《UNDER THE BLUE MOON》


 Prologue : The Lovers

    "I would search for a blue rose to show my love, how much I care for you, but I would stop if you asked me to eat pineapple on pizza!", snapped the young man. In the corner of the yellow-walled room, are a couple sitting on a tan leather couch together while looking at menus. The woman chuckles while giving him a light hand slap on the back. The woman is smiling with her long-sleeve turtleneck sweater that¡¯s covered in stars, with jeans pants . That smile of her shines like a golden ray of sunshine, to match with her cute freckles on her neck and arms. Her boyfriend rolls his eyes while she laughs.


    "Oh Wolfram, you''re so hilarious! Don''t worry I won''t ask you to do something that foul.


    Instead, you''ll have to get us a Margherita Pizza or Neapolitan pizza!¡±, said the girlfriend.


    ¡°Do you even know the difference between the two?


    ¡°Nope! But I bet you know what the difference is! And that''s more than enough reason for you to get both! ¡±, she said with cheekiness.


    Wolfram looks at her with a raised eyebrow, then he gets up from the coach. Reaching for his phone on the table then he asks his girlfriend.


    "Alright, Naomi! I guess we will order both from Nero''s Pizzeria. I''ll pay and you tip, yeah?"


    "OH come on! I still gotta tip?! I did it last Thursday and Tuesday, Sugar!"


    "Okay then do you wanna pay and I''ll tip?" Wolfram questioned Naomi.


    He heads over to the kitchen counter to put away the menus while Naomi crosses her arms while looking away, she agrees to tip while he pays. Wolfram makes the call for Nero''s Pizzeria, while Naomi gets up to pick up some plates from the cabinet. After two hours, the couple had finished eating their pizza except for two pieces. Wolfram is now washing the dishes while Naomi puts the rest of the pizza in the fridge. Naomi turns to look at Wolfram cleaning up. She¡¯s quiet, while thinking of something. She takes a deep breath and slowly walks up to him before tapping on his shoulder.


    ¡°So¡­Wolfram.¡±, Naomi said softly.


    ¡°Yeah? What''s up?¡±


    ¡°Well, it''s been a year since we¡¯ve been dating now.¡±


    ¡°Wait it has? Oh no did I forget our¡­Anniversary?¡±, Wolfram asked.


    Naomi shakes her to him, she collects her thoughts while he¡¯s putting away the washed dishes in the dry rack.


    ¡°So I didn¡¯t know how to prepare this, I¡¯ve been thinking about the right time so I decided now would be the time. So after spending so much time with you, I really see myself being with you. So I think¡­.¡± Naomi paused.


    Wolfram turned to face her and looked worried.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡° So I decided, I want us to become closer, so I want you to meet my father¡±.


    Suddenly Wolfram felt like the world slowed down for him, he was able to grasp what she just said but what shocked him is he will get to meet her father. Wolfram¡¯s eyes widen and he rubs his head in shock.


    ¡°You..your¡­.Dad?¡± Wolfram stuttered.


    ¡°Yeah! Usually, my father doesn¡¯t like to meet my guy friends that I know, but you are different. You¡¯re my special boy, sugar. So I am going to bring you to him and we can all get together. Would you be alright to go on a trip with me and my dad?¡±, Naomi asked.


    Wolfram thinks for a moment, he always wanted to see Naomi¡¯s family. He just didn¡¯t realize it was going to happen sooner, he imagined it later though. He feels like he may not be the man he wants to date his daughter. ¡°How am I to prove to him that I am worthy?¡± The question was echoing in his head, Wolfram looked deep into Naomi¡¯s eyes and gathered his courage.


    ¡°Naomi I don¡¯t know¡­.if I should go. I don¡¯t usually like to -!¡±


    ¡°You don''t want to meet my father?¡±


    ¡° I was never good at meeting someone¡¯s father. I never had a good relationship with even my father. It always seems like a bad thing for me.¡±


    Wolfram turns his back to Naomi while thinking for a moment. Wolfram was thinking that if perhaps this is his chance, a chance to meet a father figure that will change him for the best¡­.would it work?


    Naomi pats his back softly


    "I don''t want to force you to come¡­ I just want you to know that fathers are not all bad.¡±


    Naomi turns him around then gently grabs his hands while putting her left hand on his cheek.


    "I¡¯m not asking you to become friends with him. Just meet and talk with him, let him know why I made you my boyfriend. We are Lovers! I promised you, my father is much different than your dad!", Naomi said to Wolfram.


    He looked at Naomi, then at his eyes before looking beyond her eyes. He wasn''t just looking at her eyes, he was really looking at the reflection of himself. Imagining the same way as his mother was telling him how he couldn''t meet his father because he was living somewhere far away. He wondered, he should do it, especially for Naomi.


    ¡°You know what, sure! Let¡¯s do this!¡± Wolfram said with confidence.


