(A/N): Hey guys!
Phew! let me tell you something, This whole funeral was a hoot to type up, let alone write.
This chapter, is long. Very long. So much that I was sure I wasn't going to get the whole thing up in time by this Friday.
So...I had to split yet another chapter. So yes, the funeral is separated into two parts.
I'm sorry for another split but I had no excitement in delaying it. Especially since the hiatus is happening after the repast. So I chose to delay the hiatus instead of the chapter. I hope your still hanging on and enjoying this story despite my inconsistencies.
A couple things before we get rolling here.
This chapter features a song called Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks. Now in case you want to listen along, before, or after, I must warn you, that this song, (along with the rest of Garth's) is hard to find with him singing. I love me some Garth Brooks, but I tell you what, searching for a youtube video or download of the song, that is genuine, is harder than picking out fly shit out of pepper. There are so many covers of the song that disguise themselves as the real studio recording. (damn copyright laws!) and it ain't on Spotify or Pandora
So to ease yall's search, the song is on Amazon music, but for those of you who doesn't have access to amazon music, I have found a video which I can confirm, is Garth singing. I will give the link here
watch?v=iJBzLdFo81Y
That should allow you to experience the song, and know why I picked it. At least for now before it get's taken down.
Also I must put a disclaimer here. This Chapter does talk about suicide. Like last time, If you or anyone you know is having any thoughts of suicide or depression, just know that you always have someone who supports you. Suicide is no joke, and should be taken as seriously as ever. I hope you all are okay and happy with your lives, and if some reason yours aint, remember, Don't EVER, give up, no matter what. If you do, you'll only guarantee victory for everything against you.
Now that I'm done talking, lets finally move on to this sad funeral.
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally!
Chapter 18: Standing Outside the Fire
As Ryder and his pups walked down the aisle to their seats in the front, Chase could sense the mood and vibe that was in the air. His determined and strong mindset almost disappeared altogether to be replaced with depression and grief. Various guests were wiping their eyes with tissues, with young kids and pups clinging on to their parents' sides for comfort, as they mourned the death of their fallen idol. A little ways up, Chase could see some familiar faces in the seats who were either looking on the stage, or wiping tears off their faces with the tissues that were provided to everyone along with the pamphlet prepared by Katie herself. Once they noticed the Paw Patrol walking to their seats, everyone shot their eyes on them. Expressing ungodly amounts of sorrow for them.
Chase saw Captain Turbot, who was not even trying to stop his onslaught of tears, tearing up his pack of tissues, wailing and sobbing like a baby. He didn't blame him, Captain Turbot had been one of the first supporters for the Paw Patrol. In fact, he was the first one that they had to rescue when he nearly sank in the water on his boat at his lighthouse. Due to the Paw Patrol only having three members at the time. Chase, Ryder, and Marshall, it was very difficult to make it out there, since Zuma wouldn't join for another eight months. Chase could remember the slight discomfort in having to hitch a ride on Ryder's ATV turned jet ski along with Marshall. It was tough but they got the job done and even saved the Captain's boat. Chase could remember the overwhelming gratefulness The captain gave them and since then, has watched and supported the Paw Patrol anyway he could. There was no doubt that Marshall's passing hit him hard.
Chase then spotted Jake who was doing his best to keep his cool, but when they met eyes, Chase could see the sadness in his eyes leaking out. Even though he's only been a presence to the Paw Patrol for a short time, Jake is just as big of a supporter and a friend as Katie is. Ever since they met him one day while rescuing some trapped tourists on the mountain, Jake had been a valuable help to them as far as missions at the mountain are concerned. Not to mention all the times he'd invited the pups for a fun snowboard and ski day as a way to thank them and spend some quality time with them. By the way Jake looked at Chase, he could tell that Marshall being gone was devastating to him.
A row up was Farmer Yumi, along with her partner, Farmer Al. Yumi was reasonably crying up a storm while Al was doing his best to comfort her. Marshall and Farmer Yumi had a very close relationship. While you could say that about all of the pups, Marshall was special. Along with helping out with the farm, the pups started taking lessons in Pup-Fu from Yumi herself. Out of all the pups that had been learning the art of Pup-Fu from her, Marshall was the highlight of them all. Learning all of her techniques in a blink of an eye. He was the most competent learner she had ever had the pleasure to train. She saw a lot in him. A lot to be sure that as long as the dalmatian kept training, and bettering himself everyday, he would be her first Pup-Fu Master she would dub. But now, she will never see him get that far. He was ripped away before he could realize his full potential in the art of Pup-Fu. Along with him being a good pup, Marshall's death was a punch through the heart for her. Not just because of him being her most promising student, but a very close friend to her and Farmer Al.
Then, Alex came into view, sitting next to his grandfather, looking very soulless, with his head slightly down. Staring at the seat in front of him, completely broken. Chase was very relieved to see him okay at least. When Mr. Porter told Alex's situation, Chase was convinced that there was an alarming chance that Alex had somehow hurt himself. He may have over-thought it and jumped to a conclusion too quickly, but after Rocky's attempt to end his life yesterday, he wouldn't be so wrong to think so. Thankfully, Mr. Porter must've gotten to him on time to prevent it, and got Alex to come out of his room. Even if he didn't, it wouldn't be no harm to at least check on the boy every now and then. Maybe he could add a stop to his morning patrols every day, but for now, it was so much of a relief to see Alex here safe and sound.
As they finally got to the front row of the chairs in the right aisle, Chase's eyes caught the still covered statue in front of them, separating them from the stage. Chase's curiosity grew to the size of a tree as he wondered what the statue looked like. Katie told him earlier that it was of course a statue of Marshall himself, but what intrigued him was the size. It looked no bigger than him upon closer inspection. In fact, it looked as if it was his exact size minus the pedestal. That was peculiar to him. If only he could see it, but Mayor Goodway insisted to reveal it later, so he couldn't out of respect for the Mayor's wishes. He'll have to find out the way everyone else will.
He finally got to his seat, with Ryder on his left and Skye to the right of him. Skye of course had a little trouble getting up on the chair thanks to her gown, but she eventually got the hang of it, and finally settled down on the Chair. He leaned over to her and whispered.
"You alright?"
"Yeah Chase, no thanks to this blasted gown!" Skye whispered sharply.
Chase unconsciously let out a soft chuckle which warranted him a quick and subtle shove from the cockapoo which only made him laugh more.
He then looks to his left to find Ryder waiting a little impatiently for the service to start. Although the shepherd was at ease with his owner sitting next to him, he found it very interesting how Ryder was not sitting next to his dad, who was a few chairs down the other side of them, sitting next to Katie and the Mayor. To add to this mystery, the boy made no attempt to even catch a quick glance at his father. Like he was….ignoring him. Why? Is Ryder mad at his dad even at a time like this? What on earth could have upset him?
"Ryder sir?" Chase softly called. "Are you okay?"
The boy turned to his pup and gave him a slight smirk. "Yeah boy. I'm okay." He then scratched his pup's neck which caused Chase to relax and slightly wag his tail. Chase then nuzzled his hand as the boy continued to scratch.
A sudden tap on the microphone got everyone's attention to the mayor who was at the podium on the stage. After waiting for so long, the funeral of a Paw Patrol original member, Marshall.
The Mayor cleared her throat before she began. "Citizens of Adventure Bay and Foggy Bottom. We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a pup who worked so hard to protect this city and touched so many lives in the process. Marshall."
Whimpers from pups and dogs sounded off in sadness. Sobs rang out from multiple guests for the loss of their friend. The Mayor herself wasn't immune to the despair, as she herself had to wipe her eyes with her tissues, which of course were being given to her by her pet chicken, Chickoletta.
