(A/N): Hey guys! Here we are. The end of Act 1 I guess.
Before we get moving I want to state as we move forward, I really appreciate you all putting so much faith in this. Without you, I would've never thought this was worth putting up and wasting my time. Not that I don't like this at all, but I would never have got to see what it would become. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Now, this Chapter is the longest in the story so far, and it will stay that way. Man I've gotta start watching my word count. I hope you all don't mind it being this long. I promise, I'm not going to make a Chapter this long again. But this is supposed to be like a season finale of sorts so I guess it's justified. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy!
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad Of Dally!
Chapter 20: A Better Place
Finally….its over.
The long and horrible chapter in Paw Patrol's lives was over. Even though the dreadful truth of Marshall's passing will still be felt for a long time for sure, at least the hardest part...was over.
That's what Ryder and his surviving pups thought. They had finally accepted that Marshall was gone and were ready to move on. They won't be excited about it. Hell, they probably wouldn't want to talk about it for a long time. But it was finally all over.
The weight of Marshall's death being lifted up from his shoulders is why Ryder was easing up a little, as he made his way down to the lobby below, where the repast was being held inside and outside the lookout. The inside was not too crowded, mostly full of pups, huddled around the TV playing Pup Pup Boogie.
After the funeral, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble, and Skye, thought the best way to honor their fallen brother, (and admittedly, to get their minds off of everything) was to hold a special Pup Pup Boogie tournament, dubbed the Marshall Memoria Pup Pup Boogie tournament. Rocky came up with the name.
Unlike most of the little tournaments the pups would have, they decided to have one other entry. To fill an obvious open spot in the bracket. They had a short open with four pups competing for the spot, with the winner going to a golden retriever named Skylar, who amazingly blew the competition away and greatly impressed the pups themselves, but they had to admit, they didn't think she would go very far with them. Especially how she was matched up with Zuma, who until a few days ago, was undefeated.
They couldn't have been more shocked to be wrong. Skylar not only beat Zuma, she took him to dancing class. On Footloose no less. Zuma's best song. She even got very close to beating the record by two points.
With everything that has happened in the past two days, it would've been plain easy to explain that the chocolate lab was not in a good mindset and didn't give it their all. It would make sense as to why Zuma lost so badly. The pups didn't think that though, to include Zuma himself. Why? Cause not only was it Zuma's idea to play Pup Pup Boogie, But Zuma was in high spirits throughout the whole thing. He was laughing, joking, trash talking and even singing the songs. More importantly though, when he went up against Skylar, he no doubt brought his A game, simply because he would love to be the winner of the first annual Marshall Memorial Pup Pup Boogie tournament.
But it wasn't meant to be. As soon as the song started, Zuma had a misstep, then missed about sixteen notes out of twenty five in the intro, trying to recover. It was all downhill from there, Skylar was near perfect throughout the first half of the song, and by the time Zuma got his groove back, it was too late. He ended up playing catch up with her and with Footloose, that was really difficult to do. Especially if he was against an assumed professional, from the way she was dancing. The winner was declared before Zuma could even get a healthy multiplier up, making him miles away from the victor, Skylar, a pup he just met.
Skye, Rubble, Rocky, and Zuma would've never believed it if it smacked them in the face, but what truly blew their minds was that she claimed that she had never played Pup Pup Boogie before. She just loved dancing. It was the only thing she loved more than singing. The pup was easily awed by this and felt that they had made a new friend.
It warmed Ryder's heart to see his pups playing, laughing, and talking again. The past few days had been hell for them. He had absolutely no problem with them having so soon after Marshall's funeral. It was just what they needed.
A little ways from the television was Rocky and Zuma, who were talking to each other. His mind dwelled on the hardships they both have been through and how neglectful he's been to them. Up until last night, Ryder had barely known what was going on with his pups. He hasn't had a real sit down with them all besides when he asked them what they wanted to do as far as the Paw Patrol's funeral. The only other time he could think of, was when Marshall's parents showed up. When he, along with his dad, Chase, Rubble, Zuma, and Skye had to help Rocky build confidence in himself to reconcile with them. When Rocky closed up and froze in place, Ryder calmed him with some love and words. That's all he did. That was the only time he had been there for at least one of his pups since he announced Marshall's death. Even last night was nothing more than Ryder asking for forgiveness and as for before the funeral, that was just something to give them some confidence in his pup to get through. It could count, but not in Ryder's opinion. When Rubble broke down on stage, it was Chase that went up there to calm him….when It should have been Ryder.
Come to think of it, he may have not been around as much to notice, but Ryder has noticed a little pattern. Chase has conveniently been there whenever something was a miss. From what he heard and seen, nearly every pup has had Chase be there for them when they needed someone. It was a very intriguing pattern that Ryder has picked up on. For the past few days, Chase has done what Ryder was supposed to do. Loving and caring for his pups and helping them through this tragedy. He felt a little jealous about the shepherd, but he wished that was all he could feel. He also felt very worried for him. He couldn't figure out if Chase was doing it to be the caring and selfless leader that he was, or trying to distract himself from his own despair. Maybe both.
Speaking of Chase…..Where is he?
The last place he saw him, he was in front of Marshall's statue. Is he still there?
As soon as he wondered that though, he started hearing Rocky and Zuma's conversation.
"I think you lost to her on purpose pal." Rocky insisted.
"I did not! I just messed up vewy eawly." Zuma argued. "You've got to believe me dude."
"Zuma, you're too good at Pup Pup Boogie to make mistakes like that. Especially on your best song." Rocky responded.
"Wocky. You don't undewstand. Yes it's my best song, but it's also vewy difficult!" Zuma insisted. "Once you miss a little ow two, you finished."
"But you've never had trouble in the beginning. You always stumble a little bit on the second chorus, but that's it, you have the rest of the song down pact." Rocky said back.
Zuma deadpanned the mixed breed. "Sewiously dude? You pay way too much attention. That's a very weiwd habit to have Wocky."
"Hey, don't blame me!" Rocky defended. "How else was I going to find a way to beat you after you beat us a hundred times over? I had to analyze."
"Whatever dude." Zuma brushed off while rolling his eyes. "Why awe you so wowked up about this? It's not a big deal. It's just a game."
Rocky sat next to Zuma and sighed. "I know pal. It's just unbelievable that after so long of you being undefeated, your streak finally snaps by someone who we not only never met before, but also claims that she's never played before."
Zuma suddenly looked down and whimpered softly. Rocky caught on to this and was immediately concerned. "Hey. I thought you said it wasn't a big deal pal."
Zuma looked at Rocky with his sad golden eyes. "It isn't dude…...at least, ...this one isn't. Skylaw didn't snap my stweak Wocky. I...I...I lost a few days ago."
Rocky cocked an eyebrow at Zuma. "Eh? It was? Well this is the first I'm hearing of this. Who beat you?"
Zuma hung his head and drooped his ears. Debating on telling Rocky who his first loss was. Rocky's mouth hung open in concern for his friend.
"Zuma? What's wrong pal? If you're worried about being embarrassed, don't be. Everyone has to lose sometime."
Zuma only teared up in response, keeping his head down to hide it but Rocky saw them fall to the ground. He got closer to him and hugged him in comfort. "Hey, it's okay pal…...You don't have to tell if…"
"It was Mawshall!"
Rocky double taked on Zuma's sudden outburst. "Wh-What?"
"It was Mawshall Wocky! Mawshall snapped my stweak! Wight befow we…."
The lab couldn't finish the sentence no matter how hard he tried as he started to sob. But Rocky didn't need to hear the rest. His head drifted away from Zuma a little as he processed everything.
"M-Marshall beat you?" Rocky asked the lab in disbelief.
Zuma sniffed as he nodded. "Mmmhmm. He challenged me with Footloose and he beat me. He even bwoke my wecowd." More tears had formed in the water pup's eyes, but he was also smiling. "I don't think thewe was any moment that I was happiew. Besides the fact that someone had finally beat me, I'm so glad fow Mawshall. He had nevew played like that befowe. Usually he would goof alot, weithew he meant to or not. But this time, he was playing like a champion. I was caught off gauwd by how hawd he was playing. I had to step it up a little quickly. But I messed up one pawt and it was game ovew fow me. No mattew what how hawd I twied to wegain my multipliew, Mawshall came up fast and suwpassed me befowe I knew it. I had nevew been taken to the limit like that evew in Pup Pup Boogie. Not even when I play against Chase or Skye, have I gotten that much intensity." The pup's smile faded while the tears continued to fall. "I wanted a wematch so so bad. Not because I wanted my win back, but to feel it again. That competitive edge that Mawshall gave me that day. I…...was gonna ask him….but….."
