DISCLAIMER: I do not own PAW Patrol, the characters, or any association of the series.
A/N: HELLO READERS! Hope ya'll enjoying this! CAUSE DAMMIT I AM! This my friends is an exciting chapter, thrown with drama, arguments, etc. The previous chapter was more so an establishing chap, so sorry if it wasn't as engaging as the other ones.
COMMENTS!
Mattwurm99 - lol you'll find out in this chap
Magical20 - yeah I really love the bromance between the two (I can really see why people would ship them together cause damn they work well lool) . And yeah what misty did was pretty selfish. And for Rubble bwhaha he does have a story. Obviously not how he joined but how he ended up in Adventure Bay.
Zuma lover - find out next on the next episode of digimon, digital – oops wrong story. But yeah all the stuff will be answered in the last part. :)
marcogalmich - Thank you! I'm glad my Spanish is decent haha
CyberWolf SgtJay - Thanks ^^
Imagi - That is very true my friend. I loved how insightful you went about. Despite Marshall's obvious flaws, he is a very capable member for a rescue team, probably one of the strongest members. I wish to showcase that in the future, and how Marshall really grows within his role. And all that stuff you mentioned in the end, yup hit the nail. It only adds to his character growth.
storyteller2899 - Well im honored you like it! I honestly never thought I would be writing fanfic for a kids show for gods sake, but here I am, trash and all. Its honestly so interesting these characters. I love playing around with them. And with Archie yeah it tugged my heart strings too. I hate killing characters off
PBJNachos - Thank you! I'm currently in my third year in fashion, but for sure after I'm heading to film for screenwriting. I just love writing, I literally do it everyday, and this community is a positive outlet for it.
Beau670 - I'm so happy you love it!
mdmpinkie9088 - lol goes somewhere?! Well I guess some plotlines can be recycled, but im glad mine is like fresh air. And for Misty she is an interesting character if had to describe I don't think she's that extreme to drug him (she has dignity) but she can hurt people besides using fists unlike Champ.
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"Chase! Chase!"
The German shepherd turned his head, eyeing his friend who came rushing behind him.
Chase suddenly widened his eyes and he barked, "Wait! Marshall! Watch where you're – oomph!"
The two collided, and from the dust, revealed Marshall lying on top of Chase comically.
"Hehe, sorry." He sat up immediately, his face beaming with excitement. "But I wanted to say – " Chase shook his fur – Um, well, congratulations!"
Chase was surprised, blinking owlishly at the exclamation, seeing his friend wagging his tail happily. "Oh, you heard?"
He laughed. "Course I heard! You and one other pup, uh what was his name – "
"Bruce."
"and Bruce, were the only ones who qualified."
He looked slightly uncomfortable with the compliment. "Uh, thanks – "
"We gotta do something to celebrate!"
"But I still need to pass the final round though." He was genuinely confused, tilting his head. "Why should we celebrate?"
"Just cause Chase!" The pup was still smiling, prancing around happily. "And it's great you passed, cause this was super hard, like a bunch of pups couldn't finish, even those who were super good!"
Chase watched his friend continue to bounce around, rambling about all the tests the training they had to do, when smoothly the German shepherd arched a brow. "So you doubted me?"
Marshall instantly paled, tripping on his paw and falling flat on his face. He whipped his head up, seeing the impassive face his friend had always did. "Uh, no! N-Not at all Chase! Didn't mean it like that! Of course I believed you could do it."
The K-9 pup laughed lightly. "Just joking Marshall."
"Oh." Marshall wiped his head. "Thank biscuits."
"And besides, there is no real reason to celebrate."
"Why not?"
"Well, what about you?" he had a knowing look. "We haven't seen the firepup results yet."
"Hehe," he itched his head. "Yeah."
Weeks of tryouts and finally it was finally over, and at their last session, the instructors simply told them they would be posting the results mid-day next week. Chase already got his today, and he would be getting his tomorrow.
"When are they giving it out to you?"
"They said at lunch."
Chase smiled. "Let me know what happens."
The afternoon spurred on, and eventually that distant mid-day became today.
And Marshall was panicking severely.
He was nervous like a chattering box, legs shaking quietly at his desk as he struggled to pay attention to Mr. Murphy. He stared blankly at his pup textbook, on a page that they passed several minutes ago about equipment maintenance.
When the bell struck three, literally every pup in the room (and he was pretty sure the other classes too) sprinted out of the room, overwhelming the teacher's words of concluding the current lesson. Marshall sat nervously, squeezing his paws together, trying to build up courage to hopefully move his frozen legs.
Once he stood on all fours, two pups burst into the room.
"Marshall!"
The pup immediately jumped, landing on his desk in sheer panic. No one ever talked to him in class, so hearing his name being shouted across the room was a surprise. "Uh, y-yeah?"
"You gotta come see it!" one of the pups yelled, and the other began pushing Marshall out of the room.
His stomach was sinking in dread. Oh gosh, he didn't make it, didn't he? And they were planning to make fun of him for it! Wait, he wasn't mentally prepared yet!
When they got to the crowd of pups hovering around the bulletin board, the two pups that brought him pushed the Dalmatian straight to the crowd. He was dizzy, but with another nervous gulp he tried to get through and get a glimpse at what names made it.
For the oddest reason, pups eyed him and instantly the chaos and noise silenced, moving away from Marshall (who of course, tripped and fell on his face). When he blinked up, he ironically landed right in front of the list, and with foggy eyes, tried to read it. The first name on the top was Champ, and that was no surprise to him. That said pup was nowhere in sight, but some of his friends were here, part of the crowd.
Oh, and the next name was Marshall, whoever that was. The pup sighed. Guess he didn't –
Wait a minute.
"HUH?!"
He shook his head, squinted, tried to look at the paper differently, but no, his name, his name was there. Bold, black, and large for everyone to see.
He murmured. "I made it?"
He was swarmed the next moment. Pups surrounded him, chatting animatedly about Marshall facing against Champ, and that it was to become the battle of the year. Marshall was so overwhelmed he didn't know where to look!
But from the corner of his eye, he saw Misty staring back at him.