She blows her nose as she pats her chicken. "Thank you Chickoletta." She then faces the crowd to continue to address him. "To say that Marshall was an amazing pup would truly be the understatement of the century. In just one very short year, Marshall has left a huge mark on many who are here today. Even his doubters mourn his death due to how young he was. On behalf of all citizens and myself, I will say that we grieve and weep with everyone who has been saved, talked, played, and loved by Marshall. In the wake of this unbearable tragedy, everyone here has shared their stories of how the young dalmatian touched their lives from family and friends, to complete strangers. My one request for you is to continue to spread these stories as you do of your family tales, so the memory of Marshall will never deteriorate from our minds and our children's."
Upon that, Chase was blasted with all the memories he had with his best friend. So much that it nearly brought him to tears. He looked around and discovered that many of his friends were having just enough of a tough time as he was. Some of them like Rocky, let their soft sobs and tears flow.
"Now, at this time, I would like to present a little slideshow on the screen behind me, provided by Ryder of course." the Mayor announced.
Chase cocked his head in confusion. He saw no such screen behind her. He looked at his owner, wondering what she meant. "What screen Ryder sir? I don't see a screen."
Ryder had a prideful smirk on his face as he pushed a button on his pup pad. "Hold on Chase."
On cue, a screen the length of the stage, rose up behind the stage. After raising a good twenty feet, it stopped with everyone in awe and wonder.
"Whoa." Chase let out. "You continue to surprise me Ryder sir."
Ryder's smirk turned into a wide smile in flattery, as he turned the screen on with his pup pad. After adjusting the brightness to where everyone could see what was on the screen, he pushed another button that opened up a powerpoint ready to be played. The name Marshall was the only one on the screen, with his pup tag emblem in the background.
"Thank you Ryder. Now, this slideshow is a collection of many pictures taken of Marshall throughout his life, donated not just by the Paw Patrol, but many others who have known Marshall. Set to a song that I believe describes him best. So I ask that you join me as we go down memory lane."
After a few tantalizing seconds, Ryder finally pressed play as the song came on. An upbeat acoustic intro starts it off, as the first photo then appears of Marshall sitting with his fire gear on and looking at the camera with a determined smile. The picture struck Chase as he felt that the dally was looking directly at him.
Various photos scrolled on as the music started to pick back up with lyrics.
We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk the tables being turned.
Chase recognized nearly all of the photos that scrolled on. Most of them were of Marshall being as silly and happy as he always was. But then, a certain photo showed that impacted Chase greatly. It was a photo of the spot they were on right now, looking out towards the beautiful sight of the sundown of the ocean, with him on the left and Marshall standing on the right, with their Paw Patrol gear on. Their bodies were angled slightly, as they looked at the camera. With smiles of true brothers.
Chase remembered this photo very well. It was one of the first photos they ever took of each other. It was shortly after The Paw Patrol had started, and it was just after the team stopped Mayor Humdinger's chaos-filled plan to mess up Adventure Bay. Chase and Marshall rested, not bothering to take their pup packs and uniforms off. They laid down the grass for hours, enjoying each other's company. Ryder later came out and asked them to pose and take the picture on his pup pad. The photo had sentimental value to the both of them. Ryder made two copies as requested by both of them, so they are always reminded of the brotherhood they share.
Chase kept his in his pup house, while Marshall kept his in his uniform. Chase thought that it was a perfect spot for the photo to be, hanging in beside his door so he could see it every single day. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Mere months after he received his copy, Chase had badly wrecked his car returning from a late night mission. So much that the car was completely totaled, with nothing to salvage from it.
Chase was very distressed about it. He had lost a photo that meant so much to him and Marshall, he had the belief that their friendship wasn't complete without it. Even after Marshall assured him that it didn't matter whether or not he had the photo, just that he was okay and alive, Chase felt horrible for losing it. To him, it was as if he had lost his father's badge.
But now, It was more crucial than ever to regain a new copy of the photo. Hopefully, Ryder could make one more for him after the service, so he will never forget how close he was to his best friend in the whole world.
We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flames
Who chance the sorrow and the same.
That always comes with getting burned.
As much as the photos were impacting him, the lyrics to the song struck a nerve. The last set in particular made him think about Marshall's struggles in his life, and how he ended up being burned no matter how hard he pushed.
But you've got to be tough when consumed by desire
Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire
Chase looked at everyone who was watching and thankfully, no one was distraught. Some of them we're even laughing at the photos where Marshall was being as silly as ever, like making funny faces in group photos.
Rocky however, wasn't laughing. He stared at each picture as if his life depended on it, with Zuma and Rubble beside him, chuckling at the memories. Chase assumed that Rocky was also struck by the lyrics of the song. He hoped the mixed breed was handling himself okay. He wished he was next to him, so he could help him through the whole thing.
We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall
We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all
Another heart pounding ironic set of lyrics, in which the meaning hit Chase like a truck. The thought of Marshall having to push harder, thanks superiors doubting and rejecting him and labeling him as an incapable pup.
Made him think that the entire world was against him. Believing that he would never amount to his dreams.
When Marshall told him of the troubles he had back home, thanks to such low lifes, he could hardly believe it. Yes he was clumsy as a beetle, especially in the beginning of Paw Patrol, but as long as he knew the dalmatian, Marshall didn't let his "disability" get in his way. Sure he messed up every now and then, but he always made sure that no one would be seriously hurt when he did. He had no idea why the FRDA couldn't see that and why they would think that Marshall was "defective." Though it's probably best if he never found out. He felt that rejecting Marshall because of his clumsiness was already a heinous crime to him.
They're so hell bent in giving
Walking a wire
Convincing it's not living if you stand outside the fire
A few photos go by of Marshall doing various rescues. From climbing his ladder to rescue someone from the top of a tree, to running full speed into a forest fire with no ounce of fear on the dalmatian. Whoever organized the photos, really had a focus on timing with the song. Chase thought.
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tired
It is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire
Chase immediately saw how the last line resonated with Marshall. The Mayor was not kidding, this song was the best way to describe him, and it only got stronger with the next set of lyrics as the song enters the bridge.
There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to glide, higher and higher
I can't abide standing outside the fire
Chase was on the verge of tears at this point. Every lyric, every photo, every moment of the slideshow spoke to him. It was as if Marshall himself was singing the song from his heart, while the photos of him replayed his played every memory of him. He took one more look at Rocky and he looked like he was about to explode on the spot. Not only that, but it seemed that everyone else was affected by the presentation, as their face was in true shook in disbelief. It seemed that the entire service would all be filled with wails and howls from the guests. But of course, it was not over yet.
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived if your standing outside the fire
There was that line again that hit harder than last time. With the photos of all the group pictures taken of the pups intensifying it even more. Almost making Chase lose himself and there was still more to come after it.
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived if you standing outside the fire
Photos of Marshall with individual people and dogs scrolled by the screen, making anyone who was in a picture lose their breath.
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived if you standing outside the fire
As the song drew close to the end, Pictures of Marshall by himself scrolled by, each one with his different outfits, the latest being his EMT outfit.
Then, as the song faded out, the last picture was shown which Chase did not recognize. It wasn't surprising as it was a picture of Marshall, curled in a ball in his bed, not a spot on his white fur. It was of course his baby picture, that looked as if it was taken hours after he had been born. The photo melted everyone's hearts upon realization.
When it was all over, the area was completely silent. No one could speak, no one could move. The photos and the song seemed to have taken everyone's breath away.
The Mayor returned to the mic and was about to speak until she noticed the deafening silence from everyone. She turned around to see the screen still up showing a black screen. She turned back to Ryder who seemed to be frozen in place.
"Um….Ryder? Could you please...um." She stammered out, while thumbing the screen behind her.
Upon his name, Ryder shook his head and hastily pushed the button. "Huh? Oh…...sorry."
As the screen retracted down, the Mayor eyed each of the guests who still had disbelief faces. She spoke in the mic again with a nervous voice. "Uh….well…...there it is. It was of course me who prepared it..I-I hope I didn't overdo it."
The deafening silence seemed to have answered her question. "I-I guess I did…..sorry."