"You never got to." Rocky finished what Zuma struggled to. "We were called to the lookout before you had a chance."
The chocolate lab yelped a sob while he slowly nodded his head, keeping his head down. "I'll nevew….evew get that wematch or that feeling evew again."
Even though Rocky thought Zuma needed to stop, Zuma felt that he needed to continue. "You know, You and the others all have strong emotional feelings attached to Mawshall. You wemembew all the times he went out of his way to help you all. But fow me…...all I wemembew is all the fun times we had playing. The memowies that get ovewlooked all the time. But I chaiwish those. You may not think it's as powewful as having a heawtfelt moment with him or him being a good fwiend to you, but to me they awe. When Mawshall and I would have fun togethew, whatevew we did, I always felt mowe happy than I evew been in my life. I don't have a specific one that's more meaningful than the other's. They awe like a highlight weel of sorts of evewy time we suwfed, built sandcastles, played Pup Pup Boogie, Tug-of-waw, and any spowt we thought of playing, watching movies, especially scawy ones, swimming, ow even play fighting. That's all I can think of with my Memowies with Mawshall, and I am totally cool with that. No sad moments, no moments where he made me feel good about myself, no cwying sessions. Just us, playing all day and not giving a cawe in the wowld. You talk about how Mawshall's memowy motivates you to stay strong, and how you will miss Mawshall helping you with youw depwession ow something, but when it comes to me…...I lost my best playmate in the wowld. I'll nevew be able to suwf, or swim, or play games, or watch movies, or play music, or play fight evew again. And that's…..what huwts…..me mowe."
Rocky could only stand there and whimper along with his friend as he states his feelings. But before he could say anything more, He noticed his owner joining them. "Hey Ryder." He says, as Ryder came up to the pair.
Ryder respectfully didn't acknowledge the mixed breed, as his focus was on his crying pup. He kneeled down and put his hand on the pup's ears. Zuma in response, went in and hugged the boy while he cried softly on his shoulder.
"Do we have to Wyder? Do we weally have to move on without Mawshall?" Zuma sobbed out as he buried his face in Ryder's torso.
Ryder closed his eyes and rested his head on the lab's shoulder. "We do Zuma. We have to move on."
Zuma sniffed his nose as he stepped out of Ryder's arms and gazed on him. "Wh-Why is it so hawd?"
Ryder did his best to think of an answer. For his pup's misery. "I can't give you an answer you would like, little buddy. You've all known Marshall all your life as well as Chase, Skye, Rocky, and Rubble. To go on without one of them so suddenly can only be so difficult for you. I am proud of you though. You all have been so strong throughout this whole thing. Even if some of you needed a little more help…." Ryder looked at Rocky with sadness. The mixed breed could only drop his head with the same amount. He then looks back at Zuma. "You all still have each other for that help. Even now we still have a long road ahead of us, but from what I see, I think we are going to be just fine."
Zuma looked at the boy's warm smile. "I….I think I can do it, Wyder. Mawshall's counting on me to. I don't want to make him wowwy about me."
Ryder kept his smile on, but on the inside, he would rather Zuma do it for himself and not feel like he's being forced. "That's one way to do it little buddy. Just know that we are going through the same thing as you."
A small smile appeared on the lab's face, and his tail wagged subtly. It was then that Ryder noticed that someone else had joined them. He looked at the person and saw that it was Katie who had entered the fray.
He was going to greet her, but the sight of the despair on her face froze him solid. She looked as if she had just recovered from a crying fit, but Ryder wasn't so sure as she was not even looking at him. In fact, she barely noticed him in the first place. Instead, she was looking right at Rocky, as if he'd just been recovered from a pup napping.
Before he could say anything to her, she croaked Rocky's name. "R-R-R-Rocky?"
Rocky looked at Katie with a scared confused look. "Katie? What's the matter? Are you okay?"
Silence befallen the group for a painful minute that felt like more. The girl's eyes were permanently glued on to the mixed breed's, not even acknowledging that Ryder and Zuma were even there.
After a bit of silence, Ryder urged himself to comfort Katie, but when she reached out for her, Katie suddenly launched from her spot and wrapped her arms around Rocky. Squeezing him tight while bawling straight into her startled target, with Zuma, Ryder, and Rocky himself in shock.
"Oh Rocky! Rocky Rocky ROCKY!" Katie wailed as she squeezed the pup as hard as she could.
"K-Katie." Rocky responded, out of breath and clueless.
"HOW?! HOW COULD YOU EVER THINK THAT YOU ARE NOT LOVED?! HOW CAN YOU EVER THINK THAT YOU HURT US ALL THE TIME?! WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT NO ONE EVER CARES ABOUT YOU?! OH ROCKY YOU POOR POOR PUP!"
In that wailing of words alone, Ryder knew what was wrong. Someone, probably his dad, told her about Rocky's speech. Katie had to deal with a crying Captain Turbot for a while, so she missed Rocky's speech entirely. Katie had been the pup's "motherly" figure for so long, so it wasn't surprising at all to see her react this way about Rocky's attempts to end his life.
Apparently Rocky caught on too, as he hugged Katie back. Shedding tears of his own. "I-I'm so sorry Katie. I don't know what I was thinking."
The girl amazingly calmed herself a little, although tears were still streaming down her face like a faucet. "If only I had made it down here, but I got slammed full of dogs after the announcement that I couldn't even have time with Calie! I should've taken a day off, I should've come down here to check on you all."
"Katie….don't down yourself. It's my fault. I made the attempt. It was my choice. Trust me, you not coming over to us didn't affect my decision." Rocky insisted.
Katie finally let Rocky go, and stepped back from him, though her hands didn't let go of his shoulders, as she looked firmly at the recycling pup. "You've right Rocky, you are. It's just that I have been so worried sick about you, Ryder, Zuma, Rubble, Skye, and Chase all this week. Every day since the accident, I've heard absolutely nothing from any of you, all day. Every time I looked across the bridge I saw nothing. I heard nothing. I wanted so badly to come over here and check on all of you, just so I can know for sure that everyone is okay. Then, when I heard about you and…..Marshall's….
parents, and everything that had happened to you, All I could think of was you Rocky. You've already been through so much in your short life. No pup should have this much stress and hardships this young. I was really worried about you." Katie paused for a second as her voice got lower while her head dips. "Part of me….knew something bad would happen. But, I couldn't get down here to help you or the others."
She then looks back up at Rocky with her eyes as drenched as a towel. "Please Rocky…...Please….don't ever try to hurt yourself again. If you even get the faintest thought, talk to someone. If for any reason no one is available, you can always come to me. Just please, don't try to kill yourself again. You may not think it, but you have more people and pups who care about you than you think. I definitely do. Promise me you won't do it again. Please. I promise that I will not force you to take a routine bath again, just please don't harm yourself."
Even if it was a sad moment, Ryder did want to at least chuckle a little at that. Thankfully, his concerns for Katie prevented him from even smiling. He of course never knew that Katie was in such turmoil. He felt guilty for not checking in on her in the past few days. Although, not so guilty for the fact that he was in turmoil as well. If only he knew, then he wouldn't have pushed back so hard when Katie tried to call him.
Rocky had a sudden smile on his face in response to her. "You don't have to do that Katie. I'm fine now. There is no way I will ever do such a thing again." The smile then lowered down to a frown. "When I jumped, I wasn't thinking clearly. All I was thinking about was Marshall. I had the feeling that I would never be happy without him, just like I did years ago. But I didn't realize until later, the big difference between them. He then looks at Zuma who looks back with uncertainty. "I have more friends than I had back then. More than I thought I would have. Without them, I would still have those thoughts, and the urge to go with Marshall would've been too strong. I couldn't ask for better friends. Especially you, Zuma."
