Expanding Horizons - Chapter 10
The next morning several of the pups were eating breakfast at the Lookout. Chase walked in and after drinking a little he turned to everyone.
"The Park Ranger called," said Chase. "They are fairly sure that the mountain lion was on the edge of starvation and saw the Lizzy as an easy meal. It probably wasn't thinking clearly and attacked without assessing the situation fully. The best part is they did not see any signs of sickness Karuna should have to worry about."
"That's good," said Everest. "Buster came and relieved me this morning. I went by to check on Karuna and Lizzy. I hope Karuna was serious, I don't think he could get rid of Lizzy for any reason now."
"She was pretty adorable last night," said Yeshe. "We'll just have to wait and see but I'm fairly sure that Karuna is quite serious about how he feels for Lizzy. I'm heading over there after breakfast, I guess you're going to bed."
Everest yawned big, "Yep, I'll eat a little and hit the sack for a while. Marshall came home and went straight to bed. I'm betting Gale will too, if you can ever get her away from Katie's."
"She's still there?" asked Rocky. "I'm not sure if it's because it's her brother or if it's because she doesn't want to leave Lizzy without someone to talk to."
"Probably a little of both," laughed Yeshe, "I'll send her home in a little bit."
Yeshe walked into Katies and Katie was at the computer typing something.
"You can head on back," said Katie, not looking up.
"Thank you," said Yeshe, pushing through the doors into the clinic area.
She walked into Karuna's room, she found Gale curled up in a chair and Lizzy curled up at the foot of the bed with her paw reaching out and touching Karuna. Karuna was sitting up looking at a book, he set it down as Yeshe walked in.
"Morning Mom," said Karuna, "I figured you'd show up soon. I guess you want to know what happened, huh?"
"I knew you'd tell me eventually," said Yeshe. "So was it you? Or ..."
"Well that's the weird part," laughed Karuna. "I was aware of what was going on the whole time. I smelled something weird and turned. I spotted the cat immediately and he was preparing to pounce on Lizzy. I was trying to figure out how to stop it when it lunged. Suddenly all I could think was, 'Kill! She's mine!'"
Yeshe just nodded and allowed him to continue.
"Really Mom, That was the last thought I had before waking up here," said Karuna. "But the weird part is I could see everything happening, but my body was reacting faster than I could think. I don't know if the Great One took over, or just gave me the ability. Everything I did was the way I would have done it, but it was so much faster than I ever knew I could move. I've studied strategy and tactics, maybe the spirits used my knowledge or maybe I just was along for the ride. I remember seeing the cat scratching my muzzle but I never felt it. And all that went through my head over and over was 'Mine!" I know it's weird right?"
Yeshe thought for a moment and then said, "Weird sums it up. But it's really not all that out of the ordinary. I truly believe that as Guardians we are more entwined with the Great One than most people will ever understand. I believe that we are subject to being used for his purpose at times. I also believe as you described it, the spirits use our abilities and knowledge to face certain situations."
"So you think it was me?" asked Karuna. "I know I did it. And I guess I need to apologize to Buster. I'm not totally sure what I did, but he sure looked scared before I passed out."
"You growled 'Mine' at him and then passed out," said Yeshe, "I figured you used everything you had to fight that huge cat. You know it outweighed you by at least 50 pounds. You fought very well to have only taken a muzzle scratch."
"It felt like I knew what the cat was going to do before it did it," said Karuna, "I moved before it got there. I knew all of a sudden Kang was there and I was trying to calm down. But then I heard Chase yell, stretch it out and Kang was already on its neck so I grabbed its paw and started dragging."
"Well I think you impressed Kang and Buster," said Yeshe, "And you managed to scare the wits out of Lizzy when you passed out. Has she awoke since you woke up?'
"No, she's been asleep," said Karuna. "I've just been sitting here watching her sleep. She's quite beautiful Mom. I want to be her mate, I only hope she feels the same."
"Don't push," said Yeshe, "But I have a good feeling she does feel something. If not love she feels enough that she hasn't left your side since surgery. Just so you know it was your sister that stitched you up."
"Great," laughed Karuna, looking over at Gale, "she'll make sure to remind me for the next few weeks."
"Probably," laughed Yeshe, "She did quite well according to Dr. Smith."
"She's going to be a vet for sure," said Karuna, "I'm actually very proud of her, not that I'd tell her."
"Then you shouldn't have said it loud enough for me to hear," laughed Gale, yawning. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Surprisingly not as bad as I probably should," said Karuna, "Thanks for fixing my muzzle."
"I started to leave you scared so you'd have more bragging to do," said Gale, "But I saw that beast. You have plenty to brag about already. And now you have a Guardian of your own."