Their eyes caught for the briefest of moments before another pup blocked his view, and before he knew it, she was gone.
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.
"What do you wanna do today?"
The German Shepherd shrugged. "We could do whatever you're thinking of."
"C'mon Chase! Anything. Even if it's super hard, like racing at the speed of light, ooooor something super boring, like staring off into the meadows."
He frowned. "What's wrong with peace and quiet?"
Marshall laughed, shaking his head. "Nothing!" His friend continued to have a sour face, but the Dalmatian could tell he wasn't offended, and simply played along with good humour.
Once the laughter died down, Chase silently contemplated. "Okay. We can play that new pup card game you said you got. I guess as a way to 'celebrate', like you said, now that we're both in."
"Ooh!" he tail wagged. "Perfect idea! Let's find a spot."
"Sure, but," Chase titled his head with light merit, "Where's your stuff?"
"On my ba –" Marshall dumbly stared at his back. "Oh, hehe, I must have forgot it inside the classroom." He jogged back in through the entrance doors, his ears flapping in motion. "Wait one second!"
He toddled back in the room, heading straight to the bag hooks, yet to his surprise the entire rack was empty. He double checked the classroom, his desk, even behind some really ugly plant, but his red little backpack was no where to be found. He would have asked his teacher, but even he was absent from the room.
The entrance door swung open, and Chase watched Marshall return with a mild frown and evident confusion.
"My backpack." He started, itching his head. "I can't find it."
"Did you bring it out?"
"Uh, I don't think so."
"Maybe you did." Suggested Chase. He glanced around the school grounds. "Let's check around. Could be here."
Arf! "Okay."
The two split up, using their nose sensitivity to check for the missing item. While Marshall wanted to innocently hope he did leave the bag outside, he wondered if some of the other pups did something with it. They did hide his bag on more than one occasion. But Champ and his friends didn't seem they wanted to bother him today – he was pretty sure of that.
"Marshall! I think I found a trail!"
The pup instantly ran to his friend, a bit too excited, watching Chase continue to sniff a grassy spot. "I think… it might be near the pound."
"I'll go ahead!" Marshall ran, searching vigorously for anything red that would easily catch his eye. The scenery encompassed a totalitarian green, save the miniature pound and spots of soil and gunk. Yet the corner of his eye, perhaps a few feet away, a speck of red caught his attention. He quickly ran towards the colour, hidden behind some shrubs that decorated the outskirts of the pound. Relief began to surface his chest, seeing his backpack.
But something wasn't right.
Getting a closer look, he forced his paws to push pass the bushes, and finally his blue eyes saw it in its entirety.
It was all covered in mud.
He soundlessly picked up the bag, and it seeped of the brown, heavy liquid. Shaking it, he realized his bag was open, and his stuff came tumbling out.
It wasn't in any better condition.
He checked thoroughly through his stuff. The card game he had was ripped, the paper easily separating away under his paws. School supplies were dirty. Even his lunch bag was destroyed – stomped and ripped apart. He quietly cleaned it up, or tried as best he could.
"Marshall! Did you find it?"
Great, his eyes began to feel glossy, shaking his precious comics that were all shredded and damp. It was all ruined. Four editions he brought and read with Chase, gone. All gone.
He didn't cry. Nope he didn't need to cry. That was silly. Apollo the super pup didn't cry, so neither did he.
But he could cry when he was alone.
When he heard Chase's steps getting closer, Marshall blindly shoved everything into the stained backpack. "I-I gotta go Chase!" It was barely a shout before he zoomed out, running as quickly as he could. He rushed another reply of seeing him tomorrow, but he was sure his voice sounded cracked, raw emotions were ready to pour out.
He blitzed down a path, somewhere people or dogs rarely go, and hid in-between the bushes. He was panting, but he needed a breather. He couldn't see anyone now. He couldn't think straight.
When he finally got far enough, he slumped to the ground and threw his bag angrily away from him. Staring at it, the tears finally came out, and Marshall crawled into a tiny ball, not caring if the mud was staining his fur. He knew Chase would wonder what was wrong with him, and probably try to find him, but a part of him hoped Chase would be his impassive self and not bother finding him.
"Marshall?" a voice called out, and the pup froze. It was Chase? How the heck did he find him so quickly? "Are you here Marshall?"
The Dalmatian didn't dare move an inch, silently praying Chase would wander off and check somewhere else. But Chase did have a good nose, and he was trained to find scents. In no time at all the pup would find him –
"Marshall?"
"Ahhh!" the pup leaped from his fur, almost shooting up like a cat ready to cling onto a tree. Thankfully, he did no such thing, instead hobbling over and falling down on his back.
Marshall lifted his head, rubbing his eyes furiously before showing any surprise. "H-How did you find me already?"
"You're not hard to find Marshall. Remember the nose?"
"Hehe, yeah." He weakly drawled out, sitting up and feeling terribly awkward. "I uh, forgot."
Chase was quiet for a few seconds, staring at his new friend. "You okay?"
Marshall flinched, (he expected the question why he left, not his status of mind) but he quickly countered with the largest grin he could muster. "Y-Yeah, of course I would be Chase! Why would you ask that?"
Wind drifted by. "You were crying."
"Oh, this?" he continued to rub his face; hating the fact he was so easy to read. "Hehe, it's nothing! I just tripped earlier and my paw hurts!"
"Then how could you run if it hurts?"
Marshall sweatdropped. "O-Oh, you're right, well, uh, I – " his words came to a halt, watching Chase noticing the bag he dashed to the corner. His breath stilled.
"Does this always happen?" he asked.
Oh god. Chase knew. He knew, but still…"No!" Marshall shook his head. "Look, there's nothing wrong! It's a silly joke. They always joke with me."
"But you aren't laughing." Chase observed plainly. The expression on his face had no regard of laughter. Or even a smidge of amusement.
Marshall didn't know what to say. What could he say? He didn't want to deal with this. Not with Chase. His friend didn't have to deal with this. Like, why would Chase care about his silly little problems? Besides, they weren't problems! Accidents! They were accidents! He could handle it. He always did.