He then turned to the chocolate lab, and went up to him. Eye to eye. "I'm so sorry pal. I've treated you so horribly these past few days. I kept you, Skye, Rubble, Ryder, Chase, and everyone else in the dark of what was really going on with me. I also lied to your face, and scared you senseless. I was in a really bad place, Zuma, and I almost dragged you down with me. I am so thankful for you and Chase helping me through it. I just hope that you're not mad at me pal. You know I never meant to hurt you or anyone."
During Rocky's apology, Zuma stayed firm and listened to everything. But Ryder himself noticed that every time Rocky would utter Chase's name, Zuma would squirm a little and tense up.
Taking into account how Zuma was during Chase's speech, there was no doubt that the lab had animosity towards the shepherd. He had a little idea as to why, but wasn't sure.
Despite this, Zuma finally reacted with a small smile. "It's okay dude. To tell you the twitch, I was nevew mad at you at all. I couldn't because I knew that if I had lashed out at you, it would only make you get wowse and wowse. I totally would've pweffewed not being lied to, and I would've loved if you told me evewthing, but I totally undewstand why you didn't. I would be scawed and embawessed too if I had the same thoughts. While I would've done things diffewently fow my sake, I can't get mad at you for that. If I did, I would've been tewified at what would happen to you. I know that getting angwy and yelling at you is that last thing I can do to help you."
Tears made their way out of Zuma's eyes as he went on. "I can't weally state how much I weally care about you dude. You've been mowe of fweind to me than anyone else, including Mawshall. You've always looked out fow me and made suwe I was cool. The only thing I ask is that you let me weturn the favow to you. Not for the sake of getting back at you, but because…." Zuma closed his eyes to block his tears. "I...need you dude."
His eyes opened to lock in to Rocky's who was letting tears fall himself in awe. "I totally need you mowe than evew now. I don't think I can get through Mawshall…..being gone, without you Wocky. You'we what's left of a stwong bond that you, Mawshall, and I had. It's hawd enough to get thwough without one of you, but it's totally impossible to go on without the both of you."
Zuma about broke down at that as the thought of him losing both of his best friends nearly tore him up in front of everyone. He did his absolute best to finnish. "Please Wocky, If youw having any thoughts about huwting youwself again, don't feel embawwassed to tell me. I totally couldn't handle losing you and Mawsahll so close to each othew. Please…I'm asking with evewything that I have left. Please whatevew you do, don't. Go. With. Him."
Zuam stood firmly with tears in his eyes. He looked at Rocky, who stood firmly by himself, listening to Zuma's monologue very seriously.
Once he was sure that Zuma was done, he went up and looked straight into the lab's eyes. "Hearing that from you pal, is what makes me realize that I was being a stupid idiot yeasterday. I knew I was making it harder for you. But I didn't listen. All I thought of was Marshall being gone and never coming back. I couldn't accept that. I wanted to be with him at all costs….." Rocky dipped his head and clenched his eyes tight. "Even if I had to kill myself." Rocky shot his head back up and opened his eyes. "But I don't think about that stuff anymore. Those thoughts will never ever come across my mind again. Even if I were to lose you as well, I will never commit suicide ever again….I promise."
Rocky glared at Zuma's eyes sternly, putting every feeling he had into the words he just said with confidence.
After a bit of silence, Zuma formed the biggest smile he has had in a while, and hugged the mixed breed as if he were his own father. No words had to be said.
Ryder and Katie look on with warm hearts as the two pups hugged their sorrows away. The sight lifted their spirits up so much that Ryder had confidence to reassure Katie. "You see Katie? There's nothing for you to worry about. We may have taken a big hit, but after some time, we'll be back to our normal selves."
Katie had a soft smile but was still a little uneasy. "I know Ryder. It's just that you and the pups mean so much to me. You've all done so for me and Adventure Bay that it tears me apart to see you all so sad and broken. I often worry if you all will fall farther than you already have."
Ryder moved closer to her in response and gave her a little side hug. "We will Katie. I assure you. We will. The pups and I are stronger than you think. We are a family that will pick each other up when we need to. Before long, when we finally get back to doing jobs again, we should get better."
As the words entered her ears, Katie shifted her face to his, gracefully surprised. "Huh? You're continuing the Paw Patrol?"
"Uh,...well yeah….of course I am." Ryder replied off guard by Katie's question. "Is...Is there a problem?"
"N-No! Not at all." Katie answered, her voice jumping for joy. "I-I can't be more happy that you are and Adventure Bay would be so pleased to know that The Paw Patrol is still hanging around. It's just that I had a deep feeling that you and your pups would be so heartbroken, the Paw Patrol would go away. After all, Marshall was an original member. So it's surprising to hear that you are so sure about it to say the least."
Ryder smirked a little at Katie. "I'm not going to lie to you Katie. I was very unsure. Throughout this whole week I questioned not only the fate of the team, but my skills as a leader. But as much as I felt that the Paw Patrol isn't complete without our favorite fire pup and wanted to stop, I just don't have the heart to shut it down. The pups love their jobs. This is what they want to do for the rest of their lives, to include me. For some of them, like Rocky and Zuma, the Paw Patrol is all they have. If it were to go away, they would lose their purpose and motivation in life as well. I can't do that to them, Katie. Even with my insecurities as leader, they look up to me and believe in the Paw Patrol. So even though I let one of my pups parish and made many mistakes that hurt them, I feel that this is the only way to move on and do the best we can to help others. Not just for Marshall, but for ourselves. The Paw Patrol is not going anywhere. We will continue as early as tomorrow if we are able to. I can't be more sure than that."
Ryder put all his worth in that. None of it was over exaggerated or lies.
Katie in response looked with deep admiration of Ryder's determination to continue the Paw Patrol. "That's...so amazing to hear that from you Ryder. You've always had that ambition and determination in you. I just hope you don't stretch yourselves so thin."
"Remember what I said yesterday Katie. You're always welcome to come down and talk. No matter what time it is, we will never be too busy or compromised for you."
They both smiled at each other, as they embraced each other warmly. Just as they did, Rubble, Skye, and Skylar entered the group. Rubble and Skye were panting like crazy while Skylar stayed silent, looking very shy.
"Hey…...guys….we're done." Rubble announced between breaths, nearly collapsing on the ground.
Rocky and Zuma turned to them with Zuma smiling a little. "Oh? You two are done?"
"Yeah huff we're done" Skye responded with more panting. "And huff I of course puff won."
"Why did you huff puff huff puff pick such a huff diffi-puff-cult song like Smooth Criminal? huff puff That is so huff puff so hard." Rubble complained.
Skye smiled gleefully at the bulldog. Finally catching her breath. "I want to be the champion of Rubble. So I needed to start off with a song that would take me to the limit."
Rubble however, was still gasping for air. "Yeah huff puff huff puff huff puff At my expense." he collapsed to the ground still heaving which earned a laugh from everyone, while Skye made sure he was alright and helped him back up.
After the laughter subsided, Rocky chimed in. "Well, I guess I'm up next." He then looked around and became very confused. "Um…...where's Chase? He's supposed to be my opponent. But I don't see him anywhere."
Ryder, Katie, and the pups look around for the shepherd, with the exception of Zuma, who made no effort.
"I-I don't know, he said he would participate, but he's not here." Skye said, a little concerned.
"If he's not hewe, then I guess he has to fowfit." Zuma blatantly said with a low irritable tone.
"No way pal. He said he'd be more than willing to play for Marshall. We have to give him a chance." Rocky disagreed, a little taken back by Zuma's blatantly quickness to dismiss Chase.
"But how can we play with him when he's not here?" Rubble whimpered. "I'm not going to lie guys, I'm starting to get a little worried."
All the pups except Zuma, whimpered in response. Their worries for Chase grew immensely with each second. Again, except for Zuma.
"We have to skip him dudes." Zuma slithered out. "We can't wait fow him. We have to move on."
Putting aside Zuma's bitterness on Chase, Ryder had an idea as to where the missing pup was. "I think I know where he is."
Skye looked up to Ryder with hope. "Really? You know where he is? Do you think he is okay?"
Although he wasn't sure, Ryder didn't want his pups to stop their game to look for him. Anything he could do to not ruin his pup's first funtime in a while was a no brainer to him. "I'm sure he's fine, Skye. But don't worry about him guys. You all need to stay here and continue to have fun. Just start the next round if you have to. I'll go find him and bring him here."