The Mayor swallowed all her nerves down before she continued. "Uh….okay um. As many of you may know, Ryder has volunteered to deliver Marshall's eulogy, but before I bring him up. I would like to present to you all and open mic to you all. If there is anything you need to say about your memories with Marshall or what he means to you all, I invite you all with gratitude and share it, if you wish to of course. Is there anyone who wishes to come up here?"
All the mayor got was the quiet air, as many of the attendants looked at each other, wondering who would step up.
"Anyone? We've got the whole afternoon, so don't worry about taking too long. Just come up here and say whatever you have to say about how Marshall means to you all."
Chase was very tempted to go up on stage and say his thoughts, but he really couldn't think of anything to say. He didn't know if it was his nerves or the shockwave of the powerpoint. Whatever it was, it prevented him from wanting to say anything.
After a few more moments of silence, the Mayor spoke into the mic again. "Oh-uh, okay if no one wants to come up here, Iguess we can move on to…"
"Wait! Wait! I have something to say!" a sob came out, causing everyone to turn their heads around to see who it was. It was none other than Captain Turbot, who was now running up the side of the stage. He climbed up the steps and went over to the podium.
'Oh...uh….Captain Turbot. You have something?" Goodway obviously asked, stepping away for him to take the podium.
During this, Chase heard Skye whisper to him. "Poor Captain Turbot. He looks like he's ready to burst wide open. I hope he's okay."
A soft whimper followed Skye's worries. Chase puts a paw on Skye's as he replies. "I think he'll be fine, Skye. The captain may not look at it, but he is strong. I'm sure of it."
The Mayor was going to go to her seat, but by the look of Captain Turbot, she felt a little uncomfortable leaving him. "Now, are you sure you're alright Captain? You look like you need rest."
"I-I should be." Turbot stated, as he blew his nose. He then looked at the crowd who was either all ears for him, or trying to see if he could make it through a single sentence.
"F-First off, I I-w-would like to s-say tha-that M-M-M-Marshall was….." as soon as he said Marshall he stopped. He started shaking as he tried to speak again. "M-Marshall…..Marshall…..Marshall."
Tears flooded his eyes as he struggled to get past Marshall's name. The crowd started getting very concerned about him. To include the Mayor who still hadn't made her way to her seat.
"Captain Turbot? I think you need to rest sir. You're not well." She said as she got close to him.
"N-No M-Mayor, please." the Captain protested. "I-I have to say about what Marshall….." he stopped again as he started shaking furiously.
"C-Captain Turbot?"
The Captain didn't hear him as he was getting closer and closer to breaking down. "Marsh-Marsh-Marsh-" Then the geiser finally went off. "MAAAARRRSHAAAALLLL! WAAAAH!"
The crowd gasped as Captain Turbot started to wail to the heavens. "I CAN'T DO IT! OH MARSHALL! OLD BUDDY OLD PAL! DON'T GO! PLEASE DON'T GO! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Before anyone knew it, Captain Turbot suddenly ran off stage and away from the area, wailing and screaming on the way out.
For the second time, words escaped the gathering crowd's mind. Even the Mayor was stricken with uneasiness, she just stood there, unsure of what to say or do. It was Katie who got up and started walking towards the path the captain left.
"I'll….go talk to him." She said before she ran after him.
The uncomfortable silence lasted for what seemed like hours before the Mayor finally retook the podium. Trying to recover from the broken display of sadness.
"Um...oh dear...how sad. I hope he is alright. But…we must move on." She stammered through trying to move on. "...is…...there anyone else?"
The urge to go up returned to the Shepherd. It would only be fitting if he were to come up to say some words about his best friend. But again, like before, no such idea came to mind. What could he say that everyone hasn't already said or known about the dally?
Out of the corner of his eye, Chase saw movement from one of the pups. He heard everyone's surprised gasp when he looked to see who it was.
To his surprise as well, It was Rocky who was now walking up the steps with a very nervous but confident face. He then looked at the empty chair where the mixed breed was sitting and observed Zuma who's eyeballs followed Rocky over to the podium, slightly concerned for his friend.
Rocky finally made it to the podium with the Mayor stepping aside for the mixed breed to take over, however, the recycling pup was not tall enough to reach the mic. He looked at the mayor.
"Uh….Mayor, could I get a….little help here?" Rocky requested.
"Oh...um….sorry." The Mayor blurted out, before turning to Ryder. "Ryder? If you please."
On cue, Ryder pushed another button on his pup pad which activated the little section that Rocky was standing on to slowly raise up. Rocky jumped a little as he didn't expect. To be brought up to the mic this way. Soon enough, Rocky got high enough to reach the mic, which prompted the section to stop.
"Um….wow. I expected to be standing on a box or something." Rocky let out, gaining some chuckles from the crowd.
Though as if a switch had been flipped in the pup's mind, his nerves came back to him. He swallowed hard before he finally started his thoughts.
"I-I-I won't take too long Mayor. I-I just hope I-I can m-make through." Rocky admitted.
Anguish flowed through Chase's veins, hoping with all might that Rocky could keep it together. Although his concerns probably weren't as high as Zuma's, who was watching Rocky like a hawk. Ready to swoop in case the mixed breed cringed up and ran off like Captain Turbot before him.
"Come on buddy." Chase whispered to himself. "You can do it. I believe in you."
However, a few minutes passed by of Rocky looking at the crowd in silence. Chase's anxiety was at an all time high while he waited for Rocky to speak.
Then, after a very long silence, Rocky drew a breath and laid his words with a slight shake.
"If-If anyone here knows what it feels like to lose someone who is so special as Marshall, in all sincerity, it's me."
The crowd looked on with sympathy, though some of them looked a little confused showing their ignorance of Rocky's life. Chase, the pups, Norman, Katie, the Mayor, Marshall's parents, and Ryder knew which made their concerns for the mixed breed even higher.
Rocky's voice started out shaky, but as he went on, he relaxed a bit with his voice.
"F-For th-those of you who don't kn-know, I have the pleasure of being M-Marshall's very first friend and…..he was my first. When I met him, I had just run away from a difficult time in my life. I spent the better part of a year alone. Living at a dump and dumpster diving for anything that I needed I never expected Marshall to be so nice to me. But he was, and in result, we became the bestest of friends. Never wanting to leave each other's side for long. It only got better when Mr. Sparky and Mr. Ashley pitched in to help me. I felt that I had a real family and would always feel loved. But like everything in my life, it went horribly wrong."
A sniff from the mixed breed interrupted him, along with producing tears. Chase's sorrow rose when Rocky started to recall the events that changed his and Marshall's life again. He was curious as to how Marshall's parents would react to Rocky's monologue, so he looked across the aisle on the left. Where Sparky and Ashley sat with their pup having a separate seat for herself, who of course was sleeping on her side. They had the same feeling the shepherd had on his face. Concern and fear for Rocky.
"To make a long story short, thanks to a fire that I started that Marshall took the blame for, The bitter aftermath of that horrible fire drove the dally to run away. At the same time, I was doing the same thing, thanks to complications with living on the streets of San Francisco. As if by fate, Marshall and I met each other at the dock, and once we found out each other's motives, we decided that we would run away together. All to just be together and help each other find a new life. So we stowed away on a cargo ship, not knowing where it would take us. Hoping to start a new life. But my luck and I guess Marshall's luck betrayed the both of us."
Upon hearing that, Chase noticed that Sparky and Ashley's ears suddenly perked up with their faces. They were suddenly like fish on a hook to this specific part of Rocky's story. It was clear that they had no knowledge of the pup's journey after they boarded the boat. The only thing they knew was where they ended up. Deep down, the shepherd knew that they wouldn't find the story very pleasant.
The tears were flowing down Rocky's eyes, when he finally went on with his story. "Shortly after we got on the ship, a terrible storm brewed on the ocean, and before we knew it, we were knocked overboard by the waves. I ended up grabbing onto a board, and floating on it to survive. I looked everywhere for Marshall, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I ended up passing out on the board. With Marshall's whereabouts on my mind, and the hope that if I wash up where he ended up, or vice versa."