"Don't let them get to you."
That made Marshall blink in a stupor. "What?"
"They're trying to make you feel bad. Putting you down. But look, you're closer to the P.A.W. Patrol then any of them, and then you'll never see them again. So their loss for being stupid."
"Uh, yeah…"
Chase frowned. "You don't believe me."
There was a pregnant pause, and the German Shepherd sighed. "Marshall, you're good at what you do. You passed phase one. Why don't you see it?"
"It's just… it's hard to do that when everyone has only put you down."
"Ignore them then."
Okay, this was getting ridiculous. Marshall sighed in exasperation. "Easier said than done Chase."
"Why?" He continued, and Marshall suddenly clenched his paws tightly under the grass. "What's so hard about that? Besides, they aren't even family. Easier to deal with and throw away."
"Throw away?!" Marshall furrowed his brows, in disbelief what Chase was saying. "I can't just do that to classmates. I've known them since I was young. There are rules."
"Rules?" Chase scoffed loudly. "Clearly they ain't following them. They obviously don't like you, but you let them continue to bother you."
"Chase, I can't fight my way out of problems."
"Yes you can."
"No I can't!"
"Why not?"
"Because Chase! I have my parents to worry about. It'll ruin them, and I already ruined my family enough." He shook his head, frustration rising in him, in ways he thought he never would. "You just don't understand!"
"What don't I understand?!"
"You don't know how family works! How my father can be! How family can be so-so!" he stumbled over his words, bursting in anger. " So mean to you!"
Something snapped.
Marshall was huffing out heavy breaths after his rant, not even bothering to look at Chase's face. He was just so, so mad!
But finally glancing up at his friend, suddenly Marshall couldn't breathe. A glare far darker he had ever seen on a pup was etched onto Chase's face, and he swore the aura around them was ashed in fierce coldness.
"I might not know how your father acts, but if there's one thing I do know is dealing with family that don't give a damn about you!"
Chase never yelled before. This was a first for Marshall. "Chase – "
He swiftly turned away, walking off. "I'm done here."
"Wait, C-Chase I didn't mean – " Mean what? How he suddenly yelled at his friend? How conflicted he was inside? How he implied Chase didn't understand family? He could apologize, say he was stupid for getting upset, but Marshall couldn't. Because honestly he felt like no one understood him.
Hence he stayed silent, staring at the ground as his new friend went on his way, leaving him alone with his screaming thoughts.
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.
.
Ryder Newton wondered why he came here in the first place.
Granted, he came because of obligation, but that never stopped him before from doing what he wanted. Perhaps it was because his father would do it without question if he were needed. He was always dedicated to his work.
Yeah. Probably that was it.
The ten-year old boy then opted to stroll casually along the green pathways, ignoring any thoughts conjuring in his head in attempt to appreciate the quiet he had. And within the silence he noticed something black and white sitting solely on a park bench.
Ryder, partially curious, decided to walk up to the thing to see what it was. Yet to his surprise he noticed it was a pup. A pup he recognized.
"Marshall?"
The said pup jumped, staring in bewilderment at him. "Mr. Ryder?"
The boy smiled. "Ryder's fine pup."
"O-Oh." The human sat beside him, hands calmly in his lap. "My bad."
"Don't mention it." It grew still around them, neither party speaking.
"Where's your friend?" Ryder decided to ask.
He shrugged. "I don't know."
"…Did something happen between you two?" he continued, yet Marshall refused to say more. The human threaded his fingers together, his gaze out on the trees. "Want to talk about it?"
"N-Not really…"
He nodded at that, expecting that answer. He stood up, dusting his pants. "Sorry I asked. It wasn't – "
"It's my fault!" Marshall shouted. "I didn't mean to! I was just so angry at myself and I took it out on him and – !"
"Woah, woah, slow down Marshall." He sat down again, trying to calm the pup down. "Now, what happened?"
He stiffened.
"I…yelled at my only friend."
"Okay." His voice was leveled. "Why?"
"Because…he didn't understand something."
"And what was that something?"
"My…" he took a heavy breath, staring at the ground. "My feelings. He didn't understand where I was coming from, and he was saying things that I couldn't do, which I know I could never do, because it's not in me. He just, ugh! He makes it sound so easy Ryder!"
"What?"
"To stand against Champ! He and other pups have been bothering me as long as I could remember, and I always told myself they were just joking with you. Or like to tease you a bit. I knew they didn't like me but I didn't think they hated me!" He shook his head freely, like he was denying it himself. "But I was wrong! I knew what they were doing to me! I tried again and again to ignore it, hoping I could deal with it, but I just didn't want to face it! It only proved it more that I was nothing! Nothing but a stupid dumb pup who couldn't do anything right!"
Tears were already swelling in his eyes, and his eyes blinked open, realizing the small droplets of water falling on his paws.
"I'm already a failure…" He whispered, not caring how pathetic he looked right now. "I don't want to be bullied to."
For a good awhile, no one said anything. The only thing willowed in the breeze was the grass swaying gently, birds chirping, and the chocked up tears of a pup that kept quietly sobbing. Marshall didn't know how long time passed after his confession. He wiped his face, trying to clean up the snot and tears that was surely covering his face. Gosh, he probably looked like a mess right now.
"I'm sorry."
At that, Marshall hitched his breath, wanting to cry again. "F-For what?"
"I'm sorry you kept this in for so long."
He sniffled, looking shamefully at the ground. "It's not something I'm proud to admit."
"No, but it's okay to feel like this. There's nothing wrong acknowledging your feelings."
"But I'm crying." He mumbled. "My father wouldn't cry. He would never let something like this bother him."
"…Perhaps." He said, "But you're not your father."
"I'm supposed to be like him. He would never let pups bully him."
"But you're Marshall. He deals with things in his own way, and you in your own way."
He didn't reply.
"Does your father work here?"
He nodded mutely.
"What does he do?"
Marshall was partially surprised at Ryder's question, but he was too bummed to respond outlandishly. Instead he continued to mumble to himself. "He's Maximillian."
Ryder blinked, eyes wide in surprise. "He is?"
