DISCLAIMER: I do not own PAW Patrol, the characters, or any association of the series.

A/N: HELLO READERS. So next part is up! We're soon coming to a close to Chase's story, and off to the next pup! Can you guess who?

To the comments…

XxBravespiritxX – thank you thank you! I do try to make them long, because this is gonna be quite condense. Depending on the story I have for them, it could vary from four-six chapters. (obviously Chase is getting six, cause he's my favourite lol) But don't worry, each dog will have their moment to shine :)

Mattwurm99 – hmm, Zuma wont be for awhile, and I won't guarantee anything, but for sure you'll get the Tropical flare in his arc ;)

Andrew181997 – Majority of the pups already have their story arc planned, characters and everything, but you did list very good ideas. (you actually said one that does come true! Can you guess what?) As for Skye's mother, yes, she will be in here.

To everyone else thank you so much for enjoying this! You guys keep me going.

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Officer Winston, Chief dog police of the K-9 Police Department, was an observer. While he did often engage in conversations through debriefs, meetings, hearings, and speeches, he rather preferred to watch those around him, looking at the tiniest details of their body language. It was a habit of his, and because of that, lead him to this position of leading the K-9 unit of Detmold.

Staring from his glass window, Winston briefly watched the street before turning back into his somewhat darken office, seeing his human partner, Charles Balton, standing on his side of room. He was an older gentleman, he too the police chief for the human Police Department. A rather thin yet tall man he was, a distinctive white moustache grazing his face. He often stroked it when in thought, or sometimes, when he was in a content mood, his hands would unconsciously go to it, sighing softy for crickets to hear.

However this current meet-up wasn't pleasant. Besides his human companion, there was the Commissioner for the K-9 Police District, Cody, a Belgian Malinois, sitting with them, glancing around with boredom. Officer Pongo of the 7th division stood in the middle of the room, looking nervous and sweaty, almost if he were to pass out. And there too was Officer Bud, member of the 7th division, standing stiffly in front of Winston's desk.

'Sir," Bud tried again, his voice almost shaking. "I only did what I was told to do. And when an integration is called for-"

Winston slammed his paw down, it thundering like a hurricane. Bud and Pongo recoiled at the sharp sound. Cody looked with interest. Charles remained impassive.

"I do not care if you thought it was appropriate," Winston said sternly, his eyes drilling into Bud. "It was not your authority to designate such an action. And on a pup no less. Do you not know the backlash I had to deal with in order to reassure headquarters my officers are not some mindless violent wolves?!"

Bud whimpered at the explanation, but clearly the Chief didn't stir.

Pongo gained the courage to speak. "B-But the Commissioner-"

"Had suggested coarser action against these dog gangs running about. I am well aware the Commissioner personally requested to conduct an integration, but you were not the one who should had done that. Your methods were inappropriate and violating."

Bud nodded mutely, but he dared ask, very quietly. "Did Officer Archie of the 3rd division tell you about this sir?"

"Officer Archie did not tell me anything." He snapped. "And how I receive my information is no concern of yours."

Bud gulped. "Y-Yes sir."

"You will be detained of duties for the course of 72 hours. Return badges to Captain Hans for further detailing. I expect after this there will be no more misconduct from the two of you, correct?"

"Yes sir!" they both replied.

After several seconds Winston lifted his paw. "You're dismissed."

After another dutiful nod they both walked out, the door soundlessly closing behind them.

"Well, that was quite harsh Officer Winston," Cody suddenly quipped, looking over at the older dog with an arching brow.

Winston returned a calm look. "It needed to be done."

"Ah yes, it did so. Oh, this issue was simply miscommunication! I didn't think a dog like himself would have interpret my words so…wrongly."

Winston remained quiet, only observing the high-ranking dog. For some reason that comment was strange, but he dismissed the thought away.

"I didn't specify or delegated when the integration should be done. For an Officer to use such violence…it's quite troubling."

He was evidently worried, Winston realized. Hence, he replied with a neutral tone. "Please do not take account Commissioner of actions that you did not directly took. It was simply miscommunication, as you stated."

"Yes, I do agree," he added lightly, "However, why you have such a…strong personality on the K-9 team is questionable. Aren't us Police Dogs must be conscious of our actions?"

"…Yes," he added firmly after several seconds. "But Officer Bud is a very strong K-9 dog, excellences in various skills. Simply discipline is needed, and he understands."

"Discipline? Are the teachings here not strong enough for the K-9 dogs? Or…is it the teachers imposing them that are lacking…Chief?"

Winston's eyes stared firmly at Cody, his face cold and neutral. To any other dog, they would be intimidated by such a glare, yet Cody remained, eyes locked strongly back.

This was where Winston sometimes felt baffled. While Cody he was of higher position, Winston felt that he was extremely easy to read. He was overly emotional - not necessarily needy, but in this line of work, especially of his position, Winston felt he was too friendly with others. Not to mention Cody was younger than him, and that made the older dog wonder how did this dog receive such position. But it was times like this, with a hint of accusation and semi-stern eyes, Winston saw for the briefest of moments possibly why this dog became Commissioner.

