Today was rough. Onyx had his fair share of dealing with the aftermath of finding a body in the forest. Hell, it was his job, but he'd be lying if he said it got easier. The shock of the initial find, making the calls to nearby services, and consoling his team that they'd done their job.

But it was the first time he had ever found a body strung up in a tree, smoking as if it'd been sitting in a fire for hours even though it was only minutes after talking to the damn person.

He spoke to the cops and sheriff, explaining what had happened from the first initial call to the report of the body being found. After locating the couple's camp, the boyfriend, Jarid Keens, had also been found dead in a nearby stream. Burnt, but not as badly as his girlfriend. It appeared he had actually survived until he succumbed to his wounds.

The firefighters declared the couples had accidentally caught themselves on fire and in their panic, had gotten separated, with Jarid putting himself out in the creek, and Barnett getting herself up into a tree. How? Well, the police and firemen certainly didn't care as they packed the bodies up as quickly as they could and drove back into town.

Even Seal couldn't figure out if that was truly the cause of death. They merely stated they had never seen anything quite like it before, giving the captain a sad look.

It was seven when Onyx finally got back inside. Cherryl and Tommy sat in the kitchen, talking with a few of the on–duty volunteers, explaining what they'd seen. He had them file their reports earlier when the police had been around, sending the paperwork away to the front desk.

Unfortunately, there was only one person who he still needed a report from and it appeared he wasn't in the kitchen.

Onyx met Cherryls eyes, and she excused herself as Tommy continued talking with the volunteers.

You talk to him yet? Cherryl questioned, walking to stand next to Onyx as he stared out into the courtyard.

I haven't even seen him since I first arrived on the scene. I tried to look for him when I was gathering reports but he'd disappeared once FR started asking me questions, he frowned, worry creeping under his skin.

Last I knew he said he was going to bed, I'm sure he's probably just upstairs.

Onyx shook his head, I just checked the barrack hall, he wasn't in there. That's why I'm here.

Did you try the patio over the storage hall?

No one's supposed to be up there.

He likes to hide up there, I told him I wouldn't tell you, she grinned guiltily. I kinda figured you had already known.

Onyx let out a small snort, I didn't but thanks for the tip, he nodded before making his way towards the empty courtyard.



The storage hall was once the original ranger station but it had been converted into a storage facility once the new ranger station had been built. However, they did keep most of the original qualities of the old station, including what was supposed to be a decommissioned fire watch balcony.

He pushed open the door, it creaking loudly as the patio was revealed. Jasper was sitting on an old crate, head rising from his arms as he heard Onyx walking in.

Jasper looked like a teenager caught drinking, head dipping slightly as Onyx walked over to stand next to the crates, looking out towards the dark forest.

Onyx didn't say anything at first, just listening to the sounds of crickets and bugs in the distance.

Slowly, he spoke, Couldn't find you earlier, had to ask Cherryl where you'd gone. Sorry to say she isn't very good at keeping secrets from me.

Jasper remained silent, facing forward.

Onyx let out a small sigh before speaking again, you missed your report earlier. I filed Cherryl's and Spencer's but I didn't get yours. Unfortunately, it'll be a little late when I have to file it in the morning.

Jasper sat up quickly, Sir I–, Onyx shook his head, waving him off.

None of that, we're all off books. I'm here because I want to know if you're okay.

Jasper frowned at that, turning to look back at the forest, Onyx took that as his cue to continue, sitting down on the crate.

You're a good ranger, you may be a pain in the ass but you don't let that affect your work, he paused for a minute before turning to look at Jasper again, That's why I'm worried. You wouldn't have skipped something important if nothing was wrong. You don't have to tell me now, but I just want you to know you can talk to me.

Onyx inhaled slightly, watching the rangers' features. He could just make out the furrow of his brow in the dark lighting.

He sighed, patting the crate as he moved to stand up.

I couldn't stand the smell.

Onyx paused, turning to face the ranger again.

Jasper took in a shaky inhale, Okay I just– fuck, he sat forward, wringing his hands. He seemed like he was fighting himself, debating on whether or not he should come clean to his superior. He sent Onyx a small look before turning and inhaling again.

A few weeks ago, when we were training in Nellhill I saw– fuck this is going to sound insane but, he shook his head, I saw this thing. It was long, scrawny, standing on two or three legs. It looked like a deer, but like no deer I've ever seen. he ran a hand through his hair, leg beginning to tap the crate.

Onyx held his breath.

I swear to god, I thought I was hallucinating, like I finally lost it out in the woods until you called me back and, he swallowed thickly, it took off. And when I turned I smelled something like a rotting, burnt corpse.

Jasper turned to look at Onyx, his eyes pleading, and I smelled it again today.

Onyx tried to not let the panic appear on his face as he watched the ranger. Jasper wouldn't lie about something like this. Sure, he played pranks and said shit to annoy the other staff and himself, but he could tell the ranger was telling the truth. Which made everything all the worse for Onyx.

Jasper shook his head suddenly, standing up, I'm sorry, I understand if you want to send me out and get a psych check done, I just–

I believe you.

Jasper looked up, surprised. Onyx shook his head, staring out at the forest before glancing back.

I believe you, honestly, but I wished you'd told me earlier.

Jasper just blinked, shaking his head in disbelief, What?

He almost looked mad, turning to stand up from the crate. How should I have known you were gonna believe me?

Onyx shrugged, I think out of everyone I should believe you the most.

Jasper froze slightly, mouth agape, processing his words.

He swallowed, shaking his head as he looked back to the forest, you've got me there.

He sat back down, shoulders hunched. Defeated.

It was Onyx's turn to sigh as he patted the ranger's back, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

What do you mean? Jasper looked over.

Onyx scoffed, I know you already know, Jasper. Shit happened to my family and practically everyone in the force has talked about it, he spoke bitterly.

He despised everyone who continued to popularize his family's tragedies, especially whenever it was called a curse. All throughout his training he'd been reminded of every one of his family members who passed due to some tragic or mysterious mishap while in the force. He knew every one of their stories.

The captain even had rangers that warned him the exact same would happen to him too if he didn't leave immediately. As if Onyx didn't already know what he was putting on the line.

He sighed, watching the stars above. It's all bullshit but, I guess it's finally being passed down.

A silence hung heavy in the air. The crickets continued singing in the distance.

Onyx stood up, turning to walk towards the door, If you see anything else, let me know. Don't stay out too long.

Wait–

The captain paused.

Onyx, I can help. Jasper stood, staring at the captain.

Absolutely not, he spoke, turning his head to look at the sergeant.

Please, I can–

He shook his head, letting out a small frustrated noise, Jasper, you were affected enough by just this experience. I'm not going to risk any of my rangers by involving them in this mess. Which includes you.

I don't know about you, but I think I'm already plenty involved, Jasper raised a brow.

Onyx shook his head, grabbing the door handle.

Go to sleep, Sergeant.

Sir–

Now. He growled out, turning on his heel, and walking inside.

He hated to admit it, but Jasper had a point. He'd seen whatever creature that was out there. The creature that would plague Onyx and probably the rest of the base as well.

At the same time, Onyx couldn't possibly involve anyone else in this mess. From what he'd heard from his other family, the more people involved the worse it was. He would have to message the SAR chief as soon as possible, hopefully he'd have some sort of advice on where he should take this whole situation. In the meantime, all he could do was sleep.

Onyx sighed, rubbing his head. Fuck this, he thought.

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