    ¡°Really? Oh this is wonderful! I also got the perfect place where we can go!¡±, Naomi said with joy.


    Naomi runs to the coach and grabs her purse to look inside. Wolfram wipes his hands in the sink, and before long Naomi finds it. She leaps back to him with great speed.


    ¡°Here it is! It¡¯s called ¡®El P¨¢jaro National Park¡¯!!", Naomi said cheerfully.


    Wolfram turned to see what Naomi had in her hand, it was a pamphlet about the Park.


    "OH! I heard about that place, the city is a great place to visit during Halloween."


    "I''ll ask my father if this is alright. I heard a special event is about to happen. If we can make it next week, it''ll be a Blue Moon! "


    "A Blue Moon?" Wolfram asked Naomi.


    "Doesn''t it sound romantic, Sugar? If we hurry up, I can ask dad if he can find a spot for us. The great outdoors! Oh I''m going to call him now then. Be right back! "


    As Naomi goes into her room, Wolfram sits down on a chair near him. He looks at the pamphlet and admires it. Believing himself that a new change will happen to him finally. He always wanted to have a bond with someone as a father figure, when the Blue Moon rises then it shall be a new reckoning for him. "I hope this will become a day I will never forget". Wolfram said softly.


    - End of Prologue : The Lovers

 Chapter 1: Wheel of Fortune

    Wolfram suddenly woke up from his slumber by the sound of a tire squealing. He rubs his eyes and notices Naomi driving on the road. Realizing it, he was dreaming while they were driving. His dream was what he and she were talking about last week or so. Today, he will meet Naomi¡¯s father, he will meet him at an open campfire. Wolfram turns to Naomi and speaks with her but some of his words are coming in and out like underwater.


    ¡°Sorry about that, I fell asleep while you were talking to me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you fell asleep when we went to the highway. No worries, I was able to find my way, we¡¯re about 10 minutes away before we make it to ¡°El P¨¢jaro National Park.¡±, Naomi said to the drowsy Wolfram.


    As Wolfram rubs his eyes to help him wake up, he gets to see where they both are at. Despite not being close to the park, much of the green forest can be seen. He can see what looks like a green sea of trees, many look like something straight out of a film. Perhaps it''s because Wolfram hasn''t been outside since staying at home for a few years but seeing the trees does give me a warm nostalgic moment. Reminding him how he used to spend time with his family outside, Wolfram gives a happy sigh of relief when seeing this serene display of nature. Naomi talks to him while she shifts to the right-side.


    ¡°I remember something. You were playing some kind of game before you fell asleep. What kind is it, sugar?¡±, Naomi asked Wolfram.


    ¡°Oh yeah! I bought this new game from Japan, by the people that made ¡°My Dear Alfheim¡±. ¡®Dog Eat Dog World¡¯ !! Or Inu Tabe Inu Warudo! It¡¯s about playing as a small dog and just¡­ eating other dogs.¡±


    ¡°That sounds terrifying and horrifying¡­..I wanna give that a try!¡±


    Wolfram pulls out his phone and presses the ¡°Dog Eat Dog World¡± App, showing its rich detail 16-bit pixels, including a small corgi with sleek sunglasses on his face. Naomi slows down a little to take a look at the game.


    ¡°Wow, this dog looks cool. Huh! Wait, are you sure that¡¯s the right way of saying it in Japanese? Aren''t you behind in your Japanese?


    ¡°I only missed a few classes!! I graduated from my Japanese Two class¡­.plus the game company named it like this.¡± Wolfram said while pouting.


    ¡°Sorry my bad, Sugar. Wow, that game has some nice old 8 or 16-ish pixels. Kinda like that one popular game that lets you shoot out sun pellets.¡±


    As Naomi and Wolfram talk during their road ride, eventually they come across a sign saying ¡°El P¨¢jaro National Park coming up in 1 mile¡±, they are about to come across to the park entrance.


    Few minutes go by, Naomi¡¯s car enters through an old ranch-style wooden door, hanging above is the sign saying ¡°Welcome to El P¨¢jaro National Park¡±. Naomi drives through a rough road with little rocks, causing both to bump up and down, however it is a sturdy car since she bought it recently. It¡¯s a Red 2020 Jeep Gladiator car, Wolfram is holding it on while Naomi is enjoying the little messages. They drive up to the edge of a cliff edge, there are parking lots filled to the brim with other cars.


    ¡° Wow~! I can¡¯t believe it is this packed!¡±, Naomi shouted at the cars.


    ¡°Well today is a special night¡­I am surprised that so many are coming here at this spot too!¡±. Wolfram looked around while Naomi was driving around to find a parking lot, while she was still cussing at the cars for being frozen still. Wolfram finally finds a spot and points it out for her. Without a second thought, Naomi drives to the spot in less time than a lightning bolt striking down a metal rod. Wolfram''s eyes widen to the point it looks like he is smiling, Naomi just parks in and gets out of the car.