He was confident.

With a solid voice, Winston stated. "Our methods here are nothing lower of K-9 standards."

It turned quiet, and the two continued to look at each, watching. However, after several moments, Cody suddenly smiled.

"Just checking! Glad you run a strong hold here." He stood up and began walking to the door.

"Now, I must retire! I shall speak to you tomorrow Winston."

"Yes," he responded evenly. "Have a pleasant evening Commissioner Cody."

"To you as well. And farewell Chief Balton. What a pleasure to see you once more."

With Charles replying a goodbye, Cody bowed slightly and began walking out, the door swiftly closing behind him.

Winston almost had the urge to sigh. "The Commissioner seems nice." Charles commented. Whether it was in sarcasm or honestly, it was difficult to tell.

Winston frowned as he looked at his friend. "Indeed." He said dully.

"But there's no need to worry." Charles's voice remained its neutrality "I reassure you, the two only did what they believed was sought best."

"How I admire your empathetic nature Charles." Winston continued, looking at his co-leader and friend. "But why those two would take the liberty of engaging into such actions baffles me."

"The Commissioner did want some answers relating to this gang issue. Perhaps you should take stronger measures with this. Remember the group of 43?"

"Yes," the Airedale Terrier said sternly, "that human gang group that almost controlled the city. Troubling it was. So much so you needed exterior assistance from police in other cities."

"Yes, perhaps Officer Bud took into account of that situation. Your dogs are trained very well Winston. Even I must admit that."

The atmosphere lowered to a quiet confront. The two were close, yet they were respectful of each other's departments. Criticism was there, it was always there, and to an outsider it would seem they are cold to one another. But outsider's opinions were of little importance to Winston. He enjoyed Charles' company, and his human partner did as well.

"I must say," the dog looked to him, seeing Charles continuing the conversation, stroking his mustache. "The pup you entrusted to Officer Archie seems to be doing well. Met them two days ago."

"Yes, I too saw them, at the academy. The pup seems to be healed now."

"And how is Officer Archie handling the task? Does he inform you of his process?"

"Rarely. He keeps it brief, but he says it optimistically."

"Ahh, something you should learn from, my good friend."

"Humorous."

"Winston," He had a slight questioning look grazing his face, and Winston saw through the façade. "When you said you saw Officer Archie with the pup…why didn't you tell him you knew he was taking the pup out of the cage?"

"Remember Charles. Archie might be aloof at times but he isn't dumb. I simply trust his judgment."

"Judgment?"

"Yes."

"Does the Commissioner know?"

"I've informed him. Either he hasn't received my report or the topic is lacking concern for him. I see no issue why Officer Archie should be prohibited of further actions with the pup."

Precipitously, a phone rang, and without asking, the older dog knew it belonged to Charles'. After several moments of the human talking on his phone, Winston knew that he and Charles would have to discuss their matters later.

"Well my good friend, I must be off." He tapped his phone off.

"Mrs. Balton?"

"Of course."

He nodded. "Thank you for sitting in this meeting Charles."

"No reason for gratitude." He dismissed lightly, straightening his jacket and tie. His mustache jiggered up softly, and from this it was the subtle look of Charles smiling.

"Good day Winston."

"Good day Charles." And his human partner gracefully left the room.

Now fully encompassed with solitude, Winston lowered his posture and finally heaved out a much-needed sigh.

His eyes knitted in thought. It was peculiar how Officer Bud insisted he was called for the integration, and while all evidence points elsewhere, he had a feeling his officer wouldn't do something of that sort unless he was requested by a superior. While Officer Bud could be…difficult to remain calm, he did take authority seriously in all regards, and showed respect to superiors that were rare to find.

His eyes returned to where the Commissioner last sat, and another breath came out heavily.

How troubling things had turned out to be.

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"Archie,"

"Yup?"

"Why do you always say sir? Why not…boss?"

The dog in question pondered for a moment, his young observer watching him patiently. As they were currently wandering away from their water break, the sun sparkled brightly under their fur, furthering their energetic need to run around.

"Well, I guess because boss sounds a little too…business like. Sir is more of a sign of respect for someone. I respect Chief, so I call him sir. Even Simon too, my human partner. Not always, but often enough."

"Does everyone else say sir too?"

"Pretty much. It's like the K-9 thing to do."

Chase quietly took it in.

"Curious?"

Chase only shrugged. "I guess so."

A tittered chuckle came out of Archie. "C'mon, let's finish the course."

The pup didn't argue. He joined the older dog for another round, this time for fun as they trying on the adult K-9 courses. Archie reassured him if he didn't do well on this track not to get upset, as it was intended for older dogs, but Chase still took it personally. He wanted to do well.

As the two were preparing themselves, they heard a ruff before looking up, seeing a Hound running towards them. From the tiny smirk on Archie's face, Chase assumed he knew this dog.

"Archie," the dog panted, and suddenly Chase realized it was that dog, Lucky. The Hound's composure turned rigid, perhaps attempting to look stern under his friend's relaxed gaze. "Where's the file you said you'll read?"

