(A/N) Hey guys. Back with another one for you today.
This was also rewritten many times, mostly because of the last one's many rewrites.
It's shorter than the last one, but just as impactful.
Don't have much to say so I hope you enjoy!
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad Dally.
Chapter 7: Life Stops Giving…..
City Hall laid in absolute ruin and so did Ryder's heart. Just before the building collapsed, Chase said to Ryder what he had feared ever since the rescue started. Even though Chase didn't get to finish he knew what the shepherd was going to say. It didn't take many clues to figure it out.
Ryder's natural instinct was to search the ruins for his pup, but for some reason, he was paralyzed in shock.
Ryder had always understood the risks and rewards of being in charge of a rescue team. He knew the dangers that he and his pups would face, and he knew that they understood too. He didn't think about it much because he trusted his pup to be safe in every rescue as much as they trusted him.
Trusted.
Ryder trusted Marshall to be safe. He also promised him that everyone would get out. That nobody would be trapped inside and that he would make sure that everyone trapped inside will get out safely. In a way, he kept his promise, but mostly, he didn't. He forgot about himself in the effort to save his best friend. He told him not to. He told him that they would find a way to rescue Chase. But he ignored him and did it anyway, and now, that same pup is trapped in the pile of rubble and ash that sat before them. If only Marshall would've listened to him. If only.
Actually, to be honest, Ryder wasn't really surprised that Marshall rushed in. He knew that if anyone were to be trapped inside, especially if it's one of his friends, Marshall would always be the first one to run into the fire. Not to mention that Marshall wasn't going to take his friend being trapped lightly. He knew Marshall could handle himself in the fire. The dally spent all his life near fire. He wouldn't do anything at the intention of getting hurt. He probably would've never rushed in, if Chase hadn't gotten into trouble in the first place.
Chase lied to him. Straight to his face. He told him that his paw was well enough to go in the building. That it wouldn't cause him any problems, And he lied. He lied to him and his best friend. Why? Why would he lie to him? Ryder knew that Chase would disregard any injury to help. He's done it countless times, but he didn't think that he would disregard an injury that would render him completely vulnerable.
He lied to him, it's his fault Marshall is trapped.
Ryder suddenly doubled back in his mind. What was he thinking! He can't just blame Chase this! He's a pup! A loyal pup at that and didn't deserve it. Of course Chase would strung off an injury to do his job. After all, Chase took his job seriously, and probably the best leader he could ask for to lead his pups. Ryder knew that Chase would be stubborn and would likely go in the building with no paws at all. That's just how Chase was, and Ryder knew that. Yet he still assigned him on the job, even though he had a hurt paw.
He should have known better. He should've sent someone else to help Marshall. But he thought that Chase and Marshall's team work was strong enough and as long as they were together, no one would get hurt.
But accidents happen, and they usually happen when a mistake is made. He knew better. He shouldn't have sent Chase in. Now, he was paying for it, and unfortunately, one of his precious pups is caught in the crossfire. Buried in the rubble of city hall, with no Idea if he was alive or dead.
It was his fault. All Ryder's fault.
Due to him being deep In his thoughts, Ryder was emotionally checked out of what was going on around him. It wasn't until Katie, Who had stayed behind when the Foggy Bottom ambulance took Alex to the medical center with his grandfather, put a hand on Ryder's shoulder and gave him a light shake, that Ryder was out of his thoughts. Once he was, he heard what was going on. His pups were arguing!
"How could you just leave him in there?!" Rocky was coming unglued on Chase and Skye, with only Skye fighting back and Chase not moving from his spot, just staring at the wreckage. Zuma was holding Rocky back, trying to keep him from rushing at the two, while Rubble stood in front of Skye and Chase, being another obstacle for Rocky to get past if Zuma lost control. "Marshall is our teammate! Our brother! And you just left him in there to save yourselves?! He saved you guys, and you left him in there to be burned alive and trapped! He didn't deserve that!"
"Wocky! Calm down! I'm suwe they didn't want to leave him!" Zuma pleaded, struggling to hold Rocky back.
"No! I'm sorry Zuma, but I can't let them get away with this!" Rocky screamed.
