Marshall had made a call while waiting. His medical training told him clearly where this was headed. Chase was far too stubborn to ever ask for help, but Rocky on the other hand was experiencing the classic signs of a call for help. Marshall knew he could use that angle.

He saw the guys walking out of the school and quickly got out and opened the doors for everyone. Rocky looked at him with a distant stare that Marshall had seen before. He knew there was little time to reach him before he was permanently scarred. The group was quiet during the ride back to the station. They arrived and everyone got out.

"Head up to your room and we'll talk later," said Chase to Rocky. "Also, Scott, please call your parents and let them know you're with us and I'll bring you home later."

"Yes, sir," both boys said as they turned to the station.

As soon as they were both inside, Chase turned to Marshall. "Okay, out with it."

"What do you mean?" asked Marshall innocently.

"Marshall, I've know you too long," said Chase. "What are you up to?"

Marshall's innocence dropped and he sighed. "Okay, Chase. I'll level with you. You may not see it since you're thinking like a parent and not a cop right now. Both you and Rocky need to work on this or it will eat both of you up. Rocky is crazy smart, but let's face it: no one is wired to handle all that he has been through in his life. Not to mention the last few weeks."

Chase took a deep breath, letting his aggravation ease. "Maybe you're right. But what do we do? I'm not taking Rocky to the department shrink, he's as nuts as we all are."

"No, I would suggest someone you're more comfortable with and only when you're ready," said Marshall. "But Chase, Rocky needs help. Now."

"Okay, what do you suggest, Doctor Marshall," Chase smiled.

"Well, I made a call and a really close friend brought someone to meet you," said Marshall obviously waiting for the backlash.

"You what?!" Chase said feeling the aggravation returning.

"I know, I know Chase," Marshall pleaded "But hear me out. The friend is Everest. Her rehab clinic isn't only for physical rehab, they do mental rehab as well. I asked her if she could bring one of the counselor that specializes with kids. No discussions about the events. At least not yet. I wanted you two to meet her and for Rocky to see if he can get comfortable with her first, then we'll see where it goes."

Chase heard Marshall and as much as he wanted to strangle him at this point deep down he knew he was right. He let out a sigh. "Okay, we'll try it your way. For now. But if she upsets Rocky, that's it."

Marshall now took a deep breath. "I promise, if Everest trusts her with Rocky, I know you will be able to as well. We'll work on you as you feel more comfortable, this is about Rocky, okay?"

"Okay, for Rocky," agreed Chase

They turned and walked into the station. As they walked into the kitchen they found Everest and another woman sitting at the table talking. As they walked in the two stopped talking and looked at the guys.

"Well, I see Marshall's not dead," smirked Everest. "I take it you've agreed to at least meet her?"

"Um, yes," Chase said sheepishly.

"May I introduce you to a great coworker of mine," said Everest. "This is Misty Walker, she works at the clinic with me. I've known her for some time. She worked with me at the other clinic and agreed to come here to Adventure Bay."

Misty stood and extended her hand to Chase. Chase stepped up and shook her hand.

"Chase, I've heard so much about you and everyone here," Misty said. "I looked forward to finally getting to meet you."

Chase just looked at Everest and Marshall. Misty handed Chase a cup of coffee and walked back to the table. Chase looked at the coffee and sat down across from her. He looked again at the coffee.

"Don't worry, I didn't spike it with anything," smiled Misty. "We're just talking that's it."

Chase smiled and took a sip. "So what do you want to talk about?"

Rocky and Scott walked into the kitchen. "Dad, can we have a snack? I'm starving."

Chase turned toward Rocky and stood to walk over to the fridge. "Sure, whatever you want. Hey, Rocky, I'd like to meet a friend. This is Misty, she works with Everest at the clinic."

Rocky looked over to the young woman sitting at the table. She looked older than Everest but not by much. She seemed relaxed sitting there. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt that read 'Climb the Mountain.' Misty rose and walked over toward Rocky. Rocky took a step back.

"Hello, Rocky," said Misty kneeling down to his level. "Everest has told me a lot about you. So, you like to draw technical drawings and invent new things, I hear?"

"Y-yes. Pleased to meet you Ms. ...?" Rocky stuttered as he held out his hand.

Misty smiled and took his hand shaking it. "You can call me Miss Walker. Or you can simply call me Misty. Whatever you are more comfortable with."

Rocky relaxed a little and walked toward Chase.

"Here, you go," Chase said, handing Rocky and Scott each a glass of milk and a package of cookies.

