A/n: The dog who attacked Rocky had white fur with beige spots. They have a spot covering all of their left eye and three small spots. All of their legs are with beige fur up to their hinges. Their eyes are green. If you really can't picture that out, then here's a link where you could picture them out better. I hope it helps. 1056878617-the-pack-paw-patrol-fanfic-oc-appearance
Marshall did his best to comfort the cowering pup in the corner of the vehicle, away from the windows. It was a good place to hide away for it was warm, away from the windows where shadows loomed over and the sound of arguing and rain were muted. Rubble claimed he saw a giant ghost and began to yell out the possibilities of how they could be hunted when outside or how a ghost could come inside and haunt them. It didn't help when he claimed that its eyes were green and glowy. And Rocky somehow was convinced that it was the Forest Hound he saw and was prepared to play 100 interrogation questions with him. Zuma had to pull Rocky away.
Skye watched from the other corner accompanied by the other pups. She didn't pay any mind to them as her eyes were fixed on the two huddled up in the corner. The other pups wanted to comfort their youngest member too but Marshall, as the health expert, asked to give Rubble some space until maybe his shock had worn off.
Skye admired Marshall's compassion, for not only Rubble but everyone on the team. He always such a big heart and her heart just softens every time Marshall tends to sick patients. She loved seeing him work, and even when he's off duty, he goes out of his way to tend to minor injuries the pups or Ryder have whenever they play too roughly. Skye wishes the best for Rubble's recovery, and knowing Marshall, she knows that her wish is being granted every passing second.
"Are you okay, Skye?" Chase appeared by her side, startling the small pup. When did he get here and how did he get here so quietly? She was confused by his question at first. Of course, she was fine. Why would he ask her? Then, gears started to turn in her head and her cheeks reddened as she realized that she may have been starring at the two pups for longer than she should have, or maybe Chase was already talking to her and she just didn't notice. Either reason, she was embarrassed. She hopes Chase wouldn't put two and two together and find her out.
"I'm fine," she said, a beat too quickly. "Just... Worried for Rubble," Skye said, hoping her excuse would be bought. Chase smiled warmly at her and nodded, to Skye's relief. Chase's paw met Skye's shoulder and patted it. "Don't worry too much," he said to comfort the female.
He glanced at the two young pups and saw them conversing in whispers, and whatever was said between them, Chase knew it was Marshall reassuring Rubble's worries. That was how his best friend is; reassuring, kind, and compassionate. He could never be more proud.
"Marshall's got this handled and Rubble's a strong pup." He looked down at the female, seeing that she was still starring at them. There was something that sparkled in her eyes that Chase couldn't put his paw into, but whatever it was, maybe it was just Skye reassuring herself.
Chase liked that about Skye. Whatever the problem, she was almost always positive. Her smile could brighten anyone's day and he swore that the flowers bloom every time her mouth opens and speaks melodies. She was a beautiful pup, and seeing her frown a bit too much today makes Chase want to take her out and dance with her to see her smile. It was too cheesy for Skye's taste, Chase knows, but a pup can dream.
Skye nodded in response, much to Chase's delight. But her lips remained downwards. She silently sighed and went back to the other two pups to listen to their argument. Chase was confused and glanced back at the other two pups and wondered if they have anything to do with Skye being upset.
With Zuma and Rocky, they haven't even processed Skye coming and being their audience. They were too focused on the argument with tension probably thicker than the metal roof that was sheltering them from the rain. It was about the Forest Hound and Rocky would not back down, even with the opinion of his best friend that it wasn't real.
"The Forest Hound is just a legend," proclaimed Zuma. He was never the one to shout and even then, he tries his best not to raise his voice at his best friend. "There is no proof of its existence and this is not helping Rubble in any way!" Zuma cares about Rocky, truly, and even stepped out of his way to confront the beast dog that was about to munch on his neck, but he also cares about his other teammates, and he has to put his bias aside just for the sake of their youngest.
Still, Rocky would not back down. "Every legend has some truth in it!" Rocky insisted. Yes, he also cares about Rubble, but this Forest Hound business somehow has a sense of importance to him. He couldn't exactly explain how or why it's important to him, but it was. Rubble would support him if he stands on his belief, he knows. "Its existence could be proven by a quick internet search supported by dates, theories, and images! The Forest Hound is real and Rubble just saw it!"
"That wasn't the Forest Hound!" Zuma insisted, and he was almost at his peak. He was not going to be dragged into another hunting expedition to find this legendary creature and he will surely not going to allow his friend to. "And the last time we tried tracking down the Forest Hound, you got into danger's way and your neck was almost bitten off by a wild dog!"
"That didn't count!"
The doors to the cockpit opened and Ryder came in. Zuma and Rocky quickly silenced themselves and turned their attention to their owner.
