DISCLAIMER: I do not own PAW Patrol, the characters, or any association of the series.
HELLO READERS! No surprise who's story we're diving to next. I actually liked how it turned out. Kinda filler-ish, but good filler. If you're a Skye/Chase fan then you'll enjoy Skye's arc. ^^
CyberWolf SgtJay – thanks! ^^
Lovepawpatrol – haha glad you think that! Honestly, Ryder is very dull to me, but after thinking of his story being tied to multiple I'm like hey, this is pretty decent for the seemingly perfect kid.
Zuma lover – I made this before Tracker came into the picture, but it doesn't mean he won't have a backstory. He very much so, and *hint hint* it's the same level of intensity as Chase's. But will I write it here or the next fic who knows…
mdmpinkie9088 – Marshall's strongest traits is his generosity, or kindness I would say. Like, even to his enemies, he has compassion. And I actually rewatched that episode to see what the heck happened XD
marcogalmich – Glad you liked it! I didn't want to wrap his story up with Max suddenly approving Marshall, because it would totally be out of character for him. For sure its not the end for his family's influence in the story.
Del Pup – I do research for this story. In fact all my stories I do! Thank you for your awesome words.
Desgarbiuz – Muchos Gracias!
Robloxmaster225 – You cried with Marshall? Ooh man, I'm really hitting the feels with you guys. But thank you for loving it! I always sniff when I re-read Archie's end.
D - Read my bio for the story summary. ;)
RubbleOnTheDouble - THANKS BRO
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Being the first girl on the P.A.W. Patrol, Skye learned she had to deal with more things than her fellow members.
Take food for example. When getting their daily meals, it seemed everyone chaotically dove into their food (especially Rubble) and not a trace of crumbs was left in sight. Skye would take her time, and before she even reached halfway, it seemed everyone was finishing up, requiring seconds. It always left her her stomach queasy at the messiness of the boys.
Even what they did to entertain themselves was like apples and oranges. The boys were always content to wrestle with one another, getting dirty, and sometimes say jokes between them that were surely inappropriate. Even little Rubble, the youngest in their group, happily tagged along with the older boys.
There were also certain topics she couldn't discuss with them. Bringing up fashion trends or beauty secrets were certainly out of the question, as they always gave her blank stares. Sometimes Zuma would chip in his opinion, but it always went back to which dog celebrities he thought who were hot and would totally "hit up". That always made Skye streamline out of the room.
And oh gosh the bathroom situation was even worse. While sometimes the boys would use the traditional tree, often enough everyone used the pup bathroom located on the ground floor. But ugh how they treat it! Skye often felt like she needed to be pilot/maid to live here! (and cleaning bathrooms did not sound appealing).
But probably the biggest challenge for her was how…lonely it got. Yes, she had Katie and Callie to talk to when she went for her weekly treatments, or sometimes hung out for girl time, but it still wasn't the same to have a girl pup to talk to. There were a few dogs in the town, but still no one she could truly bond with.
So when the day Everest joined, Skye was more than eager to bond with her. She was craving a girl connection, and was determined to show Everest all the things she loved doing most, and hopefully, they would become extremely close, like Marshall and Chase.
So, on a bright Thursday morning, Skye invited Everest to her spa treatment.
Katie was currently washing the husky's fur, while in a separate tub, Skye was relaxing in a steamed bath, a headwrap on her face, and cucumbers on her eyes. The spa day was turning out good – the only setback was the struggle for Everest to remove her hat. After what seemed like an hour of debate and convincing, she gave in. The only request she had was that no one saw her removing it before she got soap on her head.
Katie giggled. "Uh, you're squirming Everest."
The snow pup continuously winced her eyes, feeling the bubbles pour down her head. "Sorry. I just never did this before."
"Bathe?!" The cockapoo almost jumped from her flower-scented bath.
"No, no. This." Everest answered honestly. With one eye open, Katie continued to scrub her grey-coloured fur. "Usually I would do a good lick, maybe a rinse in the creek if I really need it, and I'll be good."
Skye was floored. "Just a lick?"
"Well," she shrugged. "Yeah. It's quick and does the job."
"Hopefully this is a pleasant experience for you Everest." Katie said, rinsing out the rest of the shampoo. Carefully minding Everest's request of not showing her head, she quickly lathered her hands with another leave-in treatment. "Callie hated pampering at first, but she loves it now! Don't you Callie?"
The said cat was sitting on a ledge, tail swaying longingly under her. With her usual demeanor, she did a "hmpf!", sticking her head up high.
"Oh Callie. I know you want your bath. But I don't want to get the shampoos mixed up. Wait just a bit more. Besides, aren't you my little helper?"
Callie purred happily at the reminder, taking great pride in the job.
"And there you go!" wrapping up a purple towel on Everest's head, she then escorted her to the tub beside Skye's. "Now you can relax while the treatment settles in." Katie turned to Callie, who was sitting tall. "Wanna help me check on the other animals?"
"Meooow." She leaped down, dutifully following her out of the room.
"I'll be back in a bit!" she called, and then the human girl was gone.