Despite being verbally assaulted by Rocky, Skye had no anger towards him when she responded, as she felt that Rocky was right in some ways, although she still fought back. "Rocky! We had no choice! If we stayed in there and helped him, we would be trapped too! We had to! You just don't understand!"
"How could I just "understand" leaving my best friend in a crumbling death trap! Especially after he just saved you!" Rocky shot back like he fired a gun.
Now Skye was starting to get a little heated. "He's not just your best friend Rocky! He's our best friend! I can't believe you think that we would just leave him without batting an eye!"
"You know?! The more I think about it! The more I come to the conclusion that maybe I was wrong a little bit! I'm pretty sure that you Skye, was the only one who wanted to stay and save Marshall! It's Chase that wanted to leave him to save you and his own tail!" Rocky incited, while he stopped resisting and stared at Chase, who had his back at Rocky, as he contended to stare at the ruins without saying a word.
"No! You're wrong! You're so wrong Rocky! I had to pull him off of that pile to get him to stop before he hurt himself more!" Skye screamed at the mixed breed. Now Rubble was the one holding Skye back as she was now trying to rush at Rocky. "I can't believe you would even think of saying that! You know Chase and Marshall are like brothers to each other! He was crying his heart out trying to find him! You know Chase would give his life to save Marshall!"
Rocky rushed again, causing Zuma to nearly lose control. "That might have been true a year ago, but I sincerely doubt that's the case now! You know the two of them hadn't been getting along with each other lately! Mostly because Chase had been yelling at him nonstop and making him feel like trash cause he did one little wrong, or didn't follow HIS orders! I betcha Chase had no hesitation in leaving him behind!"
Now Skye was absolutely livid, with hot tears now rolling down her face. She had never been so angry in her life. "ROCKY! HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT! CHASE WOULD NEVER EVER DO THAT! NO MATTER IF HE WAS MAD AT MARSHALL OR NOT! CHASE LOVES MARSHALL FOR RYDER'S SAKE! HE WOULD BE THE ABSOLUTE LAST PUP IN THE DANG WORLD, TO JUST LEAVE MARSHALL TO DIE! HE HAD TO LEAVE HIM! WE HAD TO LEAVE HIM! IT WAS ME THAT DECIDED TO LEAVE HIM NOT CHASE!"
Rocky matched Skye's emotion as he fired back, giving Zuma a pawful. "DOG BISCUITS! I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IT WAS CHASE! I'LL EAT MY HAT IF IT WASN'T!"
"WELL THEN GET READY TO GOBBLE THAT GARBAGE SMELLING HAT UP! BECAUSE YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!" Skye let out, as Rubble put his full strength behind him to keep Skye back.
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM YOU! I WANT TO HEAR IT FROM THE CULPRIT HIMSELF!" Rocky replied with Zuma continuing to try his best to keep his best friend back.
As soon as he said it, the pups looked at Chase who still had his back turned to everyone. Still facing the ruins. When Skye looked at his face, she noticed that he was not looking anymore. His eyes were shuttered and tears were flowing down his face like a waterfall. Skye could see that anger was building up inside him, as he visibly started to shake. At any moment, Chase would erupt and he would likely end up killing Rocky with just his words.
Skye was now terrified of what would happen, along with the others. Well, everyone except for Rocky of course, who continued to bash Chase.
"Admit it Chase! It was you who made the stupid and selfish disecion to leave Marshall behind!"
Chase was now starting to shake furiously as he started to show teeth. Rubble went up to him to be ready for the inevitable. Zuma was doing his absolute best to calm Rocky down before he would make the biggest mistake of his life.
"Wocky! STOP! PLEASE! You're only making things wowse!" Zuma protested.
Rocky flat out ignored him as he gently shoved Zuma aside, as the only thing in front of him, was Chase. "Come on Chase! You're the most honest pup out of all of us! You can't lie! You're horrible at it! So now it's time to own up to your decision! Admit it! YOU KILLED MARSHALL!"
Skye backed up from Chase. No one can stop it now. There was no way anyone could talk Chase down from that last line alone and it seemed that way.