"Thanks Dad," Rocky said and then grabbed Chase into a tight hug. Chase hugged back pulling him close. He could feel Rocky shaking again and tears welled up in his eyes. Chase turned to look at Misty, Chase had a pleading look in his eyes. Misty only nodded as she sat back down at the table.

"So Rocky, I'm sorry," said Misty. "I didn't get to meet your friend."

Rocky let go of Chase and smiled turning to Scott. "This is Scott. He's my best friend"

Scott smiled at that statement and stepped over to shake Misty's hand. "Nice to meet you Miss Walker."

Chase turned to Rocky. "Hey bud, why don't you and Scott join us?"

Rocky walked over to the table with his milk and sat down next to Chase, Scott sat next to Rocky and Marshall, Everest and Misty sat across the table from them.

"So Misty when did you meet Everest?" asked Chase.

Misty turned to Everest who nodded an okay."Well, back when she was checked into the clinic with her injuries from the wreck, I was assigned to her to help her rehab case."

Chase looked at Everest who gave him a knowing smile. "So you helped her get through her problem?"

Misty smiled. "Yes, everyone sees the physical rehabilitation. But few realize that there is an equal or greater mental aspect that often takes longer to heal. That's where I come in."

Chase was obviously in deep thought about everything going on. Misty turned back to Rocky and Scott.

"So what kind of drawings do you like to make the most," asked Misty.

"I-I really come up with the ideas and rough sketches," Rocky said. "Scott here is much better at drawing the technical quality drawings."

"Don't sell yourself short, Rocky," said Scott. "Your drawings are excellent. I just like to draw technical prints."

"Your drawings are so much better than mine," said Rocky.

"But your ideas are what I draw and I'll never be as smart as you are," said Scott.

"Well, guys, it sounds like you're a great team," said Misty. "Honestly, that is often the hardest part to get started. A great team can accomplish so much more. It's always better to work through a problem as a team."

Rocky and Scott looked at each other and then back at Misty smiling.

"So what else do you two like to do?" asked Misty.

Rocky and Scott explained that they liked to play video games and then Rocky got excited and explained that he and Scott had begun writing their own video game because the one they liked didn't seem challenging enough.

"Wow, Rocky," said Chase. "I didn't know you two were writing a video game. That's great."

"Well it's not finished yet," said Rocky.

"We didn't want to tell anyone until it's ready," laughed Scott looking over at Rocky.

"Yeah, I know," laughed Rocky. "I couldn't help it. It's almost ready."

"We could do our soft reveal," laughed Scott.

"That would be cool," said Rocky. "You want to be the first to see it?"

"Okay, I'm lost," said Chase. "What is a soft reveal?"

Rocky was about to speak when Misty spoke up instead. "A soft reveal is when the item, game in this case, is revealed for the first time to a select few. It's quite an honor to be in that select few."

Rocky smiled. "So you want to see it?"

"I would love to," said Misty.

"Us too," said Marshall, Everest and Chase.

Rocky and Scott got up from the table and walked back to Rocky's room where the computer was already running some form of testing analysis.

"Here, let me shut this down for now." said Rocky typing a series of characters into the computer. Rocky then changed screens and brought up the game's control center.

"Okay, who want to be first?" asked Rocky while Scott walked over to a box and opened it.

"What do you mean?" asked Chase.

"It's virtual, so only one can use it right now." Rocky stated "We hope to expand it soon but like I said. It's just coming together."

"I'm game," said Misty stepping forward.

Scott reached into the box and pulled out the headset and a pair of gloves.

"So what kind of game is it?" asked Misty.

"Well, it has several different aspects," said Rocky. "Currently, it is set up for a fire fighting challenge. It will have a first person shooter but I kind of quit working on that after..." Rocky trailed off, looking a bit down.

"Fire fighting sounds cool to me," said Misty moving on quickly.

Rocky snapped back, smiling. "Okay. Scott, help her with the headset and then the show her how the gloves work." Rocky turned back and began quickly typing commands into the computer before turning around. "Since you haven't played before, we'll go through a short training simulator so you can get a feel for the controls."

"Alright, I'm ready," said Misty pulling down the goggles.

Rocky brought up the training simulator. And began adding commands.

Misty was standing in the bay of the station. It looked so real she felt like she was standing downstairs. Rocky was now giving her commands through her headset and when she turned toward the voice she saw Rocky standing there but he was in a fire chief's uniform. Misty jumped a little at the sight. Rocky laughed as did the virtual Rocky.

