Chapter two: Shadows
"Chase!! You made it!!" Skyler barked, bounding up to run circles around him.
"For a second we weren't sure if you were coming." Kylie told him.
"And miss out on seeing my PUP Pals? No way!" The German Shepard replied humorously.
"You said it!!" Chase whipped around to find the golden owner of the familiar voice.
"Rayla?!?! W-what are you doing here?!" Chase asked in surprise.
"Same thing you are." The Golden Lab replied simply. "Visiting my PUP Pals." She strode further into the room to join the group.
"But what about Aaron?" Chase wondered curiously.
"He's at school." Rayla responded. "And his parents dropped me off to see you guys. Maybe one of these days, I'll ask Ryder if he can build me a ride of my own. I mean, yours is pretty sweet."
"Thanks." Chase beamed proudly. "Maybe I'll help you out with that when you decide."
"I might just take you up on that." Rayla smirked, half jokingly. They all laughed together, when the door suddenly opened again. The atmosphere shifted as soon as they saw Madge's face.
"Kylie, can we talk?" She asked softly, a haunted look in her eyes.
"Madge? What's going on?" Rayla asked. Chase and the Golden Lab exchanged quick glances, before looking her in the eyes. The unfortunate sadness in them was a terrifying sight.
"Please, can you tell her in here?" Chase wondered hopefully.
"We wanna know what's happening." Rayla begged lightly. Madge stared at them unsurely, then heavily sighed dropping her chin and closed her eyes.
"Alright.." She told them sadly, opening the door to come in, then softly closed it behind her; turning to face them once more. "But I'm afraid it's not good news." Kylie stepped forward to sit in the center of the circle of pups, all of them looking up at her with big worried eyes. "We found your old home.." Madge began slowly. "But your owner; Richard Bennett,.. wasn't the owner anymore... I'm so sorry honey-.. he-... he passed away a year ago from natural causes." The brown-spotted Cocker Spaniel's eyes glazed over, crystal streams falling down from them. She closed them tightly and dropped her head, as the tears streamed down her cheeks. Moments later her chest and shoulders began to heave; sobs forcing their way from the small pup, as she laid down to cover her face with her paws. Hearing this news the pups hearts shattered and went out to her, and when she began to cry the all piled in close for a group hug. The cocker's tears spreading amongst them, in soft whines and cries.
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Chase returned to the Lookout with his head hung and his ears sagging a bit; his eyes glued to the pavement.
"What's wrong, Chase?" The German Shepard recognized the voice to be Marshall's and looked up. The PAW Patrol, Prescotts, Mariana, Boomerang and Ryder stood waiting for him; concerned looks on their faces.
"I found out today that Kylie doesn't get to go home... ever." He managed to say.
"Oh Chase." Ryder knelt down to take the pup in his arms for a tender embrace. The PAW Patrol gathering in with them. "I'm so sorry." Ryder told him sensitively.
"Yeah, me too." Chase sniffed, rubbing his eyes a bit to conceal a single tear. "I'm kinda tired..." He went on flatly. "Can I go chill for a little bit."
"Sure." Ryder replied tenderly. Ryder released Chase and he slowly strode for the Lookout. His head still hung, as he watched the floor all the way into it. "Of corse you can." Ryder mumbled, as they watched him go. The group exchanged glances amongst themselves, then stared after him for a bit longer.
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Darkness surrounded the pup; wrapping him in a blanket of empty space, one that was both comforting and disturbing at the same time. He hadn't a clue what was causing this uneasy feeling, but definitely desired to be rid of it; yet didn't know how to stop it. Looking around he saw nothing; he walked forward, watching to his left instead of in front and bumped into something. Looking to see what it was, he recognized the traditional style of the wooden object before him. Gazing up at it in a snap, he realized the fancy design of the ceiling; and the wooden paneling running along the bottom half of the light grayish-green walls. The expensive furniture and the ratty old pup bed and cage sent chilling pins and needles throughout his entire body; so much so that his paws were shaking. A snap made him glance toward it in a spilt second. At the door, a tall shaded figure stood holding a leathery stick in her hand; slapping the end of it into her palm to make the snapping sound. Then at her side two red eyes peered through at him and then lurched forward!!...
Chase woke up with a start! His breaths turned to light breathless coughs, as he realized what had happened. He dropped his head with a deep sigh.
"It was just a dream!" He breathed to himself thankfully.
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"So now do you wanna tell me about how you got so hurt?" Mariana asked forwardly, when the Prescotts arrived to hang out that morning.
"Uh...I don't know what you're talking about." Chase replied loosely. "It wasn't that bad." Then he shifted off his haunches to walk away.
"Chase?" Mariana pried sternly, gently stepping on the pup's tail to stop him in his tracks. As soon as she stopped him, he looked up at her serious expression.
"It's a long story." Chase decided, glancing at the floor. "You probably don't wanna hear it. It's really not a big deal." The look his mother was giving him, told him that she didn't believe him.
"Come on, bro, you gotta tell her." Chester spoke up. Chase hesitated for another moment. He sighed deeply, dropping his head in defeat.
"Do you really wanna know?" He asked, peering up at her sheepishly; and Mariana nodded.
"*sigh* okay..." Chase sighed again, rolling his eyes reluctantly...
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Chase regretted telling her the story even more, after telling her everything.
"And you call that nothing?!" Mariana clamored.
"Well.. it's nothing now." Chase recovered quickly. "I'm safe and I'm fine. Nothing to worry about."
"Hardly the case." His mother shot back. "Let me see it."
"It really is ok." Chase insisted, as Billy knelt down to position Chase for the older dog to see the healing wounds on his neck; even pulling his collar up a bit to get a better look. Marshall came to peer around them at it as well, a curious look crossing his face.
"Maybe not, Chase." Marshall said, coming closer.
"What? Why?" Chase asked in confusion, as Billy released him and stood up.
"It looks like your collar is rubbing against the wound." The Dalmatian replied. "It's rubbing it raw."
"Doesn't that hurt?" Rocky asked, taking a look himself.
"Maybe a little." Chase shrugged, despite the burning sensation that resulted.
"Looks like we'll need to wrap it up again." Marshall said.
"Aw man." Chase cursed sadly, dropping his head again.
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"Ow!" Marshall tugged a bit harder. "Ow!" Chase repeated, trying to move away from him.
"I'm sorry, ok." Marshall sighed through the material in his mouth. "But it's gotta be tight, so it'll actually give you the support you need." Chase grimaced and stepped his paw toward the Dalmatian.
"I know." He sighed, his eyes still settled on the floor. Marshall pulled slightly more, chase flinching once more, as he set it in place; bringing a paw up to hold it there so he could secure it.
"So.. how long ago was..this..little.. adventure of yours, Chase?" Mariana asked, as Marshall finally finished up.
"A couple weeks ago." Chase replied flatly. "I was only gone for a short time. But, boy, did it feel like forever!"
"I bet it did." Rocky guessed understandingly.
"But at least you're home and safe." Rubble pointed out brightly.
"I heard that Mrs. CorDan was placed in jail and is going to be sentenced to prison time for animal cruelty and illegal operations; and possibly a few other charges as well." Chester said. "But no one knows for how long."
"Let's hope it's for a long, long time." Chase decided, shivering at the memories.
Hi guys!! Been a while, but here's the next chapter!!! So excited for this story! I have sort of an idea of where it's going. And I can't wait to see what you guys think of it.. enjoy!! Thx!!!