A continuation of the "Show No Fear, Show Them A Smile" story by HavocHound. Rocky has just been executed for murder. His friends and community are devastated but maybe there's hope…
If you haven't read "Show No Fear, Show Them A Smile" read it real quick, it's one chapter and sets the tone for this and future stories.
Disclamer: I do not own Paw Patrol or it's show Based Characters, The O/C's are owner by either HavocHound or myself.
Six vehicles rode throughout the night in silence as their normally busy town was quiet as a mouse. It was no surprise considering that there was a death announced only a few hours ago. Each of the riders had tears in their eyes that made it hard to drive towards their home on the Lookout Island, but by some miracle they made it they parked one by one, all of them got out and stared at the green and silver pup houe that was empty now and forever more. It's owner taken from them by the law... and corruption.
Without a word to each other, Ryder and the pups entered the Lookout and started to lie around. Almost lifeless. The realization that Rocky, their friend and teammate, was dead was still fresh in their minds.
Chase felt he needed to do something. Anything. A part of him wanted to just rip out Humdinger Sr.'s throat but he knew better. He walked to the window and just stared out at the night, thinking about the whole injustice that Rocky had to go through. How could the Law I swore to uphold, work this way? thought Chase as he wanted nothing more than to rip his badge off his uniform and throw it into the lake. But he knew he couldn't do it. As much as he was angry and missed Rocky so badly, he had to find a way to go on.
Marshal looked over at his best friend and walked over to him. The two nuzzled in comfort of each other and shared tears together. As he looked outside, watching the moon over the water, he instantly fell into a memory of how much Rocky hated water in general. I'm going to miss that. We all used to joke about it, even him. However, the sorrow in his heart continued on as he thought about how he'll never hear him complain again. He knew he had to hold on the happy memories, but it was just so hard.
Skye was just sitting on one of the pup beds crying as she thought about how happy Rocky always was with Paw Patrol. She could almost hear his laughter even now, playing with them as they enjoyed their day. She wanted to see him one more time, but not as a corpse. She wanted him alive.
Rubble wasn't sure what to feel. He knew things would never be the same but somehow things just didn't seem right. It was like a nagging feeling that something was wrong. He might be the youngest but he was far smarter than some gave him credit for. 'I've got to stay strong, the team depends on the strength of each of us. Maybe I'll take up recycling, Rocky would expect it of us to keep it going, even without him, thought Rubble.
Zuma just sat staring at nothing in particular. Rocky was gone, what would he do, how would he go on? He closed his eyes tight. He could almost hear his voice. He could smell him, feel him. 'You need to find a way to move on' he thought he could almost hear Rocky's voice say. He was my brother' thought Zuma, 'I have to be strong, I have to find a way.'
All their attention was taken when Ryder called everyone together.
"We have been through alot over the last few days. We can stand strong with the help of each other. Rocky was a great team member and would want us to keep doing our jobs" said Ryder, wiping his eyes with his sleep. "I'll take care of the funeral preparations tomorrow. You've all been through enough pups."
"I wanna help, Wyder!" shouted Zuma standing tall. "Rocky was our friend. He was part of our family! The least... the least I can do is give him a proper farewell!"
"I wanna help too!" said Rubble, also nodding.
One by one the pups all voiced their agreement and Ryder gave a small smile. "Okay, you pups can help. We'll decide what we'll do in the morning. For now... let's just get some sleep."
"It's not like we can sleep," whispered Zuma, silently breaking down. Skye quickly moved from her spot to hold and comfort the now weeping Zuma.
"Well, at least try to get some rest," Ryder said as he turned towards his room.
"Can I sweep with you tonight?" whimpered Zuma. "Us too?" said the rest of the pups one by one.
"Sure" said Ryder.
That night they all laid in each other arms and paws. Holding each other, comforting each other. They were a team they would get through this together...
Marshall and Skye were in charge or the decorations. They search all over Adventure Bay looking for everything they could find that was Green and Silver. What they finally realized was everything they needed was in the recycle bins outside the Lookout. 'Rocky would be so proud' thought both of the pups.
They found Green and Silver material that worked perfect as drapes. The even found green and silver ribbons that they used as streamers for the main room where the service would be held.
All in all they felt the place looked great.
As they both stepped back looking, Marshall tripped over a row of chairs, knocking them all over. Skye just shook her head. Marshal thought back to all his past memories of crashing into the pups and how Rocky would laugh before two would hug it out. Marshal lost it as tears fell down his face.
"I can't believe he's really gone…" cried Marshal. Skye immediately went over and held her friend. "How are going to go on, this hurts so bad"
"We have to find a way, it's what Rocky would have wanted" said Skye, nuzzling him.
Chase and Rubble were put in charge of flowers, the wreaths, and photo's of Rocky. The flowers were easy to buy in colors of Green and White with Silver ribbons around everything. The wreath came next and they put a lot of thought into the ribbon that read "We'll miss you, Use it or Reuse it" However, when it came to the pictures…
"How do we chose?" asked Rubble as he and Chase sat across from each other looking through the photo albums that Ryder had put together. "So many memories, look at this here. We all are at the beach with Rocky trying to sit as far from the water as possible, I don't think I'll ever look at the water the same. I'm really gonna miss that pup."