"It's going to be a while before she leaves me alone," laughed Karuna, "It's ok, I like having her around."
"Are you talking about me," yawned Lizzy, standing and stretching. "Just so you know, you scared the heck out of me. I thought you had been hurt worse than I saw."
"No, my face is all it managed to hit," said Karuna.
"You were moving so fast," said Lizzy, "I don't think it could track you. I still don't know how you kept knocking it over. It easily outweighed you."
"A little fear and a whole lot of anger, maybe a little spiritual help," said Karuna. "I just didn't want it to get to you. I'd have died before I let it hurt you."
"I love you too," said Lizzy.
"I-i uh, uh," sputtered Karuna.
"Great, you broke him," laughed Gale. Yeshe snickered also.
"Y-you love me?" said Karuna.
"Of course," laughed Lizzy, "You're my Guardian, and now I'm yours."
"I'd kiss you," said Karuna, "But it would hurt really bad."
"That's ok," smiled Lizzy, "The thought is there, I'll kiss you later." She leaned over and kissed the top of his head.
Buster stuck his head in, "I thought I heard talking. How are you feeling catslayer?
"Catslayer?" laughed Karuna, "I'm feeling better. Hey, I was a little out of my head. I'm sorry for whatever I did or said."
"It may have been the light," laughed Buster, "But I'd swear you were bigger and when you growled. I'll admit, I almost peed myself. You're scary when you're mad."
"Like I said," said Karuna, "I was out of my head."
"It's cool," laughed Buster, "I'd follow you into battle without hesitation."
"Morning Guardian," said Kang, as he walked in behind Buster. "So how does it feel to be battle proven?"
"What do you mean?" asked Karuna.
"Well that cat wasn't a drill," laughed Kang, "I think the Great One overdosed you on adrenalin. That beast outweighed me. As such I witnessed you defend and attack as you were taught. You utilized all your skills and lived to tell about it. That means you will be joining your mother, father, and I as battle proven Guardians. You'll get your sash later when Toby gets the confirmation back from the Temple."
"Yeah Congrats," said Buster, "You beat me to the sash. But if I have to fight a cat that big to get it, I think I'm ok waiting a while longer. You were amazing. I truly think Lizzy would have helped but you didn't seem to need any."
"I-i uh, I don't know what to say," said Karuna.
"You better work on it" laughed Kang, "I figure you got about 3 days until the sash and paperwork show up."
At the train station Marshall was waiting for someone to arrive.
As the train came to a stop a pup bounded off the train tackling Marshall, they both laughed as they play fought.
"I've missed you so much," said Marshall.
"I can't believe Lizzy is grown up and I haven't been able to come visit," said the pup.
"How's my cuddle buddy?" said Everest, laughing at the two pups. "Everyone's going to be so excited you are here to visit."
They got up and began walking to the Lookout. As they walked Marshall and the pup began plotting how they would let everyone know she had arrived.
Later the Chase, Rocky, Skye, and Yeshe walked into the TV room. They notice the dally watching TV and Chase decided he was going to sneak up and scare Marshall. The others watched, ready to laugh. As Chase got closer and closer. Marshall jumped out of a nearby plant and scared Chase.
"Ah!" yelped Chase, He looked at Marshall and then over at the identical Dalmatian sitting on the pup pad a short distance away.
The other pups equally yelped.
"How are you doing that?" asked Yeshe.
Chase stopped looking back and forth, "Marshall, why didn't you say Cinder was coming?"
"Cinder!" yelped Rocky and Skye.
"Hi guys," said Cinder, standing and joining Marshall.
Yeshe looked back and forth at the two. "How are there suddenly two Marshall's?"
Everyone laughed, "They do this every time," laughed Skye.
"Yeshe," said Marshall, "This is my twin sister, Cinder. She's a firepup from the City."
"Um, That's Battalion Chief Cinder," laughed Cinder.
"Oh. my mistake ma'am," laughed Marshall. "Yes, she is the first fire pup to make a Chief rank. She's incredible. I asked her to come help talk to Gale and explain scene control. No one is better than Cinder."
"You two look so much alike it's frightening," laughed Yeshe.
"That's why they call us Identical Twins," laughed Marshall.
"Yeah," said Chase, "But these two take it to a whole different level. Give them time they start thinking like each other and their pranks really get wound up."
"I can't wait," laughed Yeshe. "So are you going to introduce her to Gale or mess with her head first."
"Well of course we're going to mess with her head," laughed Cinder. "What fun would it be otherwise?"
