DISCLAIMER: I do not own PAW Patrol, the characters, or any association of the series.
A/N: HELLO READERS! Haha, so instead of doing my summer school essay (let me quietly puke at that) I decided to write this up instead. And thanks so much to your birthday wishes. It really hit dem feels, especially since you guys are my readers. ^^
And yes, I'm glad people figured out whom the pup was! I like connecting things, either directly or indirectly. But next time I won't make it so obvious when I drop mentions when characters appear in more than one backstory.
COMMENTS
mdmpinkie9088 – well, belated happy birthday to you as well! And lol, Katie didn't realize what she was implying so casually. Poor Chase doesn't need such encouragement (jokes, he DOES)
Daisy Rhine – lol Best line ever? Well, if you picture the scene, it is pretty damn funny XD
Guest – I agree with each of your statements about the stories. I wonder what you'll label the next ones?
Zumalover – Spanish? There wasn't any. And yeah, I figured 4-6 would be good enough. Anything longer than that, it's gonna a full on story arc.
7luckycats – yaaa! Thanks :D
desgarbiuz – Estoy feliz tu eres impressado
R.L. Chathouse – an anime version?! THAT would be so cool. But heh, I am drawing for them (which I yet to post on deviantart) but of course my own style is gonna differ from the OC designs. I just love drawing manga/comics *~*
Cyberwolf SgtJay - ^^
marcogalmich – Yeah, exactly! She can do it, but just needs that extra encouragement to pursue those intentions. But will her family allow it?
Rabakku – it's almost done! Btw, cool name change.
Halospartan - Check my A/N at the bottom of this chapter for a better answer ^^
JetSet1980 – yup bro
Ace the new pup – It's Marshall Miller. His family is known as the Miller dog family. Unfortunately, Chase doesn't have a last name, as he never had a human owner, (technically he doesn't have a birth certificate!) Ryder doesn't count since he never adopted him. But who knows if this will change in the future.
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Breathing in the evening air, Sophie stood proudly at the station.
The assistants accompanying them came scrambling with their endless bags, running back and forth in their mess. Staring up at the train that was finally fixed, Sophie was relieved she and her pup could begin their delayed trip. Oh, the things they must catch up on once they hit Trix City. It will be non-stop for the duo with events and parties.
And speaking of her pup…Skylla was dressed in her usual refined clothing, this time a lilac pleated jacket and matching beret. Pink ribbons were in her ears, and fur groomed and polished. Sophie opted something similar, but stuck to more conservative patterns, with and pale blue plaid and black details.
"Are you excited Skye?" she asked, grinning brightly at their ride, "In seconds we can leave! And our real fun will begin."
"Uh…yes!" Skylla added, almost missing her statement. "I…cannot wait."
Sophie promptly nodded, not noticing the brief pause in her pup's voice. "I know you are my little pup. I've notified Auntie and she said we would be greeted immediately at the station by escorts to take us straight to our the penthouse."
"…Lovely."
Sophie's brow quirked. Okay, now something looked different. "What's wrong my little pup?"
"Nothing's wrong Sophie!" Skylla replied immediately, "I'm just…well, I ah -"
"What?"
It was then she shook her head swiftly and smiled brightly. "I'm so excited for Trix City Sophie."
Hm. Her pup was acting strange for the last hour. At the moment at she revealed the train was fixed, Skylla wasn't bouncing in innocent joy she had originally anticipated. Perhaps when they get to Trix City she would buy her pup a new collar. That usually made her happy. Or an air show. There should be one on in the city they could go to.
But still…it was somewhat disheartening to see her pup looking a bit sad. Sophie immediately scooped her up.
Skylla looked on owlishly. "Sophie?"
"Oh, my little pup, don't worry. I'll buy you something pretty."
"Pretty?"
"Don't you like pretty things?"
"I do, but –"
"Skylla!" Simultaneously, the girls glanced up, seeing a black and white pup blazing towards them. Falling, he slid across the platform, finally reaching the two at Sophie's feet.
"Oomph!"
She blinked. "Marshall? You're here?"
"Y-Yeah!" he shot up, "We're here to send you off."
Sophie nodded in understanding. "I let you say goodbye to your acquaintances."
After he briefly said bye to her owner, Sophie left Skylla for privacy. Fixing her dress, Skylla looked upon Marshall with a tilt of her head.
"You came to say goodbye?"
"Of course!" he said, "Well, uh we haven't known each other a lot, but it was great to meet you. If you ever come by Adventure Bay again, be sure to visit the Lookout! Then we can finally play tug of rope." He chuckled.
"Hehe…maybe." She giggled, actually considering his proposition. "And thank you for introducing me to pet treats. I never tried it before, but I'm genuinely surprised I liked it."
"You're welcome!"
"Still," she huffed a bit, "I wish we still could've had that dinner I promised. I bet all of you would've enjoyed it!"
"Hey, don't worry! And who knows, maybe we will in the future."
"Yeah." She smiled. "In the future."
"And have fun in Trix City! It's pretty great."
"You've visited there before?"
"Lived." He corrected. "Didn't do much when I was though, but still, I miss it. So, you gotta have fun while you're there!"
She returned his joy. "Hehe, I will!"
After another stupendous grin flashing across his face, he then ventured towards Ryder, who was currently giving something to Sophie. It probably was a goodbye gift of some kind, to show curtsy since the P.A.W. Patrol was the only true authority around, and probably a reputation of some kind to maintain.
Once her eyes lingered away from the retreating Dalmatian, something else caught her pink orbs.
She noticed Chase standing off at the side, under the train shelter. It was at that moment when her gaze lingered on him, he must have felt someone watching him because he immediately turned and their eyes met.
It was a standoff for several moments, neither party moving from their spot. Wind drifted by her dress, her hat, and both of their brown furs. It someone took a photo it probably looked movie worthy.
It was then he made his way to her, (which, if he hadn't a moment later, she would've made the first step), but kept a fair amount of space between them she quietly noted.
"So you're leaving?" he said plainly, looking up at the train.
