Chapter 1: Snowflake's Party and Gratitude
*I only own the Original Character Snowflake, Snowflake's backstory, and the story-line for this story. All PAW Patrol characters, places, etc. belong to Spinmaster, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, and Viacom. PAW Patrol All Rights Reserved.*
*Note: Make sure you have read my other stories Once in Every Snowflake, and Pups and Marshall's Bully. There will be moments from those stories mentioned in this story. If you have not read those, you will be confused. Also, this is set in 2015 since Snowflake joined the team in December 2014, despite being created mid-September 2014. Hope you enjoy.*
The lights were on in The Lookout, and the snow was white and silent, as Ryder put the finishing touches on the present the team had in store for Snowflake. It had been a year since she joined the PAW Patrol, and everyone wanted to reward her for all the hard work she did.
"How's it going, Ryder?" Chase asked as he entered Ryder's bedroom quietly. Making sure he wasn't followed. It was almost time for the celebration! Besides, it was hard keeping Snowflake distracted.
"Yes. I just got done. She's going to love everyone's gifts. We just need to make sure she's surprised," Ryder replied as he got his present and carried it. Chase and Ryder walked to the elevator, and they went down to the bottom floor. Once they got out, Ryder hid his gift under a table which was covered by a colorful tablecloth. Fake snowflakes hung from the ceiling, ice blue streams of lights lit up the room, blue streamers were twirling across the ceiling as well. And finally, a sheet with blue dried paint on it hanging just above the elevator glass read "Happy 1 Year Anniversary Snowflake".
"I can't believe Snowflake's been with us for a year. She's been a great addition!" Ryder said happily. Chase howled with excitement, until he realized something.
"Wait a minute, I just realized something. I know Snowflake told us a little about her past, but we know nothing about her other puppy years!" Chase said, now shocked they never asked her about her growing up years.
"Relax, Chase. Remember that she's still the newest team member. If you have a question, just ask. Besides, this is HER special day. If she wants to share her past, that's her choice to make. What's important is making sure she has a good time. This is practically her birthday as far as we know!" Ryder reassured him. Chase smiled and nodded.
"You're right, Ryder! I just hope she likes it," Chase replied until the front doors slid open. Marshall ran in, looking back over his shoulder.
"Snowflake's coming! Is everyone ready?!" the Dalmatian said in a heavy breath. He had challenged her to a short race to The Lookout.
"Ready Marshall!" both Chase and Ryder said, as well as the other pups who were all hiding behind bean bags chairs, and other objects. Marshall then ran and hid before Ryder turned the lights out. A moment or so later, the husky Snowflake arrived.
"Marshall?! Marshall where are you? You won!" Snowflake exclaimed, as she stopped to catch her breath. She looked around at the now dark inside of The Lookout. And was confused.
"Ryder? Pups? Are you here? Why are the lights out? Did we get another blizzard?" Snowflake asked, walking inside, the doors sliding behind her.
"SURPRISE! Happy one year Anniversary, Snowflake!" everyone cried out as they came out of their hiding spots, and the lights came on.
"Woah!" Snowflake exclaimed as she was surprised by her greeting. Ryder approached her, as did the other pups.
"Snowflake, I'd like to congratulate you for being with us for a year. Ever since you returned Marshall's teddy bear, became friends with us, and helped find Alex in the snow hike with Jake, you have proven time, and time again, that you are kind, hard-working, determined, and a good team member. As well as being a good friend. So, this is our way to celebrate your accomplishments, and your friendship with us," Ryder said to the husky as the other pups howled with joy, tails wagging. Snowflake smiled.
"Thank you everyone. But, I -" Snowflake's smiled faded away, her tail tucked between her backs, and her ears folded back. This surprised Ryder and the pups. They were concerned for Snowflake. Ryder was then met with two, ice blue, watery eyes.
"I'M the one who should thank all of YOU! You gave me a HOME! You INVITED me in, and let me STAY! I was only bringing Marshall back his teddy bear. I NEVER imagined all of THIS would happen! If - If it wasn't for you - I'd be going back to my hometown of Sunlight. I - I'd be staying at a friend's house, then move onto another. Then another house, then another, or even stay at my owner's house until a family member or family friend came ba - aa - ack!" Snowflake replied, now practically in tears. Concerned looks came across Ryder and the pups faces as Snowflake spoke.
"Snowflake -" Ryder said in sympathetic shock. He and the pups never knew Snowflake was a neighborhood dog, let alone almost a stray. Ryder kneeled down as he carefully got to Snowflake's level.
"I just did what I could to feel at home. Even in a tight community like mine, it's challenging to help o - out individuals! But after you all let me join, I - I actually felt like I belonged! That I had a place where I could stay with people, and pups I knew rather than going from one family to the next and so on. R - Ryder, because of you and the pups - I feel like - I felt like I had a HOME!" Snowflake said before tears started rolling down her face.
"Snowflake," Ryder said sympathetically, with arms open, and tears running down his face too. Snowflake jumped in Ryder's arms for a hug as she bawled her eyes out. Letting out her appreciation, and love for her friends. The pups also joined in for a group hug as they all cried with Snowflake.
"I - I never felt like this until the last time I was with my owner! But he had to move away to a hospital for medical reasons! He was a grandfather, but a good man! A good o-o-owner!" Snowflake cried out, missing the man who raised her. If only she could see him. Eventually, after several minutes, everyone calmed down, and separated from the group hug. Ryder however, stayed at Snowflake's level, kneeling down.
"Snowflake, we had NO idea that you had to go through that. But what's important is that you have us. You're our tracking pup, you joined us not because of just your skills, but because you represent what the team is about; love and helping others. You're more than happy to give you a home. A family. You were there for us, and we'll be here for you. We love you Snowflake," Ryder commented before he and Snowflake hugged again. The pups watched with smiles and watery eyes as Snowflake just whined, licked Ryder's face, and just kept saying "thank you. Thank you!" in a grateful voice. It wasn't a sad moment, but a heart-felt one.
Once everyone had calmed down, the party got started. They ate pup treats, pizza, and fruit, they played Pup Pup Boogie, relaxed and talked, and of course, at cake. Eventually, it was time for presents.