Marshall turned away. It became quiet again, but Ryder returned his gaze into the open.
"You know…my father…he was someone important too."
Sniffle.
"Everyone liked him. He was amazing at what he did. Invented things people couldn't imagine. People would tell me, 'your father is great. You're gonna be just like him'. And as much I wanted to be like him, I was…scared. Scared I was gonna disappoint everyone."
Marshall continued to listen.
"I understand it's hard to deal with things you cannot control, especially people's opinions, but what we can do though is control what you do, how you think, and how you can overcome it."
"Do you think Chase hates me?"
Ryder turned to him. "You said he's your friend right?"
"…w-well my new friend."
He shrugged. "Doesn't matter. He's still your friend." The human offered a smile, and Marshall was surprised at the kind tone the boy was emitting. "It wouldn't hurt."
The pup nodded quietly at that, sniffling up the last of the tears before taking a large breath of control. After closing his eyes for several seconds, he opened them and looked to Ryder honestly.
"When I see him, I'm gonna explain everything. I don't want him to be mad at me anymore, but more than that, I want to say I'm sorry. Because me yelling at him…wasn't nice. And he didn't deserve that." He smiled unexpectedly bright, a hopeful look in his eyes resumed once more. "Thank you Ryder! For listening!"
Ryder blinked in shock, yet he laughed, a pleasant feeling growing in him. "Your welcome Marshall."
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.
.
Standing alone in the courtyard, Marshall was bracing himself into finding Chase. Granted, he knew he wanted to say sorry, but still! He was afraid how Chase would react. The German Shepherd didn't seem open to the idea of Marshall approaching him. The Dalmatian would try, but then something would pop up and he would miss his chance.
And he had to be honest, he was kinda glad they did.
Marshall wasn't exactly articulate with his wording. When his emotions are on high, or when he's in his usual nervous wreck, he could barely get a word mumbling out of his mouth with proper clarity. And there was also another important thing: Chase was his friend! The first friend he ever had. He didn't want to lose him already.
Marshall instantly began charging to the clearing where him and Chase usually hang, but before he could pick up a good pace –
"Marshall!"
The pup tripped over his paws, falling on his face (curse his luck). Shaking his head from impact, he blinked up at the green eyes peering at him.
"Misty?" He couldn't mask the shock from his voice. He stumbled up, looking around to confirm his sight. "You're talking to me?" he said in a confused whisper.
"And…why wouldn't I be?" she laughed, leaving him dumbfounded. "Come, I got something to show you."
"Uh, Misty, I'm so glad you want to still talk to me –"
"Exactly." She continued with persistence. "So come, let's hang for a bit."
"B-But I – "
Misty giggled, nudging his side. Marshall bloomed in red cheeks. "Please?"
He nodded. "O-Okay." Guess Chase could wait for a little bit. Wouldn't hurt. Besides, this never happened before. Misty never outwardly talked with him with other pups around him.
He followed her down a trail and into an area he barely knew, and then she stopped at a wall that boarded from the street. After a content sigh, Misty sat peacefully on the ground, with Marshall staring at her dumbly.
"Um,"
"Um?" she tilted her head, smiling.
"Aren't you…mad? At me?"
"For what?"
"About the P.A.W. Patrol thing."
"Oh I can't get mad at you for it. The teachers thought you were good."
"I uh, actually mean the other thing." Marshall sighed in distraught, sitting down as well. "The…request you asked me…?"
Misty 'ohhh' loudly, deciding to glance at the murky sky, clouded by trees. "I wanted to apologize."
"What?"
"It wasn't right to ask. You had every right to try. And look, you're in. And against Champ of all pups."
"I…guess that's true."
"Are you worried?" she asked suddenly. "About Champ? You do have to face him, and he is good at what he does."
Marshall thought for a moment. "I am…actually. I really am." He quietly realized he hadn't dealt with that fact till this moment. "Champ is really skilled, and while I know mostly every pup would assume he would win, I still want to try. Besides," he weak chuckle vibrated out, "My friend Chase is in the same situation as me. I hope he gets in."
"The other pup against Bruce?"
He nodded.
"Didn't know you were friends with him. Heard he's a shy one."
"Not at all!" he interrupted. "Well, he's more quiet than anything. Not at all shy. He's actually very mature. And smart."
She giggled. "Guess he's ain't the same as Bruce. He might be strong, but he could have the silliest moments."
"Heh, I know how that feels."
"And Champ too. Actually," she continued smiling, "his face could be funny looking too. Do you agree?"
"Uh…"
"C'mon Marshall." She trod her paws closer to him, and Marshall felt another colourful blush on his cheeks. "You never had any thoughts against Champ?"
"N-No…"
"That's a lie~"
"No it isn't!"
"Then…" she nuzzled her nose closer to him. "Tell me he's the kindest pup then."
Marshall was in shock, feeling his heart so fast it would have surely burst through his chest! Was she gonna k-kiss him? Oh, he wasn't ready for this! Did she…did she really like him? Did she finally came through into being his friend and realizing the jerk Champ was?!
"Okay, I don't… like Champ." He itched his head. "I think he's mean towards other pups."
"Good!" she exclaimed. "Get your feelings out. And what else?"
"And…he's cocky. And-And he…has a funny face."
"A dumb one?"
"Uh, I guess."
She smiled.
And if we're talking about honestly…" he gulped, "M-Misty," he staggered, and she looked up at him, "D-Do like –"
"Champ!"
"Huh? No, I wasn't going to ask that. That would be strange." He titled his head, confused, but then he followed her green eyes, and his face immediately drained of colour.
"Champ." He squeaked.
The boxer stood there, staring very confidently at Marshall with several other pups behind with smirking faces. "Marshy Klutzy, what a surprise."
His breath hitched. H-How did Champ know he was here? He didn't even see him all day besides class, which oddly enough didn't spare a glance at him to do something bothersome. And why now at all times?!
"Now what's so funny about my face Marshall?" he sneered, stalking towards the pup like a predator.
"Nothing!"
"Suuuure, that wasn't what I heard just now."
He turned back, looking to Misty for help, yet she was utterly calm, watching the two without a care.