    ¡°That was wonderful! We got the space and we made it on time!¡±, Naomi said cheerfully.


    Wolfram opens the door and falls down on the ground. Crawling slowly right next to Naomi while wheezing out loud.


    "Jeez Sugar, you really wanted to touch some grass?", She said to him.


    Wolfram slowly gets up, rising like a sunflower in winter except all he wanted to do was smack her, but he doesn''t have the strength for it left him back in the seat. Naomi goes to the backseat to grab some things.


    "Hey, Wolfram - Sugar, I got our bag and mine. Can you carry the tents for me?", Naomi asked. Wolfram just nods his head in agreement and walks sluggishly back to the car. After a minute of getting their things, Naomi locks the car and carries about three heavy bags on her back, filled with clothes and food. She grabs her phone with one hand and starts texting while holding the gear in the other hand as she walks up. Wolfram starts to follow her behind then she stops texting and puts her phone away.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Good News!¡±, she said.


    ¡°Oh, what could it be¡­Kimura-Chan?¡±


    ¡°Oy! Stop calling me! We can drop formalities where we are going!¡±


    ¡°Oh I know, but I do love seeing your face when I call you that. It¡¯s how we met up.¡±


    Naomi walked on a trail with wooden rails for her free hand to hold on while Wolfram kept up with her.


    Wolfram reminds her of the place they met at.


    ¡°I remember it! Where we met up at, it was at this interesting Cat Caf¨¦! I remember you were staring at a Caracal cat.¡±


    ¡°Wait, was it somewhere in Little Tokyo? I remember that, wait what kind of cat was it!? How did I forget it?!¡±


    Wolfram laughs a little bit while the two make it to the top of the hill.


    ¡°Oh yeah, it wasn''t just a regular cat caf¨¦, it was a Jungle Cat Caf¨¦! You get to pet small wild cats, like Caracals, Servals, Lynxes, Scottish Wildcats, Bobcats and even Savannah Cats.¡±


    ¡° They were so cute, and I remember you were just petting all of them.¡±


    Naomi and Wolfram see the bottom where they are at the top, seeing the camp site. Many people are relaxing and some are cooking with propane gas, some are listening to the radio while the rest are relaxing. Naomi and Wolfram look down from the high top of the hill, enjoying the view. Suddenly Naomi turns to Wolfram and slowly puts her hand on his head.


    ¡°Hey, you look so cute at that cafe. That cat came over to me and that was how we met and¡­.the rest was history.¡± She said with sincerity.


    Naomi rubs her hand on Wolfram¡¯s sleek black hair softly before placing at his cheek. Despite the the sun starting set down, Wolfram look at her and the world became dark while she became the very sun. Blinding light pierce his eyes yet he can see her face clear like mirror. All he does is blush from her words and remained silent, from either too shy to say anything or her words have made him stiff. Naomi then pats his back to get him moving like a well-oil clock.


    ¡°So sugar, I know you didn''t want to be here, but I am proud of you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making me blush like a beet. But I am ready, really ready to meet with your dad.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, my daddy is the greatest of all times. Now let''s go down to the east side and that is where we will be staying for night. I can¡¯t wait to see him again, it''s been so long since I¡¯ve seen him¡±.


    The two started to walk away and head to the east side, a trail covered with thick bushes and trees started to form around the corners with each step they took. They keep walking up the stairs and suddenly they make it to the end and find a campsite. Wolfram looked amazed and Naomi looked stunned, the campfire was lit with a large yellow hummer car at the side with a Giant Green tent pitched up. Wolfram can hear some 80¡¯s music being played, he looks to see if it''s a radio being played but it¡¯s a phone with speakers. Naomi drops her stuff and starts skipping over, she shouts out loud.


    ¡°Hey! Where is the meat!?"


    The Green tent starts to move aggressively, then the zipper of the tent starts to move with a voice coming out first.


    "I got the meat right here! Ribeye, Short-ribs and Rump Roast! I got the meat!", said in a loud booming voice.


    Out from the Tent, a large man standing at 2 meters tall, wearing tan pants with boots and matching the colors with a brimmed hat. Wearing a blue vest with a white shirt, covered with Iron Maiden patches. Naomi jumped in his arms and they hugged each other.


    "There my bunny girl! How are you doing? Haven''t seen you for months!", said Naomi''s Father.


    Wolfram looks in amazement while trying to drag Naomi''s bag with the tents. Wolfram looks at them closely because he noticed something about his father. Right before he can think of it, he is interrupted.


    "HEY! WOLFRAM! You can drop the bags! Come meet my dad!", Naomi shouted.


    Wolfram then drops his bags and stretches his arm while walking gently towards them. Naomi walks up to Wolfram and smiles at her father.


    "Dad, this ¡­.Is my boyfriend!"