"Yes…I guess I am." She didn't like how he was addressing her. It sounded distant, almost unfeeling. As if they didn't spend the last day and a half getting to know each other. "Whoever helped Ryder and the crew must have been really good at fixing things to get the train working again."
"Yeah…" he continued to keep his gaze off of her, "He's pretty good. Shy, but the pup has a knack for building stuff."
"It was a pup?"
He nodded in response.
It became an awkward silence between them. She wanted to say more, something to prolong their conversation that was sure to end so soon, but nothing in her mind was coming up. It happened when they first met, back at the tower, and now at this very moment. So much for pup etiquetcy teaching her the ways of conversation.
"Well," he cleared his throat, "Take care Skye. Enjoy your time in Trix City, which I think that's where you're going right?"
It was at the moment he decided to look upon her face, and he was muddled at her expression.
Frowning in displeasure, "What?" he asked bluntly.
"You…"
He gave her a prying look.
"You just said…Skye. Not Skylla."
"O-Oh." His ears dipped down flat on his head, not even realizing the slip up of names. "Dammit. Didn't mean to say that." He blinked. "Uh, dammit. I just swore didn't I? Ugh, great, I just did it again…!"
It was funny. She never heard someone swear in her presence, but she was surprisingly not floored at the supposed "poor" mannerisms being said.
In all honesty, it felt kinda endearing.
"It's okay." Her mouth curved into a small smile, which must have caught his surprise. He probably thought it was weird for her to act so happy after his mini foul mouth session. "Skye…it sounds strange, not coming from Sophie, but it's a good different."
"Uh, then that's good?"
She laughed, feeling relieved whatever heavy air there loomed was momentarily gone. "Yes, it's good!"
His gaze relaxed after her laugh, and in midst of her giggling, he pointed to his hat.
"And by the way," he added, "It's this."
She blinked curiously at him. "What do you mean?"
"My interest. You asked me when we first met what was my hobby. Well, it's this. Being a police pup. " He shrugged. "I know it's technically my job, but you said a hobby is something you enjoy doing, and well, I like doing this. I like helping. Saving."
"Oh!" She gasped in surprise. He remembered? It seemed so long ago, and quite random to recall that question she asked out of the dozen she threw at him. Either he had impeccable memory or her seemingly innocent question left a lasting impression on him.
"I…I didn't think you wanted to answer me." She said, stumbling over her thoughts.
"Ah, well," Another shrug. "It's something that bothered me I guess. But it does count right? As a hobby?"
"Yup!" she chirpy replied, and her smile turned endearing. "And it's an amazing hobby. You should feel proud."
The train blistered its loud whistle, suddenly throwing her back into the impending reality she had to face.
"Goodbye Chase." She said, staring up at him, trying to keep her voice formal and polite. It suddenly felt easier to do. Fall in tune with her usual high-class mask when saying goodbye. She didn't know why she couldn't smile right now, since seconds earlier she was giggling freely like the wind she loved in fly in.
He too looked at her, watching her with his brown eyes, and wow, she never realized how intense his were. He surely had the presence of someone of authority, despite being only a pup. She idly wondered how his eyes would look once he grew up. Even more striking she bet.
"Yeah…bye." He replied, his face remaining neutral.
Her mouth fell slightly. Ah…this was her que. She did her curtsey, just like when she met him, and turned her paws and made her way towards Sophie. She probably made about five steps when –
"Skylla."
She stopped, and truth be told, he rarely addressed her by her name for these past two days. To hear it so openly and steadily from him took her back a bit. Circling gracefully around, she noticed how he hadn't move from his spot, but there was something distinctively different.
His face. That almost apathetic look dissipated and was replaced with a small quirk on his mouth. "Try not to fall on cars anymore, alright?"
And just like that her façade shattered. Gaping with wide eyes, she couldn't help but be stunned by his attempt at a humorous comment.
Warmth bubbled in her and she helplessly beamed at his remark. "I promise! And you better promise me to show others your lovely smile!"
"Me?" he shook his head, scoffing in amusement. "As if."
"Skylla!" Sophie called from the train's steps, passing something off to one of the assistants. "We need to board now!"
"Coming!" taking another quick glance at the German Shepherd, she said another goodbye before sprinting off to her owner, getting scooped in her arms and being taken aboard.
The two took a seat at the booths, and Skylla was so tempted to stick her head outside and literally watch them as she left Adventure Bay. Proper etiquetcy would say she needed to remain in her seat, look out with mild interest…
But her paws said otherwise.
Before she knew it herself, she was waving frantically from her window, hanging out partially.
"I hope to visit you all soon! Maybe Sophie and I will pass by Adventure Bay on our way home!"
"Yeah! Bye Skylla!" Marshall waved happily. He nudged his buddy. "C'mon, say bye."
"I did." He pouted. "What, you thought I didn't say – "
"BYE SKYLLA!" Alex shouted. He too and Katie joined Ryder and the pups to say the departures. "REMEMBER TO EAT THE CUPCAKES!"
"Cupcakes?" Skylla glanced back into her cart, seeing Sophie already opening the box and showing the contents inside. It all looked so lovely, and frankly, quite delicious!
The train jerked and one of the cupcakes flew towards the window. Despite the train beginning to move, Skylla hastily caught the dessert in her paws to everyone's witness.
But…another sudden sharp movement and that cupcake dropped from Skylla's grasp, and following the flow of wind, it flew backward towards the podium.
"Look out!"
Both male pups swirled their heads at that very moment, seeing an incoming cupcake coming towards them, and before they knew it –
It landed splat on Chase's face.
Marshall cringed at the sight. Skylla was horrified, her face turning white. Oh, curse her clumsy paws! (She was not a clumsy pup!) Out of everyone, of course, the cupcake had to fall on him.
"I-I'm so sorry –!"
And then she heard a snort. She had to blink a few times before coming to a stunning realization that made the sound was from the cupcake-covered pup himself. While he was sure and hell puzzled at what happened, a small smile worked its way onto his mouth and no way…she couldn't believe it.