The decided to pick one of Rocky standing proudly next to his Recycle Truck. There was one of the pups in their uniforms, with Rocky out front receiving one of many rewards from Mayor Goodway for establishing a recycle program for Adventure Bay.
"He sure was proud that day" whimpered Rubble as we wiped a tear from his eye quickly looking over to see if Chase saw it or not. Of course always observant Chase saw it but didn't say anything as he wiped a tear from his own.
Then they found it. The perfect picture, it was Rocky and Zuma holding each other laughing. It was taken at Alex's last birthday party. You could clearly see the happiness in both of their eye's. "They were never far from each other… We have to find a way to help Zuma get through this. We have to stand strong as a team, as a family" said Chase now tearing up thinking about that day and the many days to come.
Ryder and Zuma arrived at the Morgue of Foggy Bottom to collect the body and move him back to Adventure Bay for the funeral. As they were walking to the entrance Humdinger Sr. walked out.
"What are you doing here?" said Zuma through gritted teeth. Ryder placed his hand on Zuma's shoulder to try to calm him.
"Just out for a stroll on this fine day…" said Humdinger, taunting them to say something. "I figured I'd take one more look at the pup that stole my son from me."
"You're son was a pup rapist you bastard," muttered Zuma.
Humdinger growled. "My son was innocent. You're murderous friend got what he deserved, you know. At least Humdinger Jr. can rest at peace. Justice has been done." With that he turned and walked away with his head up high.
"I'll rip him apart!" growled Zuma lunging towards Humdinger Sr.
Ryder quickly dove in front of Zuma and embraced him in a tight hug. "He's not worth it, Zuma" said Ryder. Ryder could feel the anger pour out of Zuma and then came the whimpering and shaking as Zuma broke down in tears.
"Isn't that touching" sniped Humdinger Sr.
"Paw Patrol will never do anything for Foggy Bottom, Humdinger. Not if it has people like you in it!" yelled Ryder with eyes full of hate. "You killed Rocky, and I will never forgive you. And if you don't get out of here I may be forced to let Zuma have you."
Ryder turned to Zuma, "Come on, we have a friend to pick up." They both turned and walked into the office.
They signed the necessary paperwork to have the body released and returned to Adventure Bay for services. The morgue had even prepared Rocky for his funeral so all that was left was for him to be delivered. When everything was finished, Ryder was about to leave when Zuma made a request to see Rocky. To make sure he looked good.
Ryder allowed it as one of the staff members took Zuma to one of the preparations rooms and let him in. "Take as long as you need."
The Casket was open as Zuma walked in. Rocky was laid out in a beautiful green suit that appeared a perfect fit. The casket was a beautiful oak, thought Zuma. The handles were wooden as well. The interior lining was silver and looked like pillows supporting the pup. Rocky's head appeared to be resting on a soft pillow, his eyes gently closed as if sleeping. Rocky's paws were crossed resting upon his chest. His in paws was his Green Pup Tag. Everything appeared perfect, too perfect.
Zuma approached the casket and he felt like his heart just stopped. Zuma's mind quickly flashed to a time when the pup's decide to have a trick contest.
Chase was coming up with the trick ideas, his next idea was a 'Play Dead' contest. Who could be the most convincing.
Marshal decided to go first. He quickly just dropped to the floor with his tongue sticking out. it didn't seem to be more than a few seconds until he started giggling.
"Not even close!" said all the pups together.
Next was Skye, she decided to crash into the ground. laying on her side hardly moving until her fur fell across her nose. She immediately sneezed.
"Oh!, that was close" said Chase.
Chase said try it like this, 'making a gun shooting noise he fell over on the ground and stuck his paws in the air."
"FAKE!" yelled everyone laughing.
Rubble said "I'll give it a try." Rubble dropped to the floor and laid there for a few moments perfectly still. The pups were impressed, that is until Rubble starting snoring.
"Ha! someone wake him up!" laughed Skye
Zuma did say anything he just fell over. Zuma smacked his head as he hit the floor. "Dude, i think i might have actually killed myself." everyone just laughed.
It was now Rocky's turn. they all turned to Rocky to find that he was laying on the floor. The walked over and looked. Rocky laid so still it didn't even appear he was breathing.
"Did he pass out?" asked Skye. "it doesn't look like he's breathing, Marshal you should check on him." Zuma ran over to his side "Buddy!" whimpered Zuma. At that Rocky broke down laughing.
"I'm fine, you guys need to learn to act" said Rocky. Rocky stood up and walked over to Zuma, "I'll never leave my buddy behind, Zuma"
That thought snapped Zuma back to the present, "Dude, wake up, this is a bad dream right?" cried Zuma. Ryder walked up and held Zuma as they both broke down in tears.
"He does look really good" said Zuma "I always heard that saying, but he weally does"
After a few moments they turned to leave, "Let's go home, Zuma" said Ryder as he guided them towards the door. They got into their vehicles as Zuma looked at the morgue one last time.
"I don't ever plan on stepping foot in the town again, for as long as I live" whimpered Zuma as they drove away.