    "Hello Good Sir. Ta¡¯c Kuleewit, my name is Wolfram MacLeod. It''s a pleasure to meet you"


    Wolfram opens his hand and hopes he will get a handshake.


    "Pleasure is mine! Nice to meet you too, Son...I''m Johnny Kimura."


    Johnny starts to shake his hand, giving him a tight grip while this is happening Wolfram looks happy but he is thinking. He noticed something off but he understands, Johnny Kimura looks like a white guy while Naomi looks Japanese. After 10 seconds went by, the two let go of their hands then Johnny heading over to his hummer car.


    "Now I got the fire ready! How about we start with some BBQ. I just got some new meat from this new Butcher shop. The deal was fantastic. Got these 12 pounds of different meats for just the price of 25 bucks!"


    "You should have, Daddy! You gotta show me the place where you shopped at.", Naomi said to her father.


    Johnny opens the trunk to fetch a cooler, while Naomi whispers to Wolfram.


    "So what do you think? You feel¡­good?", she questioned Wolfram.


    He thinks for a moment while looking at him, looking like a super cheerful man, he takes a breath before answering her.


    "I think this is a good start, I''m really going to enjoy this night".

 Chapter 2: The Emperor

    Dusk finally arrived and with it, the smell of BBQ in the air. Johnny is putting on some steaks on the grill while Naomi is putting some chilies in the pot to cook. Wolfram was getting both of their tents up, he was putting the poles through and letting them stand up. The Tents were up, like sunflowers in spring. Wolfram looked happy and even gave a nod at his accomplishment. Naomi stirs the pot while humming to herself, something comes behind her and the shadow covers her like a blanket. She notices the shadow and as she turns around, Wolfram looks over to see a stranger coming up to Naomi. She lets out a scream while the stranger lets out a laugh. Johnny turns and Wolfram tries to run up to Naomi, suddenly sees her giving the stranger a hug.


    ¡°OH My God! I can¡¯t believe it! You¡¯re here too! ¡±, Naomi shouted with glee.


    Wolfram was confused but once he got close enough, he could see who was hugging Naomi. A large heavy black man, he was wearing some white camouflage pants and a green puffy jacket. He had a short Brooklyn Fade cut, Wolfram was stunned for a while, Johnny arrived to see the commotion and he looked more shocked than surprised.


    ¡°Hey! If it ain¡¯t my brother-in-law! What are you doing here? You actually decided to come here?¡±, Johnny asked.


    The stranger spoke with a soft yet deep voice.


    "WELL~! We would have arrived sooner but we had to wait ¡®till Cass arrived with the new Car. "


    ¡°No way, is Auntie Cassandra?¡± Naomi asked.


    Johnny raises his hand up and then points at Wolfram.


    ¡°Wolfram, this is my brother-in-law. He¡¯s Flint Hale¡±, Johnny said to Wolfram.


    ¡°That¡¯s Flint Hale. Jr! Well technically now Flint Hale Senior¡­or 2nd! Just call me, Flint¡±, He said with a gentle manner.


    Wolfram was a little surprised but was feeling happy to know he is a friendly man. Wolfram walks up and opens his hand to him.


    ¡°I was a little confused because of Naomi¡¯s scream. ¡±


    ¡°Oh, My bad! It was just, I haven¡¯t seen Uncle Flint for months now!¡±, Naomi replied to Wolfram. Wolfram was relaxed, then Flint walked over to Johnny.


    ¡°Hey Johnny, your sister wanted to come to say ''Hi'', but she is taking over the shift for tonight.¡±


    "Wait, so she''s gonna be the Ranger for tonight? I thought she would wanted to relax for today."


    ¡°Well the station was offering double payment today and she couldn¡¯t resist it. Plus I decided to come with her to keep cheering her up. I don''t have much work to do, all I do is just check the paperwork of freshmen."


    Hale looks over to Wolfram while he chuckles a little.


    "So let me guess¡­hehehe You! Plus Naomi?


    Wolfram opens his mouth but nothing comes out, Naomi comes by his side and gently nudges him, and Hale rubs his chin with a finger and thumb while seeing the two act out.


    ¡°Action does speak louder than words, my question has been answered.¡± Hale said with confidence.


    ¡°What do you think, Uncle Hale? Impressive?¡± Naomi remarked with a smirk.


    ¡°Well I know he looks fine, your Aunt is better at judging characters then me."


    Naomi was thinking for a moment then with a twitch of a nose and little jump, she remembered.


    "Oh yeah, where is your little Dick? I don''t see him!" Naomi shouted.


    Wolfram choke on his spit and Johnny eyes widen like a 2nd smile.


    Hale laughs while Wolfram starts asking questions or at least is trying to, instead they''re just mumbling non-understandable words. Hale answers her question.


    "You mean my Lil''Dick? Dick Hale the 3rd! He''s mighty fine! Just turned 4 years old now, he can already say Papa and Mama."