He began to laugh.
As if there was not a care in the world, he was cracking up as he tried to whip the icing from his line of vision, while the other paw waved lazily at her. It wasn't long before he fell down, still grinning and laughing out loud. Marshall looked as equally shocked as Skylla, but he happily joined in the fun, falling to the ground and bursting out in hilarity. Ryder began chuckling away, followed by Katie and especially Alex.
Sagging her shoulders in contentment, she smiled warmly in response at the pups' silly ways as she got further and further away from them.
Yes. See them one day. She surely wanted to do that. Hopefully, she would meet them again. Someday.
Someday…
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"Girls, I have someone truly concerning I needed to share."
Fifi and Diva glanced up from their magazines, seeing how their friend Belle was standing above them, a frown on her lovely features.
"What? More gossip?" Diva asked lazily – already knowing the answer. She flipped a page. "Belle darling, you know all of the pup's social lives at our school. What new gossip could you possibly stumble upon that would make our day more interesting?"
Belle immediately appeared between her two friends, (they blinked dumbly at her speed) and it was then she pointed with her paw. "That, ladies! Is why."
Their gaze followed, and sure enough, was Skylla, quietly sitting on a lounge chair a few feet away. She too had a magazine under her, but her eyes were elsewhere, looking longingly.
Fifi titled her head. "What's wrong with our friend?"
"Doesn't she seem…different?"
"Uh…no!"
"Yup."
Fifi corrected herself. "I mean, yes!"
"And you know what's strange?" Belle continued, listing her thoughts. "Ever since Skylla came back from her Trix City trip weeks ago, you noticed how she hadn't done any competitions."
"That is strange. She usually loves doing those." Fifi said.
"Uh, duh! Skylla loves performing. It even matches your level Diva, and that's saying something."
"No other pup can match my level of enthusiasm except our Skylla." Diva quipped. "But what are you trying to get across?"
"It's just…uh! She seems…sad. Or maybe quieter. Or calmer. All of the above!"
Diva continued to watch her. Fifi looked lost.
Belle nudged her head at the obvious manner. "SO…we need to ask her!"
"We?" Diva arched a brow. "Don't you mean you?"
"I know but… ugh! That's it! I know you don't wanna bother and you Fifi are clueless but I'm done tip toeing around it!" she began storming straight to the cockopoo.
The two pups eyed each other.
"I'm clueless?" Fifi pouted.
Diva ignored her and followed Belle.
Under the gentle sun, Skylla noticed heavy shadows suddenly appearing above her. She peeked her eyes under from the large white sun hat she wore.
"Is there something wrong girls?"
Belle looked as if she was holding her breath. "What happened?!"
"Eh?"
"Don't eh us Skylla! I, miss gossip, know something is "off" amongst our pups friends, and you, are one of them!"
"There's something wrong with me?" she said dubiously.
"Uh, yes! You're not acting like…you!"
"Yeah, you're not as giggly," Fifi added.
"Or smiley."
"What Belle's trying to say darling," Diva intervened. "Is that you're not yourself."
"Oh." Her airy voice drawled out. A second later: "I guess I am."
Belle didn't miss a beat. "Did you meet someone?"
"Oh my gosh she must have!" Fifi implored girlishly. "It like, explains it!"
Diva inquired a look. "Is that true?"
"I've met a lot of pups on my trip – "
"Oh don't act all innocent about it Skylla!" Belle was practically begging for some type of answer, eagerness wide in her green eyes. "Just tell us! Who's the lucky pup?"
She recoiled. Lucky pup?
"I bet he's super rich."
"Uh, duh." Diva replied. "He's from Trix City. Anyone who lived in the area Skylla stayed at must be."
"Oh, and he's super handsome."
"The ideal!"
"No wonder Skylla is acting so different."
"Wait," she eyes broadened in realization. "You think I'm…I'm in love?"
"Love?!" Belle wiggled her brows. "Oh my Skylla! We didn't think you'd fall in love! He must have been a darn catch to get miss 'I never had an interest in boys' so easily!"
"I bet's he's super sociable too!"
Diva clicked her tongue. "Better tell the boys here you're already taken. Your heart is officially snagged."
"I'm not some pup to be caught." She pouted at their remarks. "And besides… he isn't sociable in the slightest." It was then she blinked numbly, realizing what she said.
Whoops.
Glancing back them, woah, they all had the brightest, cheekiest grin on their faces.
It was then Belle leaped; perhaps doing the most active thing Skylla had known her. "HA! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I'M GONNA TELL EVERYONE! SKYLLA FINALLY HAS A CRUSH!"
"Ooh! Ooh! I wanna tell everyone too!" Fifi exclaimed.
Skylla jumped from her spot. "Girls! It's not even true! Besides, I've only met him and his friend."
"Them? You mean – " Belle looked as if she found the lottery (which to be fair, she didn't really need to go, cause she was rich but ack! You get the meaning). "There are two pups you're in love with?!"
"What? No! You're jumping to conclusions."
"But you just said his friend. So are they both equally good-looking?"
She pondered for a moment. "I would say so. One has this easy-going smile that would make any girl feel immediately comfortable in his presence. He's humorous, and he's very…doting, if I say so. Always asking what you wanted to do and such. I would say he's a definite sweetie."
"Ugh, he sounds like my dream pup." Fifi was practically drooling – Belle swatted her muzzle away.
Diva edged closer. "And what about the other one?"
She shook her head, gigging into her paw at the thought. "Oh, complete opposite! Brooding, rarely smiled…I had to make the effort to try to talk to him!"
The pups gasped, and Skylla nodded to confirm. "Yes. It was different experience alright. I never had to do that before, but even after all that, it sometimes became really awkwardly quiet when we were alone. To be honest he was kinda cold."
"Then…why you keep hanging out with him?" Belle asked as if it was most obvious thing in the world. "Clearly he has no manners to be around a proper lady pup like yourself."
"Yeah…I guess you're right. But how we met was actually strange. He saved me."
"He saved you?" Diva asked. "Saved you from what?"