"It's okay," laughed Rocky. "I should have warned you. I'm only here during the training module."

"This is amazing," said Misty. "It looks so real." Both Rocky and Scott beamed at her comments.

"Okay, let's get started," said Rocky.

Rocky began to show Misty how to use the hoses and axes as well as other tools and equipment available. Then he lead her outside to a burning box and showed her how to extinguishing the fire. The fire looked so real Misty thought she could feel the heat.

"So what happens if you get too close," asked Marshall watching the monitor over Rocky's shoulder.

"Well, currently you just burst into flames and the game ends," said Rocky dryly, with a slight frown.

"But Rocky want to put a device that shocks you for being stupid," laughed Scott. "I told him that was a little cruel. As some of us are not as smart as others."

Marshall looked at Rocky and laughed.

"Okay Misty, I think you got the hang of it." said Rocky "Let's show you how to drive the truck so you can go to a call."

"What, it's a driving simulator as well?" said Marshall. "Do you have any idea what you've created?"

"A really cool game?" Rocky replied.

"Well yes, but you've developed a training simulator that could be used to train future firefighters." said Marshall. "You never cease to amaze me."

Rocky just grinned as he turned back and showed Misty how to drive the truck and operate the truck.

Misty responded to several calls and then decided it was time to let someone else try. Marshall of course was jumping up and down to try it. Hours passed and even Chase had to admit that Misty seemed to connect with Rocky. Misty could feel the tension in Chase easing as well.

Scott took over for Rocky after a several of the guys had tried the game out.

Rocky and Misty were sitting to the side talking when Skye walked in to find everyone in Rocky's room.

"Hey Mom," said Rocky getting up and hugging Skye. "I'd like you to meet Misty Walker. She works with Everest at the clinic."

Skye smiled. "How very nice to meet you Misty."

Misty turned back to Rocky, "So you said there were multiple aspects to the game?"

"Yes, like I said, we have a police officer version, but I haven't finished that," said Rocky. "I want to create a flying version but I don't know how to fly so I can't get that one to work like I want to."

"That's amazing," said Misty "You know I've heard so much about you, everyone else and the station. Everest has always liked talking about your parents and friends here. She's also told me about you and how Skye and Chase have made you a part of their family."

Skye sat in a chair next to Rocky, she gently squeezed his hand. Rocky smiled at her and turned back to Misty. "I have always liked to help people that are going through rough spots in their life." said Misty "If you ever want to talk, I'd love to be a friend you can talk to."

"But I'm not hurt like Everest was," said Rocky.

"Not physically," said Misty. "But sometimes the hurts we have aren't on the outside. Sometimes it's in here," Misty tapped her head.

"You mean like going crazy?" asked Rocky

Misty laughed. "No, nothing like that. I'm talking about sometimes our lives get crazy and things are sometimes hard to forget."

"Oh, you mean like when Dad..." said Rocky slowly drawing himself into his chair. Skye felt heartbroken seeing him like that.

Misty saw this and adapted accordingly. "Yes, I know about that too. I'm just talking about the day to day stuff that makes us happy and the stuff that gets in the way. You don't have to be crazy to talk to a friend. Although just between me and you, I think they are all crazy for doing the jobs they do," Misty laughed.

Rocky laughed a little, easing his feet down a little.

"I know how it feels to start over with a new family in a new place" continued Misty "I was adopted when I was about your age. My parents weren't rescue people, my adopted parents were both Doctors."

Rocky's eyes widened. "You were adopted too?" He sat up, leaning forward a bit.

"Yes, and I couldn't asked for a better outcome to my life," said Misty "I love my parents dearly and just like Skye and Chase here, they took great care of me and showed me what a real family is like."

Rocky looked over to Skye who leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I guess I'm pretty lucky. I love my parents as well."

The others and noticed that Rocky was talking to Misty and had all quietly shut the game off and excused themselves except for Chase. He and Skye sat next to Rocky and Misty. They all sat down in a circle and began discussing amongst themselves the events that had happened lately. Rocky was allowed to take the conversation where he wanted. Chase filled in gaps as Rocky looked to him. Misty quietly sat there listening and taking note of Rocky's reactions to different parts of the story. When Rocky would begin drawing back into himself she would redirect him to his inventions and games.