Chase was gritting his teeth as he was holding back himself. But Rocky was not helping at all. Skye heard a growing growl from the shepherd as the outburst to end all outbursts, was about to happen. Skye averted her eyes and closed her ears. She didn't want to hear the result.
"That's enough! All of you! Eyes on me! Right now!"
All of the pups with the exception of Chase, immediately shot their eyes at their owner, Ryder, who had finally gathered his senses to stop this massacre that was happening in front of all Adventure Bay.
The pups had sick feelings as they looked at the citizens who were shocked at what had transpired. No citizen had ever seen the rescue team ever come close to crumbling apart like what was going on. The adults were speechless, while the Paw Patrol's biggest fans, the children and pups, were close to crying. Some pups and kids were looking at their parents asking questions like "If Marshall was really dead" and "Why are they fighting?" The Mayor then proceeded to shoo them away with Katie's help. Feeling that this was no such thing for them to see.
Ryder however, wasn't even paying attention. His eyes were on his pups and his focus was to keep the team together. He noticed that Chase still hadn't turned around to look at him. He called out to him safely, as he felt extremely bad for the Shepherd.
"Chase, I understand if you don't want to look at anyone right now, but can you at least assure me that you're listening?"
Chase stood for a minute, still looking at the devastating sight. He then responded by twitching his ears.
Feeling like it was the best he was going to get from him, Ryder decided to move on. He looked at his pups as he started.
"I need everyone to take a deep breath and calm down." Ryder ordered, as the pups proceeded to do just that, except for Rocky, who spoke out of turn.
"But Ryder! How can I…."
"Rocky!" Ryder interrupted with authority. "Zip it!"
Rocky wanted to fight, but Ryder's tone immediately caused him to finally step down and calm himself.
Once he was sure he wouldn't get anymore blurt outs from Rocky or anyone else, he continued on.
"Now listen up. Standing around and pointing paws at each other will NOT save Marshall. Is not going to change the fact that Marshall is trapped inside the rubble."
No pup dared to speak, as they kept their eyes right on Ryder's. Katie and the Mayor were even quiet as they stood beside Ryder. The boy turns to the Mayor to ask a question.
"Mayor. When can you get somebody over here to help us?"
The Mayor thought about it before she answered. "I-I'm sorry Ryder. But the closest construction company that could help us is all the way in Foggy Bottom. It's going to take a good three or four hours before they can get here!"
Ryder drew a breath before he continued. "That's okay Mayor. We'll handle it until they get here."
Katie eyed Ryder worryingly. "Are you sure Ryder, the pups look out of it. Maybe they should rest before…."
Ryder peacefully interrupted her. "No need Katie. One of our pups is trapped. And we need to try and get him out as soon as possible. I do appreciate your worries, but we need to do this."
Katie was skeptical but decided to stand down. "Okay Ryder. But I'm going to help you."
Ryder smiled at Katie. "There's now way I'm declining that."
Katie smiled back as Ryder turned back to his pups. "Okay pups. Here's what we're going to do. Rubble, I need your rig to start cleaning up the…..well rubble."
Rubble didn't laugh even though he really wanted to. He had a determined face. "Rubble on the double."
Ryder then turned to Rocky, who still looked a bit agitated. "Rocky, only if you're calm now, I want you to get all the debris Rubble gets, and take them to the dump using your truck."
Rocky looked at Ryder with full remorse as he responded. "Hang on Ryder." He then turns towards Skye and Chase. "Chase, Skye, I-I'm so so sorry. I was so upset. I didn't really mean to say that it was your fault. I wasn't there, so I truly don't know what happened. I have no right to blame you too for leaving Marshall. I hope you can forgive me."
The pups all eye Chase and Skye. Chase hadn't moved but he twitched his ear in acknowledgement. Skye was the one who responded to the mixed breed. "It's okay Rocky. I understand your upset and how much Marshall means to you. I just hope you understand that we truly had no choice and he had to leave him."
Rocky tearfully nodded at her and then looked at Chase, who still hadn't said a word. "Chase? Do you forgive me?"
As if he was a talking toy with no batteries, Chase stayed silent. He instead wagged his tail a couple of times to at least acknowledge Rocky.
Rocky took that as an agreement that the argument was now water under the bridge. At least for now.