"A car."
"What?! You almost died?!" Fifi shrieked.
"Hehe, uh, possibly?"
"Ugh, I'm never there for the crazy stuff!" Belle whined.
"Okay, so how he saved you?" Diva implored, eager to hear more.
"He pushed me out of the way. Granted, I was surprised who did it, but then I quickly realized the pup on top of me was the one who saved me."
Belle's mouth dropped. "He went on top of you?!"
"My my Skylla, so forward…" Diva smirked.
"Well think it sounds romantic…"
"I agree." They nodded in a circle.
"You girls aren't even listening!" Skylla exclaimed.
"We are." Diva replied. "So, you felt indebted to him. That's why you kept talking to him right?"
"I still don't think that's a good enough reason." Belle huffed. "You should have gotten him a gift or something, especially if he was so difficult to talk to."
"I would like a present if I was him."
"Gosh Fifi, of course you do. You're simple minded."
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Nothing." She snidely remarked.
Diva waved them off to the quiet, focusing her attention to Skylla. "Okay, explain. Because none of us understand. You're nice Skylla, probably the nicest one out of all of us, but you trying to befriend him even though he had no interest in you sounds tiring."
"Even so…" her gaze turned soft, "I didn't even care about that anymore. I just wanted to know more about him. He was just so… I don't know. Mysterious? The way he talked, everything he did I was suddenly curious about! Why he did this, why he did that. The few times we did talk it left me wondering what he meant. There's just a lot to him I didn't even know, and oh! He's incredibly mature! Like, he's a non-nonsense pup. He can stare you down with one glare and I anyone would cower down."
"Oooh…" Diva suddenly understood. "I get. You're into bad boys. Or should I say, bad pups."
"I'm not into anyone!" she defended, becoming exasperated at their accusations. "They were just nice pups I've met on my trip, which I happened to spend a few days with!"
They deadpanned at her.
"I'm serious!"
Diva rolled her eyes. "It's okay Skylla. I'm not judging you for liking two boys. I liked three one time, and I was done with them in a week."
"Yeah, once a week or two go by it'll be done!" Belle added.
Diva eyed the table. "Oh look, the waiter is coming back with the food." All four of them noticed the human in black uniform serving sweetish meatballs and seared scallops with Dijon sauce.
"Ugh, thank goodness. I'm starving especially."
"Definitely."
"Let's eat girls."
"Aw, no more talking about the cute pups Skylla met?" Fifi pouted.
"We could…but she won't budge about confessing –"
"I already said –!"
"And one of them she likes is a bad boy – "
"Wait one moment –!"
"And now thinking of it, there's no point for us to keep bothering her about it." Belle frowned annoyingly. "It's not like she can be with either of them."
Fifi titled her head. "What do you mean?"
"They're in Trix City Fifi. She's here. They're there. Unless she plans to move to their city, or they come here, it's pretty much a lose-lose situation. A love not destined to happen…" She dramatically fell. "A tragic love!"
"I'm afraid Belle's right." Diva sighed, smiling encouragingly at Skylla. "Best to forget about them and stick to what you know. Like, around here."
As the three began to make their way to the table to eat, Skylla remained planted to her seat. She remained silent at Diva's remark.
…But that was the thing.
Skylla didn't want to forget about them.
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.
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Ollie knocked lightly on the door. "Little Lady," he called, "Are you almost ready? You need to be downstairs in five minutes if you're to arrive on time at the gala."
The dog patted the large doggy door once more, and with another pause, he entered. Inside, a human maid was spraying Skylla's fur with perfume, and after two more gushes, she nodded in satisfaction.
"Okay, perfect. You should be ready now Little Lady. I'll bring your coat and hat downstairs."
Skylla smiled. "Thank you Mary."
The maid made her way out the room, and Skylla asked, "Is my Sophie ready yet?"
"Yes. She is just receiving the finishing touches."
"Perfect." Skylla eyed herself in the large vanity. A deep royal purple her dress was, extravagant, thick and silky with it trailing behind her. Stitched on were gems and crusted flowers, and on top of her head, a matching little hat. She even wore purple shoes. Ears fluffed and fur shiny, she was a literal picture of perfection.
He lingered around a bit longer, and Skylla noticed. "What's wrong Ollie?"
"Perhaps this is not the time and place, but I wanted to thank you for your gift."
"My gift…oh!" her mouth circled. "You mean the honey?"
"Yes. The place you purchased it was very delicious. In fact, one of the best I've ever tasted. It takes a lot to impress me."
"Oh, do not thank me! Thank that Farmer Yumi. Her farm produced it."
"From that town you and Lady Sophie stopped in?"
Her smile became weak. "Yes…"
Ollie lingered a bit longer in the room, and he stared at her momentarily: "Shall I ask a personal question?"
"You may."
Clearing his throat, he looked honestly. "Are you happy?"
"What?" shaking her head, she sat up taller.
"Perhaps that is too blunt. I mean to say…do you have a passion? An interest?"
"Of course!" she said. "I do my competitions, and well, you know, my love for air shows."
"And is that it?"
"Is that it?" those words suddenly bemused her, as she remembered thinking that way for some time now.
"Skylla. I'm content with my life. Complacent, satisfied, because this is what I enjoy doing. Serving others, being with my owner. If I were to die at this very moment, I would have no regrets, because I was leading a life I was happy with." He cocked his head to the side. "Would you feel the same?"
She froze. Her? Happy? Of course she was happy! She was in a lifestyle others would be begging for, an owner who loved her, friends who were kind, no stress of any kind, waited paw and paw for everything!
But she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Instead, she said, "Why are you asking this?"
"Perhaps this is my lack of judgment, and dismiss it if you shall, but I've noticed you are acting different ever since your trip. Did something happen that cannot be disclosed?"
"What? Ah, no, not at all!" she exclaimed, and Ollie didn't respond. "It's nothing. I'm just…thinking. A lot has happened. And my trip in Trix City was oh so tiring."
He nodded. "I hope I wasn't being discourteous to you Little Lady."