Once they were alone in the room, (a private room – Skye always booked the singular ones at the back), silence dawned upon the two pups. Perhaps the girls talked occasionally to one another before, but the status of good friends (despite everyone believed it so) was still quite far.
"You're not going to lie down?" Skye said, not moving from her rest. She had a yellow towel on her head, a similar treatment on her fur.
"Oh. Right." Everest still looked uneasy, but heeded to Skye's words, sitting back in the tub.
Seconds ticked by. "So we just sit here?"
"Yup." Skye lifted one cucumber over her eye, smiling in hope. "And how does it feel?"
Now, that was a good question. Everest was never the type to indulge in luxuries, and felt there was no need so, as she lived by herself for so long in the mountain. She would have fun, like roll around in the snow, or built snowmen only to crash into them. But that was different. Getting pampered was not one of them.
So she settled with honestly, laughing stiffly. "This is something I'm definitely not used to."
Skye giggled. "Don't worry. You'll get used to it. It especially feels great after missions."
"Hmm. Never tried that."
"Hehe, I'm letting you know my beauty secrets." She winked, and then with her paws removed the cucumbers.
"Why did you put them on your face?" Everest asked.
"For puffiness. And dark circles."
"Oh." Everest arched a brow. "But you look fine to me."
"I might, and I try everyday, but it's the little details that make it count!" Skye exclaimed.
"So this treatment makes you look great?" Everest patted her head towel, confirming its security. "And smell too?"
"Yup! I figured you would like something more natural, so I got Acqua di Parma for you. It's 100% organic. Has African cacao, grape seed oil and lychee pine extract. And it's to make your fur shiny and super healthy! As well UV protection."
Everest closed her eyes, smiling. "Well it does smell nice."
"Hehe, told you."
"And what about you Skye?" she opened to reveal her icy blue eyes. "I'm smelling a whole bunch of stuff from your shampoo! I'm getting…hmm, a type of oil?"
"Truffle oil, rose water, and Bulgarian evening Primerose oil. It's Alterna Pup Ten, from France. Yours is too."
"France? You ordered all the way from France?" (That was in Europe right? she wondered) "Does Katie even need to buy stuff so far?"
"No, no. Sophie does those orders for me. Bertram would call on her behalf. And I guess it could be expensive, but it's my absolute favourite. Actually my favourite is Russian Amber Imperial, but Alterna Pup Ten is lovely too!"
Everest had no idea what this Russian Amber Imperial was, but she heard the other two name drops. "Sophie? Who's that? And this, uh…Bertram?"
"Oh, Sophie is my human. And Bertram is her butler."
Everest spat out water from the tub she was casually drinking. (Hey, it tasted good, alright?) "Human? Y-You have a owner?"
"Yes." Skye tilted her head, sitting up too. "I didn't mention it?"
"Nope! That's news to me."
"Oops. Guess I forgot." She sagged back into the tub, relaxing under the heated water.
"Sorry, but yes Sophie was my owner. She's absolutely wonderful, and oh! I hope you would meet her one day!"
"And this Sophie…wait, what's a butler?"
"It's someone who helps you do things. Like if you wanted food, Bertram would get it for her. Anything she needed, he would get it for Sophie."
"Wow…" she voiced, speaking her thoughts. "Sounds like your owner was rich or something."
"Hehe…" Skye blushed a rosy pink.
Everest noted her friend's behavior, and her mouth gasped, pointing. "You are! You're a rich pup!"
"Sssh, E-Everest," she nervously fluttered her head around, checking no wondering ears were around, despite being the only two in the room. "Someone might here you in the other room!"
"Sorry, Sorry!" Everest patted her paws. "I just, wow, I never knew. And it makes sense."
"Makes sense?"
She shrugged. "Well, you act different from the other pups in the P.A.W. Patrol. Or anypup in town."
Shame edged Skye's face. "Is that…bad?"
Realizing the blatant statement, Everest shook her paws in front of her. "No, not at all Skye!" she denied. "Like, you're a good different! And that's good. Great even! Makes you…stand out."
"Oh." Skye smiled prettily, happily taking in the compliment. "Then, thank you."
"But I still have one question, actually a ton, but this one's the most important."
"Uh-huh?"
"If you had a owner who's rich, and lived the fancy life, then how the tundra you ended up here in Adventure Bay?"
She giggled. "Oh, it's a funny story actually."
"Funny?" Everest was confused.
"Well, not really funny, more odd than anything!" she glanced up at the ceiling. "I lived quite far from Adventure Bay, miles away. In a place called Hearthome Valley."
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It was a hazy morning. Light shimming down delightfully through massive glass windows, there was a beautiful crafted room filled with lavish Victorian white furniture doting the space. On a high circular bed of pink covering edging with lace, laid a small cockapoo, sleeping blissfully in the thick covers quilting under her head. Overhead the bed was a white canopy draped over, supported by cream coloured beams that swirled around the bed and through the room.
While the pup continued to be in dreamland, two sharp knocks braced at the door, but the pup did not stir. Only after seconds later the twin doors opened and revealed a human male in a black suit.
"Little lady," he called, voice laced with British formality. "Time to wake."