"M-Misty–"
She turned her face away, whether from shame or snobbery he couldn't tell. Made no difference though.
She knew.
"You think you're better now, having a chance to get into the P.A.W. Patrol," he was literally lowering over him, his face looking wicked in glee. "Well you're not! And you're gonna learn your place."
In the background pups emerged from the bushes. Marshall recognized them. They were Champ's followers..
Champ shouted, "We're gonnafight Marshall! So hold still while I bruise you like apupsticle!"
.
.
.
If Chase were defined by one word, it would surely be stubborn.
For a good awhile, he was coldly angry with Marshall. He ignored him if he saw him, wherever he was, and stayed isolated from everything and remained alone to do work, train and such. In all honestly, he wanted to forget about him. How could Marshall do that to him? He was trying to be helpful! The first time Chase was trying to be "nice" to someone he considered a friend and he was pushed away. Perhaps Chase would never get this friend thing. Maybe that's why he never had friends prior to Marshall.
He knew though Marshall wanted to talk. Chase wasn't stupid. Those nervous glances from the Dalmatian made it obvious. Yet despite seeing Marshall's attempts of approach, Chase brushed him off, pretending not to notice anything. It probably troubled Marshall, but Chase didn't care. He wanted him to feel what he felt. Hurt.
Yesterday while Chase was doing one of the K-9 training lessons, he had a peculiar conversation with that Ryder boy. It didn't last long, but how Ryder acted seemed he knew more than he lead on. (Maybe he talked with Marshall who knew?) For a human kid though he had words of wisdom.
Probably the oddest thing about this "fight" was that Chase didn't want to stay angry. Yeah, he did for a few days, but before entering in the K-9 school he would usually hold grudges for weeks. And it wouldn't bother him in the slightest in any street activity he had to do.
But his with Marshall did. And it was so damn obvious Chase almost didn't realize it. Marshall was his friend. They acknowledged it, verbalized it, and now Chase needed to put it into better actions.
At lunch Chase immediately went to the field area between the Firepup Campus and K-9 pups, and searched for his friend. To no avail, he couldn't find him, yet he quickly noticed some pups he sparsely remembered being in Marshall's class. They were in a small circle, chattering amongst another.
"Did you see them yet?"
"No not yet! I don't know where the fight is gonna be."
Chase's attention was peaked. Fights were allowed here? That's weird.
"In the overpass." A pup replied. "I heard Champ is heading over there right now."
"Already?! Great we're gonna miss it! Think we can make it?"
"No way. It'll probably gonna finish quick. One punch and he'll be out."
"True…ugh, you know...I kinda feel bad for him. I mean, he was chosen to go against Champ for that P.A.W thing. He was gonna lose anyway."
"Dude, who cares! It's a fight. This place is so boring, we need something entertaining -"
Immediately they jumped at the sudden hovering presence of German Shepherd.
"O-Oh, hello uh, Chase right?" one said nervously.
"Where is it?"
"What?"
"The fight."
"Hehe, what fight?"
"You were just talking about it. More like shouting though." he intoned.
"No!" one said suddenly, and all their tails stopped wagging. "Uh, I mean, there's no fight going on. Like why would a fight happen here? This is an academy about protecting others."
"I thought so too." He said, finding the irony in their words. "So tell me. Where is it?"
"We don't know!" They all simultaneously shouted. A few of them turned pale.
"Playing dumb ain't gonna help you." He said. "Now tell me."
All of them looked like they were going to combust of nervousness, and before Chase could interrogate more, one screamed, "We can't!"
"Jackie!"
"Sorry, but he's scaring me Sae!"
"So should we – " The one named Sae shushed another blabbering mouth with his paw. He then turned to the K-9 in training.
"Even if we do know," Sae replied, "What makes you think we're gonna tell you?"
"You'll tell me." Chase stated surprisingly calm. "If you want to or not."
"W-We're not telling you! Even if you are a police pup! Ha!" he said triumphantly. "Try interrogating us! We will never crack!"
Chase growled lowly, his eyes becoming hooded in warning.
"Are you sure about that?"
Not a moment to waste they told him instantly.
.
.
.
"W-Wait! Champ, I don't want to fight you!"
"Want or can't?" he shoved Marshall's shoulder, and the pup staggered at the pressure. "Prove yourself Marshy Klutzy. Prove you deserve that spot!"
"But haven't I already?!" he exclaimed, trying to bring sense to the situation. "I-I did the rounds, just like everyone – "
"Oh boohoo, yeah so what? They were easy. Anyone could pass. But what makes no sense is that they chose you of all pups. You're not special. Everyone else did a better job than you, yet you get to move on! It's a joke! Ain't I right pups?"
"Duh, course it is!" One said in the crowd. It was Rudy. All were there, Sparky, Owen, Bailey, Tark, even the twins. They were all amused.
Champ looked back smugly at Marshall. "See? Told ya."
"But –"
"And why would they let you continue anyway? It's obvious I'll beat you. Hah! Maybe that's why they chose you. To let me win. Now it makes sense!" And before Marshall could say another word, he was shoved once again, this time to the ground.
"But you still deserve a lesson!"
"But why?!" he knees were shaking so badly he was surprised he was able to stand up again. "Why fight me?! I didn't do anything to you! I didn't do anything to anyone!"
"Yeah you did! You stole that spot for yourself! You're a fake! A phony! Other pups should have got it, but they didn't! Instead a dumb, klutzy loser pup got instead!"
Abruptly the pups were chanting around them. Marshall was horrified when no matter where he looked, there was no spot to escape.
He was completely surrounded.
Champ mocked him bitterly, circling him again and again, and just like his motion, he kept pushing Marshall, trying to get a reaction out of him. Champ got annoyed and then out of nowhere pushed Marshall hard. He spun and fell flat on his face, dirt shoved in his muzzle. All around him he heard laughter, and lifting his head, seeing the pups in hilarity, he knew. They were all laughing at him.
And Misty was laughing too.
A hollow feeling surged in Marshall. No, this wasn't happening. Maybe he was imaging it. Misty wouldn't laugh at him. She was too nice! Too sweet!