Archie cocked his head slightly, a leer on his muzzle. "On your desk."

"No, I just checked. It's not there."

"Hm, perhaps mine then."

"Archie! That file must be sent in within two hours! Mrs. Kindle will have my head if I don't turn this report in."

"You mean twelve hours." Archie corrected airily. Before Lucky could retort, his comrade smiled brightly. "And while you got time to spare, you're gonna join in our fun."

Lucky was stumped. "F-Fun?"

"Yup." He gestured to the course. "And besides, we need someone to time us while Junior and I race."

"Oh no, I cant Archie. I have too much to do and-!"

He clucked his teeth together, and if he could wiggle his paw like a human, he would. "Excuses, excuses Luck. C'mon, you need to chill a bit."

"B-But my allergies!"

"So?"

"They're very severe! And it's allergy season, especially with all these weeds."

"Meh, you'll live."

"Archie!"

He patted his friend's back. "Aw, c'mon Luck, you really wanna ruin the fun for Chase over there?" Lucky's face paled, feeling guilt pondering him. "Didn't you say you wanted to prove to the pups you weren't, what's the words…boring?"

Lucky grumbled irritably. Archie simply smiled.

"F-Fine, but I won't stay too long!" he declared, but as proud he was trying to act, he didn't see the rope near his paws, and he tripped sporadically, tangling his legs in the item.

Archie looked thoroughly amused, eyeing towards Chase who almost had a wide-eyed expression. "Isn't he funny?"

"Haha, very funny Archie. Now," he sighed in defeat. "Help me here!"

"Fine fine." Archie dismissed the comment with a sway of his paw, heading over.

Chase remained where he was, shaking his head at the sight with perplexing amusement. As he began stretching his growing legs, his ears suddenly twitched, hearing the distinguished sound of shuffling bushes near him. He sharply looked to the hedges, trying to identify the location of the sound, but there was nothing. The hedges were as dead as the rock.

"Okay, Lucky said he's willing to judge skill too, since ya know, not everything is about speed. He's pretty good at observation if I have to admit."

Chase didn't answer. His eyes remained focused at the bushes.

"Junior?" Archie saw how Chase was being unresponsive, and he titled his head. "You alright?"

He suddenly blinked out of his stupor. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

"C'mon," Archie grinned, turning back towards Lucky and the obstacle course. "Let's try again before Lucky has another panic attack."

"…Okay." Chase began walking away, taking hesitant glances over his shoulder at those bushes. Nothing changed.

Maybe he imagined it. Perhaps there wasn't anything to be concerned about. He shoved the thought away, becoming forgotten as he began speaking with the K-9 dogs.

Yet, despite his doubt, and in those seconds of pondering, Chase had the dreadful feeling that maybe someone was watching him.

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The trio played for several hours before Lucky began hyperventilating about sending in a late report. And despite that, as the two separated, Lucky even admitted he did enjoy himself, and was willing to do it again (if properly given time to clear his schedule for it). While Chase expected Archie to take him back to the pound, as the day turned rather late, the senior suggested they should relax outside.

They went to a nearby hill, on the outskirts of the Academy's boarders, and by the time they reached, night showered in the once clear blue sky.

"Did you ever go to a spot to relax Junior?" the K-9 dog asked as the two continued to climb.

Chase thought for a moment. "I did. On a rooftop, near the docks."

"Well, this is where I always go when I need a breather," he said when reached to the top, and Chase took a gander at the cliff. The dog winked playfully, his typical mischievous demeanor showing so proudly. "It's my secret spot if you wanna call it that."

The place…it was absolutely beautiful. It was almost if this spot was the highest of hills, as far beyond he saw the entire city of Detmold lite in its dazzling colours. Yes, while he had seen a night lite city countless times before, this one seemed calming, far away from noise, chaos, or any trouble that was purged in the world.

Chase was speechless.

Archie, seeing the look on the pup, smiled. "Yup, told ya it's nice."

The two then lay in the stillness of the hill, and with the grass swaying under their fur, it was the most relaxing moment Chase had ever experienced in his short life. Was life really this peaceful like this cliff? He wondered of it, absorbing the beauty of its entirety.

"Junior," Chase was snapped from his thoughts, and he responded by glancing at him. However, Archie's gaze remained in the scenery. "Do you like it here?"

"Yeah," Chase said, "the hill is…really nice."

"No no," he chuckled lightly, his blue eyes flickering with amusement. "Not the hill Junior. I meant here."

Chase was surprised at the sudden question. He blinked in response, saying nothing.

"Because if you do," Archie continued smoothly. "You can stay here."

"I thought I was already."

"Not at the pound Junior."

Chase's eyes rapidly got wide. The question hit him so bluntly he felt like water was suddenly washing all over him. And Archie's unusually calm demeanor made the question that much more serious.

Archie wanted him to stay here? At the Academy? Not in his wildest dreams he would have considered joining them, and to be honest with himself thinking about the idea made him wheezy. Him? A Police Dog? He wanted to laugh. What good could he do? He only caused harm, chaos, and it was all he knew. How could a street gang pup like him turn into a K-9 dog, something valiant and heroic?