The shock and horror on Sparky's and Ashley's faces were more predicted by Chase. He was painfully right. They had no knowledge of how Marshall and Rocky were separated, or even knew that they were separated at all. He could only imagine what was going through their terrified minds.
Rocky himself had notably started to tear up again, as the story went on. It was amazing how he was able to keep his voice very calm though a little shaky.
"When I came to, I was washed up on what I thought was an uninhabited island. The first thing I did immediately was look for any signs of Marshall. I frantically looked everywhere for him. I looked and looked and looked, but to my fears, I couldn't find him anywhere. I hoped to all god and heavens that he would turn up at any moment, but….he never showed. It was then that I thought…...that I had lost him…...and I was all alone."
Whimpers and whines followed his grating sentence. While Rocky lowered his head in agony. Everyone in the crowd all felt a horrible amount of empathy and grief for the pup. Zuma looked as if he was fighting the urge to go up and comfort his miserable friend. But for some reason decided not to.
A moment of silence was flowing through the air, while Rocky tried to keep it together, but he was having much difficulty doing that.
"I-I-I didn't kn-know whether he was a-alive or d-dead. All I kn-knew was th-that he-he n-not on th-the isla-island with me…...a-and I-I was a-alone. N-no one wo-would look for m-me. In fact, I d-doubted whether an-anyone kn-knew I-I was l-lost. The onl-only one who kn-knew…..was M-M-Marshall."
The sad, depressed tone of Rocky's fell farther and farther into a deep depression as he said more with a low sincerity. "Many weeks went by, and after accepting that I had lost my best friend...and I was no longer thought about…..I felt the need to end it all."
Somehow, another shockwave struck everyone even worse than the first two they've had. The intensity was high and the horror of Rocky's thoughts chilled their bones.
"You heard me right. I was going to end it. Kill myself, stop my life from hurting me and others, provided that I had anyone who cared about me. I'm not going to tell how, but just to say that it would have definitely ended my life."
The chilling in Chase's bones grew immensely. Before, he thought that Rocky's attempt at suicide yesterday was the only time he ever attempted to kill himself, but he was so wrong aparently. He then noticed that Skye and Rubble were practactly on the verge of tears, but most notably of course, Zuma was worse. He started to shake furiously and was now very tempted to jump on the stage and give Rocky a very crushing hug with sobs thrown in.
A very painful silence continued on until Rocky got the need to finally go on.
"I was pretty darn close to ending my life in such a gruesome but quick way, but…...before I could do it, and I….felt Marshall's presence." A chuckle came out of the pup before he went on. "I don't want to tell any kind of ghost stories but, somehow….someway….I heard Marshall speak to me. He was telling me, no, he was pleading with me to not follow through with my plan. Telling me that it wasn't the answer, and it will only make it worse. I tried to ignore it simply because I knew it wasn't Marshall. It was my mind trying to stop me from making the biggest mistake of my life. I tried to push it out of my mind, but…...it was too strong for me to. It was as if it really was Marshall. Coming from puppy heaven. Begging and pleading with me to stop."
Rocky raised his head towards the horrified faces of the crowd, feeling guilty towards the horrified faces of the crowd, feeling guilty for telling such a gruesome story, most notably, for Zuma, who was still shaking his tail off.
"As you see right now, I didn't go through with it. I couldn't. Not after hearing Marshall beg and plead me not to do it, and even if it wasn't, Marshall would've never wanted me to. So I stopped myself and went on, not knowing what was in store for me ahead."
Even though it was obvious that Rocky didn't kill himself, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief that Rocky wouldn't hurt himself again. However, Chase and Rubble knew that it wasn't the only time, and Chase hoped that Rocky wouldn't mention the second time.
"After exploring some more, I soon realized that I wasn't on a deserted island. I actually washed up on a beach near Foggy Bottom of all places. I didn't want to live in the city limits because I wanted to be far away from animal control, so for the next two years, I settled down in the nearby forest. Only going to the city if I really needed something, mostly food. The rest of my time was spent in a makeshift sorta cabin that I had made. Then, after two years of living in the forest, my home was threatened."
When he said that, Rocky looked directly at Mayor Humdinger with a cold stare. "Someone wanted the forest out for a shopping center and parking lots, another instance of something threatening all I've worked for. Not to mention, the destruction of an entire forest, threatening the life of the trees and animal's ecosystem."
The entire crowd turned their attention to the sniveling Mayor, who only twilded his mustache and cleared his throat. They looked back at the mixed breed to hear the rest.
"Anyway, I wasn't going to stand aside and let the forest be destroyed because of greed, not to mention, everything I've worked up to that point. So instead of running away, I fought back. When the bulldozer and tree cutters showed up, I sabotaged them all to prevent them from doing their dirty work. I didn't want to hurt anyone though, all I did was take away essential parts, rendering their equipment useless. I also laid down spike traps to pop their tires. I did what I could to stop them, eventually, animal control was called which only made things a little difficult, but I was able to give them the slip. I guess I was just too much for them, so they had to call the Paw Patrol out to catch me."
Chase remembered the mission like it was yesterday. Ryder had gotten a call from Mayor Humdinger of all people, wanting help with a pup who was, in his words, causing a whole ruckus in his town and disturbing the peace. There were a lot of details that the sly Mayor left out, most notably the part about the destruction of the forest. With no knowledge of the Mayor's real plans, Ryder agreed to go to Foggy Bottom and help catch the pup, because the Paw Patrol was always eager to help, even their doubters. It wasn't until after they caught Rocky, that they put together what was going on.
They were tricked that day, Mayor Humdinger knew that if Ryder found out before they went, he would've refused in a heartbeat. Yes, the Paw Patrol would help anyone who asks for it no question, but that didn't mean that there were no lines to be crossed. Ryder would've never taken the job if their actions resulted in the destruction of anyone's way of life. Especially the animals, who couldn't defend themselves. The Mayor made them look like total chumps that day, with Ryder feeling completely embarrassed. If it wouldn't been for Rocky joining them shortly after, the memory would've been no more than a black stain on the Paw Patrol's history.
"At the time, I didn't know what the Paw Patrol even was, let alone who they were. All I saw was another obstacle to deal with, to preserve my home. So of course, I sabotaged them. Messed with their vehicles in many comical ways."
He then looked at Ryder, Chase, and Skye and nodded with a half smile. "Forgive me."
The smile and nod back as a collection of light chuckles sounded. Before Rocky continues.
"I was doing pretty well evading them, until Chase finally caught me. He dragged me over to Ryder while I was essentially kicking and screaming." Rocky paused a little as he started to tear up again, but this time, he had a smile on his face. "Then…..I heard Marshall's voice again...but this time, it felt and sounded real…" Rocky paused again, as the memory filled his heart with joy. "...It was then…..that I saw a pup….I thought I would never see again….." Rocky sniffed and let out a happy soft sob. "...Marshall. He was alive. I-I couldn't believe it, but there he was, looking as shocked as I was. He told Chase to let me go after he did, I ran to him while he did the same to me. But before our reunion was to commence, it was cut short when animal control grabbed me, and took me away from Marshall. I was thrown into a kennel in a truck while Marshall begged for them to release me. They refused under Mayor Humdinger's orders, and drove me away as he yelped out my name over and over again. Scared that he would never see me again….and…..I felt that way too."
The crowd's depression took them over as whimpers and cries from the crowd. Chase suddenly remembered what happened after. As the truck drove away, all the hope and happiness drained away from Marshall. It was as if Marshall was frozen in time, with his emotions out for all to see. It took a lot of convincing to even get Marshall to move. Chase had no idea of Marshall and Rocky's friendship, so he didn't understand why Marshall was greatly concerned for someone who sabotaged vehicles and put people in danger. In other words, a criminal.