    Wolfram looked confused then relieved, he understood what she meant. Johnny did gag for a while before stopping right when Naomi turned over, then Hale looked over to him.


    "Remember Richard, Johnny?


    "Richard¡­. Oh yeah! Wait, he just turned 4 years old? Haven''t seen my nephew since he turned One! It feels like forever¡­."


    "You should''ve come to the party last month. But you were so busy, and we¡¯d invited some of Richard''s friends. You should¡¯ve come over. It would¡¯ve been fun and Richard missed you too".


    Johnny looked down at his shoes, Wolfram looks at him and noticed he was quiet, like a mouse in a cheese shop. Johnny turned to Hale and said to him softly.


    "Well I will have to think about it"


    "Oh come on Johnny, I know your boss. He can give you multiple weeks of freedom by now. When are you going to hang out with us? Ever since Naomi went to college you have been extra quiet then usual. I don''t want you to be alone and you know that. "


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "I appreciate it but I am fine. I don''t need to go out".


    "You most certainly need to get out. I don''t want to see you-!


    "I Get It!" Johnny let loose a shout, then silence filled the air.


    "I''ve just been in a rough spot, let me¡­just need some time¡­to fix myself. I don''t want to bring my mess with your son and his party. Just¡­.need¡­.to breath."


    Johnny sits down right by the fire and staring at it, Naomi looks concerned while Wolfram is a little surprised. He saw Johnny''s cool demeanor and now he has seen his Angry persona. Hale Jr looks sad but turns his attention to Naomi.


    "Oh you know what, now I think about it. Naomi dear, can you do me a solid and help me with your Aunt? If it won''t bother you for a moment?", Hale said with an eyebrow twitch.


    Naomi can see Hale needs him and nods with reply. She walks over to Wolfram quickly.


    "Wolfram¡­can you do a favor and watch my daddy."


    "What, me? Alone?"


    "I need to prepare something and you''re the only one I can trust, pretty please?"


    Wolfram rolls his eyes and gives her a quick hug.


    "Alright just hurry up then.", Wolfram said to Naomi.


    Naomi grabs her bags and runs over to her father, the hug lasted for maybe a minute.


    "I''ll be back Daddy and Sugar. I''ll be back faster than a bloodhound chasing a vampire!"


    Hale and Naomi go off together, leaving behind Johnny and Wolfram¡­..alone¡­.together. Once they leave and are gone out of sight, all that the two focus on were the smell of grilled steak and veggies. Wolfram walks over to Johnny as he puts more wood in the pile to keep it alive. Johnny lets out a deep sigh before mustering the strength to smile at Wolfram.


    ¡°So Wolfram¡­.how did you get the name?¡° Johnny asked


    ¡°What''s the meaning behind your name? I was curious because it sounds so grand¡±.


    Wolfram sits down across from Johnny, gathering his thoughts. He is surprised to see him talk to him first, perhaps this is necessary.


    "Oh my name? Heh! It''s an interesting story that my mother told me. So many times."


    "Lay it on me"


    "Well it''s because¡­ Wolfram is another word for Tungsten."


    "Like Tungsten steel?"


    "Oh Yes!


    Wolfram starts feeling more open¡­ more talking to Johnny. As Wolfram starts discussing the story of his name, Naomi is with Flint as they travel through the thick grasses.


    ¡°Uncle Hale, so how is Auntie Cassandra? What''s the problem?¡±, Naomi questioned.


    ¡°Oh see we wanted you to just act as a scout at the radio for like ten minutes. While we check out something.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is it something that is important that the two of you need to leave the station?¡±


    ¡°Yup! I don¡¯t want to leave and suddenly we get a radio call. Normally I would ask Johnny but I think this time I decided I wanted you. Since I can trust you plus Johnny might¡¯ve ignored it.¡±


    Naomi looks a little worried while talking with Flint as he rubs his nose, after some time has passed they come across a giant orange tower with a green roof. The tower is covered with some rust at the base and along the stairs.


    ¡°Here it is, Olde Briggy.¡±, Flint said to Naomi. Flint opens the small door to the stairs and lets Naomi first. As they climb up, the stairs take a while, Naomi waking up at a fast pace while Flint is walking with a slow pace. Naomi is excited and as she gets to the top, she lets loose a shout.


    ¡°Auntie~! Auntie Cassandra¡±


    As Naomi reaches the top of the tower, inside are filled with radios and equipment of machinery including a Coffee-maker being plugged by a humongous generator. At the radio station, sitting on a green heavy metal chair, a large woman wearing cameo green with green beret on top of her dirty blond hair. She turns around looking at Naomi while drinking a cup of noodles with a plastic spork. Then out of nowhere like a ghost, a young boy comes out from under her chair and wearing a purple shirt with jeans & sandals. The young boy has stickers of different animals on his face.