"Why…" he stumbled up, glancing up at his crush. "Why are you laughing Misty? I…I thought you were my friend."
"Isn't it obvious?!" Rudy shouted. "She was only pretending. She never liked you."
"Yeah, why would she?!" continued Sparky.
Marshall focused his eyes at Misty, feeling his heart drop even lower. "Is that true?"
"Oh, c'mon Marshy Klutzy!" Champ intervened. "You can't be this dumb! She knew and told me. And hah! It was the funniest thing I ever heard! Like, I couldn't believe you liked someone who was so out of your league. But what's even funnier is that you actually believed you had a chance when she started talking to you!" He bellowed. "Gosh, you're so gullible!"
That cut him to the core. No way. This wasn't true. Misty wouldn't be so…so –!
"Look, he's in shock!" Champ laughed. "Misty, tell him! Tell him how you would secretly make fun of him with us! How you deserve that spot in the P.A.W. Patrol against me! How he deserves payback!"
Marshall with a shaky breath kept his gaze at the Golden Retriever. Through the mess of the shouting and rowdy pups, and Champ continuously blabbering, Marshall only cared to listen to Misty's reply. Hers only mattered to him.
She then quickly spun her head to the side, staring at the tree. "Well,…you are gullible." She briefly mumbled.
It was true.
"Now that boring stuff is out of the way," the boxer exclaimed strongly, "We're gonna fight!"
"…I don't want to fight." He muttered. Chanting pups were blasting in the background, encouraging the atmosphere.
"Backing out Marshall?" Champ sneered, corning the Dalmatian till the pup hit the back of a wall.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"
"Sheesh, be a dog and fight me! A bet your dad would fight. But you're not your dad. You're nothing like him!"
Marshall felt his eyes getting cloudy. He vigorously shook his head, trying to stop the tears. Anything but his father. "Stop it…!"
"Even if you are Maximillan's son, you're a pathetic excuse for a pup to have a dad like him!"
That hit him. Briefly he thought it Champ was already pounding him in the stomach, but then he realized he wasn't. It was the truth. It was the truth that hit him. And dammit Champ was right. Everyone was right! He was pathetic. He wasn't great, all those times he thought he was getting better was only stupid luck! Misty never liked him – she just used him at her expense, never really caring about his feelings. And Chase…he was probably friends with him through forced pity. That must be the reason.
Oh how could Marshall be so…so stupid?
Glancing up, he saw the great shadow of the Boxer, ready to aim now at his face.
He winced, bracing for the first hit.
Guess he deserved it.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight –!"
Suddenly, there was thrashing against the grass.
Sounds of pups yelping lightly were heard, being pushed aside and both Champ and Marshall barely had a moment to see what was happening before a figure approached in front of the crowd...
"C-Chase?"
The pup was panting, yet his eyes remained hard at Champ. "What's this?"
"Ah, it's the pup from the K-9 school!" Champ laughed, turning to see the pup. "Bruce told me about ya. Super serious, good at skills. With all that, why the heck would you wanna hang with a loser like him?" he pointed.
Chase with wide eyes quickly analyzed the situation, and his brown orbs met with Marshall's astonished blue. Neither pup knew what the other was thinking, but Chase appallingly realized what was happening.
He stood between Champ and Marshall.
The boxer grimaced. "What'd you doing?"
"Leave Champ." Chase remained his gaze at Champ's, his glare dead on him. "You're done here."
He smirked back. "I think not."
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"
"Now come on Marshy Klutzy!" Champ said boldly, shouting for the crowd to hear. "Are you gonna hide behind your new friend and let him fight me? Or are you gonna dog up and do it instead? Either way, I'm gonna win!"
Marshall gritted his paws. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to fight, he hated the thought of fighting, but there was no way he wanted Chase to do his bidding. It wasn't his battle.
However, before Marshall could even accept the challenge, he saw his German Shepard friend step up. "I'll fight you."
"Huh?" Champ was momentarily confused.
Chase had enough of this, his voice remaining leveled. "You heard me."
"Ha! You will?! I know K-9 pups aren't trained to fight, at least not until level four, and none of the pups in your class are there yet! How would you know how to fight?"
Marshall then saw something change. For a brief moment his friend didn't seem like his friend. His smile was grim, but he lowly chuckled, dark eyes staring hard at the Boxer. "I had my ways."
Champ grunted.
The pups surrounding them were frantic, howling for Champ while others were quiet observers with wide, curious eyes.
Champ was big, indeed he was, and Marshall was worried. Chase might be good at police skills, but paw-combat was another thing. But wait.
Did Chase learn it from the streets?
The boxer wasted no time and leaped to the pup, ready to attack. Chase braced his paws on the ground, watching every move at the incoming pup. Champ swatted his paw to the right, and Chase dodged it, turning to the left and getting behind him. Champ was startled at the change, quickly jumping around to protect his back and then proceeded to use both paws to slam on top of Chase's face. This time the German Shepard leaped upward, missing the crash and nudged Champ backwards with an effortless shove.
Then Marshall saw it. Chase wasn't fighting.
Chase was dodging him!
It was going on about five minutes, and Champ was getting awfully frustrated, huffing out in exhaustion and anger. He growled loudly and ran ahead, attempting to charge at Chase. The smaller pup dodged at the last second again, making the boxer slam his face into the ground from the speed.
Champ barked in fury, spitting out the dirt. "This is stupid! You're not even fighting me!" He growled loudly and looked sharply at Marshall. "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO WUSS!"
"Hey! You're fighting me!" Chase called out, attempting to return Champ's concern back at him.
"It's not even his fight and yet you're getting your so called," he scoffed, "Friend, to do it for ya. That's low. Worse then low!"
"I didn't want Chase to fight!" Marshall countered back. "He chose to!"
"Then choose to fight me now!"
"No! I won't! I don't want him to fight, you to fight, or myself!" He shook his head. "I won't fight you Champ! No matter what you do to me!"
He had enough of this! Champ immediately charged to Marshall and before someone could blink, hit Marshall's eye with a sharp pound, shooting him to the ground.