But as much he wanted to deny the idea, to thrust it away and never think of it again…something in his gut told him that shouldn't be the case. There was something more out there, something not as dark as he was accustomed to, a new way to look at the world, yet Chase was still so confused. Hence, the only thing he could have done was mumbled a reply. "I don't know."

"Oh?" he cocked his head. "To liking the place? Or to staying?"

For the first time in a long time, he didn't want to confront a problem. Not only was he confused, but also he was afraid. Afraid of the truth, afraid of the path he would take.

Afraid of what he would think.

"It's just…" it was begging to be released, all his doubts, worries, feelings that were bottling up inside him for several days now, especially since the incident, but he couldn't hold it in anymore.

He didn't want to anymore.

He took a deep breath, an evidently shaking one, but he kept going, wanting to tell the truth. "It's just…my brother."

That peaked Archie's attention. An incredulous look grazed the K-9 member's face.

"He's…" Chase struggled to find the right word. "Different. Like, he isn't the easiest to convince. He's also part of the gang I'm in…the Blood Canines."

Archie continued to listen.

"Swift just got promoted to lead runner. He was actually the one leading the robbery you caught me in." Chase clenched his paws in the grass, looking down. " I just don't know how he'll respond if he…saw me like this…"

Nothing was said after that. The two simply sat in the quietness of the evening. Any pride surrounding his feelings had no merit now. He was exposed, open, and any tenuous hold of his strong façade began to waver.

"Chase, I'm sure if he's your brother, he'll understand."

That surged a reaction. "But you don't know him!" Chase exclaimed, as if the stillness was never there. His voice was loud, but lacking any anger. "I know he won't understand."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, maybe. Ugh!" he collapsed, suddenly frustrated by the turmoil. "He's not the easiest to deal with. Heck, I'm his brother! I just want him to…to understand. Not to judge what I'm doing. But I know he will. He's Swift."

"Are you afraid of him?"

"No." Chase tried to make it sound convincing, but even to him it sounded flat. "I just don't want Swift to think I'm leaving him. He's all that I have Archie. I have no one else, and neither does he."

He solemnly glanced away. "I don't want to abandon family."

Family. Even to Archie it was still a strange subject. He never remembered his family, just that he always been at the pound. He was always considered the troublemaker, the rebel friend to everyone who came, but that was all. He had no one really close to, no one to console with.

Yet when Lucky came along, Archie never guessed that the fretful pup would become his best friend. Despite whatever Archie did, any nonsense the German Shepard got tangled in, Lucky was there always to support him. (scolding of course, but that wouldn't be Lucky now would it?) He was there to get him out of trouble, his logic to his raucous thinking.

"Do you want your brother to join you?" Archie mussed out his thoughts, eyeing over to the younger pup.

"If he wanted to…" Yet Chase immediately shook his head. "But he wouldn't do that. He got promoted for a reason."

"You positive?"

"I…" he stuttered briefly. "I don't know."

"So if your brother doesn't want you to stay, will you go back with him?"

"I don't know Archie!" Chase shouted, his frustration growling out loud for anyone to hear. A dry laugh echoed out after. "Maybe you can convince him."

"Me?" Archie shook his head. "I can't convince a dog to do anything."

Chase's eyes sharpened, but not out of anger. "But you convinced me."

"Junior," his voice was soft. "I wanted to show you the other side of things. What we are, what we do, what we fight for." Archie had a sincere look in his dark blue eyes, and once again he gazed out to the city. "But the truth is…I would like you to be a police pup. I see you have a lot of potential. But even more that, I think it would be great for you."

Chase said nothing to that. He already resumed looking outward to the depthless sky.

"When you're ready to tell your brother, whatever your answer is, I'll be there to help you. If you do chose to stay here, and he is like you said he is, then yes, he'll get mad, but he'll have to understand it's what you want. You have your own path,"

A paw glided up, and Chase glanced over, seeing a familiar red bandana.

"and he has his."

The pup stared at the cloth for several seconds, then deciding to take the fabric within his paws. He stared at it intesnly.

"And if I go?"

"Then I won't stop you." The pup bristled, looking tersely back at him. Archie remained calm. "I won't judge your decision if you do. All I ask if you to be happy, and be confident in what you're doing."

For a long awhile, no words were exchanged. It was true the future was uncertain, and while the outcome could lead to two very different paths, Chase felt an ease he had never felt before. Even from his brother. A softened look came across the pup's face, almost mirroring a smile.

"Thanks Archie."

In a typical Archie fashion, he would have replied with a smark comment to get Chase all flustered again, yet to the pup's bewilderment he felt a paw gently lay on his head.

"Anytime Junior."

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Bark! Bark!

Chase begun to realize, whether he wanted to stay at the Academy or not, he was slowly becoming embedded in the world of a K-9. Yes, he often doubted his capability of becoming a police pup, but a part of him wanted to see what the pups learn in the program. Hence, Archie suggested Chase to sit in on a class, observe on what they do.