The mixed breed then turned his eyes back at Ryder "Okay Ryder. I'll do whatever you need me to do. I just hope we will find Marshall."
Ryder slowly walked up to him, bent down on his knee and gently hugged the now tearing mixed breed. "Don't worry Rocky. We'll find him. I promise we will."
Rocky licked Ryder's cheek in response as Ryder let go and looked at Zuma. "Zuma, I want you to help me dig through the rubble and see if we can't get any trace of Marshall, so we will know where to look."
Zuma looked at Ryder with a very sad expression. He nodded in return as that was the only thing he could do.
Ryder went to him and pet his hand on his head. Zuma nuzzled his hand feeling absolute comfort in his hand. Ryder then looked at Skye, who looked at him with a determined look. "What do you need me to do Ryder?"
Ryder gave a soft look as he told her what he needed. "Skye, I need you to stay back and help Katie with Chase."
Skye was immediately confused. "What? Why? But I sorta want to be out there with you. I want to help find Marshall."
"I know you do Skye, but please trust me. You will be more help to Katie than me right now." He then looks at Chase who still hasn't moved. Ryder looked at him for a good bit. His heart hurt for him. "Chase is not well enough to be out there." He paused for a bit as he continued to look at the troubled shepherd. "Not to mention, he's emotionally compromised right now."
Everyone then looks at Chase, as he still hasn't said a single word since the building came down. Everyone expected him to protest and push to be a part of the efforts to look for Marshall. But nothing happened. He just continued to stare at the ruins like his life depended on it.
A few minutes went by and suddenly, out of the blue, Chase rushed towards the ruins. The pups all gasp as Skye calls out to him.
"Wait, Chase! Where are you going?!"
Chase didn't respond as he now was at their ruined site. Ryder, Katie, and the pups all bounded after him, trying to talk sense to him.
"Chase! Chase get back here!" Ryder ordered, as he ran after him.
Chase climbed on top of the rubble, and ran right over to a particular spot, near the back of the lot. He then started to sniff around for a bit and then dig into the rubble. His paw stung but he didn't care. He was practically unstoppable at this point. He dug furiously, as Ryder and the others were now coming upon him.
"Chase! Stop! You're going to hurt yourself!" Katie cried.
Ryder immediately stopped in front of the shepherd and held his arm in front of Katie, who was going to grab Chase. "Hang on Katie, He's got something."
By now, all the pups were around Chase as he continued to dig amongst the rubble. Skye then spoke out. "Chase! What is it?! What do you smell!"
As if on cue, Chase stopped digging. He then struggled a bit to pull out what he had found. After a few pulls, Chase finally backed out of the hole with something in his mouth. The pups all gasped at it in disbelief at what it was and stood speechless. It was Zuma who finally stated with a shaky voice. "Th-Th-That's Mawshall's helmet."
Chase stood absolute still as he held the burnt helmet. Ryder went up to him and grabbed the helmet as he looked at Chase. Chase then lets go, as Ryder takes a closer look at it.
The helmet was beyond useful. It was burned all around, with the pup emblem barely visible. The helmet also had a long crack from the top to the rim on the front, almost about ready to split in half.
All of the pups whined as Ryder held the helmet close to his chest, while Katie closed her eyes in sadness. Chase and Ryder kept their eyes glued at the once proud symbol of a very loyal pup.
Rocky whimpered out, about ready to cry. "R-Ryder. Wh-What does this mean? Is he…..Is he….."
"Let's not jump to conclusions yet Rocky. It may look bad now, but it doesn't confirm anything." Ryder said without missing a beat. "The only thing we know for sure, is where Marshall is. He's got to be somewhere in this area. Let's get started! Rubble, Start at the edge of the area, and we'll work our way to this point!"
"Yes sir Ryder sir!" Rubble sounded off as everyone bounded towards their stations.
Skye however, noticed that Chase hadn't moved from his spot. His eyes were on Marshall's helmet that Ryder had in his hands. She went up to him and nuzzled him for comfort. "Chase? You okay?"
Finally, after about thirty minutes of staying absolutely nothing, Chase finally spoke. "No Skye. I am not okay. Rocky is right. It's all my fault."
