-Piston Peak National Park-

It wasn't until a day later at dawn that Windlifter had been able to bring him back. Blade somberly led Windlifter over the smoldering remains of the once beautiful park, Dusty Crophopper hanging limply in the Skycrane's better-than-new sling.

And everyone on the base watched in sad silence as Windlifter gently lowered Dusty onto the lift that Dynamite then pulled into the cool shadows of Maru's domain. Maru wasted no time in popping open his cowling and taking a look at their youngest member.

"Well?" Blade asked anxiously.

"Miraculously, he's alive," Maru stated and everyone breathed out in relief. "Engine seems fine, minus the obvious gearbox problem, small leaks of fluids that will be easy to fix, his pontoon will need to be hammered out before reattaching it. His prop will need to be replaced, and I can hammer out the dents."

"What about his gearbox?" Dipper asked. "If you fix him up, and he wakes up, knowing he will never fly again will kill him."

"I'm focusing on getting him stabilized first; then I'll see what I can do." Maru snapped. "Now everyone leave me alone. Blade, go call his Propwash friends. No doubt they've heard about the fire by now and are sick with worry."


-Propwash Junction-

Dottie was stress-organizing her tools when the radio startled her. Quickly, she dashed over and answered.

"Dusty? Thank goodness, when we heard about the massive fire; we were so scared." Dottie said.

"::I'm sorry miss, but I'm Blade Ranger, the helicopter training him. I... have some news you need to hear.::" He said and Dottie felt something horrible settle in her tanks.

"Okay, just hold on. Let me get the others." She said.

"Guys! Blade's on the horn!" She shouted. Soon after, Mayday, Chug, Skipper, and Sparky were gathered around her.

"Alright, Blade, we're all here. What's the news? Why hasn't Dusty called us in three days?" Skipper asked. A deep breath was heard on the other end and the helicopter spoke.

"::There was an accident the night of the fire.::" Blade began. "::Dusty... he... crashed.::" Everyone gasped harshly.

"Is he okay?! Please tell us he's-" Dottie rambled in a panicky voice.

"::He's alive, but in very serious condition.::" Blade said. "::But Maru's the best mechanic I know though. If anyone can help him pull through, it's gonna be him.::"

"How'd it happen, Ranger?" Mayday asked.

"::I think you all know the answer to that question.::" Blade said and Sparky flinched.

"His gearbox..." Sparky said in a small voice.

"::Unfortunately yes. Kid's a hero, though.::" Blade said. "::An elderly RV couple he got to know when he went to a party at the lodge was trapped on the bridge at Augerin Canyon. Kid flew through a firestorm, then scooped water off the waterfall behind the bridge. He knew the risks of redlining his engine but did it anyway to save their lives.::"

"That's Dusty for ya..." Chug said, close to tears. "Core of gold and completely selfless."

"Thanks for telling us, Blade. Keep us updated on his condition, will ya?" Dottie said, tears flowing from her eyes.

"::Of course.::" Blade answered.


-Grand Fusel Lodge-

"Mr. Secratery, when will the TMST arrive?" Ol' Jammer said.

"Sometime tomorrow, someone named Ryker, I believe. Anything from the Air Attack base? Those two RVs are pretty upset." The green Jeep (at least, he looks like a Jeep to me) said.

"Got the kid out of the trees, but he's in pretty bad condition." The ranger replied. "Where's André? I heard he said he wanted to tell the TMST something."

"He's caring for the two RVs. They still believe it's their fault." Mr. Secretary said.