Nothing.
The older gentleman did not react, rather glanced to his feet and at that moment entering a slow moving dog,
"You know what to do Ollie."
The dog, a Basset Hound, continued to stroll into the bedroom, while his human master retreated into another, grander room.
"Good morning little lady. Time to wake." The sound of light snoring was his answer, and looking unconcerned, he entered deeper into the room. He then added, "There is an air show today."
"….An air show?" someone whispered, following the sound of ruffling covers. Rising from the bed was a cockapoo, her face lifting with an eyemask. She then pulled it off, rubbing her eyes and yawning. "I don't recall that happening today…"
"No not at all little lady." Ollie replied, heading to the windows and tugging the fabric cord with his teeth to open the curtains. Despite his short, elongated body and flopping ears, he was able to attend to his chores easily. "I only said that for you to wake."
Blinking pink eyes, the pup smiled briefly before giggling. "Ollie! How cruel to deceive me!"
"Not at all cruel if it gets you out of bed." He replied with a grin.
The cockapoo returned the good measure, and with a tiny stretch, she leaped out of the covers and made her way down the steps built on the side of the circular bed. Once she reached, she tottered towards the small bathroom specifically designed for her. It was marble white, with a fitting bathtub and shower, low raise sink and a flat absorbable dog designed mat for "potty business".
Perhaps twenty minutes or so before she finished, and when she returned to her room, instead of Ollie there was a human maid preparing her vanity.
"Hello little lady!" the human maid exclaimed, and the cockapoo yelped back, wagging her tail. This human lady Annie was her dresser, and oh how the pup loved to be dolled up in the morning.
After her routine brush and spray of primrose, Annie went to the walk-in wardrobe, straight to the mini pup foam figure that stood in the middle of the wardrobe. The mannequin was dressed in a mini red and black-checkered dress that flared at the bottom. It had white trimmings, with a white coat and matching beret on top, reversing the trimmings in black. She pulled the outfit and dressed her.
"Alright, today shall we do pink ribbons or red?" After the pups' s reply and a laugh: "Ah pink it is then." She then pulled out three different colours that were stored on a shelf. "Taffy Charm, Rouge Beauty and Bubblegum Sweetie?"
"Taffy!" she replied. "Sophie likes that one."
"Ah yes she loves that shade." Annie said. She then tied the two ribbons onto the pup's ears, matching beautifully with her magenta coloured eyes. Then finally, she placed a red leather collar crusted with tiny gemstones. On the front was her collar, writing out a name Skylla Rose Lockwood.
Yes, this tiny cockopoo's real name was Skylla Rose Lockwood. It was a name bestowed by her owner, who happily decided to give her a fancy name in keeping tune with the family's upper class status.
Once Skylla made it out in the hallway, she was simultaneously met with her owner, who finished speaking with her maid.
"Sophie!" she called, her ribbons dancing at ears as she ran.
The said girl turned and her green eyes light up with excitement. "Skylla!" she too ran to her pup, and Skylla leaped into her arms, licking her check.
"You two look absolutely lovely as usual." The maid said formally, hands at her apron.
The pup and young girl smiled at each other. "We know!" and giggled.
Sophie was truly a young beauty. She was a lean, tall, recently turned twelve-year old, skin ivory and blushed. She had luscious chocolate curls sprawling her lower back, bangs parted to the side. Pinning a portion of her hair back was a single red bow, mimicking her pup's decorative ways.
"You're wearing the ribbons we bought!" Sophie exclaimed as the two made their way down the grand hallway. "They're from the Beau le Beau Boutique on Millford Hills, no?"
"Oui!" Skylla replied eagerly, wagging her tail. "From yesterday."
"Oh now I wish I purchased more! They look splendid. Buying twenty ribbons was not enough for my little pup!" she kissed her head.
Skylla giggled.
After coming down from one the spiral staircases, they made it to one of the dozen private dinning rooms, and servants were waiting patiently for them.
Sophie placed Skylla on a high cushioned seat, and then commenced to sit at the other end of the long table. They were given cloth napkins and immediately served their drinks – Sophie opting earl Grey while Skylla chose almond milk.
Their meal, always made by their chief, was simply divine! Organic omelets, scones, cheese, fresh fruit, and parfaits were on the menu today. For Skylla, it was a scramble egg of cheese, chicken and parsley on a fancy sliver platter.
Once their lavish breakfast was finished, Sophie was given her plaid clock jacket, navy beret and leather gloves. She was heading to her private school, hence her attire underneath was a red and blue uniform. Skylla too was dressed for the outdoor weather, with the white coat and baret she previously picked out the night before. The door was opened for them, and outside the circular driveway was Sophie's chauffeur, who was waiting in front of a black limo.
"Goodbye Bertram!" Sophie waved quickly before scurrying inside the car with her pup. At the last minute Skylla wished her farewells to Ollie, who dutifully nodded his head in departure with his master.
They two were driven off, and Skylla rested comfortably in her seat. Sophie began texting on her phone, (which the cockopoo noticed was a new model). It wasn't long before she got off her pink sparkling phone and grabbed her pup to place on her lap, then petting her affectionately.