Two hours have passed since the pups started to search for Marshall. It had gotten dark as the night rolled on and it would've been too dark to search, however, the lights from Ryder's ATV, Rubble's and Rocky's trucks, and Ryder's flashlight all kept the spot they were digging at illuminated.
Much of the debris was gone, with the only pile of debris left were the spot and the area where Marshall is believed to be thanks to Chase finding Marshall's helmet. Ryder and Zuma were digging in the rubble to maybe find him, while Rocky and Rubble were trying to make it easier for them.
Come the second hour, however, another thing came into question, tiredness.
The pups all have begun to get tired as usually by now, everyone would've eaten dinner and go to sleep. That was the last thing anyone ever wanted to do right, but the emotional train wreck that was the later part of this day, was taking a toll on them. Still, they pushed on, not waiting to leave their lost teammate behind for the night.
Chase, Skye, and Katie stayed a little ways from the side watching on. Skye wanted to be out there digging through the pile for her friend, Ryder needed her to keep an eye on Chase and help Katie treat him. She thought that would be a difficult task considering how hard it would be to keep Chase from the wreckage, but strangely enough, Chase showed no willingness to rebel and listened to Ryder.
Katie had just about finished wrapping The medical tape around Chase's ribs, put a new bandage on his paw after treating it some more, and checked on his vision and awareness for his concussion. She was finally done with him and even after she was done, Chase stayed put and continued to watch. This worried Skye more. The last thing he said to her, was that he was not okay, and that it was his fault Marshall was trapped. She didn't necessarily think that, but Chase sure did. She tried getting him not to think that, but just like what happened after the building crumbled, Chase was as quiet as a mouse, and never responded to Skye's remarks. This drove her insane as she wanted him to be okay, but due to him being completely silent, and him saying now everything was his fault, that wasn't the case.
Katie put her medical stuff away as she spoke up. "Alright guys, Chase should be fine now, I have to go talk to Ryder for a bit. Skye, keep an eye on him for me okay?"
Skye nodded as she turned her head to look at Chase, who was still as emotionless as ever. Katie bounded off towards Ryder leaving Skye and Chase alone. Skye wanted him to assure him that it was just an accident, but she has tried everything to get him to talk but nothing worked. Well….not everything.
Skye hated doing this as it made her look like a diva, but if anything could get Chase to talk, it was her own charm against him.
Skye started to nuzzle Chase's side very slowly and lovingly as if she loved him. (Which was true but she didn't want that to come out yet!) Skye could feel Chase's body tensed up at first but then relax as he allowed her to continue. She then started to bury her face in the side of his chest which caused her to hear his beating heart thump thrash fully as if he was super nervous. She then spoke very flattery. "Chase. It's not your fault. It was an accident."
Nothing came out of Chase's mouth as Skye continued to seduce him. She put her forepaw on Chase's causing him to tense up again. But still keep quiet Skye tried one last time. "Come on Chase, talk to me. I love the sound of your voice. I want to hear it again. Just this one time." She then licked his lower jaw which made him relax a little, but still….Nothing.
Skye has had it, she immediately pushed off of him and faced him eye to eye. "Aw come on Chase! Say something! Stop giving me the silent treatment! I'm very worried about you. You've said two sentences to me and that's it! I wanna help you! So please! Say something!"
Chase only looked at an out of breath Skye blankly. He then closed his eyes and hung his head. Skye teared up at this, she wanted nothing else to help Chase and that wasn't working. She turned around and watched the search before…
"What do you want me to say Skye?"
Skye gasped as she spun around and faced Chase, who was now, staring at her. She had a little trouble speaking as she was put on the spot. "I-I-I-I want to you to believe that it wasn't your fault, and the thought of it's just silly to even think that."
It took a bit before Chase responded. "Skye, you know that's not true, he was saving me. I was down and he was saving me."
"Hello!" Skye chimed in. "Have you forgotten? He was saving me to! I'm just as guilty as you are, and it was just an accident! It's not like you pulled him under the rubble. He did that himself to save us. It's not our fault."
"I'm not talking about that Skye. I'm talking about the reason you both were still in there in the first place." Chase responded, his voice cracking.
