Appalachian Mountains along West Virginia/ Kentucky border
The trip to their contact proved to be arduous for Anna and Greg. After landing at the airport, the two agents rented a car to reach the remote location. The car trip was arduous, Greg maneuvering along mountain passes barely large enough to be called a road. After 3 hours, the pair now reached the ranger station, noticing a middle age man now approach. "Russell Lamb," Anna asked.
"Yeah that's me," he replied. "I'm guessing you two are from S.P.E.A.R." Anna nodded, studying the park ranger carefully. Russell looked to be in his late 40s with a weathered face and brown hair streaked with gray. Sporting a well maintained beard, Anna got the impression Russell spent most of his time outdoors. "Never heard about your agency til recently," he said. "In fact I wasn't told much except to call in case of emergency."
"Our agency is new sir," Anna stated. "And I'm guessing they explained the classified nature of our work." Russell simply gave Anna a look, beckoning the pair towards the ranger station. "Miss I've been a ranger for over 20 years," he said. "The things I've seen out here is the reason they've told me about your agency. No one understands what's out here better than I do. And no one understands the folks that live out her better than me."
"So there are cryptids out here," Greg asked.
"Yeah but don't call them that kid they got names," Russell sighed, gazing out at the mountains before continuing. "I was around your age when I became a ranger. This was my first posting. Most rangers don't last more than a few years out here. There things in these mountains that are more dangerous than you can imagine. Took a few years to gain some of their trust. That's why I've stayed all these years. The ones that call this place home trust me."
"Eventually you're going to have to retire though," Anna replied. Russell nodded, he knew he couldn't do this forever but trying to find someone to take his place was going to take some effort. "I got time before I got to worry about that Miss," he said. Checking his watch, he now beckoned the two agents inside before closing the door. "Make yourself at home. I'm about to have dinner. We got a couple hours before Slade shows up."
Over the next few hours, Anna and Greg talked with Russell about his experiences in these remote mountains. The experienced ranger had seen every manner of creature over that time. Werewolves, Dog Men, Deer people, Bigfoot, ghosts even things he couldn't explain. The man was dedicated though, acting as a go between for the various supernatural communities. He had earned their trust, saved more than few over the years and for that they made sure he was protected within the wilderness. "So what about these hikers," Anna asked.
"Couple of college kids," Russell grunted. "Their folks got money and connections. So far I've been able to keep it pretty quiet but, it's only a matter of time before they draw attention. Search parties and news cameras are going to bring a whole lot of unwanted attention here. That happens and I don't think any of these folks are gonna be safe."
"So you want to find these hikers to keep your friends safe," Greg asked.
"No to keep EVERYONE safe," Russell replied. "The search parties and the mountain folk." The old ranger now paused, noticing the sun had finally set. Now blanketed in darkness both agents realized just how dark the wilderness could be without lights. "It's time, Slade should be here." Slowly rising to his feet Russell now stepped outside, Anna and Greg cautiously following behind.
Gazing out into the moonless night, Anna and Greg tried to adjust to the darkness. Anna felt a slight bit of relief from the lack of moonlight, without it their was no chance of her lycanthropy flaring up. Still, standing in the pitch darkness did little to calm her nerves. "Do you see anything Greg," she whispered. Greg shook his head, he couldn't see a thing.
A rustling of underbrush now drew both agents attention, the hair on the back of their neck rising in alarm. Something was moving just out of eyesight, something big and it was moving towards them. The slow heavy steps causing both agents breath to catch in their throats. Whatever it was sounded big, their eyes widening in horror as they scanned the area near the noise.
It felt for a moment as if Greg and Anna were in a horror film. Slowly but surely a large shape emerged from the darkness. The creature was massive, perhaps 9 or 10 feet tall, it's body slim yet somehow also massively muscled. At first though they couldn't make out its features, until it got closer. It was only then that it features began to take shape. A massive creature with black hair, long claws and a dog shaped head. Instinctively Greg and Anna reached for their sidearm, preparing to fire.
"Dont shoot," Russell said quickly, his voice hushed. "He ain't gonna hurt you."
"What is that," Anna hissed.
"My contact," Russel replied as the massive figure now stood before them, Anna and Greg now able to clearly see his fangs. "This is Slade, he's a Dog man."
Anna and Greg paused, gaping as they turned their eyes up to gaze into the fearsome Dog man's eyes. Slade simply nodded in response, turning to Russell. "Are they here to help," he asked, his voice a low growl. Russle nodded, the Dog man snorting before beckoning them back towards the ranger station. "Come," Slade called. "We have much to discuss."