With that, Ryder walked off with a clear destination in his mind. Marshall's statue.
"Well…...I guess I got you next Skylar." He heard Skye say. Still some worry in her voice.
Ryder stepped out of the lookout, to the illuminating moon shining down on the sea of people who had stayed behind for the repast. Music was playing as they congregated the lawn of the lookout, discussing memories with Marshall, and what they will do moving forward.
Nearly all of Paw Patrol's supporters and friends were there, along with dogs and pups of all, but he had one pup on his mind in particular, which was his police pup, Chase. He knew exactly where he was and was immediately making his way to him. He didn't think he was in danger, but he felt that Chase was at least, out of it.
Ever since Ryder pulled the tarp off the statute to reveal the statue of Marshall, Chase glued his eyes to it and never moved. Even when everyone got over the beauty and amazement of the statue, Chase continued to stare. He didn't cry, whimper, whine, or even look sad. He just sat there in total silence, sitting at attention like he was in a briefing, ready for orders for a mission. Ryder needed to get to him, or Chase would end up staying there the whole night, getting no sleep.
Before he could get any further though, he was stopped by two dogs who called out to him. Ryder recognized them to be Sparky and Ashley, who seemed to be very grateful to find him.
Ryder was going to respectfully shoo them off, but he remembered that they wanted to talk to him after the funeral. Not wanting to be rude, he figured that Chase would be fine for now. He hoped.
"Mr. Sparky. Mrs. Ashley." Ryder responded with a smile. "Hey."
Sparky smirked at the boy. "Please Ryder, no need to sound so formal to us. Besides, our names don't sound right with them."
"Of course m...I mean Sparky." Ryder replied. "I've got to say, I'm a little surprised to see that you didn't speak at the funeral. I sorta expected it."
"Well...year...uh...ha ha….I don't really do public speaking well. Fraid' I got the old stage fright that's followed me since I was little." Sparky nervously said.
Guess that's where Marshall got his from.
Ashley smiled a little bit as well. "He he yeah, and I didn't feel the need to. You all said wonderful things about my pup. Mostly you Ryder. I had nothing to follow up with."
"Much so." Sparky responded, as he nuzzled his face on Ember, who was passed out on Ashley's back. "Can't wait for this little one to grow up and be just like Marshall, maybe even better."
"I couldn't hope for more Spark." Ashley gleaned, as she nuzzled her mate. She then looks back at Ryder with a little seriousness in her tone, but still smiling. "That's what we wanted to talk to you about Ryder."
Ryder had a curious look on his face. "About Ember? What about her?"
Sparky looked at Ryder with much respect. "Well first, let me state that I don't think we can thank you enough for what you did with Marshall. For the longest time, we thought that with the FRDA putting all that pressure on him, there would be no way he would be able to grow as a fire pup. We thought that there would be so much stress on him, that he would want to give up being a fire dog all together. Not to mention "
Sparky started to whimper a little. "This may sound a little bad coming from me, but after I got over him running away, I was so relieved that Marshall wouldn't be going through them anymore. We may not have known where he was, but I had hoped that it was much better than in San Francisco, and as it turned out, he ended up better off than when he was with us."
Ashley then smiled. "When we found out where he was and what he had been doing, we were proud. Even though…." Ashley kept her smile on, but she teared up a little. "...he-he died in the line of duty, we we're at least glad….that he at least had a duty. After so long of thinking that he may not make it, we couldn't have been more happy that he ended up being a fire pup after all. Even with…...his disability."
Ashley whimpered at that, as Sparky nuzzled her. "When we got here, we had no clue what the Paw Patrol was. All we knew was that's where Marshall had been for the past three years. We simply had no idea what we were going to find. Then we met you and the pups. Reunited with Rocky and heard all of your pups tell us how much Marshall meant to them, and how they thought he was the best fire pup in the world. No less."
Ashley couldn't smile any wider and cried more joy at that. Sparky did as well while he took over. "But we weren't more proud of our little pup than we were the day after, when we explored Adventure Bay, and talked to so many who all had their own stories of Marshall on the job, either saving them or just simply saying hello to them. We heard story after story after story of how Marshall touched their lives just by doing his job. No one had a bad thing to say about him. But what really struck us, was when we would say about his clumsiness, they all would say that Marshall didn't have a problem at all when it came to rescuing them. Only a few instances here and there, but he never let it consume him and endanger the lives of everyone he saved. It seemed to us that he had overcome his issue and became a fine fire pup, after many have stated that he would be too dangerous to be one or he'll never make it past one rescue. His clumsiness was really really bad back then, and even though we never gave up on him, I can't lie and say that we weren't very worried for him. But to hear so many things different from what we were constantly told, It was unbelievable and so relieving to say the least. For so long we tried to help him and worked with him to move past it, but we couldn't make any good progress with him. Mainly because we didn't understand how to deal with something like this because he didn't get it from us. We thought he'd never get over it, but from what I've heard, it sounded like it was no problem at all. After thinking about it for so long, I can only believe that you're the reason why."
Ryder was a little surprised by the sudden praise from Sparky. He scratched the back of his head a little flattered "Oh…..uh...I don't really think of it that much Sparky. It was Marshall who overcame it. I just worked with him and helped him."
Sparky kept his prideful smirk as he responded. "That's what I'm saying Ryder. You were the reason he became the fire pup he was. You went out of your way to work with him and show him how he could overcome his clumsiness and shine brighter than anyone ever thought he would. I have to admit Ryder, we're a little jealous. You did something that we thought was too difficult for us, and made him into a better pup than we dreamed."
In honesty, Ryder was going to protest, he strongly disagreed with him simply because that same person also let him die under his care and leadership. He didn't say anything though. He didn't know why, while listening to Sparky put him over, he started finding little remains of his once strong pride.
"You said it yourself that he believed in you, well that's because you believed in him. You let him be what he always dreamed to be, and made him better than even he would think he is. For that, we strongly believe that there is no one we would prefer to look after him. No doubt in our minds, you 're the best thing to ever happen to Marshall."
For days, Ryder had felt so sorry for himself. No...not sorry…..embarrassed and pathetic. He blamed himself for Marshall's death. He thought that he had no merit in being a leader for what he allowed to happen. He thought he was the worst owner to ever have possession of dogs.
Nothing anybody said convinced him otherwise. All they were saying was just to make him feel better. They were wrong. All wrong. After all, Ryder is just ten years old. Too young to take charge of a rescue team, or take care of one pup let alone six. It was a truth that had been chasing Ryder since way before Marshall lost his life. One that he had finally accepted.
So why is it, that only now, when Sparky and Ashley were putting him over, and showing their gratitude for him, is Ryder now starting to realize again that he is not only a good owner, but an amazing team leader?
Another battle in a long war was going on in his head, but this time, the good side was winning, but the other wasn't going down without a fight.
"I-I really appreciate that you two, but, in all honesty, are you really sure? After all...I...I did let your son die in a fire. How can you not be at least mad at me for that?"
Sparky sat down firmly and looked at Ryder with certainty. He sadly sighed to himself. "Yes…..That did happen. Our son did die a few days ago under your watch. But I assure you Ryder. Ashley and I are not ill towards you, Chase, Skye, or anyone for it."
Ryder stood appalled by Sparky's comment. It was the last thing he expected to say to him. Although they haven't shown any distaste for him, Ryder had a deep feeling that they had at least a little animosity towards him. "I...I don't get it. I let your son die. I made a horrible mistake and Marshall paid for it with his life. Because of me. You mean to tell me that you don't think I have any part in it at all?"
Ashley took it upon herself to bat down Ryder's claims, with a calm and soothing tone. "Ryder? Let me tell you this. If it's one thing we know about fires, it's that they are unpredictable. You can do all you can to prepare yourselves. You can plan the safest route through a fire, you can make sure down to the bone that there is no way that anyone can ever get hurt, and get out safely. But the cold truth that we fire dogs have to accept is that it never matters how much you plan, or how safe you are. Anything and everything will happen. Something will always go wrong, no matter how much you're prepared for it or not. At any moment, any mission could be our last. We know this more than anyone else does, and I'm willing to bet our pup knew that as well. Sparky and I can't even begin to tell you how many dear friends and family we've lost over the years to fires. Nearly all of their deaths and accidents could've been easily prevented like Marshall's was. So much that we have got so much guilt for being alive than you realize. So many mistakes that we both have made that cost lives."