Before Rocky even realized, he began telling Misty about his birth parents and how they treated him. He then went into detail about how he felt when he was dropped off at the orphanage. His meeting with Skye and Chase at the orphanage and he was able to describe in detail exactly what they were wearing that day, every feeling he had and when they brought him home for the first time. Then Rocky explained the events that happened since he arrived and his fear of having caused the problems. When they finally discussed the recent shooting event, Rocky broke down several time but was able to explain his fears of losing Chase.

Skye and Chase both sat there with tears in their eyes. They knew that had made a difference in Rocky's life. But they had no idea how much it meant to Rocky to be wanted for the first time in his life. Chase made a pact with himself, he would speak to a counselor as well, the family would become stronger because of this. They would endure and become so tight knit that nothing could ever separate that bond.

Misty knew that the worst was past for Rocky and that he and his parents would get through this together. She smiled to herself as she remembered how much her parents had helped her move past her previous life.

Rocky was physically and mentally exhausted by the time they were done. As Misty talked to Chase and Skye, he slowly began dozing off. Chase picked him up and carried him over to his bed. Skye helped him remove his shoes and shirt so he could sleep more comfortable. They walked over to the hallway and found Scott laying just outside the door.

"Scott," Chase whispered as he knelt down. "Wake up, buddy, time to go home."

"I-I'd really like to stay in case Rocky needs me," said Scott in between yawns.

Chase smiled. "Of course. Go ahead and go to bed," said Skye. "I'll call your Mom and let her know what's going on."

"Thanks Mrs. Shepherd," said Scott turning to walk into Rocky's room.

Skye stopped him and pulled him into a hug then kissed him on the forehead like she did so often to Rocky. "Thank you for being a friend he can count on."

"Thank you for being such great parents to Rocky, he really does love you guys," said Scott.

Chase ruffled his hair. "See ya in the morning." The door closed behind him and Chase and Skye both sighed.

"Well," Misty said. "It's been a long night. We've talked about a lot.

"So, he'll be okay?" Chase asked.

"He'll be fine," Misty assured him. "These things take time." She turned and walked down the hall, Chase and Skye following. "Oh, and Chase?"

"Yes?"

"You mentioned you'd like to speak to a counselor as well? I'll take your word for it." She smiled as she walked up to the door. Everest met her to take her back to her apartment.

"Marshall going with you?" Chase smirked.

"Actually, no," Everest said. "He's waiting for you on the deck."

Chase looked confused for a second. "What do you-" The door to the deck slid open.

"I didn't tell you this, but I have mental health training," Marshall said. "Plus, I thought you'd be more comfortable talking to a friend." He smiled. "You're not getting away from this."

Chase sighed, knowing he'd have to own up to it. "Okay." Skye squeezed his hand. "I'm ready."

Marshall smiled, gesturing towards the door. "Step into my office." Chase hesitantly took the steps. The door slid behind them and they sat down. Marshall knew this would work, whether Chase knew it or not. He'd do anything for his family, because, for him, family always came first

Epilogue

The gang adjusted to having Misty around in their lives. Even though some of the guys were worried she would probe their minds at first, it turned out she was a lot of fun.

She helped Rocky deal with his feelings instead of bottling them up, like Chase had. Overall, he was happier and had, more or less, forgotten about the past and moved on. Of course, there were times where he would have an occasional nightmare, but his parents were there to help, always.

Chase, on the other hand, was a bit more stubborn. Although Marshall had been able to get him to open up several times over the past few months, there was something there, something stopping him from completely opening up. It wasn't until he brought in Skye and Misty for some comfort and backup that he truly did pour out his thoughts.

He revealed that, after Diane's death, he had had several unpleasant thoughts. Misty talked him through it, though, redirecting the conversation to the happiness he felt upon adopting Rocky. It took several sessions, but eventually, Chase too finally felt relaxed.

It wasn't until a few weeks later, though, that they realized the impact Rocky had on their lives. Without Rocky, Chase and Skye's relationship could have fallen apart. They could've left altogether.

Marshall's fire company would have eventually fallen through as well, but thanks to the genius of two boys, he now had the perfect training simulator. His business grew and he was able to buy a bigger station just down the road.

Rubble and Zuma were helped as well. Rubble never truly enjoyed firefighting, but he did enjoy the rebuilding process. With a little encouragement, he helped Rocky on several projects, until Ryder was able to get him a job as an engineer. Zuma, after teaching Rocky how to swim, decided he would be a lifeguard full-time.

Surprisingly, none of them ever left their little firehouse. They continued living there, with frequent visits from Everest, Misty and Scott. All was peaceful. Everyone was happy, as they should have been. They would never drift apart. They had grown too close together for that to happen.