"No," she shook her head. "But thank you for your concern."
He bowed. "I shall alert the maid to take you down."
Eventually, Skylla met up with her owner downstairs in the main entrance, who looked wow...so ravishing! She wore a long, bright red ball gown, and her thick dark hair curled and pinned in a high bun. Skylla knew her owner could be compared to princesses of ancient times.
They entered the car, riding in the evening light, and Sophie was on her phone texting. Skylla would usually read her magazines, or go watch her own little videos on her I-pad, but she felt like doing none of those things. She tapped her owner's leg.
"Sophie,"
"Hmm?"
"I have a question."
"Oh! A question." She immediately dropped her conversation and turned her full attention to the cockapoo.
"Well, it's ah, not really a question. I just have a small, very tiny, tiny problem –"
"What's troubling you?"
"Oh it's not me! I'm asking for one of my friends!" She hurriedly added. "And thought I could ask you, since you're so good at solving problems, and she needs really, really good…advice." Skylla scowled inwardly. Gosh her vocabulary was falling apart.
Sophie nodded slowly. "Go on…"
"I, well, her is having doubts about something that's happening her life."
"Is it one of your puppy friends I know about? Fifi? Diva? Belle?"
"None of them." She shook her head. "She goes to my school, and has asked me to keep it a secret." Skylla took a deep breath. "This pup was content in doing…modeling, but after seeing a Broadway show, she really wants to join! But her family, no dog in her family has done Broadway before. Like, it's really out there for them. They're all models. And her owner…she's been with her since the beginning. And my friend is afraid if she telling them, but especially her owner, the truth. Because it means she would need to leave her family. To Trix City."
Sophie contemplated for a moment, and then said, "Does her owner love her?"
"Of course."
"Then I see no problem."
She almost choked on air. "R-Really?"
"Yes," she smiled. "If your friend really wants to pursue this dream, then she should strive for it. If her family is a little hard to convince, then tell her to give them a reason. Show proof. Maybe take classes. Get started in plays around Hearthome. That sort of thing."
"But wouldn't her owner be sad she would leave them someday?"
"Yes…but that's life. Even if she's her pet. I think as long as she visits her often, and they don't forget each other, that's enough."
"Oh," Skylla released the breath she didn't know was holding in. "That's good."
Sophie picked up her pet. "Don't' be so nervous Skye. You know I'm always here to help."
"I know." She said, wagging her tail. "I just didn't think you would say yes."
"Why wouldn't I?" she laughed. "Your friend has already done modeling. Acting isn't far off from the spectrum. She can easily apply her skills to that."
"That's true."
"Besides, it's not something so far fetched… like, I don't know, if for example, your friend wanted to be an animal doctor! A stunt performer! Or working for the government, doing dangerous missions. Oh my, like a rescuer! Oh, gosh that would be hilarious."
She froze under her stroking hand. "Why would it be?" she quietly asked.
"Think of it. We don't even interact with average people. People or dogs that do those jobs are like, normal. Typical. They gotta do it because no one else will. Maybe some actually enjoy it, but I bet if really given the option they would opt out to do it. No one really wants to work for others for the rest of their lives."
"Oh."
"Yes. Now, I'm not undermining what they do. We are very privileged someone else will do the work for us. Aren't you grateful you don't have to work?"
"Yes…" she whispered, her tail coming to a stop.
"Then there! If your friend wanted to do that, then I would definitely side with the family. You cannot do what you're not meant to do." Sophie glanced down to her pup, and Skylla was staring tightly at her paws.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, n-nothing!" Skylla waved her paws in front of her. "I just wanted to ask before we arrive at the party. I didn't want that bothering me there." She gracefully stepped off her owner's lap and sat beside her, taking out her I-Pad. "I'm going to watch some videos."
"Oh." Sophie tilted her head. Skylla wanted to end the conversation? "Well, do so. I'll return to my phone."
Throughout the entire ride, Sophie took quick glances at her pup, and sure enough, Skylla didn't have that bubbly grin she always had. And they were heading to a party! The pup loved social events.
Hm. She wondered what bothered her.
.
.
.
Marshall was sighing for the umpteenth time today.
After their latest mission involving wild animal roaming the town streets and one knocking down one of the street signs, the P.A.W. Patrol was out well past nine. Now being inside, and reading through his comics, he was suddenly feeling blue. Like, not verge of tears sadness, but just…apathetic. Or disenchanted. Or whatever those words he read in a book he borrowed from the library. Chase said it was a good read.
Walking lethargically into the living room, blue eyes detected his friend sitting on the cushions, being attentive to the screen. The blue light was bright in the dark living room.
"Hey Chase." He glanced around. "Uh, where's Ryder?"
He didn't remove his eyes from the screen. "I think he's still upstairs talking to Mayor Goodway. Talking about the road situation."
"Oh. Cool." He entered further into the room. "What are you watching Chase?" Marshall was eager for something to crush his boredom. He was hoping it was something happy.
"K-9: Lost Files."
Yeah, that wasn't happy.
A bit disgruntled, Marshall sat at the far right cushion. Chase could literally watch hours and not be bored with this show. Granted, Marshall agreed it was really interesting, but there were a lot of code terms and topics he had no idea about, and he was always a step behind to understand the case. And heck, all the cases were really sad! Or scary. And disturbing. Obviously that didn't bother the German Shepherd.
"Oh, that sounds…uh fun."
"Yeah," he replied, and briefly he took his eyes off the TV to watch his friend plainly.
Being the observant one: "What's wrong Marshall?"
Marshall, the ever-open book, sighed heavily, his ears flapping down. "It's sucks. To be honest with you, I kinda miss her."
He crinkled a brow. "Who?"
"Skylla."
"…Oh." Chase didn't ignite much of a reaction. In fact, he went back to watching the show!
Marshall puzzlingly stared. "Uh…you're not gonna say anything?"
Chase looked to him once more. It turned to commercial break. "Not really… Like, why should I get upset about her leaving? She was gonna go anyway."