Ashley dipped her head in sadness for all of her friends and now her pup. Sparky nuzzled her to comfort, with a very interested Ryder paying full attention. She raised her head with the same sincerity she had, but with a bit of tears. "But that comes with being a fire dog, in fact, that comes with being any sort of rescue dog. We know the dangers we face everyday to help those who need it most. There's a reason why our oath says, "even at the cost of our lives." at the end. We know for sure that anything can happen. So while we prepare to be safe, we also have to prepare to grieve."
Sparky took over to give the tearing Ashley a rest. He too had the same firmness as his mate's. "What we were saying Ryder, is whatever happened that day, in that fire, had no bearing on you, Chase, or even Marshall. It was just a freak accident. An accident that could've happened to anybody. Even if you dread sending any of your pups in the building. You had no idea what would happen. It was an honest mistake. One that is made by countless leaders before you, who's had a much bigger team than you. You have no part in Marshall's death and neither does Chase. You may not believe me and I even commend you for taking responsibility for it. But in my eyes, it was just an unfortunate event. No more, No less."
After Sparky declared Ryder no fault for his son's death, the battle in Ryder's mind was over, and for once, the good side won. All of his sorrows and demerits disappeared in thin air.
Tears escaped Ryder's eyes as he somehow responded. "I...you…...I…..You have no idea how much I needed to hear that...I….I'm speechless."
"You don't have to Ryder. All you need to do is continue doing what you're doing and be a helping hand to any who need it." Ashley stated with a smile. "We may have not known you all this time, we may have not seen you in action, but based on the stories we've heard from others, we know for sure that you are a better leader than any we've served under. One that gave him a chance when no one dared to even touch him, and made him into someone he was meant to be. Our respect for you is endless and we expect nothing less than success for you and your pups."
Ashley then looked at Sparky with a sure look. Sparky nodded at her, giving her the okay to finally ask Ryder for the favor. She looks back at Ryder with hopeful eyes. "That's why…..we're requesting that you help us with something."
Ryder was all ears for them. "What is it? I'm sure I can help you with anything."
While hearing that, Ashley looked back at the pup on her back, who was still snoozing away. She then slowly turns back to Ryder. "We….we want to know if…..you can take Ember in."
The surprise on Ryder's face covered him over.
What did she just say?
"T-Take Ember in? L-Like….raise her?"
Sparky chuckled at the agast Ryder. "Slow down there kiddo. Not really raising her. After all, we want to be in her life. We're talking about once she gets older, and is trained properly, she can come down here and be a member of Paw Patrol."
Now Ryder was blown off the earth. "You...want her to be a part of Paw Patrol? Oh man. I have to say, I'm….I'm honored that you trust me with her, but you must understand, fire's don't really happen here as often as where you are. She'll have more success in San Francisco then here. Don't you also want to see her grow and become a fire dog with your own eyes?"
Sparky and Ashley look at each other again. Making sure that the both of them were still willing to go through with their request.
"You may be right Ryder, and we would love to watch her grow ourselves, but you should be able to assume at this point that our faith in the FRDA has deplenished. After the fiasco with Marshall, there is no way we can trust them with our only pup. Even if she doesn't inherit Marshall's issues, we don't want to have any chance to go through that with Ember." Ashley admitted.
"We decided that we will not put Ember through the FRDA. we will train her ourselves, and, with your permission of course, send her down here to perform her duties." Sparky declared confidently. "There is now way after how they treated Marshall, that we will put Ember through that, no matter if they think of her differently or not. We believe in all certainty that she is better off here than anywhere else."
Ryder's eyes grew as wide as dinner plates. He could hardly believe what they were saying. They trusted him so much that they wanted him to take in Ember when she was ready and make her an official Paw Patrol member? Even after their pup died on his watch, they still trusted him to work with their daughter?
It was all so much for Ryder to take in. But...they did trust him, and they are insisting that Ember would be better here. As uneasy as Ryder was about whether Ember was better here, The Fire Dog Association could be worse on her, due to who she was related to.
"To be honest with you two, I can't promise I can keep her safe and I don't know if I can help her efficiently." Ryder honestly stated. Prompting Sparky and Ashley to look with disbelief. "However I can't deny that I'm concerned about her with the Fire Dog Association. If you really trust me enough to have her on the team, provided that she wants to of course, I don't see any problem with at least trying. I'll do it. Not just for you or her, but because I owe it to Marshall. I will do my best to keep her safe and be a fine fire dog. I'll give you my word."
The two firedogs then grew the biggest smile on their faces. The first time Ryder had seen them so happy. It made him feel great to help them out.
"Th-Thank you Ryder. I know for sure now, that we can count on you." Ashley serenaded with tears of joy.
"I'm so glad to help you two. Now I don't mean to be rude here, but I need to go find Chase. He may need me." Ryder said in a little rush.
"Of course Ryder. Thank you." Sparky chimed. "You really have made our night."
With that, they stepped aside as Ryder started to leave them be. Hoping that Chase was still where he thought he was.
Thankfully, he was. As soon as Marshall's statue came into view, he saw his first pup, sitting right in front of it. He hadn't moved from his spot where Ryder left him.
All the chairs were gone, and the stage was taken down. Ryder, the pups, Marshall's parents, the Mayor, Katie, Jake, and various kind citizens, helped clean everything up. The only one out of the group that didn't was Chase. Ever since Marshall's statue was revealed, Chase had been frozen in front of it, like he was sitting vigil for his very best friend.
The pups of course tried to get him to move, but it was to no avail. Ryder had to tell him to leave him be for them to stop worrying about him. By the time they were done, it was getting dark, and they went to the lookout to congregate there and try to have some fun. But Chase stayed put, never leaving from his spot at all. Not saying anything except for "sure" when he was asked if he would take part in the Pup Pup Boogie tournament for Marshall, but still stayed, while they went to set it up.
Ryder stayed behind a little to watch Chase, in case anything were to happen. When Chase assured him that he would be alright, Ryder finally left him to join the others, leaving Chase all alone.
Ryder was relieved that Chase was right where he left him. Thankful that he didn't do anything drastic. Not that he was really worried he would, but thanks to recent events, you never know.
He stood next to the shepherd who seemed to not even notice his owner next to him.
"You alright?" Ryder asked gently.
The shepherd didn't move. "Yes Ryder sir. I'm good. No need to worry. I promise, this is all I've been doing."
Ryder felt more relief for him. "That's good little buddy. I was starting to worry about you."
Silence had befallen them a little as Chase still didn't move, still glaring at the statue in front of him. Ryder had no idea what Chase was thinking besides Marshall. He hoped he would just look at him, but no such thing happened. It was like Chase had turned to stone himself.
"You know, it's your turn. They're waiting on you."
A few grueling seconds passed before Chase responded. "They are? Okay."
Silence again before Ryder spoke nervously. "Um…..are you...going inside to play?"
"Of course Ryder sir. Just…..in a few minutes." Chase answered.
Ryder looked at the statue himself and admired its beauty. It was the second time he had a good look at it since they covered it before the service. Whoever sculpted this really did deserve the money.
The spots on Marshall were in the right place and the exact size. His helmet and his collar were in great detail, along with his uniform. His eyes were bright even in the dark with those baby blue pupils shining brighter. It really was like Marshall was standing in front of them, forever to watch over them from his favorite spot.
"It really is something isn't it? Ryder chimed. "The Mayor really went all out with this. Must've spent forever finding the right one to do the job."
A few moments Passed before Chase murmured out. "It's not the real thing."
A tidal wave of concern swept Ryder in his mind. "Are you going to be okay Chase?"
Another period of Silence passed before Chase answered. "Of course Ryder sir. I meant it when I said I wasn't going to let him down. I assure you, I'm not going to shut down like I did with dad, and I won't let the other's do the same."
That last part reminded Ryder of the thought he had during Chase's speech. The coincidences of Chase always being there, when something happened to the pups throughout the past few days. He was very curious…and worried.
But as if he needed something else to worry about the shepherd, something else plagued his mind. He had to ask him about it, though, he was worried what he may get out of it.