The two chatted away, driving through the streets of high-rise mansions that stretched acres of property they were boringly familiar with. Making a final turn, the car came to a road entrance that labeled, 'Mrs. Pettington's Luxury and Elite Pup School'. The limo made a stop, and Sophie kissed Skylla one more time.
"Take care my little lady!"
"Yip! You as well my Sophie!"
The door opened and the driver took Skylla gently, then carrying her to the grounds of the school. He then placed her down the paved flooring, and closed the steel gate.
"Skylla!"
The said pup turned and there rushing to her were three of her friends, Belle, Diva, and Fifi. They were all pets of Sophie's friends, and each of them was dressed as sophisticated as her.
Belle, a small black Pomeranian, cooed at the sight of her friend. "Skylla! You. Look. Ah-mazing."
"Like, truly you do darling!" Diva added, admiring Skylla's jacket. She was a Silky Terrier Breed. "And it looks new."
Skylla nodded. "Of course! It was custom made by Designer Foof de Ru."
"Eh my goodness, really?" Fifi was a white Maltese. "I didn't know he did that. I better tell my owner I need some new dresses." She glanced at her own coat.
Belle giggled. "Didn't you buy that a week ago?"
"Uh, duh! But it's already out of fashion." She flipped her ears. "I must be in." she smiled, and all the girls laughed together.
A light bell rung near them, and immediately they trotted elegantly to the supervisors, who picked them up on pillows and carried them inside.
The school was small, but beautifully decorated, and for the number of pups that attend the school, it was perfect. Including cushioned seat desks, each pup had their own area in the school, customized to their appeal and liking. Small classrooms, the girls were seated with other pups who attended, and already waiting was the human teacher, Mrs. Pettington herself.
"Now, now, darlings!" she clapped her hands. Her bun was tightly pulled back, prominent nose, and narrowing glasses. "Come, let's begin the class. Open your pup pads."
The day went as usual for Skylla. Typical things, such as history, math, music, and languages (French especially) were taught, but there were others that were extremely important. Pup Etiquetcy, Dancing and Grooming were the priority.
The school she attended only extended till two, and thus she departed home with the usual pickup by Sophie's chauffeur. Sophie would be done too, but she went to her ballet classes, and then would arrive home later for private violin lessons, hence, she would not see her owner till dinner.
But it didn't mean she was free from her lessons.
"Skylla!"
The cockopoo blinked owlishly, being snapped from her thoughts. "Yes?"
Who stood in front of her was Ms. Coco, a tall and beautiful Afghan Hound. "Have you at all been listening to my corrections? You're not walking properly."
Glancing down, Skylla realized she was completely off the white marker that was tapped on the hard-wood floor.
"Hehe, ah pardon Ms. Coco! I was just…distracted. Lost in thought."
Ms. Coco frowned indefinitely. A strict teacher, she was Mrs. Pettington's pet that worked with her owner at the school, and the dog conducted private lessons if was requested by the pup's owners. The two moved from France only a year ago, but have easily settled in Hearthome Valley due to their previous success and wealth.
"Distracted?" the older dog's voice rang thick of her home country. "What on earth are you distracted about?"
"The…ah, piano!" Skylla quickly conjured, pointing to the wooden piano specifically designed for her. It was flat with beautiful dark chocolate woodwork and gold scribing, currently leveled off the ground for display in the middle of the study. "I wish to play."
Ms. Coco had a questioned frown. "Piano? That has never distracted you before."
"Ah, well –"
"Little lady," she began, "my job is to train young pups such as yourself in the ways of good etiquette and manner. You need to pay better attention. Being absent-minded and thinking of other things is not a good manner to have for a high-class family like yours. You do have an image to keep." She quipped.
It was pretty much the mantra Skylla had heard since birth. She vaguely remembered that day, just the idea of being covered in thick, silky fabrics and catered to her every need. Her doggy parents were barely seen from those early memories, but if they were, the first immediate image was the very moment she was purchased by Sophie.
"Oh, darling, you've been selected by the elites! Now go along and be the breed you were meant to be. You'll be fancied by all, envied and loved, so indulge it all! Remember, you'll be with the powerful, the rich! Anything less than that is not worth your time."
"Mama?"
"Ssh, ssh, now go! Be beautiful my luxury pup! And don't call me mama." She laughed. "We aren't commoners."
And common Skylla was not! She was a mixed breed, and while that was usually snubbed between upper class dogs, her mix was considered to be those fancy breeds, and looked upon fondly. She was a reminder that both her parents were elite breeds, and her status exceeded them.
Her parents were right about rarely seeing her. The only time they did was the occasional party they attended with their owner (who was actually the brother of Sophie's father), and even then, they only asked her what has she accomplished so far, or what new designer collar she was wearing. Other times they would talk about themselves, and that took hours to get through. Thankfully, she didn't see them often, so those hour-long conversations didn't come often.
"Ah, Oui Madam." Skylla agreed, shaking her dozing thoughts. She straightened her back, beckoning poise as she was trained to be. "I shall do better."
"Hm. Good." She nodded, and padding her paws twice together, Skylla scurried to the beginning of the line.