"I don't know. You seemed to get along with her."
He snorted. "Is it that rare I get along with other pups besides you?"
Marshall frowned, feeling a bit of heat from Chase's comment. It was always like this. Chase and his little snide remarks. He probably didn't realize he did it, but it still had that icy effect, even after three months living in Adventure Bay. They never had a major argument when he was in his mood and Marshall was in his (well, if you count the one a month ago, but ehhh let's leave that aside). [1]
"That's not what I'm saying. I know you can get along with other pups."
"Then what are you trying to say?"
"Uh…" yeah, maybe he should've thought of this better. Damn him and his running mouth! "What's…wrong?"
"Heh?"
"You seem…uh," he tried to put it lightly, already sensing Chase's mood souring by the second. "Off."
He frowned in reply. "I'm fine."
"Oh okay."
"Yeah."
"…"
"But you didn't hate her right?"
He eyed him the oddest look.
"Like, you didn't dislike her right?"
"…No?"
"No?"
"Marshall, I don't get what you're trying to say about her. She left, and that's it." He returned his gaze to the show, as it came back on. "So drop it."
Marshall huffed in reply, falling back into his cushion seat. He watched the show silently for a few minutes (actually, not even, just aimlessly looking at the screen) when he decided to see over his friend.
As usual, Chase was engaged in the show…but – Marshall blinked – Something was different. Chase's ears were twitching slightly, and his tail was moving a bit more actively than before. Marshall could blame it on the show, but wouldn't he have done that before?
Wait. Marshall also realized from the past three months, when the German Shepherd acted colder than usual, it was when he was…bothered. Annoyed. Troubled about something.
Oh.
Oooh…!
He pointed accusingly at him. "You miss her!" It made him flinch. "You miss our friend!"
"Wha – gosh Marshall no I don't. And she isn't a friend. We like barely knew her."
"Enough to be considered a friend!" he counted back. "C'mon Chase, it's not like we know a lot of pups here. There's barely any in town."
"Our job isn't to make friends Marshall."
"But being anti-social is?"
He glared slightly. "I'm not anti-social."
"You are, kinda. But you talking to Skylla, I was glad you were making a friend. We both were! Shouldn't we try to keep her as one?"
"If you want another friend, then talk to the farmer pup who lives in the other town. You always say you wanna be friends with him." He rolled his eyes.
Another sarcastic comment. Marshall decided to let it slide, and instead remarked. "It's okay Chase. I miss her too. She was fun to talk to."
"Why ya assuming I miss her?"
"Well, uh I see it. Makes sense why you're not entirely yourself –"
"There's nothing's wrong with me!" he exclaimed, "Seriously Marshall, I don't have to tell you everything I'm feeling."
Okay, that comment kinda hurt more than it should. He couldn't help but react, and his shoulders sagged, ears curling inward. "I thought…friends were supposed to though."
Chase froze, probably noticing his friend's dejected face. Any harshness in his face was long gone, and the police pup pouted slightly. "Fine."
Marshall's tail wagged, sitting up attentively.
"If I tell you what I'm feeling right now, would you drop the conversation?"
"Yup!"
"Okay." He cleared his throat.
"I wanna…"
Marshall leaned forward.
"…Watch my show."
And just like that Chase deflected it. Marshall frowned. Ugh, he didn't understand his friend sometimes! How hard was it to tell him what he felt? It wasn't like he was asking him about that stuff in Detmold.
Nope. That's forbidden territory. They never agreed on that, but Marshall assumed so.
"Okay, fine. You don't wanna tell me. I'll let it go." Marshall bounced on his legs, making his way to the next room.
"Chase," After no reply, he continued. "Sorry...I kept bugging you. But I just wanted your opinion of what you thought of her. Because I liked talking to her." And before he left he said, "I was wondering if you felt the same."
.
.
.
What he felt?
Chase watched his friend leave the next room, and his own brown orbs they returned to the television, trying to focus.
Of course, he couldn't.
What did he think of Skylla? Chase didn't understand why Marshall was so desperate to ask for his opinion. The firepup never asked what he thought of Misty or Champ or his parents or anyone else he knew. So what made her different?
Neither of you met her before. His mind reminded.
Ah, that was true. Unlike the pups at the academy, Skylla was a pup they met together essentially as a team. There wasn't a previous relationship with her, or a preconceived notion. It was all new, face value of what she presented herself, and they had to interpret that.
And yeah, she was…okay to talk to. He frowned. Alright, maybe a bit better than okay. Like, she was happy, nice. But very early on Chase realized there was no way she could survive on her own. She was that typical house pet that probably never struggled in life, being given everything by her doting owner. And she wore like, what? A gazillion outfits. He swore she wore a new outfit everytime he saw her. And gosh she was naïve. Who didn't know how to walk across a road? She was, plainly, oblivious to the world. It made him annoyed at the thought.
And while all those things were true there was something…different about her. If she were really so uptight she wouldn't have bothered talking to Marshall or himself, trying to get to know them. (Her questions…heck he thought Marshall asked a lot), and that the fact she was so…open. Like everything he said she was listening very intently, almost like she was fascinated at what he said.
"What are your interests Mr. Chase?"
That one question irked him to no end. Marshall asked once, but Chase never fully answered. And now someone he barely knew asked him that same stupid question, he actually really wanted to know for himself. What did he like? What did he enjoy?
(Well, he liked this K-9 show too, if he could add to the list besides rescuing)
Okay, so what if he thought she was nice and stuff? And they stuff they talked about was pretty interesting, considering they barely spend time together. What was the point of feeling…disappointed?
Dammit. Fine He said it. He was disappointed that she left. Like, he braced himself she was gonna leave, but that didn't mean he was fully ready. And literally when the got home from the beach Ryder told them they gotta head to the station to say their goodbyes.
He laid down on the cushion. Okay, so what's he gonna do about this feeling? He snorted. Was he gonna ask Ryder to get her number or something and randomly call her and be like "Remember me? Yeah, you weren't bad to talk to, so I figured we can keep in touch and be friends." He almost puked at the thought of doing something so embarrassing.