    ¡°Cuz Naomi!¡±, said the young boy.


    ¡°Is that you Dick? You gotten so much bigger!¡± Naomi said while picking him.


    ¡°Is that you, Naomi? Look at you! You got just as much bigger as Dick himself!!¡±, Cassandra said.


    Cassandra finishes her soup and gets up while Dick is happily hugging Naomi. Flint finally reaches the top and sees everyone.


    ¡° Look who came, Cass. Naomi came to see us.¡±


    ¡°Oh you! Trying to weasel in someone in this!¡±


    ¡°Honey, we need someone to help us.¡±


    Naomi comes between the two of them talking.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I offered to help. I heard you need help Auntie, I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to you. Is it that serious?¡±.


    Cassandra turns to look at Naomi with a sigh while pinching her nose bridge, before she gives her a warm smile.


    ¡°Thank you for helping. It¡¯s not like something crazy. But since you are here, you can help us then. Flint, all she is doing is staying at the tower, right?, Cassandra asked Flint.


    ¡°That''s all she is here for. Just listen and watch, don''t worry Naomi can handle it better then we can. Right Naomi?¡±


    ¡°Right! But I want to know is, what do you two have to do that is important for me to come?¡±


    Cassandra pulls a map and places it on the table while Flint pulls out a little notebook while everyone comes together by the table while Dick is holding on to Naomi. Dick is almost asleep in her arms now. Cassandra shows some of the areas with circles on them.


    ¡°For the past 2 months, we¡¯ve been getting word that some people are disappearing around here. We don¡¯t know for sure what it is. But we do know this, the reports state they are disappearing without a trace, except for some paw prints left behind¡±, Cassandra says calmly.


    Naomi looks at the map, seeing each circle has a different date on it, while Flint tells her more.


    ¡°Weird thing, it''s not just that! Nah, there are more layers to this turducken! These spots are usually the places they disappeared! Every time we find the site, it always feels like there are more people missing than we imagine! Right now, we got a call today that two people disappeared with a torn up tent and no blood. It looks like coyotes did it. So we are going out to check out this spot. Normally we would call the Police to get involved, but we need to confirm something. If it is what ¡°we¡± think it is, then we are going to call them afterwards. So while we are gone, we just want you to watch the radio then you go back.¡±


    Naomi looks a little spooky and asks both Cassandra & Flint a question.


    ¡°Wait¡­So what if it''s¡­what you think it is¡­.like a killer? Would I be safe up here? Wait, is the whole campsite even safe?¡±


    The two look at each other with worry before turning back to Naomi, Cassandra answers first.


    ¡°Yeah, you all are going to be fine. Besides, this place is strong. It will be locked and you got protection too! Especially with your father nearby, besides it always seems to happen with pairs of people. Oh at the mean, if you want you can take some of our supplies for your trip.


    ¡°Okay Auntie. I will listen to the radio. I just hope Wolfram is fine and so is Dad¡±.

 Chapter 3: The Judgment

    ¡°So what kind of dinosaur would you be, if you could become one?¡±, Johnny asked Wolfram. Wolfram thinks about it while Johnny takes a bite of the roasted mushroom. He puts his finger on his tempo to think, five seconds go by and an idea comes through like a boat on a speedy river.


    ¡°If I am, to be honest¡±


    ¡°Which you are supposed to be.¡±


    ¡°I am between an Allosaurus or a kyu.....kyu....ku.....que...Quetzalcoatlus!¡±


    ¡°A What?¡±


    Wolfram pulls his phone out and types, then walks over to him and shows a few pictures.


    ¡°It''s this!¡±


    ¡°What is that? A New dinosaur?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah! Well not new, but I would love to be that. It is the largest flying creature to ever live. If I was that, nothing would take me down while I can freely fly around with no worries. Snacking on some fresh mackerel and giant tuna for Monday, salmon on Friday, yellowtail on Wednesday, and tender squids on Saturday!¡±


    Johnny stares at him softly while eating more of the mushrooms. His expression is a little confusing and worrisome.


    "What about you, Johnny¡­what would you pick?"


    "Simple! Allosaurus!"


    ¡°Really? What about the Classic T. Rex?¡±


    ¡° Nah! That would be too obvious. Big Guy, Big Dinosaur! Nah¡­I like Allosaurus, they¡¯re a perfect balance of speed and power. Not as fast as a Velociraptor, not as strong as Rex, but perfectly balanced.¡±


    "Like life should be?"


    "Exactly! You''re starting to get it!"


    Wolfram gets put and walks to the grill, checking to see how they are coming up. While Wolfram does that, Johnny takes the rest of the grilled mushrooms from his bowl and stuffs them in his mouth. The steaks look down, Wolfram can tell that they are medium rare. Grabbing the biggest plate from the side and fork, taking each one out of the grill.