It was quiet for several seconds when: "You have another competition correct?"
Skylla turned her head. "Oh, yes I do!"
"Voice little lady."
"Ah, I mean, yes, yes Ms. Coco."
"Then this would be good training for you. Better for your tricks, no?"
"Absolutely!" her eyes suddenly lit, sparkling excitement. "We have one coming up soon, less than a week. Not as large as the one we did last time, but still very prestige."
Ms. Coco nodded, beginning to talk aimlessly.
"I understand the grooming and breeding sectors of the contest, but I do not have the faintest idea why a luxury pup yourself would engage with the more vigorous activity." Shaking her head, she quickly looked to Skylla, patting the air. "Not at all dismissing your achievements my dear." She added.
"Hehe, I guess it can be…vigorous, but we do not do any running, jumping or agility courses."
"Hm. At that, I approve." Feeling content, she clapped her paws together. "Perfect little lady! That's the walk. Remember your poise, and you'll sure win the competition."
Smiling, Skylla did a flip. "Yip! Merci Ms. Coco!"
"Ah, little lady! Manner, manners!"
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Sophie arrived sometime later. The girls briefly greeted each other both were sent off to separate rooms to conduct their music lessons (Sophie with violin while Skylla with piano). Ms. Coco did not teach music, but she did stay during the lesson to hear before she left for the day. It was one of the few times the tight-faced dog looked like she was enjoying herself.
Finally, with time hitting around five, the girls were finally free from their lessons, and had a sparing one hour before dinner. Ideally, they would play tea party, dress up, or even play a duet song with their piano and violin. However, the contest was near, so with a quick change in their ballerina outfits, they went outside to the mansion's gardens.
Of course, every dog-human duo must have a stunning performance to act for the competition, especially their introduction. The two continuously practiced, making sure each flip, leap, and pose was perfect. Sophie and Skylla's routine were unique on their own for not only they were the youngest pairs to participate in their district, but how engaging Sophie was in the act with Skylla. The two look like they dance with one another when they perform, and the crowds love it.
"Perfect!" Skylla continued to do another flip, landing on a platform. Sophie took a stance.
"Let's wrap up with this!" she lifted her ribbon stick and her spun her hand around, and Skylla leaped inward, the two harmonizing. Sophie then began to twirl on her pointe toes, and as she spun, picked up Skylla. The pup flipped mid-air, landing back on Sophie's hands that were raised high, and the ribbon came to a halt. They posed.
"Eeeh! We did it! We did it Skye!" Sophie hugged her pet, and Skylla barked happily. "Amazing routine."
"No, no, you were amazing Sophie!" Skye gushed. "Ribbons were the best choice."
"Hehe, like the ribbons in your ears?"
She giggled. "Absolutely!"
The two laughed, and in midst of the joy, heard something streaking in the sky. Glancing up, the two noticed a plane flying high.
Sophie shook her head. "We could always add a plane at the end. That would surprise everyone! Don't you agree Skye? Skye?"
The cockapoo heard not one word from her, as her large pink eyes peered in awe at the plane.
Sophie laughed. "Skye, oh Skylla, can you hear me?"
"Oh," she blinked, giggling to herself in embarrassment. Twice in one day? How shameful. "Pardon Sophie! Ms. Coco said it's becoming a bad habit now these days."
"I don't mind my beautiful pup." The girl went to pet Skylla's soft head. "When it's just us it's the few moments where we do not have to act proper. What's on your mind?"
"Ah well," she glanced once more up to the sky, observing the streaking white that remained in the air. "I wish to go on a plane again and travel."
"A trip?!" Sophie laughed pleasantly. "But we just went to California! And a few months back Milan."
"Hehe, I know!" Skylla smiled. "But I can't help it! I love being in the sky, seeing the clouds, being lighter than air."
"Hmm…" the pup watched curiously as her owner pouted in thought. "Ah!" she piped. "There's a private air show just outside of Hearthome Valley. I'll ask Bertram to get us first row seats to see. I even heard there's a very famous pilot that'll be there. Eeeh! It will be fun!"
Skyla was suddenly so excited she did her signature flip, landing back in her owner's arm. "Yip! I cannot wait!"
From the very first show Skylla attended with Sophie, she was completely blown away. It all looked so dazzling, to be graceful, powerful, yet so very much free. The pilots did tricks that made people gasp, shocking them to the core, but at the end, applaud their work. Competing in dog shows was one thing, (as it was something common in her social circles) but saying she liked, no, loved air shows was another. It was more of a masculine thing apparently, and she would get questioning brows when she mentioned it, but honestly, it was the one thing she didn't care what others thought of it. It was the few guilty pleasures she cherished. It made her feel different, in a good way. It was out of the norm, and she enjoyed that idea.
"Sophie," Skylla asked, "Are you parents still coming? Shouldn't we get ready to greet them at dinner?"
"Oh." She laughed self-cautiously. "They're not coming. Not for awhile."
"Like…not today? But surely tomorrow?"
"No Skye." She sighed. "Bertram told me they cannot. Father is still on his business trip in India and will not return for two more weeks. And my mother is still in Britain to oversee her international collection."