Pups groaned at the sight. Chase was shocked.
"Marshall!"
The said pup was breathing heavily, feeling the buzzing shock of his face from the paw-on hit. He stood up, trying to ignore the injury as he stared back at Champ. "I-I said I won't fight you!"
"Why you – !"
Champ then suddenly squealed, shocking some of the pups at why the bully was in pain. Marshall with wide eyes quickly noted the reason for Champ's ordeal. Something was biting the Boxer's arm.
And that something was the German Shepherd himself.
Champ struggled to break free but to no avail he could not. He staggered back, trying to hit Chase with his other paw, but even then Chase held on, biting impossibly deeper.
Champ wailed.
Chase finally released him, and Champ quickly glanced at the spot he where he was bitten. Puncture marks embedded into his fur like a second coat, and the blood was bright and red, specks of it dripping down.
The pups watching were in terrible shock, surprised that this little fight suddenly drawled in blood instead of bruises.
"What the heck!" he bellowed, starting at the injury. If he was shocked he quickly masked it with anger. "Oh it's on Chase!" Champ screamed. "When I'm done with you – !"
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"
All the pups immediately silenced at the voices, cramming up at the sight of the incoming shadows. It was none other than their teachers, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Duke. But ho ho, they weren't alone. With them were two adults who worked with the P.A.W. Patrol Project, and as well the head of the Alpha Pups Academy, cheese-smelling dog Mr. Gregor.
"Stop this nonsense immediately!" A thick Russian voice came from the Rottweiler. He eyed to the crowding pups. "All of you! Return to your designated classrooms!" The dog sharply returned his gaze to those in the circle.
"The three of you. My office! NOW!"
.
.
.
The entire lecture lasted too long.
Mr. Gregor was pissed, and the thick accent made his rage even more chaotic. Not even the teachers from the K-9 school or the Firepup school were able to impute an opinion till he was finished.
Finally, after partially calming down, Mr. Gregor indicated Chase and Marshall to wait outside while he spoke to Champ first (All the while the boxer complained about his arm). Not being able to hear the muffled sounds behind the door, the two pups were forced to sit on the bench in complete silence with another dog standing by.
The awkwardness in the air was unavoidable, as they sat on the farthest ends of the bench. Of course, the authoritarian dog sat between them, barely giving Marshall an opportunity to see what he was friend was doing. Not knowing what to do, he kept icing his swollen eye in the space.
Something beeped, and the dog between them got up and began making his way to another hall. "Don't talk." he said to them, and off he went.
Oh, now, now it was worst.
Marshall didn't even dare look over. Was Chase glaring at him? Ignoring him? He was afraid to look, but biscuits, he really needed to end this silence. He couldn't take it anymore!
So with a deep breath, he decided to say his apology.
"I'm sorry."
Wait, that wasn't his voice. Then that must have been...
"W-What?" Marshall couldn't hear that right. Was Chase...was Chase speaking to him? He snapped his head so quickly it must've hurt. "Y-You're telling me sorry?"
Chase wasn't looking at him, but he didn't look angry. "Look... I snapped at you back there. And I ignored you after." He sighed in honestly. "It wasn't nice of me to do that."
This was not the conversation he expected. "No, no, no! I should be the one saying sorry. I yelled at you.I'm the one at fault."
"No way. I was the who was cold to you."
"And I was the one who got hot-headed!" Marshall added. "Chase, I'm sorry. I know you were trying to help, and…I got upset because you didn't understand where I was coming from. But, heh, how could you? I mean, you're not me, and I'm not you, and it was stupid of me to get mad because of that."
He exhaled longingly. "And I realized too…why you wanted to be friends with me. Like I know it was out of pity but I am grateful you hanged out with me – "
"Woah, woah, who said it was from pity?" Chase furrowed his brows, and this time he turned to the Dalmatian. "I never said that."
"But you must have –" Marshall's mouth felt dry, suddenly feeling nervous. "Haha, I mean, I am pretty pathetic…"
"Marshall."
"C'mon Chase, you must have seen it –"
"Marshall –"
"Don't lie Chase." The firmness of the voice startled the German Shepherd. "Don't lie like I lie to myself everyday."
Chase stared at his friend with widening eyes, surprised at Marshall's confession. He picked up Marshall's self-esteem being pretty low but to this extent…
"...Okay. I won't." Chase stared hard at him. "And I'll be honest. Because I don't lie about things that matter."
Marshall looked back.
"When I first met you, yeah I thought you were weird. Like, I was dumbfounded how clumsy a pup can be." Immediately Marshall started shrinking into his seat, but Chase quickly replied, "But you're more than that Marshall! Look…you're brutally nice, try to involve me in everything you do, and always asking for my opinion about stuff. You don't laugh about me not knowing celebrities...or not properly speaking human English. It didn't matter to you. Heck, you always offer me food! Food I haven't ever tried before, and damn it's good."
Marshall snorted. If it was a laugh it was brief. "My mom does buy good pup snacks…"
"I don't know how friendship works, but I'm willing to learn. You are my friend after all."
"F-Friends?" Marshall was shocked. "But I was so mean to you!"
In a surprising turn, Chase laughed, making Marshall's ears flicker up. "I was gonna say the same thing."
"S-So you do?"
Chase shrugged, a small smile on his face. "Yeah. Like, I'm guessing this is how friendship works. Forgiveness and stuff."
For the oddest reason, Marshall leaned forward with accusing eyes. "Why though?! I'm not fast, not great, I can't do anything right! And you Chase, you'so cool, so great, wants to be friends with a loser like me?" he slummed down on his seat. "I don't get – "
"Who cares what others think of you?" Chase interrupted. "I act like I don't, but sometimes…I really do. And I get it. It's hard to let their opinions on you go. But whatever they say about you… your father, those pups, whoever…You can't let them control you. If you do, you're gonna be miserable." He chuckled dryly. "I…I was scared of someone's opinion. Afraid what they would think of me if I did something. But then I realized I gotta do what I gotta do, to make myself happy. That's why I joined the K-9 force."
