AN: I'm sure there are some people wondering why Travis didn't recognize Marshall. If you look back in the previous chapter, you will read that Marshall had his oxygen mask on which covered most of his face so Travis wouldn't have recognized him. Another argument could have been that he would have recognized Marshall's voice, only our voices change as we get older due to puberty.
So yes, we have magic and demons in this story. There is a very heavy set of Christian overtones for this story as well but don't worry I'm not going to go anything into social issues like abortion or gay marriage or things like that. That's not what this story is about.
Disclaimer: I don't own Paw Patrol
When the fires mysterious stopped and the shield had finally come down, first respondents arrived to take care of the situation. While Ryder had to explain who they were to some of the authorities to make sure that there wasn't any trouble for them, the dogs were huddled together near the Paw Patroller as Marshall and Skye told them what happened. Needless to say, the viewers were mixed.
"Black Magic?" asked Chase with a raised eyebrow. "Marshall, there is no such thing as magic. It's a fairy tale."
"You thought merpups weren't real either. We've seen magic before, Chase," pointed out Rubble as he nodded to Skye, Zuma, and Rocky. "They were turned into merpups with magic."
"Yeah, but," Chase shook his head. "Look, turning into something else via a touch on the nose? Fine, I get that. But flames coming out of your hands and summoning them from nowhere? That's just crazy!"
"Normally, I would agree, Chase," said Skye, who got up and nuzzled her mate. "But I saw what I saw. And if that wasn't magic, then I don't know what was."
Chase opened his mouth, but then closed it upon seeing how serious his mate looked. "Okay, let's put the magic thing aside. Here is a bigger question, who was that guy that save you two?!"
"I know! He flew!" shouted Rocky with excitement. "We could see him from here! The suit he had looked so advance! Like Iron Man! I really wish I could analyze it!"
"Dude could have stayed to explain what was going on," said Zuma.
Marshall bit his lip. For some reason, hearing that metal man's voice made him feel… weird. Like something in his head was telling him to talk to the man, but he was reluctant to do so. Seeing him kill that fire wielding human was a bit unsettling. But the way he said that his soul was gone… could that be true? Marshall had always believed there were such things as gods, angels, and demons. He was a very open minded dog when it came to these things. If the human in the metal suit said that this power came from demons did that mean all magic was evil? Could this human have been saved or was he doomed? And if he did sell his soul, why?
Marshall's thoughts once again turned towards that demon he saw back home in the fire. Combined with this incident here and Marshall could feel it that something was changing. He needed to talk to Ryder about this in private.
Speaking of which, Ryder soon arrived and the dogs all lined up in attention. "Well, we're free to go. We all answered their questions and Skye is well enough that we can take her home, right Marshall?"
"Aside from maybe having a few headaches for a few hours, yeah," said the dalmatian.
"Then let's head back into the Air Patroller and get back to our rooms. I think we can all use some rest," said Ryder as he and the dogs entered the Paw Patroller. It soon took off in Veritibird mode and left the scene of the incident behind them.
After returning home and getting congratulations from Rodrick, Travis decided to get the combat data his suit had and make sure everything went smoothly. He sat on the couching his tower's living room on the top floor and watched the new report about the fire. They were keeping the whole "magic and demon" angle on a low key, but his name had been mentioned and a shot of him flying in the suit meant that everybody knew they were back.
And I have to stop them, thought Travis, bitterly. Alone.
He heard the elevator open and thought it was Rodrick returning with the data. When he turned around he was surprised to see a female Golden Labrador in a labcoat while carrying a tablet in her mouth. "Um…"
"Oh, hi! Sir! Master! Boss! Or… um," the Golden Labrador looked nervous and began saluting. She dropped the tablet as a result and blushed. "Um, sorry." She picked it up and walked over, presenting it to Travis. "You kinda surprised me there. I'm… well, um…"
"Doctor Lyra?" asked Travis surprising the Golden Lab.
"Y-y-yes! I am! How did you know?" asked Doctor Lyra in shock.
"Your name tag," said Travis, pointing to it on the lab coat.
"Oh, right…" Doctor Lyra sighed and lowered her head. "S-s-sorry! I don't interact with people that much. I work most of the time in my lab with my equipment. I really should have met you sooner, sir, since I am the head scientist behind your Navan Suit's function, weapons, armor, and data gathering, but I was really shy about meeting you. I mean, I have heard of you and what you went through, very sorry about that, but I do admire you and I know I would have to work with you eventually. So when Rodrick said you needed the combat data from earlier today I figured now is the best time and here I am rambling and looking ready to pee on your carpet because I am… that nervous… sir…"
Travis raised an eyebrow before smirking. "Doctor, you can relax. I'm just like everybody else deep inside. And just call me Travis."
"Oh, right," said Doctor Lyra taking a deep breath. "I'll do my best to remember that, sir-I mean, Travis."
