Rubble's POV

I still remember the screams. The pain, the torture. All of it just to make sure that the line of dogs survives. Why did she die? All for one pup. He tried to save her, but no!

"Save the pup!" That's what she said. I walked through the woods trying to find the small dalmation, the only pup that makes my heart melt. It had been a year since Chase's death. I remember the tears that Skye shed when she received the news. Her pup, Spark, had been miscarried. Tears were shed but still, Skye wanted pups, and pups she would get. Her and Marshall tried again. The pup lived through a healthy pregnancy, but killed her mother in labour. Skye had to choose. Her life or the pup's! The pup was chosen. A beautiful daughter by the name of Firefly Robin Ryder. She had black fur with 24 bright white spots and bright purple eyes. She had a big heart like her dad, but was as graceful as her mom. Speaking off, that's the pup I was looking for now. She had decided to go for a walk in the woods to look for her dad. She was now 2 months old, but for dogs, we mature much more quickly.

"Firefly! Come out wherever you are." I continued to follow her scent through the trees

"Uncle Rubble is looking for you!" She came into my gaze and I saw her on the edge of a cliff looking down. I slowly approached and I looked her in the eyes.

"Firefly, honey? What are you doing out here?" No response. I followed her gaze to the bottom of the cliff. I squinted and there, in a jumbled mess was Marshall's body. I quickly took the small pup in an embrace and covered her eyes. No pup her age should have to see something like that, especially if it's there father.

"I want to go home." I heard her say sadly. I put her on my back, and carried her home.

"You'll be okay." I said laying a kiss on her forehead. The walk back was quiet. No tears, no cries, just sad silence. We arrived at the lookout and I brought her to my pup house. I sat her on my bed and gave her a nuzzle.

"Why's daddy sleeping at the bottom of the cliff?" I sighed. She was still so innocent. I didn't know how to tell her, but I knew I had to.

"Well honey um… you remember how I told you that your mommy died when she had you taken out of her belly?" She nodded sadly.

"Well, you know how much you love your daddy right?" She nodded understanding. "You've only known your daddy for 2 months right?" She nodded, not understanding where I was going.

"Well your mommy and your daddy knew each other for years. They knew each other longer then they knew me. So when your mommy died and went to heaven, your daddy missed her, a lot! So an angel came and gave him a special fruit that would make him go to heaven. But your daddy forgot that once you eat the fruit, you don't wake up again." She nodded understandingly.

"But I'll miss him too." I nodded sadly.

"I know but your daddy would want you to be happy. Can you do that for him?"

"I'll try." I smiled.

"Uncle Rubble can I ask you a question?" I nodded.

"Who's gonna take care of me?" I smiled again.

"I will. I'll be there to lead you by the paw, to pick you up when you fall, teach you good and bad, and walk you down the aisle when you get married."

"Ew... I'm never getting married." I laughed a hearty laugh. 'If only she knew.'

I gave her a nuzzle and told her it was bed time. She nodded and snuggled up into my blanket.

"Good night Uncle Rubble, I love you!"

"I love you too, now shhh" I slowly closed the door behind me. I let out a soft howl into the night and sighed. I walked over to the police pup house and knocked on the door. Grit answered the door.

"Hey Rubble, are you okay?"

"Come." I led walked to the bottom of the cliff and up to the crime scene. Grits jaw dropped.

"Did she see?" I nodded.

"But she thinks that he's asleep." Grit nodded. I walked back home and let the appropriate authorities deal with the body. This was all so confusing. When I joined the Paw Patrol, I saw a future with a group of pups. I never thought that in one year, we would lose three key members. I shook my head and walked back up to my pup house. I opened the door and gazed upon the pup in front of me. She was perfect. I walked in and noticed a small envelope lying on my nightstand. I picked it up, curious of the contents. I opened the envelope and began to read.

"Dear Rubble,

By the time you read this, I'm probably already gone. I'm afraid I have no choice but to end my life. I'm in constant sorrow, and no matter how many times I tell myself it wasn't her fault, and that Skye was happy with her decision, I can't help but blame Firefly for the death of my mate. Everytime I see that smile or when she backflips like her mother, I want to destroy the small creature. As you can tell, I didn't end my life to escape my sorrow. I ended it to keep the small pup safe. I've included the documents for full custody to be turned over to you. All that needs to be done is for you to sign and submit them. Please, take care of her for me and tell her when the time is right. Love her like a father should, and please promise, that no matter what, her safety is more important than your own. I love you brother.

Your Fire Pup,

Marshall"

I looked down at the pup in my bed as a tear fell down my face. I stepped out of my pup house, enraged.

"How could he even think about hurting this pup!? She's beautiful and unique! And he left her with me! The irresponsible, immature construction-lovin pup!" a thought crossed my mind.

"But- he did it to protect her. He loved her and wanted to keep her safe. He loved her." Those words left a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. I gazed up at the stars.

"How could you!?"

"Well that's an odd way to stargaze." I jumped.

"Rocky! I didn't hear you walk up." He nodded.

"How could anyone hear anything with you screaming? Why were you yelling anyhow?" I spilled the beans. I told Rocky about how I found Firefly in the woods, what she thought happened, and how I was faced with an impossible chore.

"She's not my pup, how am I supposed to raise her?" Rocky looked up at the stars in silence for a few moments.

"One day at a time. Take each day and grab it in your paws. Cherish the moments of joy, and face the problems head on. Be the tough pup I know you are, and enjoy life while it here. Teach her the difference between right and wrong, and when the time comes, more adult subjects. Be the father that she deserves to have, and never ever give up on her." I nodded.

"Thank you." He smiled and walked away. As I gazed up at the stars I whispered to myself before going to bed.

"Don't worry little one, I'll look after you. Not for his sake, but for Skye's."