"Oh Sophie…" the pup's eyes softened. "But you were planning this dinner – "
"It's okay." Standing up straight, she began walking into the mansion. "They do this all the time. I don't mind. They're busy, and we're busy." Cuddling her pup, she added: "Don't forget. We have that air show to attend. And our competitions, parties and more. We always have fun anyway."
And they did! Skylla's life never had a moment of peace. For the next week her schedule filled with additive events, such as Belle's exclusive garden birthday. All who attended were mostly dogs, save the owners and the waiters that were hired. Skylla and her friends were at the birthday table.
"Okay, let's have a photo of the birthday pup!" a photographer lifted the camera to his eye, and the girls poised. When he left, Belle asked: "You girls know this is going to be featured in Pure Breed Monthly?"
"Ugh, I love that magazine." Fifi said. "I did a shoot with them one time. Or was it twice?" she dumbly thought.
"Well, I love the pups you invited." Diva eyed the group of boys talking near the pool.
"I thought you liked Broody? That like, super cute lab?" Belle questioned.
"Not anymore. He got boring."
"Eh my gosh!" Fifi barked. "Let's go talk to them! Georgie is with them too!"
"Skylla?" Diva turned. "Wish to join us?"
Sipping her drink, Skylla blinked owlishly. "What?"
"C'mon Skylla! There has to be a pup over there that catches your eye."
Skylla laughed. "Aren't we a bit too young to think about that? And besides, there's no one that interests me."
"What?!" Belle pouted. "But they're all so cute! And rich! Getting with them is like, happiness for life!"
She giggled. "I understand that, but ah...it's not my priority right now."
"What is it then?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "Maybe…I want to be independent for awhile."
"What do you mean independent? Like shopping alone?"
"Uh," Skylla patted her blue dress. "No. A bit more extreme."
"Which is...?"
"Not get married?" she meekly said.
"WHAT?!" The girls almost shoved their face into the cockapoo. Suddenly, Fifi laughed. "Skylla, you're so silly! You know we can't be uh, what's the word?"
"Independent darling." Diva intervened, and she turned to her friend. "Skylla, you really don't mean that?"
"We're fancy pups!" Belle laughed. "No way we can be independent. Being solo in our social class, especially a girl, is like, absurd!"
"You're talking like it's the middle ages." Skylla said. "And besides, I said maybe. I didn't say sure."
"You can't be sure!" Fifi almost shook her friend frantically. "We, like, have to get married. At the same time! I was planning a double wedding for the four of us!"
"You mean a quadruple wedding."
"Oh. Right!"
"And you're so pretty Skylla!" Belle commented. "A lot of the boys say stuff about you. Like, you know me. I know all gossip around here."
Skylla nodded. No, she wasn't oblivious to her looks. She knew she was very beautiful, and she took great pride with her appearance. Despite her private pup school being small, the majority of the boy pups who attended have admitted they were attracted to her. She was flattered truly, but none were her taste. In fact she didn't even know what her taste was! A smile and a wink she gives them and they fall on their backs, legs hanging high! It was funny, and kinda cute, but she didn't think much of it. Besides, wasn't she a bit young to find a future mate? It was literally the farthest thing from her mind.
"What about those shows you do?" Belle added. "You're the only one out of all of us who does those things! That's independence right there."
Skylla realized that, but somehow her answer felt flat. "Uh, true, but –"
Diva giggled. "Skylla darling, there is no way any of us, including you, can be truly independent. It's in our breed to be waited by paw. We aren't lower class pups."
"And can you imagine if we had to do things on our own?" Belle shivered. "Like, I heard from my cousin's friend's waiter's dog, that for her to go the bathroom, they have to do it…" she whispered. "Outside."
Fifi gasped.
"Yeah! And she has to do stuff on her own. Like, they go to a public park. Walk across a street. Play withstore-boughtt pup toys. Eh my gosh, they eat from dog food cans!"
"Gross!"
"Exactly."
Skylla puffed her cheeks. "Okay, maybe not eat dog food, but the other stuff I wouldn't mind."
"Are you saying you want to be a normal pup?"
"Not at all!" that thought never crossed her mind. "But I'm curious what a normal pup would do."
"They have boring lives." Belle concurred. "Didn't you hear what I said about what they do? They live like, the rough life!"
"Is that what street pups live like?" Fifi questioned.
"I bet. Like, how worse could it get?"
"Apparently they don't bathe." said Diva.
"Ew!"
"You're probably going to see them in Trix City for your trip Skylla." Belle implored, wiggling her paw. "But after that, you'll be in the upper-class areas. Then you'll be safe."
"There's no street pups in Trix City." Skylla shock her head. "That's impossible. Wouldn't like, police deal with it?"
"Who knows." Belle shrugged. "I know gossip not politics."
Fifi suddenly chimed in. "How long are you going for?!"
"A week. For Sophie's aunt's gallery. We'll be taking train."
At this, they all laughed, and Skye's face morphed into frowning confusion. "What?"
"You? Taking train?" Diva wiped the tears from her eyes. "You're hilarious."