Skye sat down in front of him. "You mean, when we had to go in and rescue you?"
"Yes. Exactly, but not just that. I would've never had to BE rescued if I hadn't lied to Ryder about my paw. None of this would've happened and we would be at the lookout right now eating dinner with Marshall. But no, I lied to him and Marshall, and now, he's buried in that mess, probably dead. All because of my stubborn self."
Skye looked at Chase as he whimpered. She didn't know what to say. He was right in a way. He did lie to Ryder, and he did go into a fine with a hurt paw, and yes, if he hadn't have done that and stayed behind, Marshall would be out here right now, laughing and joking around.
Skye couldn't contest that, because it was the cold hard truth. There would be nothing she could say to change his mind. But that didn't stop her from at least trying.
"Ch-Chase, listen. I know it sounds like that's the case, but we can't…."
"RUBBLE! RUBBLE! WATCH OUT!"
The sound of Ryder crying out started Chase and Skye. They ran to the site, trying to find out what's wrong.
They get to the site to see Rocky laying into Rubble, and Ryder hugging a very freaked Zuma very close to him.
"Rubble! What happened?! You almost ran over Zuma!" Rocky questioned Rubble, who was looking very regrettable.
"I-I don't know! I'm so so sorry! I-I fell asleep!" Rubble was very spooked and very sorrowful.
"Rubble you need to be more careful!" Rocky responded with authority. "We already have one pup down! We don't need another one!"
"I'm-I'm sorry! Rocky! But it's night time! I can barely see, and I'm so very…." Rubble then yawned. "...tired!"
Meanwhile, Ryder was hugging a crying Zuma, trying to soothe the pup the best he could.
"Sh Shhh Zuma Shhhh. You're okay, you're okay. Calm down." Ryder said softly.
Zuma cried furiously. "I-I-I-hic-I didn't kn-kn-know what to d-d-do w-wyder! I-I thought I-I was g-going to d-die! Wahhh!"
Ryder pet Zuma over and over. He then rocked back and forth, hopping to calm him. "Hey, hey shhhhhhhhh sh sh sh. It didn't happen Zuma. I got you."
After a few minutes of Ryder's comforting words and rocking, Zuma finally calmed and relaxed in Ryder's arms. Maybe too much, cause as soon as Ryder stopped, he noticed Zuma had fallen asleep. He gently shook him awake as Zuma opened his eyes.
"You tired Zuma?" Ryder asked.
Zuma yawned loudly as he attempted to speak. "Y-Yeah. I'm sowwy Wyder."
Ryder kissed Zuma on the nose. "It's okay little buddy."
It was then, that Katie went up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Ryder, I think you know what you have to do."
Ryder sat and thought about it for a bit. He didn't want to stop. He couldn't stop. His pup was trapped in the pile of ash and he needed to be saved. But his pups were exhausted and so was he. Rubble fell asleep and had Ryder not woken him up, Ryder would've had another pup down. There was no fighting it. They needed to go home and put this terrible day to bed.
"Y-Your right Katie. But they're not going to like it." Ryder responded.
Katie rubbed his shoulder in response. "Yes, but they will listen to you."
Ryder sat in sentence as he put Zuma down. The lab woke up and shook his head as he looked at his owner.
At this time, Ryder looked up and saw the Mayor talking with a construction crew, who had just arrived. He gave a long sigh as he cleared his throat.
"Alright pups! Listen up!" He announced as every one looked at him. "I know you all want to stay and look for Marshall, but I'm afraid we have to stop for now and go back to the lookout."
Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, and Skye all look as if Ryder had just told them that Marshall was dead. They couldn't believe what was coming out of the boy's mouth. Rocky stepped up to him and presented his case.
"B-But Ryder! We can't go home! We haven't found Marshall yet!"
"I know. I know. But we can't stay out here long, we're all tired and need to go to bed. Don't lie to me. I know you all are."
All the pups look down in defeat as none of them had a counter argument though Rocky still was trying. "So? So what if I am! I'm not going to leave Marshall just so I can go nighty night. He needs us Ryder! We need to save him, and I'm willing to not sleep for a million years until i find him!"