When they finally got back to the lookout, Marshall had completely shut down, exactly like Chase did years before. He wouldn't talk, he wouldn't play, he wouldn't even move. As soon as they got to the lookout, Marshall turned his vehicle into his pup house. He planted himself inside, not saying a word to everyone and not moving from his spot.
The deep depression had been the saddest Chase had ever seen Marshall. It grimly reminded him of what he was like when his father died. Sad, lost, powerless, and hopeless. It was as if Marshall had shattered into a million pieces.
After a few moments of silence, Rocky continued on. "I didn't know if Marshall felt the same, but I was a little bittersweet about the situation. On one paw, I found out that my best friend, who I thought I would never see or hear from ever again, was alive and happy. On the other paw, I probably will never see him again, since I was put up for adoption. To tell you the absolute truth, I would've been happy with that. I definitely would've preferred to be with him, but at least I would know that he was okay. I was willing to accept whatever fate that was in front of me."
It definitely surprised Chase that Rocky was "okay" with being away from Marshall. As much as he had campaigned to forever be with Marshall, Chase expected that Rocky would've been climbing the walls of the entire kennel to get to Marshall.
"As soon as I was put up for adoption, I was immediately adopted. I expected someone I didn't know at all to be the one who adopted me. In a way, That was just the case. Because the one who adopted me was Ryder himself."
All attention was at Ryder now, who was sitting firm in his chair, with a small smile for his teary pup.
"I'll never forget what happened for the rest of my life. Ryder told me that he was super impressed how I was able to work so repurpose things to use them however I can. He officially asked me if I could join the Paw Patrol and after admittedly having to be convinced to, mostly because of Marshall, I gracefully accepted the offer, and he took me to my new home. As soon as I got there, Marshall hugged me to no end, sobbing into my shoulders with me doing the same. In front of god and everybody, but we didn't care. All that mattered was that we were finally reunited. After so long of thinking that the other was dead, for once our luck was treating us well, and we were together again."
A feeling of joy and happiness flowed through the crowd like a remedy. It was a heartwarming moment that everyone in the crowd was looking for. Rocky himself couldn't stop the joyish tears he was shedding as he smiled gleefully.
"Although I was pretty happy that I was with my best friend again, I don't think that I was ever happier than Marshall was. He practically turned into a rocket when he saw me, and when he found out that Ryder adopted me, he shot straight for the moon. He stated that he was so happy to have me back in his life. Even though he had Chase and Skye as friends and treasured their friendship as much as he does with me, he told me that his life was now perfect, and that it couldn't get any better."
A collection of soft "aws" flowed from the crowd, as their hearts melted at this. After a long period of sadness and despair, it was so sweet for the pup to finally wind up reuniting with a long lost friend. But, as Rocky knew, and Chase and the pups knew, It wasn't over.
"I couldn't be more happy for him to be wrong, because as the days went on, and the months flew by, life got even better. I didn't expect to get so attached to Chase and Skye, but like Marshall, they became so close to me so quickly. It took me a little bit to warm up to Ryder, mostly because I wasn't too fond of being owned thanks to my….history with owners, but as time rolled by, I got more and more attached to Ryder than I have ever thought I would. I even gained some new friends."
The mixed breed looked at Zuma with a warm smile. "I even got a new best friend. One that I couldn't be more lucky to have a friend like him. I would go to the ends of the earth for him, cause I know he would do the same for me and be there for me as much as Marshall would."
Zuma could only wag his tail, smile and nod in return. It was the first time in Rocky's speech that Zuma was relaxed and happy."
Rocky turned his attention to the rest of the pups. "That doesn't mean that I won't do the same for you all. In the past year, you all have become family to me. A family I never thought I wanted, including you of course, Ryder. Not to mention the job I now had, where my skills could be showcased in front of people. With that added, I felt that I finally had a purpose in my life. I owe all that to you Ryder."
Ryder himself couldn't help but smile warmly at his pup. Flattered by Rocky's gesture to him.
Rocky then produced a determined face. "It was then that I realized that I have been given a second chance at life and at being Marshall's best friend. I vowed from that day on, that I would never lose Marshall again. That I would never leave his side no matter what. I was so determined to make sure Marshall and I will be friends for as long as we lived. I was happy….very happy with my life, and I wasn't going to let that be taken away from me by any means. "It all felt like a dream. A dream that was too perfect to be real. A dream that I'm not sure I had woken up from. If it was, I never wanted to wake up. I would've wished that I had died in my sleep. But it wasn't. It was real, it was genuine, and most important of all, it wasn't going to be taken away from me."
Rocky's determined and uplifting face suddenly faded away, with tears returning in his eyes. "But still…...even after all of that. After I finally felt real happiness in my life, that I finally had a purpose in life, it all came tumbling down when I was lost in it all." The mixed breed slowly raised his paw as he continued. "Just like every COT PICKEN time I feel like I mean something and enjoying life, It all went to HELL!"
Rocky slammed his paw down on the podium right at the last word. He slammed it so hard, Chase felt it in his pones. Everyone gasped in complete shock of Rocky's use of a curse word, at a funeral no less. But no one dared chastise him for it, for his heart and feelings were out to see.
A lone, angry tone was the best Rocky could hold back his anger in the following words. Chase swallowed hard. It was about to get very heated and emotional.
Rocky's head lowered down on the top of the podium. Shedding and sobbing fresh hot tears. "Even after all this time of being able to prosper and vowing that I will never lose the life or Marshall again, it still happened. I lost Marshall AGAIN!"
Another slam by Rocky's paw sounded harder this time. So hard that it nearly broke the podium. Rocky then whimpered which then turned to angry sobs. "Why does this keep happening to me?! Am I not allowed to be happy?! If this is someone's idea of a cruel joke, it's not funny!"
The pup was getting really irritated the longer he went. At any moment, he could lash out, and scream at the top of his lungs. So many years of heartbreak and life altering events has put so much stress on the recycling pup and driven him over the edge.
The worse it got, the more discomfort and uncertainty that was felt by everyone. Some even squirmed in fear, especially the younger folks.
It was very tempting for Chase to shoot up to the stage and calm Rocky down. As much as Rocky was spilling everything out and how good it was for him to lay it all out, it was undeniably intimidating for the young pups and kids to hear this. Especially if it's from a pup that some idolize.
From the look on his friend's faces along with his owner, Chase could see that he was not the only one who thought this way. One that Chase couldn't take his mind off though, is Zuma. The lab had a more anxious look on his face than all of them combined. Clearly, Zuma is about seconds away from running up there himself. The only thing stopping him was Norman. Who had his hand on the pup's leg, trying to calm him and tell him that he needed to keep calm and let the mixed breed finnish.
Although Chase half agreed with him, he wondered when it was going to be too much for not just Rocky, but for everyone to handle.
Amazingly though, it got worse. Rocky no longer had anger in his tone, but he revealed something the shepherd hoped he wouldn't admit.
"I want you all to know that yesterday, I tried to do it again." Rocky grimly stated, to Chase's displeasure. "Yesterday,...I jumped off of that cliff behind you."
Chase cringed his eyes and sharply dropped his head. He could hear the combining sounds of the gasp of horror from everyone. If they weren't horrified before, they are really terrified now. Zuma jumped as if he'd been scared in a haunted house. His fur turned ghostly white in his reaction. "Wocky?!"
Rocky snapped his head at a very distressed Zuma, looking at him in pure shock and disbelief. Although he wanted to say more, his mind was too compromised to say anything.
Chase looked back at Rocky with dread, where the mixed breed himself had a sudden reluctance in his eyes. He kept himself firm though, willing to tell the truth to his best friend.
"I'm sorry, Zuma, but it's true. Yesterday, I almost killed myself and came very close to the last time. If it weren't for Chase's net, I wouldn't be here, and you would have had to mourn me along with Marshall today."