"But – "
"No buts. And if you say you're pathetic again I'll bite you like I did Champ earlier."
For the oddest reason, Marshall started laughing. He even started tearing a bit from the hilarity.
"Uh, I didn't think my joke was that funny..."
"It's the way you said it Chase!" he muffled, wiping away the tear. "You're actually very funny."
From that he grimaced. "I don't want to be funny. That's your job."
"Haha, yeah it is." He finally got under control his laughter. "You know what…I'm gonna start making jokes."
"What?"
"Yup. They're gonna be puns. Super catchy! I just gotta think of one everytime something funny happens."
Chase arched him a look suspicion, lacking any malice he would once have. After a content sigh he glanced by to Marshall who seemed to be partially talking to himself, listing things.
"Does it hurt?" Chase asked suddenly.
"What hurts?"
"Your eye?"
"Oh!" his paw shot up, touched his left eyelid. It was partially sensitive. He received ice for it earlier, but the pack is now warm. "Uh, not really. I actually forgot about it!" Marshall laughed. "I guess the only problem is that it probably looks funny." It seemed an idea sparked his mind. "Guess you can say... have no eye-dea what it looks like!"
He deadpanned. "That was horrible."
"What? It's funny! Cause I can't see, and like my eye can't see itself either."
"Is this gonna last?" he groaned.
"Of course! I will never stop, no matter the situation, and no matter how corny."
Chase shook his head, but he was quietly smiling. Already Marshall was back up.
"Oh Chase,"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for helping me."
Gosh, he hated compliments. He couldn't stand them. But for the sake of his friend…he swallowed his pride and took it in. For once he was doing something good for someone else. Helping.
He wondered if he felt this way too when he was a K-9.
.
.
.
Marshall received another cold ice pack for his small bruise, and he fiddled with the ice package as it continued to make crunching sounds. Soon, Champ came out, and despite his oddly smug look, he was limping at the pain and occasionally yelped when he used it. He was escorted by the dog who was with them earlier, and off was Marshall's turn to enter the office.
Once Chase came out after Marshall, he returned to the hallway with Mr. Gregor and two other teachers.
"Ah, Maximillan sir. Glad you could make it."
Marshall froze. Oh no.
"I thought your mate would be coming instead." He addressed to the leader.
"She was in the middle of an operation." Maximillan stated. He didn't spare a glance at his son, focusing on the head director.
"Shall we wait for the others?" the Doberman asked. It was odd to see him so calm with the Dalmatian, especially him being in hysterics earlier.
Marshall gulped. If one he knew about his father is that he hated waiting. He had terrible patience. (his personal experience could vouch for that)
Yet shockingly, Maximillan shook his head. "I can wait head director. No need to rush."
"Very well." He opened the door. "In the meantime we can settle while the pups remain outside. They are on their way."
He didn't reply. Instead with his long strides walked to the door, and with a light click the door closed shut.
Chase used that moment to glance at Marshall, and he never seen Marshall look so pale before.
.
.
.
After what seemed like days, (probably an hour. Hey they're pups, no?) the door opened again. Out came two members from W.O.O.F., (oh gosh) and one human. Champ returned with the escort and then the dog directed the three pups to enter the office. The room was surprisingly small, but to the pups it felt awfully intimidating, especially if high-ranking authority was staring you down.
"Pups," Mr. Gregor started, sitting up tall in the dimly lit room. "What happened earlier was uncalled for and absolutely inappropriate. It's a direct violation of section D article 8 of Alpha Academy's protocol control. It's even more concerning that this altercation involved three of the four pups chosen for The P.A.W. Patrol project, who are expected to be leading examples for others."
He continued. "As rules go by, I would expel you three immediately for such disgrace." That surely froze the three. "But, speaking with those from the project and fellow teachers we are going to allow you to remain at the school. However, you will be detained for recess periods for one month. And you will be suspended for the rest of the day. Are we clear?"
The three nodded.
"Good. And as far as this situation was caused…clearly there is more to the story that was told. I cannot directly punish individuals because there is no consistency with the story, and a lacking of. Now, is there anything else any pup wants to tell me?"
All of them remained silent under the authoritative eye.
"You're pups, I understand it's difficult to tell on fellow peers, but in real life the truth will triumph." He turned to look at the older Dalmatian, and with that the dog stepped forward.
"The final round of The P.A.W. Patrol Project will continue as planned. Next week Friday at exactly 4pm, you three as well Bruce of the K-9 school will be present at field A. The course is customized for this test, so do not expect something of familiarity. Firstly, those of the K-9 school will go first. Proceeding will be those of the Firepup school. Judging from results from the course, we will discuss privately who will be the official members of the team." He eyed back at Mr. Gregor. "I will dismiss myself out. I must return to W.O.O.F. headquarters."
"Yes. Of course."
Marshall wondered if he would get some glare, (he's never seen it but bless his puppy soul he has not) but the dog focused his gaze to the door, never turning back.
"Chase and Champ, you two will be walked back to your dorms by your teachers."
"What about Marshall?" Mr. Murphy questioned. "Want me to separately take him?"
"No need. His mother is coming."
Marshall's ears twitched in hearing. His mom? Oh gosh the earful when he hears from her.
They all exited the room, and while the teachers began discussing something briefly, Chase quickly nudged his friend.
"Marshall," he whispered, "Why didn't you say anything in there? Why didn't you tell the truth?"
"I believe in telling the truth. I just didn't say everything."
"He clearly started it!" he fiercely hushed, "You have the swollen eye, not him. Why lie? He would have gotten punished."
"And then what? Once that's done he'll go back doing what he knows. I realized...to get back at Champ I gotta hit it where it hurts. Where I know he would never bother me again."
"And what's that?"
Marshall grinned proudly. "By becoming the official firepup member of The P.A.W. Patrol."
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A/N: I literally stayed up all night to finish homework and this thing in order to save my sanity. Honestly, I had fun writing this. It's what I needed to de-stress. And hopefully you guys too.
Thank you to all those who continuously read, comment and follow my work! (critique/suggestions are welcomed!) ^_^
P.S REVIEW!
Till next time,
mokocchii