"Rocky!" Katie spoke up. "Rubble fell asleep at the wheel and almost hit Zuma! You all can't play iron pup here! You have to sleep!"
"I don't care if I drop here Katie! I'm not leaving here until we rescue Marshall! Plain and simple!" Rocky yelled back, planting his paws on the ground.
"Rocky." Ryder said, annoyed. "We're not abandoning him. We're coming back! Plus the Mayor has a construction crew to cover us. If they don't find Marshall, we will find him tomorrow! Either way, Marshall's going to be found."
Rocky kept fighting, although It was very clear that he didn't have much ammo. "No! N-no no NO! I won't leave him! I wanna find him! I want him to be okay! I already miss him so much!" He then started to tear up. "I can't just leave him here! I don't wanna leave! I want Marshall back! Wahh!"
Rocky couldn't take it, he collapsed down and buried his face in his paws and waited. On pure instinct, Ryder shot over to him, picked him up, and hugged the mixed breed as tight as he could. Doing the same thing he did to Zuma.
Rocky wrapped his paws around him and sobbed into his shoulder. Not wanting to let go for anything.
The pups looked on with uncertainty, as Rocky cried on his heart out and Ryder soothed him the best he could. It went on for a few painful minutes until Rocky subsided. At least to form comprehensive words. "I can't leave him Ryder, I can't leave him."
"I know you can't Rocky, but we have to. We'll be back tomorrow, and if they don't find him then, we will find him tomorrow. I promise." Ryder calmly stated, as he pet the mixed breed's back.
Suddenly, Chase of all pups stepped over to them, and looked at Rocky's distressed face. "Ryder's right Rocky. We have to go, we need our rest."
Chase's statement shocked everyone, even Ryder. No one ever thought that Chase of all pups would be on board with going home without Marshall, as the reason he was mostly silent was for the shock of Marshall in trouble. Chase didn't bat an eye as he continued to stare at Rocky. He was also calm which was very surprising.
"Please Rocky. I know you don't want to, but we have to get some sleep and you know deep down….that Marshall would say the same thing."
Rocky stared at Chase as Ryder set him down and looked at Chase himself with shock. Rocky walked up close to him and continued to stare deep into his amber eyes. The others feared the worst as the two stare down each other like two cowboys in a tense deal.
Then, at the surprise of all, Rocky hung his head in surrender. "Okay Chase you win. I'll get some sleep. But first thing tomorrow…." he rose his head up. "...we better be out here…."
Chase smiled smugly. "I'll be up before you."
By the time they got back to the lookout, everyone was too tired to even eat. They all went into their pup house to immediately get sleep, not knowing what their dreams lie in store for them.
Ryder got off his ATV and went into the lookout. He went into the kitchen to make himself a sandwich to at least have a full stomach when he went to bed.
As he was making his sandwich, he heard the doors open. He gazed towards it to find Zuma of all pups, walking into the lookout. Ryder turned to him and gave a small smile. "Hey Zuma. What do you need, little buddy?"
Zuma stopped in front of his owner as he looked at his owner. "My tummy's gwumbling. I think I'm too hungwy to go to sleep. Can you get me some food Wyder?"
"Sure thing Zuma." Ryder answered. "Go get your bowl and I'll put some food in it okay?"
Zuma yawned. "Okay Wyder." He then went to get said bowl from the eating area and brought it in front of Ryder. Ryder took the bowl and put a half cup in the bowl, he then set it down in front of Zuma in which he digs in.
As Ryder watches him, he finishes his sandwich and pours himself a glass of tea from the fridge. He set the food on the counter, ready to eat until Zuma sounded off.
"Wyder? Can I ask you something?"
Ryder turns to Zuma who was giving him the cutest of stares.
"What is it Zuma?"
Zuma coward for a bit, as if he was debating in his mind on whether or not to ask his question.
"It's about Mawshall." He says.
Ryder's smile faded at the mention of his lost pups. "What's wrong Zuma."
Zuma swallowed some food before he asked his question. "Wh-What's going to happen if we find Mawshall and ….and….he's…..you know…"
"Zuma." Ryder said sincerely. "Don't think about it, we don't know for sure if he is or not. We just got to make sure that when we do find him, we will make sure he's okay."