    "Johnny looks like they are done. I¡¯m taking them out and going to seal them up."


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Naomi will be happy you¡¯re doing that.


    ¡°Yeah, too bad we don''t have any drinks here. I would like to have a cup of apple cider to go with this.¡±


    "Eating steaks and drinking bloody Mary sounds Heavenly. I know that''s what I wouldn''t mind having as my final meal." Wolfram picks each steak from the grill and puts them on a plate, pulling some foil out from the side and wrapping it up. Wolfram turns the fire off afterward, to which Johnny responds fiercely.


    ¡°Wait, now hold on a second!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that¡­.you can use that to put the pot of chile on top of it.¡±


    Johnny gets up from his seat, stretching his back to the point the crack sounds like a loud firecracker. He walks over to Wolfram and turns the heat on again, before taking the pot of the chili. Putting it on top of the hot fire then taking his phone to place a timer. 30 minutes. Johnny looks happy and looks over at Wolfram.


    ¡°Wolfram, haven¡¯t heard anything from Naomi yet. I think I should message her and then call Flint.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while too, I¡¯ll message Naomi as well. That way just in case she misses any of us.¡±


    Wolfram pulls his phone from his pocket and begins to text Naomi, while Johnny finds an old stump to sit down and pulls out his cell phone, an older model. Wolfram looked over at what phone was Johnny using, it was a blueberry phone. A classic phone from the start of the 21st century, and Wolfram looks both shocked that someone is still using it and impressed for someone to still use it. Wolfram checks his phone, ringing, and ringing and ringing more and nothing. Connects to Voice message, Beep.


    ¡°Naomi, Just checking on you. Me and your father are just checking to make sure you are good.¡±, Wolfram said and hung it up. Then he texts her, just to be safe. Johnny makes a call and waits, his face looks nervous and Wolfram couldn¡¯t notice it from his stoic face. After 10 minutes, nothing but silence and a voicemailbox. Wolfram and Johnny start to worry, wondering¡­.¡± Where is Naomi?¡±.


    Back at where Naomi is sitting on Aunt Cassandra''s chair, where Dick is sleeping on the floor with a blanket around him. Naomi is checking her phone, she notices there are no bars where she is at.


    ¡°Huh no Bars? Guess that means if Daddy and Honey call me, I won¡¯t get it. Plus it¡¯s been 30 minutes since they both left. Maybe I should call them¡±.


    Naomi pushes the call button and tries calling Wolfram first. Only Beeps and more Beeps echo. Naomi looks worried then turns to check on Dick who is asleep on the floor.


    "Huh, I just remembered something. I never told Wolfram about my surprise yet, I wanted to tell him and Dad. Well, hopefully, they are starting to get closer while I am away, that way it will soften the landing for¡­me! Hehe. " Naomi laughed softly.


    Naomi checks on the machines and radio, she grabs a walkie-talkie and holds it up close to her mouth while watching over the radio for anything.  Some of the machines are covered with hints of dust and some ramen juices, Naomi can tell that Auntie just finished eating her lunch. Naomi walks around the room softly to not wake up Dick, checking to see if any bars can be seen on her phone. Taking a softer step each time to not wake up Dick and her strides get longer too, she forces herself on finding a bar. As soon as she gets to the edge and sees her phone about to reach a bar, a loud static sound emerges from the radio. Naomi rushes over to the radio, trying to get some paper and a pencil.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "It''s here! Finally, let me find some paper! Where is it!? ¡­ Wait, I can type it on my phone! Silly me!", Naomi said to herself cheerfully. She listens carefully, hoping, willingly, preparing for anything. It is acting weird, I barely could hear anything. The static is so strong that it sounds like a hurricane, hard to hear but some words.


    ".... Report¡­.safe¡­.all clear¡­.803¡­803"


    Suddenly it goes radio silence, and Dick starts to wake up. Naomi finishes writing it down on her phone and checks up on him, lifts him up, and rubs his head.


    "Hey there, Mom and Dad will be back soon".


    Naomi hears Uncle Flint''s voice, coming from the walkie-talkies. Naomi goes over and picks it up to answer it.


    "Uncle is that you? Can you hear me clearly?"


    "Hear you as clear as Whiskey on rocks. We''re almost done and about to head back in a few minutes. Did you get any messages while we were gone?"


    "Yeah actually someone sent something. I wrote it down as¡­. Report - Safe - All Clear! Besides that, also 803. Whatever happens, it''s all safe for now."


    Naomi listens and waits for Uncle Flint''s response, time slows down and it feels like several minutes have passed by but really only ten seconds have passed.


    "Alright, just stay there. We will be coming back shortly. Just watch out Dick for a sec"


    "Copy"


    Naomi puts the radio down and walks back to the location to find a signal again. Trying to see if she can get anything, but none come through. She lets out a sigh before sitting back on her chair to wait.