And that's exactly what he was doing.

"Remember pups," it was that dog Serg, his booming voice loud for anyone to hear, "you gotta be tough, fierce, strong, smart, but most of all, loyal and just. Got that?!"

All of the pups barked. Chase simply stayed quiet, but he as attentive as ever.

"Alright, we're done for today! Heeeaaad out!"

"Yes sir!"

As Serg began to walk away, the pups immediately began dispersing, either talking in pairs or simply leaving. Yet, in the jumbling movement, Chase spotted Archie in the far right, entering from the entrance doors. The pup immediately went to him, and Archie smiled in greeting.

"So," the two began sauntering away, and Archie began to ask. "How did it go?"

"It was…good."

"Eh? Not hard enough for you Junior?"

"It wasn't hard!" he defended. "But…it wasn't easy either."

"Ah the same way I thought as a pup." He winked boyishly. "Don't worry, I bet you did fine."

I hope so. Chase quietly thought.

While they the continued inside the building, down a wide corridor, Archie stopped, and Chase watched in confusion at his senior's dumbfounded face. The K-9 dog suddenly began sniffing the air, and quickly a small smug look came upon his face.

Chase joined him, but everything smelled the same as it had the previous times he was here.

Wait.

He smelled bacon. Like really close, but they weren't near the cafeteria. Perhaps a dog near by-

He got an immediate whiff of another aroma, but for sure this one belonged to a dog. And sure enough it was one.

A girl dog stood in front of them, starring hard on Archie, and how her demeanor was perpetuating, especially with a slight twitch in her eye, meant she was irritated.

Archie however smiled widely. "Eh, Yoko! What's happening?"

She looked like a German Shepard, but not entirely. Her tail was too fuzzy and curly to be a full one. Chase figured she must be mixed.

"Archie," how she said his name sounded very dry. "Now you have time for me?"

"Aww, don't be mad." He commented airily. "If I could had seen you earlier, I would have."

"You know you could have told me you'll show up later."

"Ya know what they say Yoko. Life of a police dog is a lot of work."

"But yet you still have time to accept pup treats from the new recruits?" she arched a brow, her gaze never wavering.

"Can't be rude my yo-yo. I have to show them how kind their superior K-9 officer is."

"You just like the attention the girls give you."

"Me? Nah. But I gotta admit I am a heart stopper."

"Yeah, a real one." She rolled her eyes, but her hardened look began to falter, a light smile beginning to show.

"Oh, Yoko," he turned, being loud and joyful as ever. "This is Chase, the new pup I'm training into the academy."

She looked to him, and strangely, just like how he met Archie for the first time, the stern façade switched to an excited one, her eyes twinkling in realization.

"You're Chase?! What a pleasure to finally meet you." She laughed. "Well, aren't you a cutie?" She clasped her paws around his face, and while he would had never, never let anyone touch him, especially meeting them for the first time, he was too dumbstruck to say anything.

Archie pouted in mock hurt. "But I thought I was the cutie."

"Oh shut it Archie."

"Ouch, feelings Yoko."

She shook her head, releasing her grip as she stood right in front of Archie and winked. "You're tough Arch. You can handle it."

"But my oh so heart hurts." he continued, acting melodramatic.

"Then get tougher. And besides," she nudged his nose gently. "You know you're the cutest."

"Am I?"

She licked his cheek, smiling sweetly. "You know you are."

Chase never saw such…contentment from Archie before. Granted, he knew Archie could act calm, heck he always acted calm, but this seemed… different somehow.

"Yoko!" Another voice called, and the trio turned, seeing another dog snack their head from the corner. "Your father is looking for you."

She nodded. "On my way!"

"Ah, visiting the old dog?" Archie quipped causally.

"Yes, and he's not that old. He needed something today and forgot it at home."

"Officer Jack forgetful? Ah, now I gotta remember that and use it against him."

"Funny Arch." She smiled. "See you."

Archie winked.

"And bye Chase! Nice to meet you."

"Uh, bye."

The girl ran off, joining the other female dog and soon the two disappeared from sight.

It turned quiet before Chase had to ask. "Is she your mate?"

"Mate?" Archie arched a brow, and lightly he chuckled. "No no, Junior, nothing of that sort."

"But you like her?"

"…Pretty much."

"So… it's like a mate?"

"Sure, if you wanna call it that."

Chase made a face.

"What?" he laughed. "Never liked a girl before?"

A prominent blush bloomed on the pup's face. "No! Never did, never will."

"Ahh, you will soon." Chase hated his damn laugh right now. "You're still young. Too young to love. Well, then again, when I was your age, I liked every girl that walked my way. Lucky apparently had to drag my tail away from them. But I couldn't help it. They all loved me."

Chase rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, you gotta admit I have my charms."

And Chase shook his head, hiding a smile under his nose. "You're weird Archie."

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It became apparent that Archie, Chase and Yoko soon hanged out together.