"Skylla's funny! Too funny!"
"What's wrong with train?"
"Nothing! Just, you love plane rides. Why in the world would you take a train?"
"It's not like it's public." Skylla said in her defense. "It's private. And our plane is under maintenance at the moment."
"Oooh, understand."
"Thank goodness Skylla." Belle breathed. "We thought for a moment you were taking that independence normal talk too far."
Diva shock her head. "The day I see Skylla roughing it up is the day Fifi stops asking if she's fat."
"Oh my gosh, I am! Why didn't you girls tell me?!"
"You're not – ugh, it's an expression."
"I am! I am!"
"Fifi!"
.
.
.
Ollie the Basset Hound was a perfectionist.
Like his owner, he strived to ensure ever aspect of the manor is up to standard, otherwise he would not be able to sleep properly. He took pride in how the house is maintained, and as assistant to the head Butler, he made sure all aspects involving Skylla's wellbeing, and any dog matters would be dealt with accordingly with him. So, being called by little lady, he dutifully followed in with his aging body and dragging ears.
"Little lady?" he knocked. "You called?"
"Oh. Ollie!" her head stuck out of the dog door installed in the grander door to her room, and she smiled. "Come in! Hurry!"
Confused by her urgency, the butler dog in his little suit walked inside. He was immediately greeted with a colourful array of clothes stacking on the floor, and his cleaning pet peeve suddenly kicked in.
"Ollie," Skylla snapped out of the closet, wearing her comfort clothes of a white dress with tied ribbons at her shoulders. "I have a huge question to ask you."
"Yes?"
"What do you want?"
Baffled, he said: "What do you mean?"
"Like, from Trix City. I'll be there for awhile. I wish to get you something nice."
Smiling at her consideration, he shock his head. "Little lady, I require nothing."
"Nothing?!" she slugged into a velvet loveseat made for her. "That's such an expected answer. You even denied when I went to California."
"But I don't want anything, truly."
"But everyone wants something." She lifted her paws, clapping happily. "It's okay. I'll pick something for you."
"You've done that for all your trips." He commented. "The spectacles from Milan, the jacket from France, The bowtie from Beverly Hills."
"Exactly. But I wanted to see if you'll actually request anything. It's Trix City. They have everything."
"You have kindness of purity my lady." He said honestly. "Truly something of your breed and class."
Blinking, Skylla glanced to the floor, staring at her paws. She then peered her eyes up. "Kind...does that equal independence?"
Curious for clarification, the butler dog arched a brow. "Pardon?"
"Like, wait, that didn't sound right. I mean," she sighed. "Do you think I'm independent?"
"In what ways?"
"I don't know. I…" she picked up a dress from the floor, observing it loosely. "Do I make decisions on my own? Or…do things on my own?"
"My lady, you are independent at its finest. You do those contests with Sophie. Excel greatly. You met with that famous pilot, Ms. Ace Sorensen, at that air show you attended a few days ago. Not anyone can do that."
"True, but - " she dropped the garment, looking desperate. "Can I 'rough it up' ?"
What a strange question his lady asked. And rough it up? That did not equal to a pup of her level. "Little lady," he said honestly. "You're a certain kind of pup who has many privileges. There is no reason to lower yourself and 'rough it up' as you quoted. Sophie and your parents would be sad if they saw you do anything so demeaning."
She didn't reply, sagging back into her shoulders. "Oh. I see. That's true."
"You do amazing things Miss." Ollie straightened his back. "I surely hope you realize that."
"Yes, I – I know that." Smiling to herself, she suddenly lifted her paws, dismissing the conversation. "Nevermind! Thank you for your answer Ollie."
Seeing the conversation was done, he nodded and turned to the door, ready to depart. However, taking a quick moment back at his lady, he noticed how unsure she looked, conflicted in a way he never saw before. It did not suit the young pup.
"Honey."
Her pink eyes peered over. "Pardon?"
"Honey." He said. "I love my morning tea with my owner. He has a particular taste, and so do I. Maybe…organic honey from the city would be interesting to have."
Her face suddenly beamed at his request, and she nodded happily. "Of course! I shall get you that! The best of the best!"
He smiled formally. She was too kind for her good.
.
.
.
"When are you getting back?"
"A week."
"Wow, another trip! Sarah May rarely takes me on trips!"
"You went on one last month Fifi."
"But it was so short!"
Giggling, Skylla grinned back at her friends through the monitor. They were getting spa treatments at Diva's mansion, who's owner built a personal salon on her property.
"Do tell us the deals down there." Diva commented. "I'm thinking of a trip there myself with Tiffany."
"I should ask Elizabeth if we could go together!" Excited, Belle turned back to the monitor. "Let's see if we could all book one soon!"
"Or a trip!"
"Ask Sophie when you're able to." Fifi insisted.
"Hehe, will." Saying their goodbyes and beeping off the call, Skylla hopped down from the seat, changing carts to go sit with Sophie. Her owner was sound asleep in her seat, which thankfully could be altered to not strain the neck. Deciding not disturb her, Skylla went to sit across from her, leaping gently like a cloud.