Ryder looked at the area and frowned seeing his team being overwhelmed by all of these emotions. Some were upset, some are angry, and some are concerned. He hoped this trip would be some sort of bonding time for all of them. Everything was great until Chase and Rocky started arguing about Rocky's story, but he couldn't blame his pups if they had an opinion. They're growing and clashing between friends is normal. He was wondering how he can help solve their problems.
He mentally sighed and thought of another bonding activity they could all do together.
"Mayor Goodway called me tonight," Ryder began to announce as he captured the attention of his pups, "and she requested us to help fix the stage for the talent show. It was knocked over by the strong wind and some of the equipment had been damaged. We'll go back to Adventure Bay tonight and help with the stage tomorrow morning. I think we all need a rest before working, so I suggest you all take a good night's rest while we ride back to town."
"Roger, Ryder, sir," Chase exclaimed, surprising Skye to have Chase suddenly beside her. Seriously, where was this pup coming from? Chase shot an apologetic smile towards the startled cockapoo.
Ryder seemed to be satisfied with Chase's response but he waited until all of his pups responded with affirmation or just simply nodded their head. Ryder then walked back to the cockpit and ordered Robo-Dog to their next destination and to go at a safe speed because of the slippery roads. Ryder's second request was left unheard because he was already walking away to set up his own bed in the cockpit while he left Robo-Dog alone to drive.
It was almost 1 in the morning and all the pups slept snuggly. Marshall and Chase slept snuggly with the same blanket while Skye has her own and slept beside Marshall. Rocky was a few feet away from the female, and it hurt Zuma when Rocky moved away from him a couple of inches when Zuma went close to him. "It's nothing personal," he said, "but I'm still kinda mad at you for doubting me." Zuma moved to sleep in front of the trio instead, significantly away from Rocky.
Zuma's eyes were heavy, but they wouldn't close entirely. He wanted to sleep, but he felt like he had almost no comfort. He mentally sighed and shifted from his spot again, trying not to disturb the pups sleeping in front of him.
"Hey..." a soft whisper called. Zuma turned his head, his eyes half-open but his mind totally awake. Zuma yawned and tried to lick away the dryness of his mouth before answering. "Sup?" His voice was hoarse, as it was not used for a while now. He blinked and managed to register the pup standing in front of him was Rubble. Why was he still awake?
Rubble shifted in his spot, feeling guilty for waking up Zuma at this time of night. "Can I... Sleep with you?" Rubble whispered, hoping Zuma heard. He glanced at the others, not wanting to wake the others up. He already acted so much of a baby today- or the hours after 12 am- that he did not want to appear like a total baby in front of them anymore. Yeah, he was the youngest, but not the baby. Tracker's significantly more mature than him, even if he's a year younger.
It took Zuma time to process the request, and when he did, he asked why. Rubble shifted again, and Zuma worried he had made the pup uncomfortable. "I... I wanted to sleep with Marshall because I feel safe around him, but..." Rubble's eyes glanced at Marshall and the pups that surrounded him, "he's occupied at the moment." His eyes turned back to the Lab and he quietly asked, "I... hope you don't mind... But I don't feel comfortable sleeping alone tonight..."
Zuma yawned again. He was tired, but he had enough energy to move over and patted the space beside him. Rubble smiled as he slid over to Zuma's side and dragged his Apollo blanket over himself. He snuggled in Zuma's side, already comfortable with the warmth the other pup brought him. "Thanks," Rubble whispered. Zuma shifted again and put his arm around Rubble's back, gently patting it as if saying, "no problem."
The pups all had a great sleep, each wandered in their own world of dreams.
Robo-Dog was still awake, his digital eyes focused ahead of the road with the average speed recorded in their usual day trips. Bumps on the road were felt and Robo-dog slowed down, but not enough.
In the back of the truck, a bowl slid to the back of the truck and flew to a random set of buttons when it hit a rock. The door of the back cargo slowly opened, and it was too far for any of the pups to hear and wake up from their sleep.
Rocky was wrapped in a blanket, from the floor over his whole body. His blanket slowly drifted from one side to another and slip down further into the cargo as more bumps hit the vehicle. Rocky felt a sudden chill in his ears and he forced his eyes open. To his surprise, he was far away from the pups that he remembered he was near with when he fell asleep. He turned around and saw the open door and the rocks and mud that were passing by and waiting for him to fall.
He let out a yelp, causing most of his teammates to wake up. He stood up in haste, but that was the wrong move for his feet got tangled beneath him and he fell over. He began to slip faster and he let out a cry of help.
Chase was first to wake up and react. "Rocky!" he yelled, waking up his other teammates. The others looked around in search of the terrier, and they were still half-awake when Chase stood up and wobbly ran to his friend's aid.
Rocky tried to get up and move far away from the opening again, but his movements seemed to push him down further into the exit of the vehicle. The PAW Patroller hit a large rock and the whole team bounced with the vehicle, including Rocky. When the rock was hit, he was bounced out of the vehicle. He let out a yelp and the last thing he heard before rolling over the slippery mud was Chase's screaming of his name.