"You should've seen what they did to poor Jake when he first met Cinder," laughed Everest. "He was confused for days even after he found out."
"So Marshall tells me Gale surpassed everything he thought possible for someone new to emergency medicine," said Cinder. "He says she's so smart she'll probably be a vet before it's all said and done."
"She gets her brains from Rocky," said Yeshe.
"But she gets her determination from Yeshe," laughed Rocky.
"She saved my life," said Skye, "Well Marshall helped."
"Ghee thanks," laughed Marshall.
A little while later the pups heard the elevator rising. Marshall ran and hid in the kitchen.
"Let's see who the next victim is," laughed Cinder, assuming her position in front of the TV again. The others stood back to watch the fun.
Gale walked out of the elevator. She spotted Marshall sitting in front of the TV and walked over.
"Marshall?" said Gale approaching. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure," said Marshall's voice but something seemed weird.
"Uh, that sounds weird," laughed Gale, "It must be the room."
Marshall sat up and turned around.
"Yes?" said Marshall, without moving his mouth.
"Uh, I must still be tired," said Gale.
"Why did you do something?" asked Marshall, again without moving his mouth.
"What do you mean," said Gale, "you know what we did last night. And how are you talking to me without moving your mouth?"
"Paramedic Magic," said Marshall, again no movement. "It's telepathy. I can talk to you with only my mind."
"No friggin way," said Gale slowly.
"Is it so hard to believe?" said the voice of Marshall but this time directly behind her.
Gale spun around seeing Marshall and then turning back as the other Marshall smiled. "Uh, how in the wor…" Gale felt her head spinning and fainted.
"Great Marshall you killed her," laughed Yeshe. Chase lost it, he was rolling on the floor laughing.
"Oh, ok," laughed Chase, "That definitely has to be in the top five of my favorites."
Gale began to stir and looked up at the two Marshall's staring at her with concern.
"I think I hit my head," said Gale, "I'm seeing double right now."
Cinder jumped on top of Marshall standing on his back.
Gale sprang to her feet, "What the HELL!"
Everyone began laughing.
"Sorry Gale," said Marshall, "We had to mess with you. Gale, please meet my Twin sister Cinder. Cinder, this is Gale, the awesome Medic I told you about."
"Pleased to finally meet you," said Cinder, as she hugged Gale.
"Wow, I thought I was losing my mind," Gale said as she realized it was ok and began laughing. Chase continued laughing but sat up regaining his composure.
"Cinder is a Fire Battalion Chief," said Marshall. "Actually the first fire pup to reach Chief rank in the country. I asked her to come speak with you and explain scene control. There's no one better in the world."
"I don't know about that," laughed Cinder, "But I do pride myself on being able to control chaotic scenes. Come on, let's go for a walk and I'll explain some and you can ask all the questions you might have."
Cinder and Gale walked into the elevator and then walked down toward town while they talked.
"If she allows Gale to ask all the questions she might have," said Yehse, "They might be a few hours. And Marshall, that was hilarious."
Everyone laughed at that.
*** A Week Later ***
Skye had badgered Chase until he finally relented and let her go with Rocky to see all the improvements he had made. Chase had agreed that she could fly as long as she stayed in sight of the Lookout.
"So First, and most important is the Ejection System," Rocky explained. Rocky went on to explain how to activate it. When the helicopter detects that it is freefalling it activates its own recovery system, that is if it can't land itself, it deploys the parachute allowing for better recovery.
"The fuselage now also has built in flotation so if it ever lands or falls into water," Rocky said, "it shouldn't sink. Then there is Buddy's pride and joy. Your dash is completely digitized, including radar. Buddy's reasoning was that this way you should never be surprised by an eagle again."
"Wow, that is so cool," said Skye. "So were you able figure out what happened?"
"It appeared to be a blocked oil line," said Rocky. "At least it was blocked when Obi and I broke it down. Lack of oil caused the motor to overheat and the subsequent power loss."
Skye hopped into the cockpit and began going over everything. Then she stepped up and popped the door accessing the engine. She double checked all the fluids. She closed everything up and sat in the seat again. She looked longingly at Chase. He smiled and nodded. She strapped into the seat and began flipping switches.
"Clear!" She called and started the engine. Skye closed her eyes as the blade began turning and achieving speed. She opened her eyes and lifted off.
As she flew off and began circling the Lookout Chase finally released the breath he was holding.
"Thank you Rocky," said Chase. "If I can't keep her on the ground, knowing you've made her as safe as possible sets my mind at ease."
"I knew you wouldn't be happy if I didn't give it everything I could," said Rocky. "I know it was hard letting her fly again. I was the same way the first time Yeshe returned to Guardian duty. I actually hid and watched her for the first few times."