Besides, she didn't even come back to the train station like she said she would. It wasn't a surprise. Obviously, Marshall was shocked. Ryder said they weren't supposed to take the same route back, but Chase thought it was a coverup. She probably didn't want to come back out here.
He shook his head. There's no reason for me to be disappointed about her not staying. She has an owner, living her life, and I have mine, as a P.A.W. Patrol member. Sticking to where you belong is key.
"Are you sure about that?" he would say with a knowing glint in his eye, "C'mon Junior, you know that ain't true."
Heck, look where he is now. Months ago he was living a completely different lifestyle, stealing and fighting for territory, and now he was here, contemplating if he wanted to make another friend.
Sheesh, he's gotten soft.
He turned off the television. So what if he wished he could talk to her again? It wasn't like she was gonna back. So there. End of problem. He had to move on. And he could do that. Easily.
…Right?
.
.
.
Skylla realized at her young age, dogs took notice of her.
Either they would be blubbering love-struck fools who couldn't say two words to her without falling down, or downright egotistical and aggressive. She didn't meet the lather often, but when she did…
It wasn't fun.
Like right now.
"Did you see that I won that last championship for yacht racing with my owner? We were the best, in terms of skills and – " he flipped his fur. "Beauty."
She grinned thinly at his statement. When he continued to talk about his awards, Skylla peered around the large ballroom, chandeliers hanging and lush curtains draping everything. The room was full of life and the elite, dressed in their suits or dresses. They were attending a benefit auction the Hearthome High Art Society was hosting, but in all honestly, the event was an excuse for the elites to get dolled up and spend more of their money.
She began to dimly enter back into the conversation, and yes, he was still talking about himself.
"Don't you agree?"
"Ah," another smile tried to form on her face. She didn't know how she ended up talking to this Jack Russel Terrier. This is what happens when she steps away from her friends. "No other answer would merit."
"Oh, you're so wonderful Ms. Skylla! I say, I don't understand why boys would have such a hard time to approach you." He stepped forward. "You're practically a vision of itself."
"Thank you." She answered formally, leaning a bit back to keep needed space between them. Why was he getting so close?
"Did anyone tell say you look stunning tonight?"
"I have Mr. Paolo." She said.
"You are Ms. Skylla! Any dog that would be graced by you. We should have more outings planned out," And oh gosh! He was perching up on her side! "You know? To be more acquainted with one another."
She had to keep her disdain away from her voice. "That sounds…lovely," she moved a bit back. "But we shall see. I'm terribly busy with my owner."
"Hm. Then perhaps when you're not so busy we can arrange a date." He smugly suggested. "It would be perfect if the best two looking pups could be friendly with each other."
"I'm the best looking?"
"Of course!" he began laughing at bit to himself. "Why else would I be talking to you?"
She was quiet at that statement, staring at her reflection in the ballroom floor. She absorbed every feature about her appearance, and in the midst of his laughing; she looked back up again, a question in mind.
"What else?"
He blinked, caught completely off guard. "Pardon?"
"You say my beauty is beyond compare. And I am humbled, truly! But what else do you like about me? Or what else can say about me since the ten minutes we have spoken?"
"W-Why would you want more?" he questioned, clearly confused.
"Well, I can say from the last ten minutes since we met, you like yacht racing, you're from the Bell Family, you have two older siblings, have won competitions since you were four months old, and modeled in several dog magazines, even being offered contracts to be full time."
"So," she stared at him straight in the face, looking upon with a seemingly innocent face. "What else can you say besides my looks?"
"Uh…" he itched his head. "Your, uh dress is…nice?"
She grinned shrewdly. "Thought so."
"What?"
"Pardon. I must dismiss myself." With her pup curtsey, she graciously left the confused pup on his own, and Skylla passed by the dozen so people and dogs, and trotted off to the balcony.
With mini rose buds and bushes, this area was ideal for peace and serenity. The balcony harbored ledges of different heights for anyone to sit and relax, and Skylla opted for the higher ones, leaning her chin on the edge as she observed the illuminating moon. With the night air threading through her fur, she crossly pouted as she remembered her latest conversation.
Gosh, what a fool he was! She couldn't believe someone acted like that! So egocentric! So full of himself! And he was thinking he could claim her like a toy?! She was not something to be picked! She could decide on her own! If she had any less mannerism she would have uh, said insults to his face! Yeah! Or yelled so loudly he would have cried! (Okay, maybe not that harsh, but still!)
And the worst part was that he reminded her of her parents. All about image. All about self-worth. The only difference was that this pup was more…dumb. Through the times she had spent with her parents, they never became tangled with words. They had quick tongues to snap anyone into silence. (Well, her mother always. Her father, not so much)
Ugh! And how dare he think he could sweet talk her just by simply talking about himself?! He didn't even ask what she liked! Hmmph! Did he not realize there was more to her besides her looks? That she had a purpose outside of looking pretty?!
For once, someone commenting about her appearance…annoyed her. She usually loved compliments about how beautiful she looked, and it made her blissfully happy…but his! Ohh, she disliked it fiercely! She didn't even know if it was a genuine compliment or he was that simple-minded. He just kept saying the same thing, as if he had nothing else to say to her. Once was enough thank you very much!
Huffing out her irritation, her vision lingered to the night sky.
"If you're capable of helping, then what's stopping you?"
Those tiny little words haven't left her mind since she left, and she thought pondering upon it would make it easier, but in fact, it made her more frustrated.
She pouted once more. Ugh, it wasn't fair! It was only two weeks since she left, and to this day, cannot forget those words. And thus, she was feeling a mix of emotions since. Sadness, excitement, annoyance – it wasn't fun in the slightest. Life was much easier before she went on that trip.
Easier…but was it more fulfilling?
Skylla didn't know. Usually, any concerns the cockapoo would have would be a fleeting thought. Or something trivial. She never truly had to contemplate about something. Or, if a problem arose, she could discuss it openly with her friends, and they would all have their opinion and from there Skylla would decide her next move.