Taking the tablet, he began to look at the data and nodded. "Moves smoothly."
"Thanks, the modifications we've made since your late father used it seem to be working perfectly," said Doctor Lyra with pride. "I also managed to finally finish your schematics for the Archangel Tank that you submitted to us two years ago. We'll begin test driving it soon."
"Great work, Doctor Lyra," said Travis, reaching out and petting the smiling mixed breed. "I hope to count on you in the future when this war finally breaks out."
"Thanks, sir-I mean, Travis," said Doctor Lyra as she made her way back to the door. "Also, I'm curious sir. Are the reports that an all dog rescue team helped out, true?"
"Yes," said Travis as he pointed to the TV where the Paw Patroller and scenes of the dogs using their packs were playing. "Seems like they're regular heroes."
"Interesting technology," said Doctor Lyra, observing it. "I'd like to meet with the one who invented all that."
Travis nodded his head. If what his reports on the group were true, then most of the technology was developed by the head of the group, Ryder. He had read about news articles about them including all of his dogs… and the one named Marshall. Travis took a deep breath, trying to remind himself that this wasn't his Marshall. His Marshall would have contacted him if he was alive. His Marshall wouldn't have been able to swim all the way to Adventure Bay. His Marshall was dead.
Marshall had requested during dinner to speak to Ryder alone when the rest of the dogs had gotten asleep. Since their latest rescue earlier today the dogs had been reacting to it well for the most part. Skye had calmed down, but Chase refused to leave her side and made sure she was okay. Rocky had been searching online for information about the metal man they saw at the request of Ryder, but the mixed breed was already planning to do it. Zuma and Rubble were wondering on the possibility of what kind of magic exists in the world since they believed Marshall and Skye's story.
Magic.
Marshall wondered what kind of magic did exist in the world. He had seen good magic like the Merpup's but today he saw evil magic which, according to the metal man, was from demons. Demons…
He put a paw over his pendant. Something about all this was bothering him and he didn't know why. It was like a voice inside of him was telling him something but it was so distant he couldn't hear it clearly.
Arriving at Ryder's door, Marshall knocked and was led in by his owner. "Marshall, I was waiting for you," said Ryder as he closed the door. He sat on his bed while Marshall sat on the floor. "What did you want to talk about?"
"… Ryder, do you really believe me and Skye about the whole… magic thing?" asked Marshall, nervously. "I mean, it may sound completely silly but I swear it's the only thing I can think of."
Ryder was silent for a bit before he nodded his head. "I do believe you, Marshall."
"Really?" asked the dalmatian in shock.
"Yes, I trust you, Marshall. And I know you and Skye would never make it up while acting so serious," said Ryder before he grinned. "Plus, you're really bad at lying."
"Yeah, I can't lie to save my tail," laughed Marshall with a chuckle. His face then turned serious again as he asked, "How do we combat against something as unknown as magic? I mean, we can't look into a Harry Potter book and expect it to be the gospel truth about such things."
Ryder nodded and began to rub his chin. "That is a good question, Marshall. One that I've been trying to figure out myself all day. We know nothing about this… magic, and I doubt we'll find an easy solution to dealing with it." He then smiled and scratched his dog's head. "But we should focus on getting you ready for the tournament tomorrow. It's going to be your big day soon and you should prepare yourself."
"Don't worry, Ryder. I'm fired up!" said Marshall with a bright smile.
"Great, now head off to get some sleep. We'll discuss what to do tomorrow," said Ryder as he opened the door for his friend. "Goodnight, Marshall."
"Night, Ryder," said Marshall as he exited the room and made his way down the hall. Just as he was about to enter his room when he saw Chase's hotel door open and out came the police dog himself. Surprised that he wasn't the only one awake, Chase walked over and smiled.
"Hey, buddy," greeted Chase. "What are you doing up this late?"
"I needed to talk to Ryder about a few things. You?" asked Marshall.
"I'm just going for a stroll. Skye's asleep and as much as I love being her cuddle buddy, I need some time to stretch my legs," explained Chase.
Marshall smiled as he thought of his two friends snuggled together in bed. He always thought it was cute for Chase and Skye to be so in love with each other and it made him wish he had someone like his best friend did. He tried dating once or twice, but it always ended up with him and his klutzy behavior making the date end early.
"By the way, don't tell anybody this yet, but Skye and I are planning to get married!" said Chase with pride.
Marshall gasped with joy. "That's awesome! Congratulations, Chase!"
"Thanks, I'm telling you this because I want you to be the best man at my wedding," said Chase which made Marshall's jaw drop. "Don't look so surprise. There isn't anybody in the world I would ask for thi-oof!"
He was cut off as Marshall hugged him and nuzzled his best friends. "Thank you so much, Chase! I promise to be the best best man ever!"
The two separated as they both said goodnight, Marshall making for his room as he sighed. I'm really glad I have a best friend like Chase. I hope we stay that way forever.