A deadly silence fell in the air at Rocky's revelation. Chase felt like sinking down in his seat in shame. He felt Ryder looking at him in horror for what he just heard, but Chase did not look back at him, instead, he looked at the frozen water pup who managed to somehow look at him.
Shock, betrayal, and anger, was all Chase could see in Zuma's eyes. He knew what the pup was feeling about him right now. He not only kept Rocky's second attempt a secret, but also lied to his face. Chase gave a somber look back, hoping to ease the pup's broken heart.
But all the young pup did was sharply turn his head away from him and looked down at his paws. Chase whimpered in response and looked down too, not wanting to look at anyone who was gazing at him.
Chase heard Zuma sob a little while he also imagined the water pup slowly raising his head at Rocky with watery eyes. His voice was soft and fragile as a feather.
"Wocky….h-how could you?" The pup said, so close to plopping down and crying.
Rocky stayed silent for a moment before he inched out his words. "I...I was being an idiot, Zuma. Even though I had it in my mind that suicide wasn't the answer, Marhsall's death made me forget that. Even after all the reconciling I did with Marshall's parents and the closure I got...I still felt empty. I felt that it didn't matter what I did or didn't do, I was never going to at least be stable forever. After all of the hardships before, I truly believed that I was never going to be at least satisfied with my life. After all of the hardships before, I truly believed that I was never going to be dreadful and sad again. But when Marshall passed…...I lost that. I started to retread the thought I had when I washed up. Hopeless, powerless, and alone. I made my promises to never lose Marshall again and I still lost him. I know there were others, especially you, but I wasn't thinking that. All I could think about was Marshall and how I wanted to be with him forever."
Zuma looked on along with the other's who were watching this unfold like a very gruesome horror movie. Chase in particular, started to tear up himself. He had full empathy with him.
"I couldn't think of no one else. Not even you. I felt so horrible to tell you this pal. But it's the truth. I knew that Marshall was gone, and this time, he is never, ever, ever coming back. I couldn't accept that. I couldn't have a life without Marshall, no matter what future was ahead of me. All I wanted….was to be with Marshall...forever and I am willing to admit that I was a complete idiot thinking that."
He shifted his gaze over to Chase, who still had his head down. "I owe so much to you Chase."
Upon mention, Chase slowly raised his head to meet Rocky's trembling eyes.
"I'm sorry for wrapping you up in his pal. But if it weren't for you, not only would I be in the ocean, but I would've never had been reminded of what Marshall said to me in my mind all those years ago. That suicide wasn't the answer, and that is only made thing so worse for not just me, but for everyone else. I had forgotten that, and came very close to making that horrible mistake. For that, I couldn't be more grateful to have you as a friend."
The shepherd wanted to respond, but couldn't feel the urge to. All he did was dipped his head back down in depression with Skye leaning over to him to comfort him, along with Ryder scratching his neck.
Zuma looked back at the shepherd but this time with grateful eyes. He may still be mad at him for lying to him, but he at least was very grateful that Chase found him when he did. Then, against his judgement, he sat back down in his seat, wanting to hear the rest of Rocky's dreadful speech.
Amazingly, Rocky still had the urge to continue. He had one more thing to say. "All I had coming into this funeral was doubt. I couldn't see any point in moving on when I know for a fact that more pain is still to come. I wondered that since the beginning of this day, until…...the slideshow."
Curiousness filled everyone's mind, but Chase sorta knew where he was going with this. He raised his head back up to him, ready to listen on.
"The slideshow left an impression on me, more specifically, the song that was chosen. Up until now, I had never heard the song before, I don't even know who sung it, but when it played, I realized the answer to my question."
The pup turned to the mayor and gave her a soft smile. "You couldn't have chosen a better song to represent Marshall with Mayor Goodway. As it went on, it reminded me more and more of who Marshall really was to me, determined and focused. No matter what was standing in his way and laughing at him and underestimated him, he pushed on through, just to do it anyway. It didn't matter how many rejected him and told him that he was not strong enough to. He smirked at them, and did the best he could to meet his goal and live the life he always wanted to live."
The recycling pup turned his attention back to the crowd as said what he truly believed.
"It was so on the nose that I felt his presence in the song. That not only was he speaking to me, but that he himself was singing the song to let me know how he lived his life. It also reminded me how closely similar his life was to mine. He's had to deal with so much stress that I have had, and yet, while I didn't really know what was going on in his head, he never gave in. He never showed weakness to anyone at least when we weren't looking, but I have no doubt in my mind that it didn't matter if we were watching or not. He still fought so hard for his happiness and because of that, it inspired me to do the same."
The determination in Rocky's voice along with his pride shined brightly on everyone. It was like he was a completely different pup.
"I promise you all, that no matter what happens to me or you all, I will never, ever give up, and I can't help but to implore you to do the same, because that is truly what Marshall would do in any situation he would be in. I know for a fact that Marshall was and always will be to me, someone who would never cave in such dire situations, no matter what. Some of you may think differently, but that is undoubtedly my belief."
When Rocky was finally finished, nearly everyone in attendance was in awe. They were taken on a pretty Rocky journey through his whole speech and they were mesmerized by the way it ended. But Rocky still had one more thing to leave off on.
"I uh….I'm sorry that I ended up talking about myself more than Marshall, and I'm sorry for scaring you all as well. I just felt that it was the best way to say how much Marshall means to me, and how much his memory keeps me moving on no matter what. I just hope you understand everything that I said. That's all I've got to say."
As soon as Rocky walked off stage and got five feet of his seat, he was immediately rushed at by a teary Zuma. Who wrapped his limbs all around his best friend. Rocky gratefully hugged back as Zuma sobbed into his fur.
"I'm so, so sorry Zuma." Rocky said. "I didn't mean to make you upset….or scare you."
"It…..it's okay...W-Wocky." Zuma said in between his sobs. "I….just...wish you h-hadn't...l-lied to m-me, and t-told me the t-twuth."
"I know pal, I shouldn't have lied to you. Let's sit and we'll talk more later, okay?" Rocky suggested in which Zuma agreed.
After that, Katie finally returned with Captain Turbot in tow. He was still sobbing a little as he went back to his seat. Katie went up to her's and noticed Zuma still whimpering with tears before she took her seat.
Chase was somewhat glad that Katie was spared from Rocky's speech. She may have heard a little bit of it, especially the times where Rocky got heated, but she probably was more focused on Captain Turbot than anyone else.
The Mayor retook the podium and went on with the service. "Thank you Rocky for that..meaningful...story. Now I must ask again for anyone that wishes to come up here?"
Chase again, debated on going up there. He still had no idea what to say. He felt that Rocky had hit the nail on the head on what needed to be said. He looked down on himself for it. First he barely did anything to help setting up, now he can't even think of what to say at his own best friend's funeral.
Can't he think of anything?
It was then that he noticed that someone else was heading up the stage. It was Rubble, who looked a little nervous as he headed to the podium.
"Oh, Rubble! You would like some words?" The Mayor asked with an invited voice.
Rubble looked at the Mayor and gave a simple nod before he took the podium. The Mayor once again stepped aside eager as to what the bulldog's had to say.
Chase had to admit, he had to admit, he didn't expect Rubble to take the podium. Rubble had been completely silent about Marshall's death, besides a few instances. That's not surprising considering that Rubble had only been on the team for two months, going on three, and hadn't met Marshall till he joined. He had tremendously less experience with the dalmatian since he only knew him for a short period of time. He wondered what the construction pup had to stay.
"I uh-I don't really have much to say, so I won't be as long as Rocky. Basically, I should be the least one affected by the loss of Marshall out of my friends."
Looks of sorrow and somber came from everyone at the service. Rubble drew in a long breath before he went on. His eyes started to water already.
"So why is it, that even though I've had less time with Marshall, since I only knew him for two months, but when he passed away, it felt just as hard for me along with you all? Why am I so emotional up here for a pup I barely knew? It's not fair for you all. You all have known Marshall way longer than I have. You all have the right to be very sad, not me. I only met him two months ago, and even though I loved him so much, I've had a pathetic amount of time with him. So why does it still feel so hard to accept that Marshall's gone, like I've known him for years."
