asked, jogging back over.

I was able to pick the lock but I think it broke, they replied. It's just gonna have to remain open, unfortunately.

We'll have someone fix it later, c'mon, Cherryl spoke, heading up the wooden stairs. Inside it was chilly, the stone walls echoing as the stairs creaked underneath. As they arrived at the top, there was a large flat trapdoor. Cherryl grabbed the latch, unlocking it easily. The door swung open, and all three clambered up into the first floor of the tower.

The first floor appeared to be the main living space. A stove sat in the corner of the room, along with a bit of ceramic tiling and a kitchenette area. Cabinets hung from the ceiling, leaving space in the middle for short windows. In the other corner were books and various other equipment. A large table sat in the middle of the room, a few spare maps lay about. Lastly, a metal framed bed sat in the corner, appearing untouched.

Besides the table, everything looked almost perfectly preserved.

I'm gonna check the top floor, let me know if you two see anything, Cherryl spoke, climbing up a small ladder.

Seal checked the bed as Jasper walked around. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for but he tried to keep an eye out for anything that might've been out of place. There was one open window, but it appeared to only open a couple of inches outwards before stopping.

I found his shoes, Seal spoke.

His shoes? Jasper asked, slightly confused. Seal looked upset.

He only wears one pair, and they're right here, they replied, checking the inside of the shoes.

What if he had a different pair that he brought?

Seal shook their head, Pete has only ever brought one pair. He said they were the only shoes he'd ever need because they met every need. We used to make fun of him for them.

Jasper turned to see Cherryl walking back down the steps, looking frustrated.

Absolutely fuckin' nothing. Y'all find anything?

He looked back at Seal who was still frowning. Cherryl walked over, picking up a shoe out of Seal's hand.

I'll call Onyx, she spoke softly.

As they continued speaking to one another, Jasper turned to see if he could find anything else. Any sort of clue that could possibly help. It was when he walked past the furnace that he spotted it. It was ash, stuck right near the door of the furnace. The only issue was that it was similar to the sample Onyx found the day prior.

Before he knew it, Seal was standing next to him, crouching to get a better look at the furnace.

They didn't say anything, although Jasper knew they knew. Seal turned to meet his eyes. The dread in his stomach remained until the search team arrived.

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