He took a deep breath before he asked. "Chase? Why didn't you tell me about Rocky's suicide attempt?"
That question finally got a reaction from the shepherd. Tightening up a little.
"I…...uh….thought it would be his responsibility to tell you Ryder sir."
That was a lie. Ryder knew it the moment it left his mouth. "I don't think that's the truth, boy. I know you better than that. With something as serious as suicide, you would've told me the minute it happened. I'm not mad Chase. I just want to know the truth. Why didn't you tell me about Rocky?"
Chase clenched his eyes and grit his teeth. His voice was very low as if he was very embarrassed. "I….I thought...that...it would've been...too much for you."
Ryder's eyes went eyed a little in confusion. "Too much for me? Chase, where did you get an idea like that?"
Chase swallowed. "I….I know Marshall's death affected you Ryder. I know about your insecurities. Your father told me that you were blaming yourself for Marshall's death. I felt that if I told you about Rocky, it would make you worse. So…..I stayed silent. I'm sorry Ryder sir. But that's the truth."
Putting aside his father's worries for him, Ryder went up closer to Chase, sat next to him, and planted a hand around his body and gently hugged him. "Chase. I appreciate you worrying about me. But while I do have those thoughts about Marshall's death, it doesn't matter when it comes to you pups. I don't want you all to think that I'm too messed up to deal with all of your problems. I love you all. No matter what's going on with me, I will always put you pups in front of me. No questions asked. Now I understand if it's something simple, but suicide is very serious Chase. It's something that can tear us apart. If I don't know about it, I can't assure you pups safety and well being. I want you to know that no matter what is going on, you all can come to me. No matter what."
He saw Chase smile and he smiled. The shepherd finally turned his head to look at his owner. "Thank you Ryder sir. I'll keep that in mind for now on." As soon as it was done, Chase turned back forward but this time, his head was at his paws. Ryder took this as a sign that there was something else on the shepherd's mind.
"Chase? Is there anything else I should know?"
Chase whimpered when Ryder asked, as if he didn't want to tell him. He thought he would have to pry it out of him, but surprisingly, Chase opened up.
"It's Skye Ryder. I…..have an awful feeling. A feeling that….she's going to run away."
The inside of Ryder was shaken by that. As he turned his body to face Chase. "What? What makes you so sure?" Ryder breathed out.
Chase turned his body to face his owner, so the two were now looking straight at each other's concerned faces. "Skye is…..messed up right now. She has it in her head that she is no longer useful. She thinks that with her pup pack being down, along with her copter, she has nothing else to help with. Adding the weight of Marshall's being gone, I can't help but to think that Skye is getting closer and closer to leaving the Paw Patrol. I keep trying to tell her that it's not true but…..she doesn't listen. I know you talked to her this morning and I know she didn't tell you about her insecurities." Chase then started to tear up, his speech being littered with hurtful sobs. "I-I don't w-want her to go Ryder. You-You don't understand. I need her. but...If I can't get her to think differently, she may go away, and I will never see her again! I don't want to go through losing two friends I care for the most! I want to be by her side for the rest of my life. I'm scared…..really scared! I'm scared that I will lose her like I lost Marshall…" Chase shivered as he realized what he just said to Ryder. Cat's out of the bag now. "...I….I…..I love her Ryder sir. There I said it! I don't want her to go because I love her!"
Chase was now broken down to sobs as he plowed into Ryder's torso. In which the boy could only hug back. Trying to process Chase's confession. It of course wasn't a shock to him, but it was very surprising to see him so torn up for her. Like he really loved her.
He was about to say something to calm him, but he suddenly noticed one thing in Chase's cries. Something that wasn't true and needed to tell Chase about it. He lets go of the shepherd to look at him. "Ch-Chase. Listen, I need to tell you something. Something that you're not going to like."
Chase dipped his head in sadness. "Go ahead Ryder. Tell me how you don't approve of me and Skye. I understand."
Ryder shook his head. "No Chase. I have no problem with you and Skye being together. But there's something you've been lied to about."
Chase's eyes trembled at his owner. "What? L-Lied to? About what? What do you mean?"
Ryder averted his eyes away from Chase a little before landing back with reluctance. His voice soft as a pillow "Chase….. I never talked to Skye this morning."
The horror of the truth covered Chase's face like a blanket. "Wh….Wh-Wh-What?"
Ryder breathed and exhaled sharply. "I'm sorry to debunk this Chase. But it's true. I never talked to Skye at all. I wanted to, especially after last night, but I had so much to do this morning that I never had time to. Furthermore, she was fine this morning so she didn't concern me a little. I was still worried about her of course, but I just couldn't go talk to her."
Chase shook as he dipped his head. Trying to process in his mind what he had just said. His voice was weak as a thread. "You…...you mean….Skye...
lied to me?"
"I wish it wasn't true Chase, but it seems that way." Ryder confirmed, his words were shards of glass, penetrating the shepherd.
Ryder waited in agony, as the shepherd turned back to Marshall's statue. He went back to sitting in front of it and staring. His eyes filled with tears as he stared emotionlessly.
Ryder looked at Chase really concerned. "Chase? Chase!"
Nothing.
Like before, the shepherd was just standing there.
"Chase. Please. Answer me." Ryder pleaded.
Silence as the air.
Ryder got very worried, Chase was starting to act like he did when his father passed, where he just ignored everyone around him even if he was called. Ryder almost panicked at this with his heart rate skyrocketing, in fear that he may shut down after all.
"Chase…...please….your scaring me."
After a few long, painful, minutes, Chase finally turned back towards his owner, which Ryder sighed in relief but still was worried.
Then….his pup finally spoke. His voice is as deep as the ocean "Ryder. We have to talk to her." his voice rose up to normal. "We have to talk to her right now."
Ryder's heart slowed back down as Chase moved closer to him. "We do Chase, but...I'm sorry….we have to wait till tomorrow."
"No! We have to talk to her now!" Chase yelped in more agony than authority. "We can't let her go on for much longer!"
"And we won't Chase! I promise you, first thing tomorrow we will!" Ryder retorted with his authority but also care. His voice lowing as his statement went on. "But today has already been so dreadful for all of you. If we confront her now it will be too much for her. We have to wait until tomorrow when she has a fresh mind. I'm sorry boy. It's the only way we can help her."
Chase dipped his head in enormous concern. "But….what if she goes in the night."
Ryder inched up to him, and put his arm around his shoulder. "I don't think she will Chase. Regardless...we must wait until tomorrow."
Chase stopped shaking as he looked at Ryder with sad eyes. "I don't like it Ryder. I want to help her now."
Ryder petted his pup in comfort. "I know you do, boy. But she's in there right now having fun for the first time in a while. You don't want to ruin that for her do you?"
Chase shook his head. "No sir, I don't."
Ryder smiled at him warmly. "Good...now like I said, they're waiting on you right now. Best not to keep them up for long before they forfeit you."
Chase cracked a smile back. "Yeah…...better….not." he then bounded off towards the lookout. Ready for his match in the tourney.
As he bounded off, Ryder stayed behind and looked at the statue of Marshall. He stood there taking in the sight as if his pup was standing there. Remembering all of the memories he had of the dalmatian.
A tear went down his cheek. "Goodbye….Marshall….see you later little buddy." another tear went down as he placed a caring hand on Marshall's cheek. "You're in a better place now."
(A/N): And that's all for Act 1. Though the pain if far from over for these poor poor pups, especially Skye. I don't know you guys but I'm getting a feeling that she may not stay long, what do you think?
Well...I guess as of right now, the hiatus is active.
I must apologize greatly for halting updates, especially after you all are fully strapped in, but I'm doing this to get ahead of myself so updates wont be so much of a hassle. I'm sure of it, that this is what's best for the story. and hopefully, Ballad Of Dally come's back, you all are still willing to see the end of even if some of you will forget about it.
Check for updates in The Dragons Cave or my profile for anything involving The Ballad of Dally, Temple of Doom, or any future stories.
Question of the Chapter: Two of them this time. What do you think is going on with Zuma? Do you think Chase and Ryder will make it to Skye in time?
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 Dragonsfir...hu ah,ah,ah,ah,ah,...
ACHOO!