Well, clearly her friends were not an option, made obvious by their discussion two days ago. Seriously! They thought she had crushes on two pups?! Her friends were ridiculously silly sometimes. Besides, she didn't even tell them the pups she met were in fact not rich pups from Trix City. (Well, maybe Marshall, since he told her he lived there, but then why would be there in Adventure Bay? He sure didn't act like any rich pup she's known)
And Sophie. After that little white lie she told her about the supposed friend having career issues, Skylla knew exactly what Sophie would feel. And it wasn't comforting in the slightest.
Nevertheless, everytime she was reminded of the possible disdain Sophie had if she ever made…life alternating decisions…. Her heart immediately returned to the feeling when Mr. Ryder told her she did a good job in their mission.
Given praise on her actions by helping someone…it was a wonderful feeling. Even more so, she felt happy that she could've helped them. She idly wondered if the P.A.W. Patrol felt like that everytime they did. For them to help…be useful…gosh she never realized what she was, who she was till she met them. It was troubling to see how little she knew of the world. Biscuits, she didn't even know how to walk across the road! Wasn't that embarrassing?
Skylla sniffed the air, and a heavy perfume like smell was in the air. She turned with a smile on her face.
"Hello Ms. Coco."
The Afghan Hound furrowed her brows. "Little Lady, what are you doing out here? The party is inside."
"I'm taking a bit of fresh air. It feels stuffy inside."
"I see." She walked beside to the pup. "Your mother is looking for you."
She grimaced slightly. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, your father dramatically fell the floor, thinking you wanted to avoid them."
"I didn't!" she exclaimed. "But they were talking to other distinguished dogs. I couldn't interrupt them."
"Then tell that to them, Little Lady. Your mother is like me. She does not tolerate tardiness. I suggest you see her first when you return inside."
She nodded in compliance.
So…" the French dog's usually formal posture loosened. "I do not do this often little pup, but as your mentor and teacher, it is imperative to know the status of my students."
She cleared her throat. "You do not look…well."
Skylla blinked curiously. "Do I look sick?"
"Not physically. It's…" she gestured up and down. "This. Your demeanor. You are not as…upbeat…for a lack of a better term. Your private lessons these past weeks have proven this."
Skylla smiled. "Are you worried about me Ms. Coco?"
"Oh, no! Not at all!" she dismissed it completely. "Hm! What conclusions to assume! I just simply cannot have students who are not fully focused on their work. It lacks grace."
"Did Ollie mentioned my behavior?"
"Oh goodness no. He doesn't say one word to me. A silent dog he is. It's infuriating."
She giggled. "I understand silent treatment."
"Hence, if you need an opinion of some kind, I can proudly say I can provide one. An excellent one."
Skylla grinned warmly up at her. Never she thought Ms. Coco, a dog that was always concerned about her image, would ask Skylla's personal feelings. It was heart-warming to see. "Thank you Ms. Coco."
"My pleasure." she replied instantly. She swept back her own hat perched on top. "Alright, now that sensitivity is done, return to the party. It's not very lady like to be out here alone. And your mother."
"I know."
"And please Skylla, alert me when things change. I dislike it heavily when my schedule is out of order! Just the other day-"
Skylla shook her head. And there goes Ms. Coco, back to her strict all-knowing self, complaining about Skylla's latest lessons.
Lessons. Maybe Skylla should take lessons to rescue.
She froze. Oh gosh...did she really think that? Her heart began beating strongly, as everything was suddenly coming together. Her wistful mood, her crestfallen feeling of Sophie's opinion, Mr. Paolo's behavior towards her, Ollie's question...
"Are you happy?"
Skylla knew…she knew the answer. She knew what she wanted to do. And the answer wasn't here. It was there. Far away from here.
"Are you listening Skylla?"
She blinked widely. Scrutinizing the pup with narrow eyes, Skylla answered with bashfulness. "I'm afraid not."
Ms. Coco frowned. "I'll let it slide...for now. But do not make it a habit."
She nodded at that, still sinking in the depth of her feelings. Skylla never thought in a million years she wanted something beyond living like a pampered pup, but here she was, coming to the stunning conclusion she wanted to leave. And find her place. Like ordinary pups would do maybe.
"Sophie! You look beautiful darling!"
Skylla heard the call inside, and reality settled into Skylla's heart.
Right. Skylla wasn't ordinary.
Skylla knew she had a life here. As a pet, and as a high-class pup, she had a responsibility and image to maintain. She also had her friends, her school, her household, and her parents! And Sophie...oh her owner. Her best friend. Nothing held as much dear to her as Sophie's wellbeing. As much Skylla wanted to go, she...could never abandon Sophie, even if her heart wasn't entirely here in Hearthome Valley.
But…but that's okay! Sophie was her only reason to stay. And it would hurt her so if Skylla ever confessed what she really felt. She couldn't imagine doing something so cruel to her.
"Come, Skylla!" Ms. Coco called. "What's wrong?"
She had to keep it a secret. She had to bury her thoughts till she was old and grey.
The pup looked onward in the party.
"I realize…I am sad."
.
.
.
A/N: Aww, poor Skye! She's realized her passion…but is stopped by reality! And the PAW Patrol are wondering if she'll come back…idk, can she? It's clear how Sophie would react. It probably won't be pretty. (And it won't be!)
I know Skye's parents haven't made an official appearance, but I'm debating to introduce them to the next chapter or a completely separate story.
[1] - refers to something that will happen in Ryder's Arc. Remember the backstories intercept!
AND SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! To commence this fic's second anniversary, (btw, it was in June, the exact date I posted Skye's Chapter 3! Didn't even realize that lol) I shall do bi-weekly updates! Yes! That means every other friday a new chapter will be up! I will continue this until the beginning of September, and if life will allow me, till the beginning of October.
I shall see you all August 4th!
Thank you to all those who continuously read, comment and follow my work! (critique/suggestions are welcomed!) ^_^
P.S REVIEW!
Till next time,
mokocchii