Chase noticed it when the few times Archie would come to his cage with Yoko, and initially he was uncomfortable with the idea. After all, he only hung around with Archie, (rarely with Lucky) but nevertheless it was always Archie who interacted with him. But after a few times he hung out with her, it was clear her vibrant personality was as genuine as it could be.

It made sense why Archie brought her along.

Archie always liked to get under Yoko's fur, teasing her endlessly, but unlike everyone who often got stumped and flabbergasted at his smart comebacks, she stayed cool and flirty, always laughing and tagging along. There was a battle of wits between the two, and it was clear they could only satisfy each other's quirks.

One day while Archie was out on duty, Yoko unexpectedly visited Chase in his cage. Despite Archie still having the only authority to take Chase out, Yoko decided to hang with him at the pound. There weren't many dogs in the room, so it was if the two were alone. It was slightly awkward at first (mostly from Chase's side) but then as the two began talking about the academy, it strangely turned comforting.

"Oh, I wanted to ask Chase: how's the training with Archie?"

"Training?"

"Yeah. You boys always ran around the obstacle. Even yesterday you two did it. Pretty intense for K-9 dogs."

Chase shrugged. "I guess it was pretty hard…"

"Pretty hard?!" The Shepkita dog exclaimed. "It wasn't just pretty hard. I'm surprised a pup like yourself was able to do it. Much less keep up with Archie's energy. Even I have trouble with that!"

He nodded heavily on that.

"But if you're keeping up with Archie, then the pup training course must really be great."

"I'm…not really a pup in training."

"I figured." She smiled.

"You uh, you knew?"

"Hehe, it was pretty easy to tell Chase." She quipped a grin. "I won't ask about your situation, it's not my place, but I'm glad I got to meet you. Archie seems happier since you've been here."

"He does?"

"Yup. Hard to believe since he's always smiling and whipping out a joke."

Chase rolled his eyes. "Tell me about it."

Yoko laughed. "He's always been a joker, friendly, happy to help those in need, but recently I'm seeing a more…honest side of him. I bet Lucky is glad he doesn't have to decode everything Archie says to him now. Him and his riddles." She had a bright smile. "You must be very important to Archie if he's helping you out this much."

Chase blinked at that. For awhile the pup had assumptions that Archie did in some way care for him, but for someone else to actually acknowledge this verbally made this idea seem…real. Someone cared for him? His brother was the only one who cared for him. He never though said it out loud, but Chase didn't need words for a confirmation. But then again…if Swift really cared for him…

Why didn't he come to help him?

For awhile Chase assumed Swift believed he would get himself out, and he wanted to prove that to his big brother that he could do that. But since his capture, he's been absent for four weeks. Wasn't Swift worried? Didn't he care?

"I hope whatever decision you make Chase," Yoko continued, bringing the pup out of his thoughts, "to stay or to leave, you'll keep in contact with Archie. I know it would brighten his day."

Chase stared in surprise at Yoko, who still kept a kind smile directed at him. "Yeah…"

"Oh, and me too! You're cool for a pup Chase."

"I am?" Chase swiftly felt himself blushing.

"Yeah," she winked. "I bet you'll make some girl in the future a very happy dog." She laughed happily. "Since you're cool and collected, I bet she'll be…happy and optimistic! You know the saying, opposites attract~"

Chase groaned, his face still red. "You and Archie. You guys think alike too much."

"Hehe, I know."

As she kept giggling in hilarity, Chase wondered if he really did want to leave all this. Leave Archie. Leave the academy. Leave everyone he's met.

A part of him did want to abandon it, but the other screamed at him to cherish it.

And then it hit him. Chase suddenly knew what he had to do.

.

.

.

"And that Junior," Archie pointed out, "is the big dipper. Can't ya see it?"

"I don't see anything Archie."

"Aw, really? I'm sure it's right there."

You're not sure yourself?!"

"I'm no astrologer dog Junior. Just copied what Lucky told me."

Chase had the urge to laugh. "That's rare."

"Well I do like surprising." He winked.

The pup was ready with another retort, with the perplexed look he has grown accustomed to wear ever since meeting Archie, but before he got a word out, something shivered within him bluntly.

Chase sneezed.

"Junior?" the senior dog took notice. "You sick?"

"No," he denied, sniffling and straightening his back. "I'm fine."

"You sure? You've never sneezed before."

"Like I said Archie," he took a deep breath, sprouting a confident look. "I said I was f-fin-ah ah acho!"

Another loud one. Chase continuously reassured he was fine, but Archie didn't believe it. With a whirl of his head around the cliff, he noticed something different near his paws.

A flower. It was tiny, but judging from its size it must had grown recently. The yellow bud swayed in the nightly wind, and as soon as it did-

"Achoo!"

Archie arched a brow as he looked to the flower, then back at a sniffling Chase. "I'm guessing it's the flower."

His eyes hardened in sincere confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You have allergies Chase."

"What?" he was aghast, shaking his head venomously. "No way Archie. That's stupid."

He chuckled a bit, amused by Chase's denial. "Doesn't seem like that to me."

"But-but I couldn't have them. I never had them before."

"Were you ever around flowers before?"