A little ways from the city limits of Adventure Bay in the forest, was a twenty year old girl named Stacy Jackson, walking home from a funeral she had no intention of attending. But due to her boss's insisting that she cover the event, she had no choice.
Even though Stacy only started reporting as soon as she got out of college two years ago, she was already an accomplished newspaper journalist when she came to Adventure Bay. Stacy had passion for the industry, she never went anywhere without a camera and a mini pad by her side. Stacy believed in honesty and didn't care for biased reporting. She tolerated it but would prefer to keep herself away from doing such things, as the truth was more important to her than feelings. Thanks to her values, she is straight as an arrow, although, sometimes, she couldn't help herself to maybe be a little biased some times, after all, there's nothing wrong with having a little personality
She came over to this peninsula to get away from San Francisco. She loved the city but it got too hectic. Besides the overwhelming size and corrupt politicians neglecting the city, starting a career was very difficult, almost impossible. Biased reporting flooding the papers and over expectations had almost ruined her passion for the industry. She had to get away from Frisco and go somewhere where she could rise in the ranks a little easier, or she was going to have to hang up her camera and find a different profession.
Luck was on her side though, when she heard of Mayor Goodway starting a newspaper for Adventure Bay she named, "Today's Adventures' ' (Brilliant name). She hopped on it as fast as she could, hoping to find her passion in reporting again.
At the dismay of her parents, Stacy left Frisco for the more civil and quieter Adventure Bay, and has been town's premiere reporter, mostly because it was only her working for the company besides the Editor-in-Chief Seth Carlton, and a handful of people who print the paper. Thankfully, the city wasn't as big as Frisco, so writing stories for a small town with only one or two things happening was a piece of cake. Well it would be if it weren't for the city's over reliance on the Paw Patrol.
Stacy loved dogs. Ever since she was little, she had always dreamed of having a trusty companion by her side to help her through her life, but due to the way her parents were, broke and poor, Even that was a luxury.
Oftentimes when she was in Frisco, she would feed stray dogs while she walked home everyday. Even the mean ones who didn't want to be bothered, she would leave food for, and by the next day, they conveniently were not mean anymore. She couldn't keep any of them due to her apartment having a stupid rule of no dogs or cats on the property which was a heinous crime in her opinion.
Needless to say, she loved dogs more than anything in the world, and never liked seeing a dog neglected or abused. Thus the reason, she hated the Paw Patrol.
Again, she had no problem with any of the pups on the team. She thought they were cute and met them on many occasions and there really were great pups. She just had a big problem with the supposed loving and passionate leader, Ryder.
For as long as the Paw Patrol has been active, which was about as long Stacy has been in Adventure Bay, she has had to hold back on her pen to not appear very biased against the boy. Again, Stacy wasn't a fan of biased reporting. She didn't think that it was the best way for a newspaper to thrive, thanks to the egos that would get in the way, but her animosity for Ryder had definitely leaked into her articles, which was then followed with a tongue lashing from her boss, who of course, adored the Paw Patrol. Especially after they saved him once, maybe two times. He was all for the Paw Patrol after that. Seth constantly demands that she clean up her articles of her bias against the team. Stacy hated putting strong feelings and thoughts in her articles, but she felt it was the best way to at least show that the Paw Patrol wasn't as reliable as others say that they were.
She never got why the citizens were so trustful towards the Paw Patrol. Either they were lazy or incompetent to do the most littlest of things. But whatever the reason is, they call the patrol out more times than she can count. With the most calls coming from the Mayor, followed by Mr. Porter, then Farmer Yumi. Yeah, she counts the rescues. She made a habit of it since she had to cover every single one thanks to the insistence of her boss.
Out of all the "rescues" she's reported on, never has she ever seen Ryder do anything except bark orders at the pups and stand around while the pups do all the work. He may help a little bit from time to time, but that was few and far between. Worst part was the fact that while he was standing around, his pups would be in real danger almost all the time. Matter of fact, when city hall burned down, did she see Ryder go in to rescue the Mayor and others who were trapped?
Nope
No, of course not. He sent three of his pups inside the burning building, while he stood outside and sprayed at the building with a fire hose, far away from the building, while his pups were risking their necks, with one of them not making it out.
That was very criminally for him to just sit by and give orders while his pups' life was on the line constantly. Why do people like Ryder again?
She'll never understand. The pup? Yeah, understandable. They do the rescuing. But Ryder? No way. It was like Ryder had the Mayor in the palm of his hand, and all the help she could ever get would be strictly from him. That was highly unlikely, but Stacy would put it past her if it was true. That would explain why the town has such blind loyalty to him and couldn't possibly do anything without their help.
She dreaded being at the funeral. Not that she wouldn't want to give respect for a pup who did his best to protect the town, but for Ryder's speech alone. She had to give him credit though, his ego wasn't in his speech that much. She still had to resist throwing up in her mouth when he spoke and the pups who spoke who would give Ryder a praise. At least she didn't have any bad things to say about it. Not that she would. She may hate Ryder, but to poo poo all over him in a funeral was not ethical.
After a long good walk from the lookout, Stacy finally arrived at her house that was far into the forest. The only house that was out this far. The rest of the area was covered with trees, large rocks and roads. Stacy chose it, as she loved the outdoors as opposed to living in the city. It was nice and peaceful with a great view of the trees and mountain that was not far from her.
She passed by her car that was only used a handful of times she had been here. She had nothing against cars, she just loved walking and given that her job was only a thirty minute walk from her house, why not?
The house was a two story medium sized one with two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen and a living room. She didn't want anything grand as she usually did spend that much time in it or do much. That was, until her little discovery a few days ago….
She unlocked the door and entered the house, into the living room. She took off her green bell hat, straightened her glasses and hair, unstrapped her camera and proceeded upstairs to her room. One thing was on her mind.
She got to her bedroom door and opened it slowly and quietly, hoping to suppress her footsteps and not make any loud noises. Why? It was of course what was on her queen sized bed.
It was a little dalmatian pup that was laying on it's side. A pup she found on her way from work a few days ago in the forest, unconscious.
She smiled at the pup as she got up next to the bed and gently put a hand on the pup's head and gently petted it, the pup not even stirring. "Right where I left you." She speaks softly.
She then sat next to it and stroked him delicately while he continued to snooze.
When she found him, he was pretty banged up. Scratches and bruises were all over him. She thought immediately to take him to the vet, but the vet, but, to her luck, the vet was strangely closed. With no other option, she took him in her home, and treated his injuries herself. She wasn't a vet herself but she did the best she could, and luckily, the scratches and bruises were all that he had, which was easily treatable. The only problem was he had not woken up yet, with only the pup's breathing and occasional moans being the only signs that the pup was still alive.
Yes….she knew who it was. After all, she was just at his funeral, and she has considered bringing him back to where he belonged. But the thought of giving this adorable pup back to someone who will only throw it in danger the minute he comes back, had prevented her from giving him back already, and was convincing her to keep him.
She knew it was wrong on many occasions. Dognapping alone was a serious offense in Adventure Bay and she could wind up being in more trouble than she would want to be in, but...she didn't have the heart to.
She couldn't fathom the thought of herself giving the pup back to someone who left him to die. Not to mention, she still had her dream of owning a dog of her own. She wanted to keep him more than ever, mostly to keep him away from Ryder's grubby hands.
But the grueling truth would make her efforts pointless. It wouldn't go far, for as soon as the pup woke up, he was going to wonder where he was and why he was not at home. Then he would want to go home, and find a way to escape from her, and it would be all downhill for her.
As much as Stacy really wanted to keep him and that she had already started to love the pup, it just wasn't likely to work out. She might as well go ahead and give him back to the Paw Patrol. It's where he belongs anyway. Maybe she could say that she just found him. Which wasn't a lie really.
As soon as Stacy was sure of her decision she went to pick him up. But as she touched him, the pup started to squirm and soon enough, opened his eyes.
Stacy backs off from the bed, not wanting to scare him. She was so relieved and happy to see him wake up, but cursing in her mind that he decided to wake up now of all times.
The pup moaned as he stretched his legs and raised his head very slowly. He looks around in confusion. "Huh? Wh-Where am I?"
Stacy kept her distance, hoping to not frighten the pup. "Hey. Y-You're finally awake."
She reached her hand out to reassure him, but as soon as she dally noticed her, he winced away from her respectively.