The day of the trip finally came, and on a Saturday afternoon, Sophie and her pup (and fourteen pieces of luggage) made their way to the private train waiting for them. It surely wasn't a plane and the fun of flying, but she did enjoy the experience. It was…different. Only Fifi rode a private train but she dislikes it terribly.
Skylla's thoughts dimmed back to her friend's conversation, and then to the one with Ollie before she left. She wondered what compelled her to say something so…so weird! Being independent. She didn't even know what she was implying. Yes, a little was about being single and not worrying who's going to be her husband in this upscale dog world, but mostly…it was about her. Skylla was always considered an oddball, even with her friends, especially her interests and manners. Ms. Coco scolded her about that, saying it didn't matter now, but as she gets older, more would notice her habits. Only Sophie and Ollie truly encourage her behavior. Maybe that should be good enough for her.
What was the dumbest thing she thought of was the 'roughing it up' thing. Ha! Why in the world would she, a pup from the Lockwood household, do something like that? She shock her head. Ollie was right. What was she even complaining about? She was very lucky. She should be content with this life! Others would be begging for this style. What a silly thing for a pup like her to think and be curious of the unknown.
The train jerked to a stop.
Skylla braced herself, but due to her small body, she flew to Sophie's lap, snapping her lady awake. The girl jumped at the feel, and it was clear she did not like such abrupt interruption.
"Skye? Why did you wake me?"
"I didn't." the pup replied. "It's the train. I think."
Rubbing her green eyes, she peered them outside of the window, noticing something very peculiar. Immediately, she called upon a train assistant.
"Why has the train stopped?"
"Ah, I don't know actually my lady." She said, worry crossing her features. "I shall find out from the conductor what's happening." She bid off, and troubled, the girls tried to talk about other things. Soon enough, the woman came back.
"Well?"
"Ah, it seems like we're expecting engine trouble."
"Engine trouble?" Sophie frowned. "How long will this be till it's fixed? Ten? Twenty minutes?"
"…Actually forty minutes." She replied, "and that's the minimal."
"What?" the girl stood up. "I have a hair appointment planned for me and my pup in Trix City in like literally three hours. We won't have enough time to make it!"
"So sorry." She sighed. "But we're trying our best." When the girl retreated, Sophie released her lady-like posture and slugged into her seat.
She huffed. "Great. Just what we need." She pouted as she turned to her pet. "I'm so sorry Skye. Ugh, guess we have to wait. Hopefully the hour is what they need."
Unfortunately, Sophie was wrong. It was reaching an hour, and someone of her stature, the girl did not like waiting. The assistant told them local help from a nearby town was coming, and that they would take a break at that town's station as they tried to fix the situation.
As Sophie continued to talk to the train assistants, Skylla's focus dimmed to the window, staring at the outdoor scenery. Honestly, reading her pup beauty magazine would be more interesting than admiring whatever's outside. At first, she was amazed at rolling lands of green, but seeing it for the past few hours, she was getting bored. Now, they were surrounded by cliffs or something, and that was even duller.
But then something caught her eye.
Okay, that was strange. She thought. For a moment…she swore she saw a pup outside the train, wearing a blue uniform of some kind.
She giggled. That was silly! They were in the middle of nowhere. (Well, nowhere to her standards, there were probably towns around), and how would a random pup be around here? With that in mind, she should return back to her magazine, forgetting whatever she saw.
But…she still wanted to check.
Skylla took another peer to the window, watching for a longer period of time to see what she saw was true.
Blinking innocently, her pink eyes clearly saw two figures under the bridge. And she was surprised.
Skylla was in complete awe. She was right! There was a pup outside. The pup was standing beside a human with oddly spikey hair. What in the world are they doing, standing under there? Wouldn't they get like, hurt or something?
Oooh…she suddenly realized. They were emergency workers! And the dog must be an emergency pup!
Now, Skylla knew emergency dogs existed, working for fire, police, or whatever else they did, but she never ever had encountered one. She never faced emergencies or dangers, none of those things! Suddenly determined to see what they looked like even more, she leaned forward, squinting her eyes for detail.
"Woah! Skye!" suddenly the pup was scooped up in her owner's arms. "You don't want to slip. You could hurt yourself."
"Uh, yes, but Sophie – "
"Come. We'll relax in my room while we wait. Hopefully we'll get to the town, they fix whatever what's wrong, and we'll back on track."
Turning sharply, the pup's eyes stared longingly the window, as Sophie took steps farther from their seats.
Skylla would never disobey (it wasn't a ladylike thing to do, nope, not at all) and Sophie was much more fun than staring at nothing. But it clenched her mind.
She really wanted to see who that pup was.
.
.
.
A/N: How did you think of the name I gave? I wanted to give her a fancy one, but nothing far from her name she uses. Pretty much only Sophie calls her Skye, and everyone else says her full name or little lady. We'll see how she fully embraces her nickname eventually.
And hmm, I wonder who she saw at the train... *wink wink*
Thank you to all those who continuously read, comment and follow my work! (critique/suggestions are welcomed!) ^_^
P.S REVIEW!
Till next time,
mokocchii