A stubborn look came across his puppy features. "…No."

"Then you probably didn't know you had them till now."

The pup frowned. Now, out of all things he could have, it had to be that. Allergies. That was pathetic! And to a dumb flower no less. Where did this come from?

"Don't worry. Lucky has bad allergies to flowers too. And cats, dust, strawberries, hay, you name it. Heck, even syrup. He just found that one out recently."

"Syrup?" he tried to clear his nose. After all, it was the most vital part of any dog to have.

"Yup. Pancake days are kinda tricky now." Archie laughed, and Chase's look turned into a rare softness. He remembered before how he disliked the dog even looking at him, and now here he was, sitting contently with the said dog on a hill, enjoying each other's company.

"I'm pretty sure though there's some medicine to handle it. Gosh that's the one I see all around our room-"

"Archie?"

He glanced to the younger dog. "Yeah Junior?"

He swallowed. Heavily. "Can I, uh,"

"Hm?"

Chase whispered so lowly he wondered if he could hear himself. But he had to. He had to say it. "I…I wanna be...achoo!"

"A wannabe? A wannabe for what?"

"No, not wannabe," he shock his head, trying to focus his mind before he lost the nerve to ever say it now. "I said, I wanna be a K-ah ah-" he lifted his paw, trying to calm his stupid nose. Damn him and his sensitivity right now!

"Man Junior, these allergies are hitting you hard. We better head back-"

"Wait, Archie!" he sneezed once more, and immediately after, he felt another once coming, but he held that one tightly in. No way some stupid allergies would control this pup. "I said," he took a deep breath, "I wanna be a K-9 dog." he quickly flickered his eyes to the dog, then hastily away, flushed in nervousness. "But if that's okay though."

Nothing. Nothing was said seconds after another gulp the pup gazed up to the senior, and saw something that tugged at him.

Archie's smile. Yeah, Archie always smiled, but this one was so grand and joyful and proud. Proud of what Chase was saying. He had never seen a brighter smile on Archie before.

"Really?! You wanna join? I can't believe it, Junior wants to be a K-9 dog!" his declaration soon followed by him jumping on his hind legs, and what Chase could describe, a weird human walk.

And damn was he mortified. "A-Archie! What are you doing?!"

"Dancing~!"

"But you look…ridiculous!"

"Then damn me I'll be proud of it!" he stopped and released a huge howl; one could mistaken it belonging to a wolf.

"And this is great timing too Junior, cause I heard they're enrolling more pups into the program. And since the pups now are gonna be moving up to level two, Serg is only focusing on the higher stages."

"But then who's gonna train the new pups?"

"Me Junior."

"You?" Chase was beyond surprised. "But you're not a trainer though."

"Not an official trainer. I always helped the pups with Serg. Something I did at the side. But now I'll make it official. I'm going through the course now."

Archie was training to be a trainer? This was unexpected. But if Chase really thought about it, the idea makes perfect sense. Archie loved giving out a helping hand. He knew his stuff, and what Chase remembered from the pups he met, they adored the K-9 dog.

"But hey, just because you'll be in my class doesn't you mean I'll be easy on you." Archie said airily, yet while with a teasing smirk, he clearly meant his word.

Chase returned a confident look. "Don't expect to."

Archie started to chuckle, yet as soon a joviality came into the air, he abruptly stopped, a genuinely surprised look dotted his young features. Concerned, Chase looked at him curiously. "What?"

"Junior, you're…you're smiling!"

"Huh?"

"Told ya smiling would look good on you."

Chase turned red in an instant. He began sputtering out a jumbling mess of words, spurring about he wasn't smiling, merely smirking; yet Archie kept laughing.

Once it was over, Archie grinned coolly and lay once more on the grass, contentment in his blue eyes. "When you get accepted Junior, you'll need a place to stay. I'll set up a room, so you could either stay in the pup K-9 rooms, Simon, or heck even me and Lucky. Hope you don't mind the mess on my side of the room though."

Chase turned quiet. "Do you really think I can be a K-9 dog?"

Archie smiled. "I really do Junior."

"And what about my brother?"

"…Like I said before, I'll help you Junior." He patted Chase's head. The crickets continued to hum its tune. "That's a promise."

.

.

.

"And he did. He helped him, and while his brother wasn't very happy about it, he um, accepted it and they both went on their separate paths."

"But what about Archie?" Rubble's innocent little eyes sparkled with curiously and fascination. "How come Chase doesn't mention him? He sounds like such an amazing dog!"

"Well, Archie soon had to move away, uh, something about switching departments, but Chase kept training in the K-9 team and eventually-"

"The PAW Patrol!" Rubble exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah!" Marshall quickly agreed, his eyes suddenly bursting to life. "The PAW Patrol. Then we all meet, and then hehe, we met you and Everest."

"Wow…" Rubble was still in astonishment, and he looked to his fellow listener for confirmation. "Wasn't that an amazing story Skye?!"

She nodded. "It really was…"

"But like I said guys, don't say anything to Chase. He doesn't want people to know. It's… special to him. Promise?"