The heart in Chase's chest stung like a bee for Rubble. He didn't expect Rubble to be so emotional. It wasn't that the shepherd thought that Marshall's loss didn't affect him, he just didn't think that he would have so much stress and despair for Marshall's loss as everyone else had.
Rubble sniffed his nose in sadness for his friend. The animosity and cracked voice was heard in his tone. "It's not fair to you all. Everyone of you has more memories with Marshall than I will ever have. You all have reasons to cry and grief for Marshall while I have basically nothing. I have no right to be up here, but yet….here I am."
The pain in Chase's heart grew immensely. It was painfully unbelievable that Rubble could feel so much like an outcast to him and the pups.
He of course had no idea that Rubble was thinking like this. In his opinion, It shouldn't matter if he knew Marshall for two months or two years. All that mattered was whether or not he was friends with Marshall, which he obviously met that criteria. Rubble had just enough of a right to grief for Marshall as everyone else was.
"I can't believe Rubble thinks that." Chase heard Skye say in a low voice. "I don't see a problem with it."
"The only problem is what he thinks." Chase revealed to her. "I don't know how Rubble got this idea, but we need to reassure him that it doesn't really matter. Marshall was his friend. He should have every right to grieve for him."
"Do you think he will listen to that?" Skye doubtfuly asked. "Rubble can be very stubborn with his thoughts sometimes. It will probably take a lot to convince him."
Skye's worries couldn't be more justified. While Rubble is open minded, he kept all of his beliefs locked tight. If he really believed in something, It was very hard to convince the other side. If he thought the sky was red, even if it was obvious that it wasn't, getting Rubble that it was blue would be a hassle.
The belief that he has no right to grief for Marshall was a very dangerous thought for the bulldog to have. One that could destroy the pup's morality and self esteem. It became very crucial for Chase to find some time to talk to him, before it was too late.
Wondering how Ryder was reacting to Rubble's statements, Chase looked over to him and found his owner's jaw open and his eyes not moving from the stage. It was clear as day that Ryder was showing shock, confusion, and extreme concern for the construction pup, like Zuma was with Rocky. The police pup could only turn to watch Rubble continue, who stifled his tears back to speak.
"Despite all that though, I still want to say that Marshall was one of the best friends I have ever had. To me, he was worth more than any of my chew toys, puphouse, My helmet, my pup pack, and even all the liver sausages and treats I have enjoyed eating. Marshall matters to me more than any joy than all those things have given me combined. I would give any of them up in a heartbeat just to see Marshall again. No questions asked. He was all the joy I needed."
The bulldog of course started to tear up as his speech was mixed with sobs and whines. "I...I c-can't be-begin to tell you how a-amazing it is t-to have Marshall a-as a-a friend. I don't know how to describe it. It's al-almost like Marshall...was a perfect friend for everyone. I-I b-bet the-the mo-most ev-evil pearson i-in the world could be friends w-with him easily. He's so nice and friendly that to me, he's the meaning of an amazing friend. Wh-When I think ab-about it, I'm s-sure that out of-of all of m-my fellow tea-teamates and fr-reinds, I think I learned more about friendship from him."
After whining and whimpering for a moment, with a deep breath and exhaled, he went on with a more stable voice, trying to power through. "When I joined Paw Patrol two months ago, I had no friends. It wasn't that I couldn't make any, it wasn't that I couldn't make any, it was just that I didn't really know what a friend was. At this point, I ran the streets alone. I can't really say that I was happy with that. I guess I was just…"okay" with it. Like nothing was going to get any better than that, and to tell you the truth, that's how I saw myself in the future, alone, and just okay."
Chase didn't know how much his heart could take all this point. In just thirty minutes of this dreadful funeral, Chase has already had the urge to just go to his pup house and cry his eyes out. But it was far from over right now, as they still had Ryder's eulogy to get through, provided that one else came up to the podium.
"That was of course before I ran into Ryder and the Paw Patrol, when that happened, and I joined the team, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had a home now, I had others to play and talk to, and I now have an owner who will love and take care of me. That's already more than most dogs get in their lives. It was all so much that I was very scared as to what may happen down the line. A few missions went by and for some reason, it still felt very uncomfortable for me. I don't know if it was me or what but, I felt that something was...off. That I didn't deserve all this. That I should be back out on the streets. The worst part, I kept this all hidden with a smile on my face because I didn't want to upset any of my new friends that I got. I didn't want to make it seem that I wasn't happy with everything, so I kept it away and hid it from everyone. For the most part, it worked. Nobody really noticed a thing. Everyone had no idea, I was having trouble accepting it. Well…...everyone except Marshall of course."
Setting aside the fact that Rubble looked like he would burst into tears at any moment, Chase started feeling guilty about not picking up on Rubble's blunder at the start of his run. He had no idea that Rubble had any feeling of intimidation and discomfort. He, along with the others, thought that Rubble slid right in with no problem. Even though the construction pup had done a good job on hiding it, Chase wished that he could've picked up on Rubble's distress along with Marshall.
"There's a saying on the team that, if you want to keep your feelings or problems to yourself, you stay away from Marshall. I swear to this day that Marshall had a superpower to be able to see any kind of distress or uneasiness, because when he came to me after a few days after I joined and asked how I was feeling about the whole thing, when I told him that I was fine and was having so much fun, but he saw right through me. He already knew about my problem and I was amazed."
Fresh tears exit Rubble's eyes and he starts to choke up a little.
"I-I'll never forget what he told me that day. After he got me to tell him everything I was feeling, I expected him to get very sad and maybe even angry. But…..he didn't. Instead…." Rubble paused for a second. The story was getting to him and he almost didn't make it through. "...he told me…..that it wasn't wrong of me to have these problems. He even said that he felt the same way when Ryder's dad adopted him and invited him to stay with them. That he didn't deserve to have such amazing friends and a job where he could be what he always wanted to be."
That stung Chase a little. Marshall thought the same thing? Why didn't he see that? Did he always think that?
"Now I don't really know how true that was, but it didn't matter to me and it still doesn't. What mattered was that Marshall understood me. He knew exactly how I felt the whole time….and he knew how to deal with it, which he of course told me. He told me that the only way to move on with these thoughts is not to take everything for granted. To just go everyday doing your best to warrant yourself for having what you have, and even if you fall short one day, work harder the next day, because everything could be taken away just as easily as it was given, so all we have to do is relax and enjoy it to the very end, because if you keep letting the thoughts get to you, they will only distract you more and more and before you know it, everything will be gone before you could really enjoy it all. Then you will miss it…..more...than….you ever…...thought…..you…...would."
Rubble suddenly stopped. All motivation to keep going on seemed to end right there. Everyone in the crowd looked on in worry as the bulldog's face started to tremble. Chase upon closer inspection, notice that the bulldog's strength was suddenly gone, as if the last line cut into his soul. After staring off into nothing in particular for what felt like hours, he mumbled to himself, but due to him being in front of the mic, every one could hear what he said.
"Two months."
When Rubble said that, Chase was suddenly tipped off of what was going on in Rubble's mind. It was pure shock and agony.
"Two months."
He said it again, this time a little louder. His voice was cracking like fire. A strong urge brewed in him as he felt that he may be needed.
"Only…two….months?"
As if a trigger was pulled in his body, Chase got up from his seat, and made his way to the stage. Rubble was still frozen in his spot as he climbed up the steps.
"Only two...lousy months?"
"Rubble?"
Rubble looked left to find CHase standing next to him with a concerned look.
"You okay buddy?" Chase says to him with a calming and soothing voice.
Rubble got off the raised platform and moved closer to Chase to about a dog length apart from him.
By the look of his shaky pupils, Chase knew that Rubble was ready to blow. The weight of Marshall's death had finally caught him and was pulling him down. His speech had worn him down and made him very vulnerable. It was only a matter of time, and Chase was ready for it.