"B-But I wanna know now. I don't care if we don't find him. I just wanna know if he's okay." Zuma pushed out, his voice cracking as he spoke.
Ryder walked over to the lab and sat down next to him. He then puts his arm over the lab's shoulder and pulls him closer for a gentle hug.
"I know you do Zuma. We all do. But the best we can do is hope for the best. That's all we can do."
Zuma stayed silent, as he ate more of his food. After swallowing down some more, Zuma spoke again. "Wyder?"
Ryder looked at his pup very caringly. His voice is as soft as a feather. "Yeah little buddy?"
Zuma took a bit before he asked. "Do you think Wocky's okay?"
Ryder was a little surprised at Zuma's question. "Why are you so worried about Rocky?"
"Well." Zuma began. "Mawshall told me once, that he was was wowwied about Chas. He told me that when Chase lost his fathew, he changed. He shut himself up and didn't talk with anyone for weeks. He said he got bettew, but he was scawed of what might happen if Chase wewe to lose someone close to him again, he would shut himself off again and change like he did. While I'm wowwied about Chase, it's stawting to happen to Wocky. You saw what happened. Wocky yelled at Chase and Skye, and he blamed them. He changed into a completely diffewent pup just like that I know he apologized, but Mawshall means so much to Wocky. If we lose Mawshall…. Wocky would change just like Chase did but wowse. I don't want Wocky to change Wyder. I want him to stay the same. But if Mawshall is…... you know…..I'm so scawed that Wocky will change, and will not want to be fweinds with any of us anymowe. I don't want that to happen Wyder! Wocky's my best fweind in the whole wowld! I dont want him to Change!"
Zuma begins to sob and lean on Ryder. The boy pulls him close and hugs the crying lab very tightly. Zuma cries into his shoulder as Ryder rubs his back over and over.
"Zuma, Zuma. Stop crying. That's not going to happen by a longshot little buddy." Ryder assured softly.
Zuma sniffled as his golden moist eyes locked on with Ryder's "It's not?"
"No. First of all, Marshall can still be alive okay, and even if he isn't…." Ryder paused at that. "...I-I know that all of you will be okay. You wanna know why?"
Zuma sniffed again. "W-Why?" Zuma repeated.
Ryder points at Zuma's chest. "Because of you all will make sure it doesn't happen." Zuma looks down as he looks at Ryder's finger for a bit before he looks back up. "You see, there's a difference between Chase's change and Rocky's change. When Chase locked himself up, he only had Marshall and me, and he didn't know Marshall as well as he does now. Rocky had all of you to help him, to include Chase. Yes….There is a possibility that Marshall is already gone." Ryder paused again at that, as a tear went down his cheek. "...but if that's the case….I have full faith in you all, to help each other, so no one will be alone in this. If any of you were to act differently, all of you will pick each other up, and move on the best you all can. You have each other, that's all you're ever going to need. It may not be the same, but you, Rocky, Skye, Chase, and Rubble will make it through, I'm sure of it."
Zuma looked on with awe as Ryder finished. The pup suddenly wrapped his paws around Ryder's torso and hugged him. "Thanks Wydew, no mattew what happens, you always know what to say."
Ryder hugged back as he smiled. "I always try my best Zuma."
The pup pad on Ryder's bedside table rang loudly even though it didn't need to be that loud, as Ryder couldn't really sleep all night.
He shot up and grabbed it to see that it was the Mayor. He crossed his fingers as he answered. "Mayor Goodway! Did you find him?!" he hoped with all his might that it was a yes.
The voice on the other end was very quiet and was a very sad tone that could down the mood of the happiest person alive.
"Ryder? You might want to come down here for this."
(A/N): Oh no. That can't be good.
My mind has been on a creative overdrive for the past week so I've already got like two chapters ready to go, so get ready for Next Friday!
Question of The Chapter: What do you think is going on With Rocky?
Let me know in your review!
Please review and tell me your favorite parts and if you have any questions about the story or anything else, just put it in your review or pm me and l'll get back with you as soon as I can.
This Is Sean Thames of Dragonsfire Entertainment signing off!