(A/N) Hey guys! This one is very high anxiety filled chapter, so I hope you're ready.
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally
Chapter 13: Hard Feelings and Hurt Hearts
Rocky stood in front of the lookout doors shaking his tail off. He had never been so scared in his life of what would happen. Even though Chase was right beside him and promised with all his might to protect him from harm, the mere thought of being in the same room with two dogs he wished he'd never see again, terrified him. He was going to get yelled at, that was a given, and he was going to answer for his crimes of not only starting the fire, but for ruining his best friend's life. Rocky felt that he was put on trial and Chase and Ryder were his lawyers.
It had been ten minutes since Chase told Ryder that Rocky was ready to talk. His paws and mouth were trembling as they waited. As much as he really didn't want to be in there, Rocky accepted that it was happening and there was no way he could back out now. Chase noticed Rocky's nerves and put a comforting paw on his friend's back.
"It'll be okay Rocky." Chase confronted. "All you have to do is talk and it will be all over."
"That's easy for you to say Chase, you're not going to get berated and screamed at." Rocky stammered.
"It won't be so bad Rocky. As long as you're completely honest with them and tell the truth, they may understand." Chase incited.
"But they already know the truth. What's the point?" Rocky argued "They will still get mad at me."
"That may be the case buddy, but I think if you just come right out and explain everything, I'm sure they will at least understand." Chase reassured.
Rocky looked at Chase with a questionable look. "Really? You think that will happen?"
"I'm sure it will Rocky." Chase said with a smile.
Rocky averted his eyes away from Chase a bit as he thought of the possibility that it won't be so bad. He suddenly was reminded about everything that happened before the fire. Where Marshall's parents helped him out of the kindness of their heart. He thought of them as his own Mom and Dad, mostly Marshall's dad.
While Ashley was uncomfortable with Rocky a little, Sparky was the complete opposite. He could tell that Sparky was more comfortable with him and probably tolerated him more. In fact, Sparky seemed to actually liked him and supported him. Also, when Ashley snapped at him in the lookout, he remembered Sparky trying to calm Ashley down and keep her from rushing at him. Could it be that Ashley would be the only one who would rush at him. Sparky may not be mad at him and will probably stop Ashley from tearing the stuffing out of Rocky.
Still, anything could happen. After all, he did start a fire that threw Marshall's life for a loop. He doubted if he would get off lightly for that.
Rocky groaned in annoyance of having to wait for the inevitable. "What's taking so long? I want to get this done and over with."
"I'm sure you do Rocky." Chase said. "But Ryder said that we needed to wait for him to call us so I can't do much about that."
Rocky whimpered in disappointment. As much as he didn't want to go in and get completely mauled, he also knew that he needed this. He needed to fess up and tell the truth, he needed closure for this. Even though they knew about the fire and knew who started it, going before them and telling the truth would go a long way. It would definitely make him an honest pup for sure…..It could also make him a chew toy. Even though Chase and Ryder would be on his side and do their best to protect him, there was still that slim chance that event they wouldn't be enough.
The wait was tearing him. The more he waited, the more possibilities he would think of. The more possibilities, the more scared he became.
Chase noticed this as he looked at the shivering pup. He placed his paw on Rocky's, causing Rocky to snap his head to him. His amber eyes calmed the mixed breed a little as it was another reassurance that it'll be okay.
Very faintly, Rocky could hear a distant voice calling out to him. Rocky turned around to discover that it was none other than Zuma who was followed by Skye.
Rocky's eyes grew wide as he started to shake again. He remembered what occurred not long ago, when he broke the promise he made to him, and got upset with him he felt horrible mostly because he really waited to try getting out and spending the day with Zuma. Hoping to get his mind off of everything that had happened before. But that all changed when he had an encounter with his past. He immediately scurried back to pup house and locked himself back up to hopefully stay away from Sparky and Ashley.
He was so scared out of his mind that he forgot about the promise he made to Zuma. Zuma, along with Ryder, tried to talk him into coming back out but Rocky refused, which broke the water pup's already shattered heart.
Maybe he should've gone with Zuma to the beach, far away from Marshall's parents, but Rocky was not thinking straight. He had one glaring thing on his mind and that and that was the two dalmatians he never wanted to see again. He thought that the only place that was safe was his pup house. He didn't want to be anywhere but his house so he kept denying to come out, much to the displeasure of Zuma.
As Zuma and Skye came closer, Rocky got nearly nervous. "Z-Zuma?"
Zuma stopped in front of Rocky as he looked at him with regretful eyes.
"Hey Wocky." He says quietly, as he was nervous as well.
"Listen, I…."
"Hang on dude." Zuma cut in. "Before you say anything, I wanted to say this fiwst, that I'm sowwy."
Rocky immediately cocked his head in confusion. "Huh? What?"
"Those things I said befowe? About you not cawing about me and othews? I-I didn't mean it." Zuma then whimpered as he finished his apology. "I was just weally upset and wasn't thinking stwaight at all."
Rocky for the life of him, couldn't remember what the water pup said. All he knew was that they weren't really nice and pleasant words as he remembered Zuma running away crying. Another instance where his actions caused the misery to someone else.
Putting it aside for now, Rocky thought of the only response he could think of. "Zuma why are you sorry? It should be me that needs to apologize."
"I know, I know, and don't wowwy, I forgive you dude." Zuma calmly stated with a small smile. "But I shouldn't say things like that. You'we my best fwiend. It wasn't wright of me to question youw feelings about me, especially of what wewe going through wright now…." Zuma tears up as he pauses for a second. "...I just hope you can fowgive me.