    Flint and Cassandra are deep in the forest with a couple of park Rangers with them. Flint is writing down on his phone while Cassandra is smoking a lit-up cigarette, hanging from the edge of her lips while the two stare at something.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Cass?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make any fucking sense!¡±


    Cassandra and Flint look down at their feet, seeing before their eyes a torn-up tent site, with scratches around it, but no blood anywhere. The other rangers are trying to reach out to anyone on their walkie-talkies, discussing the events while Flint scratches his head and looks around the tent in a circle, seeing if he can find another clue but none pop up to his investigation skill.


    ¡° It¡¯s almost like the attacker just teleported inside and took their bodies away. It is so strange! It''s weird¡­.feels like the attackers didn¡¯t even attack them¡­¡±, Flint said with a worrisome tone.


    ¡°Whatcha mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean¡­..it¡¯s almost like the attack happened from inside. Because no matter how we see it, how we check it, how we take pictures to view it, someone was attacked from the inside. But how?!¡±


    Flint questioned himself, asked Cassandra, asked the other rangers, asked the animals and even asked God. The question ¡°But how¡±, echoes throughout the forest, bouncing around the trees, rocks, and hills, until eventually the sound drops down softly, until it is silent, only broken by the sound of wind rustling through the plant matters with care.


    The leaves from a nearby tree fall down and with the wind to assist it, they appear to dance around the tent as a form of celebration. This gets Flint upset, he swings his hands around to shoo them away before they fall on top of the destroyed tent.


    ¡°Ugh, and this had to happen on a Blue Moon Event. Cass, we should take this in a secure location and then head back. We need to wait until tomorrow to get more rangers to solve this mystery. Pfft, of course, we find out about the disappearances of campers coming up today¡±. Flint said with frustration.


    Cassandra takes the cigarette out of his mouth, putting it down on the ground, and smashing it with her boots before covering it up with some dirt before picking it up and placing it in her side pocket.


    ¡°Well until tomorrow happens, we will take this to the evidence room for the Police to arrive¡­.Hmmm Hey Flint?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm? Yeah, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t reach anyone, where we are, phones are hard to call anyone. Plus we have not got anyone on the walkie-talkies either. Maybe¡­ we should take risks?¡±


    Cassandra turns to Flint, he looks stunned by the idea, he turns his head with his left hand on his chin while the right is holding the elbow. Imagining the idea in his head, and thinking about it, Flint does think it is a good idea, an almost good idea.


    ¡°I understand what you are talking about, but that means we need to travel and it would take several hours and maybe more coming down. Plus¡­what should we do with our son?¡±


    ¡°Well, we can either take him with us or leave him with my brother and niece.¡±


    ¡°....Maybe we should bring him.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust him and her?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, you know what I mean by that¡±


    ¡°Apparently not! Johnny has changed though¡±.


    Flint has a worried look while Cassandra is trying to reason with him that his brother is capable. The other rangers can hear their talk, they grow silent and just walk off behind a tree, giving them some alone time. He lets out a sigh while rubbing his face, he looks up in the open sky where it is getting dark but he can still see the light, turning around to face her before asking a question out loud.


    ¡°Cass¡­.dear¡­ Do you think he has recovered¡­since the accident of Himawari Kimura?¡±


    Cassandra is quiet, thinking about it for almost an hour in her head, but really it felt like a long minute. Her expression was a feeling of sorrow mixed with¡­anger. She wipes her head and starts heading back while Flint looks confused about her actions.


    ¡°I know Johnny¡­He will be fine. But I will take my son, I will go ahead¡±


    ¡°By yourself? Wait then-!¡±


    ¡°Watch him, sometimes a woman can only do so much. He won¡¯t listen to anything from his sister. He needs a man to help push him¡±


    ¡°....! I feel like he will push me away.¡±


    ¡°Then jump back at him!¡±


    Cassandra walks fiercely back to Flint and pats her hand on his cheek, before giving him a kiss.


    ¡°Keep an eye on him, I can only trust you to do it. Now go take care of him before the shit storm starts happening with Naomi¡¯s new boyfriend! Now I¡¯m leaving, and don¡¯t forget to keep the walkies online.¡±


    He walks over to the other rangers hiding and slaps them on the head, telling them to move out, two men come up to the tent and pick it up with their gloves, safely taking it to a trunk while Flint looks down and breathes out loudly. Before lifting his head, kicking himself in the but to start the gears, he heads back along with the rangers and Cassandra. Flint puts his hands in his pocket and pulls out a few gummy bears, humming to a musical note while eating them up, few fall out of his hands. One blue gummy bear falls near a bush, moving back and forward from the wind. The wind is moving around with the strength of a breeze, suddenly the gummy bear is pulled into the bush by a strong wind. Gnaw and chewing noises can be heard, before silence returns again, and the sound of the breeze starts to get more rougher while the night is almost upon the land.