"Two months." Rubble to him, his tone growing and becoming more fragile than glass.
Then…...Rubble's eyes water. His body shook, he shuttered his eyes to fight his tears, and he grit his teeth so hard, they could break with a single touch.
Finally…..the cannon went off.
"TWO MONTHS!"
Rubble pounded Chase like a cannon ball and wrapped his paws around Chase and squeezed him like a snake killing its prey. He wailed and howled into the air as Chase hugged him back. Everyone in the crowd could only watch in horror, but Rubble didn't care. All that mattered was the comforting embrace that Chase was giving while he cried furiously.
"TWO MONTHS! I HAD ONLY HAD MARSHALL AS A FRIEND FOR TWO MONTHS! THAT'S ALL I GET?! TWO LOUSY MONTHS?!" Rubble screamed, rattling Chase's ears and maybe everyone else's in the front row. "WHY?! WHY JUST TWO MONTHS?! IT'S NOT FAIR CHASE! IT'S NOT FAIR! WAAAAHAHAHAAAA!"
"I know Rubble. I know. I feel the same way." Chase responds with tears of his own.
"NO! I'M SORRY CHASE BUT NO! YOU KNEW HIM FOR YEARS AND ROCKY'S KNOWN HIM FOR EVEN LONGER! I ONLY GOT TO KNOW HIM FOR TWO MONTHS! YOU GOT TO PLAY WITH HIM, LOVE HIM, AND BE WITH HIM FOR A LIFETIME COMPARED TO ME! I BARELY HAD ANY TIME WITH MARSHALL! ALL I HAVE I TWO MONTHS! THAT'S IT?! NO MORE?! I WANT MORE CHASE! I WANT MORE MEMORIES! I WANT MORE TIME! I WANT MARSHALL BACK! WAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Chase's ears were about to fly off at this point. Rubble's wails were hurting him in both ways. Of course with his ears but what hurt him more, was Rubble's pain of having Marshall as a friend for only two months. Chase couldn't imagine what would happen if he only had two months of Marshall's friendship.
"Let it all out buddy. Just let it out of your system." Chase urged as he rubbed Rubble's back in confort.
"Marshall! Marshall! Please! Come back! Come back to us! I miss you! I miss you so much!" Rubble shrieked to the heavens moving that Marshall would hear him. "Don't go Marshall! Please don't go without me! Not when I ONLY HAD TWO MONTHS OF YOU! PLEASE COME BACK MARSHALL! I'M NOT READY FOR YOU TO GO YET! MARSHALL! MARSHALL! MAAAARRRRRRSHAAAAAAAALLL!"
The bulldog wailed and cried for what seemed like hours, as everyone tried their best not to burst into tears themselves. Finally started to calm himself to whimpers saying the dally's name over and over again in a low hoarse voice.
"Marshall…..Marshall…...Marshall."
Chase noticed this as he said to them. "You okay? You feel better?"
Rubble sniffled as he hiccuped through his speech. "No-hic-I don't-hic-know if-hic-I'll ever-hic-be okay."
A warm smile appeared on the shepherd's face, while he let go of Rubble to look at him. "Sure you will. You just got to be strong, like Marshall wants you to be."
"But….I want him back. I want to play with him again. I want to talk to him again. I want more time with him."
"And you will get that buddy. You will. When it's your time, I guarantee with my father's honor, that he will be over the moon to see you as much as you will, but until then, all you can do for him, his stay strong like you have been, and live as happy as can be, so he won't worry about when he watches you."
"(Sniff) Really Chase?" Rubble sniffed. "You really think that he's watching us right now?"
The question pounded Chase like an anvil. The damaging truth about Chase was that he had no faith in any religion. He never believed in heaven, hell, god, and the devil. To him, it's all just some mumbo jumbo someone made up one time to get people wrapped up in his beliefs. He didn't really have a problem with it, after all, the stories did have messages on good values and how to be a good and honest person or dog, he just had a hard time believing that the stories were real. Of course he never told a soul about it. The only ones who knew were Ryder and Marshall, who both reacted the way Chase thought they would, shock and confusion. Despite his beliefs though, Chase never wanted to ruin everyone else's. Just because he didn't believe it, doesn't mean he has to ruin everyone else's way of life.
Nevertheless, he did have some faith that Marshall was aware of them all. However, the mystery as to how will only be solved when his time is up. But for now, he wanted to reassure Rubble to make him feel better.
"Yeah buddy. Of course he is. I bet he is looking at us right now and watching out for us. He wants to be happy and healthy so when we join him, we would be happy forever together. Do you think you can do that for him, Rubble?"
Rubble sniffed again as he looked at Chase with the saddest of eyes. "I….I think so."
Chase smiled widely at him. "That's all you need to do buddy. Be strong and happy."
Rubble looked down for a bit then looked back up to him. "D-do you think he wanted more time with me?"
"Of course he did. I'm sure Marshall had all the excitement to spend more time with you." Chase replied with a smile. "But you can't change anything about that now. All you can do is be thankful that you had time with him at all. Some never had any time with him at all. So the fact that you had two months with him shouldn't matter at all, what does is that you got to at least be friends with him. Charish that buddy, don't ever let it go."
The statement froze the bulldog in his thoughts. He looked at the shepherd in awe of what he said. Possessing everything in his mind very delicately. He cracked a smile at the shepherd with tears still flowing down his cheeks. "Okay Chase. I will be strong for Marshall."
The two pups hug warmly as the crowd looks on in awe of it. Taking in Chase's statements just as Rubble was. After a solid minute of the hug, they let go and Rubble smiles again.
"Alright buddy. Let's get through this as strong as a horse, Chase." He then starts to go back to his seat but then notices that Chase was not following him. He turns to look at the shepherd, who had not moved from his spot.
"Hey Chase? You coming?" Rubble asked.
Chase looked at the lone podium with tantalizing eyes. A million thoughts went through his mind like a clip show.
Even at this point, Chase still didn't have anything to say about Marshall. He had been searching his arsenal for anything he could talk about for the dally. But everything about Marshall had pretty much already been said. The slideshow, Rocky's speech and now Rubble has said what Chase could say about his sworn brother. It tore him up inside. He needs to say something. He NEEDS to! After all, Chase had so much time with Marshall, so many memories he had of him. There has to be something. Something that no one knows about the dalmatian or at least something that gets overlooked constantly. Something that nobody notices, no matter how obvious it is.
Then, it came to him. That something popped up in his mind. It was the only thing he could think of that described Marshall differently from others.
The problem was…...it wasn't pleasant. Not by any means.
Chase wondered if he should talk about it. It could change the entire way everyone thought of Marshall being gone, and make it difficult for everyone to move on.
Should he tell it? Should he say what he had on his mind? How will everyone react? What will they do? Will they cry? Will they take it well, or will they slump further down in depression, with no hope of coming back up?
He had to say something. This was his best friend's funeral after all. He sworn brother's. But all he had to say could be damaging to all who hear it. So much that everyone's entire view of Marshall's afterlife, wherever he is, could change with a single speech.
(A/N): Ooooooh man. What a thing to leave off on.
I tell you, this funeral has already been one very depressing time, and it's only halfway done. We still got Chase, and Ryder's eulogy, provided no one else comes up to speak. I sure hope Ryder and the pups can make it through this whole thing unscathed.
Like I said before, another Chapter has been added before the hiatus. The other half of the funeral and the repast is what's left before the hiatus takes effect. I'm going to try to get the other half up by next Friday or earlier. So make sure you here when it comes up. (Not like it's going anywhere.)
Question of The Chapter: What do you think Chase thought of? And do you think he should say it?
let me know in your review!
Please review and tell me your favorite parts and if you have any questions about the story or anything else, just put it in your review or pm me and l'll get back with you as soon as I can.
This Is Sean Thames of Dragonsfire Entertainment signing off!