"Hey hey hey hey. It's okay. It's okay. She said delicately. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to help."
The dally looked up to her with trembling scared eyes. "Y-You do?"
Stacy nodded at him and slowly sat back at the foot of the bed. She reached her hand near his muzzle, inviting him to sniff it. The pup did so, sniffing her hand furiously for a good minute. After he was sure that she wasn't a threat to him, the pup eased up and moved slowly towards her, with Stacy scooting over closer herself.
"Wh-Who are you?" He asked, struggling with his nerves that were up to eleven. "Wh-Where am I?"
"You're in my house. I found you unconscious a little ways from here and took you in." Stacy explained. As she made the effort to pet him, which he surprisingly allowed, relaxing his body. "My name is Stacy Jackson, what's yours?"
"M-My name?" The dally stammered, still as nervous as a scared cat.
"Yeah. You do have a name, right?" Stacy said with a warm smile.
The pup eyed the girl with uncertainty. "Y-Yeah. I-I have one. It's….It's…..
It's…...uh…...u-um." the pup started to shake as he tried to remember his name.
Stacy perked up at this. "What's wrong little guy? Do you not know what your name is?"
The pup shook more. "O-o-o-of course I do. It's…..It-It's…..My name is…..
I….I...I….I-I-I-I." he started to clench up and shutter his eyes. Whimpers sounded from him, until his eyes shot wide open in realization. "I-I don't know! I can't remember! I don't know what my name is! I don't know why but I don't!"
Sobs blasted out from the dally, as he plopped on the bed and cried. Stacy's heart cried as well. Seeing the little fella cry was disheartening to say the least for her. Stacy went closer to him and started to stroke his fur to calm him. "Hey Hey, easy. Easy. It's okay. shh. It's okay, little guy."
"No it's not!" the pup yelped out. "I don't even know what I am! I just don't know! I can't remember anything!"
Stacy hushed the pup continuously. "Shh shhhh. It's okay little fella. It's alright. Just calm down."
After a few moments of crying, the dally finally ceased and reduced it to whimpers and sniffles, inching closer to Stacy for any sort of comfort. The girl looked down with care. "All you have to do is think, okay? What is the earliest memory you can remember?"
"The-The earliest?" The pup sniffed, calming more and more with each stroke from Stacy. "I-I don't know."
"Course you do. You just got to think. Calm down and think. What do you remember?"
The dally calmed down more and retread his thoughts. After a few minutes he finally spoke. "Um….well. I guess all I can remember is waking up in some sort of building, a-and f-f-fire and smoke all around me."
Stacy assumed that to be city hall a few days ago. Was that really all he could remember?
I-I remember being so sc-scared, and running...running to get away from the fire. I don't remember how but I did. But I was so scared that I didn't stop. I kept running and running and running, Until I hit something...and then, nothing….that's all. That's all I can remember." The pup whined again. "I-I'm so sorry but that is all. Oh what am I going to do now? I don't even know my name."
It was then, during the pup's soft whimpers, that Stacy realized that whatever happened in the building, caused the poor pup to be struck with the old classic amnesia.
A green light went off in her mind. A much needed green light. If he couldn't remember who he was, and Ryder thinks he's dead, there really is nothing stopping her from keeping him after all.
It was a horrible thing to do. Especially for him and everyone who loves him. But she felt it was necessary to keep him away from someone, who wouldn't take care of him safely.
"D-Do you know who I am?" the dally asked, looking at her so adorably, making her heart explode. Twice.
It was then that Stacy made her decision. As wrong as it was and how diabolical it would look on her if she was found out, she couldn't pass up this opportunity to love him and protect him from Ryder. In her eyes, leaving her with Ryder was fiendish to her. But…..to dog nap and never reveal to the dally who he really was is a pretty terrible thing for her to do. But the ends justify the means.
She looked at him with false ignorance as she shook her head. "Sorry little guy. I'm afraid I don't"
The dally dipped his head, stuffed his muzzle in between his paws and wept. Stacy continued to stroke him lovingly with an inviting smile. "But that's okay. You can stay here as long as you want. I'll take care of you."
The dally looked up into her eyes which made her heart explode again. It was the most adorable baby blue eyes she had ever seen. "R-Really? You will?"
She kept her smile on. "Of course. Well, until you remember everything." Stacy hoped in the back of her mind that he never will. "Until then, I'll take great care of you."
As if his eyes weren't enough, a soft, small and uplifting smile killed her. In her eyes, this was the cutest pup she had ever seen. Why in the world did Ryder treat him like a workhorse?
Suddenly, the dally frowned and curled himself. Wrapping his paws around his belly. Stacy's heart dropped, looking like a mother watching her kid whither around in pain. "What's wrong?!"
"M-M-My tummy hurts." He groans, with whines.
"You must be hungry, hold on." Stacy indicated. She got up and sped down to the kitchen. She pulled out a small bowl and a bag of dog food. She regularly buys dog food to of course give some to the strays running around, but now, she had a real purpose for it.
She puts a handful in the bowl, and almost runs back up the stairs, to her room. She goes up to the still painful pup rolling on her bed in pain. She places the bowl near him on the bed. "Here Dally. Fresh food."
As soon as the dally smelt it, he scurried over to the bowl, and chowed down very furiously. Then, he suddenly stops for a moment and looks at the girl with confusion.
Stacy looks with confusion. "Huh? What's wrong? Do you not like it?"
The pup mutters out. "Dally?"
The girl then realizes that he was just confused with what she called him. She smiled and chuckled. "Oh….well….gotta call you something….do you not like it?"
The pup quickly shook his head. "N-No. I do like it."
"Yeah well, I could've been a little more original than that, don't you think?" Stacy added, a little embarrassed.
He gave Stacy another adorable smile. "It's okay Stacy. It's a name."
Stacy was sure her heart was in a million pieces, thanks to how much it had ruptured due to this dalmatian's darn cuteness. "O-Okay...Dally it is."
The two smiled at each other until Dally suddenly yawned with exhaustion and laid down on his side, next to the bowl.
"Huh? You slept for four days and you're still tired." Sally bewildered.
Dally let out another yawn, as he willed out tiredly. "Hooooah, I guess so. I'm sorry."
Stacy went up closer to him, put the bowl on the floor, and laid at the top of the bed, resting her head on a pillow as she let out a yawn herself. "No, It's okay Dally. It is late after all and I'm tired myself."
Suddenly, Dally moves up to the pillow next to her, and lays next to her with his back towards her. She places an arm around his body and neck gently to comfort him to sleep as she closes her eyes. "Goodnight Dally."
Dally yawns out. "Goodnight Stacy."
A few minutes of silence passed until she felt the pup turn over to face her. Stacy opened her eyes to find that he had scooted very close to her. Almost to where his nose was a finger length from her chin, and his eyes were open, staring right at her.
After yet another explosion of her heart, she asked him. "Dally? Is there anything wrong?"
Dally took a minute before he himself asked a question. His tone had much discourse. "Stacy? Do you think anyone will come looking for me?"
The question pierced Stacy like a sword. She fully realized what she was doing, and was starting to think twice of what she was doing. She really didn't want to lie to him. But there was no turning back now. She was now too deep into this and willing to see it through. Besides, she really wouldn't be lying to him too much.
"I-I'm sorry Dally. I don't think so. If there is, I will make sure they get to you."
His adorable eyes quickly turned into sad eyes as he whimpered in loneliness. Stacy put her hand on his face lovingly.
"Don't worry Dally. Even if you don't get your memories back and no one comes to look for you, I will take care of you. I know this is way too soon but...I love you already."
The dally's eyes glistened as he slowly closed them and scooted closer to where Stacy could fully embrace him. In a matter of seconds, he was fast asleep.
Stacy kept her eyes open and looked at the pup with the most heartfelt joy. Finally...her lifelong dream was accomplished. She had a dog of her own to love every day. Even if it was really someone else's, it was better that the owner still thinks that he's dead, not out there being put in total danger and to be such a slave.
Her heart exploded one more time before she said softly. "Don't worry Dally. You're safe now. Nothing is going to hurt you anymore."
She lets out one more statement before she drifts off to sleep.
"You're in a better place now."
Ballad of Dally will return 8/13/21