The construction pup was eager to respond. "Promise!"

And then there was a loud grumbling.

The two older pups widened their eyes at the sound, whilst the youngest one giggled in reaction. "Hehe, guess my tummy is saying its hungry! I'm gonna head inside to eat. See ya pups!" and he scurried off into the tower.

"Hey, wait up Rubble!" Marshall too wanted to join him, his stomach nudging at him to eat something. As his legs were ready to stride off, his run was suddenly halted by a small body of sandy-coloured fur.

The taller pup blinked dumbly. "What's wrong Skye?"

She looked sternly at him, yet there was a tad of pettiness on her face. "That…wasn't the truth, wasn't it Marshall?"

Oh how the Dalmatian paled, feeling a lump form in his throat. He swallowed his anxiety. "Uh, it was Skye! R-Really."

"Marshall…" she quietly urged, her pink eyes flickering up at him. "Was it because Rubble was here?"

He shock his head heavily in denial.

"Marshall, don't you trust me? I understand for Rubble because he's still young, and you don't want to tell him things that might be hard for him, but…I don't like being lied to Marshall."

"I already said too much Skye!" Marshall was turning flustered, his fretfulness rising up again. "Because if I tell you the truth how it became so messed up I don't know if-"

He recoiled at her determined look. Marshall knew from then he couldn't escape from it, even if he wanted to. Perhaps it was because he, Skye and Chase knew each other the longest, and while she was small, Marshall noticed she was awfully perspective. Guess it was a girl thing.

He gulped, feeling the dread creeping at his fur. "O-Okay, but tell me if it gets…too much. Or if I need to stop…"

.

.

.

After their little talk, and night rolled around real late, Archie walked Chase back to the pound. Despite the pup declaring to be a K-9 dog, it would take some time for his decision to be finalized, eventually beginning his official K-9 training.

Training. Chase still couldn't believe it. After all this time, of fighting, arguing, debate, and thinking, he said he would become the thing he despised mere weeks ago. But was he really ready to become one? Granted, he still had many doubts about this, thinking this was a horrible decision, and while it would be so much easier to run away an reunite with the Blood Canines again, that tiny little voice told him to remain here.

The truth was…police dogs – they intrigued him. While he was here, he experienced a whole new side to them, and while he was stubborn to keep his opinions of them, he couldn't help but feel interested in what they did, and who they were beyond the uniform. In particular, Archie.

Archie. That strange too-happy-for-his-own-good dog. While Lucky and Yoko were strange in their own way, Archie on the other hand was in another category of his own. In his young life he had never met a dog like him, never someone close to his demeanour. He took life in stride, never getting bummed about anything. He made the best of what was there, and turned it positive. He always seemed level-headed too, (despite he weird habits ) and somehow he always knew what to say or do.

It was something Chase had to admit he admired in the older dog.

Maybe that's why he's staying. Gosh, - he couldn't believe he's saying this – but Chase actually likes the K-9 dog. The annoying, smart mouth dog who always knew what to say, no matter the situation.

But could Chase do this? Become a K-9 dog?

He honestly didn't know.

For once opting to not think about the issue till it was solved, he decided to chew his toy in the late night. He then heard whimpering, and he veered his eyes across from him, noticing the dog snoring loudly, leg twitching in the air. Thinking nothing of it, Chase had the urge to roll his eyes, but he instead resumed to munching.

Archie said he was a natural, and that getting into the K-9 pup program should be a walk in the park. And with Archie being around for this K-9 training, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad here. Maybe, just maybe, Chase would like it.

Eventually, the German Shepard got bored of chewing his toy, and placed it neatly beside his bed. Stretching his legs, he circled once more for setting himself down on the cushioned seat, curled up and warm. His eyes heaved lower, and he was ready to drift to sleep.

But then he heard something.

Chase shot up. He checked around, trying to identify anyone, but there was nothing to be seen. His room had only two other dogs here, and they were sound asleep. To be cautious, Chase sniffed the air, knowing his nose was a far better identifier than any part of his body. As he did, he suddenly stiffened, and his fur spiked up.

Something grabbed him.

Chase tried to bark out loud but he was shoved to the ground, with heavy weight pushing down on his muzzle.

There was snickering above him.

And then he blacked out.

.

.

.

It was all faded, like some weird haze he was experiencing. His vision was blurry, but soon it came into focus, seeing familiar blackish-brown walls encasing him.

Wait, brown? The room wasn't a soft blue from the moon shining through his room. A murky yellow replaced the light, with shadows surrounding the edges of the place.

It all felt too familiar.

"Well well, look who it is, the pup I thought who could outrun police dogs."

Chase's insides turned ice cold. He knew that voice. He could recognize that sound and smell anywhere. "Swift…"

A dog emerged from the shadows, the yellow light echoing behind his smirk. "Hey bro."

.

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A/N: Oh no! Cliffhanger! What will happen to Chase? *dramatic sound*

Thank you to all those who continuously read, comment and follow my work! (critique/suggestions are welcomed!) ^_^

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Till next time,

mokocchii