"Wow, So I'm not the only overprotective one," Laughed Chase.
"Yeah, that was until she finally came to where I was hiding and told me I could go home now," laughed Rocky. "She told me she put up with it the first two nights."
"So I think we're going to try for pups soon," said Chase. "Now that we've decided, I'll admit I'm nervous."
"I could give you some inspirational wisdom but I won't," laughed Rocky. "I've been a dad for almost a year now and just when I thought I was getting better a friggin mountain lion attacks my kid. I'm in a constant state of panic. And now I think Karuna has all but declared Lizzy his mate."
"Yeah, and someday I'll be worrying about that as well," laughed Chase.
"So they finally admitted to loving each other?" said Everest.
"Yes, and I'll admit," said Yeshe, "It was adorable. I'm not totally sure he didn't do it the way he did on purpose. He admitted it to me while she was asleep and then was talking about her when I thought or acted like he thought, she was still asleep. I knew it was only a matter of time."
"The whole thing seemed fairly preplanned didn't it?" said Everest. "I am 100% supportive. I think they're perfect for each other. So what about Gale? I heard she admitted to Buster that she loved him?"
"I agree it seemed too perfect for Karuna and Lizzy's relationship to not be preordained," said Yeshe, "Gale on the other hand surprised me. I don't disagree with it, but I expected her to hold out before admitting it. She's kind of stubborn like her mother."
"Our pups are growing up faster than we did, it appears," said Everest.
"Circumstances have made them face things most adults won't have to," said Yeshe. "They were all pretty mature already. It's defiantly made them more will to share their feels faster than we were. I think with all they've been through, I think they are all a pretty tight group already."
"I agree," said Everest, "it's funny, when I first showed up I felt left out among the original 6 pups. Chase and Marshall were inseparable already. Rocky and Zuma have always been the same. Rubble was everyone's little brother. Poor Skye was putting up with five boys and was desperate for another female pup when I showed up. I think our pups will end up as tight as they were at first."
Kang had called the Guardians together.
"I've decided to take a couple days off," said Kang, "I'm taking my mate out and I've decided you've shown excellent abilities without me. Buster is in charge until my return."
"Yes Sir!," shouted the Guardians. Buster stepped forward and turned around, "Guardians, Dismissed. Those on duty this evening remember to call if you need help, don't wait until you are in trouble. I will remain at the Retreat until Kang returns."
The pups gathered and were talking. Buster walked over to them and they stopped talking.
"What?" asked Buster, "Nothing is different. All it means is I'm accountable if something goes wrong. I'm not issuing stupid orders or expecting special care. I'm still taking my shifts."
"It's not the same Buster," said Buddy. "I trust you to not be overbearing but you are still in charge and able to punish us if we do something you don't like."
"Guys, I'll be honest," said Buster, "I'm still a pup like you are. We have to stick together. I can't do this by myself. And you know what Kang expects, I don't want anything he wouldn't want. I'm, uh I..."
"What, you what?" asked Lizzy.
"Look, that mountain lion scared the hell out of me," said Buster, "I know I'm Kang's son and that I may someday grow as large as him. But right now I'm a pup. I don't think I'm as strong as you guys think I am. Karuna proved he's stronger. When he gets back I'm going to suggest he is named Sergeant. I don't think I'm good enough."
"Karuna was full of adrenaline, fear and anger," said Lizzy, "He is strong but if you were put in the same situation with Gale. You know you would kill yourself to protect her or any of us. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. You're smart enough to lead us and because you are not a total power hungry jerk, we're willing to follow you. But you still have the ability to punish us, it's a little intimidating."
"What if I agree that if someone does something I feel is wrong," said Buster, "We agree to talk about it and before anything would possibly go to Kang. We decide as a group."
'Deal," said Lizzy and Buddy.
"Now Lizzy, you have shift this evening," said Buster, "This is the first time you've guarded since the attack. Are you ok?"
"I'm a little scared," said Lizzy, "But you know as well as I do, Mom, won't leave me alone."
"I will too," said Everest from a bush nearby.
"Sure Mom," laughed Lizzy. "It's ok, I'm actually glad you are here."
"Ok, ok," laughed Everest, "Both your dad and I were a little worried. I agreed to come watch you but since you caught me, I'll just guard with you."
Ok guys, I'm still really enjoying this story line. I haven't decided if I want to start a 4th book or just keep adding a few more chapters to this one. Please if you're enjoying this leave a comment or DM me.
Thanks again to Foxfire69 for allowing me to use his OC. Once again, if you get a check his work out.