Rocky looked at the chocolate lab who had lowered his head to his paws in shame. Suddenly, all of Rocky's nerves went away at the sight. It really made Rocky feel a little better about the situation. Slowly, he went over, and wrapped his forelegs around the water pups body and hugged. He smiled as the warmth filled both him and his dear friend.
"Of course I do pal, and I don't care what happens in this darn world, you will always be my best friend, no matter what."
The two pup's eyes well up as Zuma returns the hug. Chase and Skye stand with warm smiles as they hold the hug as long as they want.
They let go as Zuma looks at Rocky with a very curious look. "So…..what's going on? Who wewe those dogs?"
Rocky's smile faded at that question as he reminded of the current and future events that were about to unfold.
"Their Sparky and Ashley, Pal. Marshall's parents."
Zuma's eyes grew to the size of his own head. "M-Mawshall's p-pawents?"
Rocky's head nodded slowly and sternly as Zuma's eyes somehow went wilder. He didn't know what to say. He didn't need to though as Rocky continued.
"They're not happy with me right now. I'm going in there to talk with them."
"Wh-Why? What awe they angwy at you about dude?" Zuma asked curiously while also confused.
"It's a long story pal and I don't have time to explain so you're going to have to find out as everything goes along." Rocky explained. "I want to say this though, there's going to be a lot of stuff that neither me or Marshall had told anyone about, with the exception of Chase who I just told." Rocky dipped his head to his paws as Zuma looked with worry. "Stuff that I'm not really proud of."
Zuma's mind went crazy as his worries for his best friend grew by the word. "Wocky?"
"Just know…" Rocky said, as he raised his head slowly to look at the water pup in the eyes with tears. "Whatever you hear about me, If you don't want to be my friend anymore, I'll understand, but I will still consider you a good friend pal."
Zuma was caught off guard by that. It must be pretty horrible if Rocky thought that his friendship with him was in danger. Still, it can't be that bad, Right?
Zuma opened his mouth to say something, but the sound of Chase's pup tag prevented him from doing so.
"Okay Chase. We're ready." Ryder said.
"Yes Ryder sir, we're coming in." Chase sounded off.
Rocky turned around from Zuma as he faced the lookout doors. He took a deep breath and let out. "Well….here goes nothing."
Zuma wanted to say a lot of things, but it was too late for that. He just hopes that his friend won't get hurt in the intense encounter.
Everyone could hear a safety pin pound the floor when the group walked in. The place was dead silent. As Rocky, Skye, Zuma, and Chase walk closer to the group congregating in the living area, the mixed breed's heart shoots up to his throat, feeling every heartbeat. Rocky could hardly believe that he was in the same room with Marshall's parents. It had been so long since he had seen them, he sorta forgot how they looked. Nevertheless, when Rocky looked at Ashley, his heart rate went up. She was glaring at him with a look that killed him inside. Sparky however had a completely different look on him. He had a look of care and worry. Maybe he was right about him not being mad at him. But nothing prepared him when he looked at the little pup who was snoozing next to Ashley, moaning out in little whimpers as she slept.
Marshall…...has a baby sister?!
The surprise nearly stopped him in his tracks. He could hardly believe it. There next to Ashley, was a newborn pup that was unmistakingly Marshall's sister. He slightly wagged his tail at the pup's existence, but his mood went back down when he realized that Marshall will never know her and neither will she know her own brother.
Rocky had to shake it off, as it was not important right now. What was, was his well being.
Rocky, Chase, Zuma and Skye sat across from the dallys, in front of Ryder, Rubble, and….Mr. Norman?
Ryder's dad is here as well?
When did he get here? He didn't recall seeing him in the lookout the first time. Then again, the only one he saw was a growling Ashley, so he may have been here this entire time.
It didn't matter though, as the awareness of Norman being here lifted his confidence a little. He knew that with him there, along with Ryder, Zuma, Chase, and the others, his chances of getting hurt were very slim.
Rocky sat in the middle of the room with Chase and Zuma on both sides of him. Zuma, inched a little closer to him probably because of his worries. While Zuma may not know what was going on, Rocky could feel his friend's concern for him. Ryder, Norman, Skye, Rubble, and Skye stood behind, hoping to only be spectators in this discussion.
Rocky shocked at the sight of Marshall's parents glaring at him. Although to his surprise, the two had completely different looks on each other. Ashley of course of agony and distaste but Sparky was the complete opposite.
It was also surprising when Sparky spoke first. "Rocky." he says as he nods.
Rocky swallowed as he acknowledged "M-Mr. Sparky."
Sparky sat firmly as he looked at Rocky. "Listen son. Even after everything that has happened, while I can't speak for Ashley…." Sparky looked at his mate with concern as she continued to stare harshly at Rocky. "...It still is very good to see you boy."
Rocky was suddenly filled with gratefulness. He didn't expect Sparky to say that about him. "Th-Thank you sir. Th-That means so much to me."
Sparky cracked a small and familiar smile. "I'm sure it does Rocky." He then looks over at Ashley who was looking at Rocky with distaste. "Go ahead Ash, just please…..be easy on him."
Everyone behind and beside Rocky suddenly had anticipation in their bodies as their eyes all fell on Ashley. Ready to step in and defend their good friend. Rocky swallowed a gain as he met Ashley's eyes. Rocky could see the amount of hate and betrayal that was in her eyes.
When she finally spoke, everyone held their breaths. "Rocky, I'm going to start with this…." Her voice tone was both calm and hurt at the same time. "When you came back in here, I wanted to growl, snarl, and hurt you. But….I just can't do that. I'm more hurt for what you did to us than any anger in my body."
Rocky lowered his head a little. "I-I understand mam. Trust me, I am in full regret of my actions myself. I don't deserve to be Marshall's friend after what I did." Rocky whimpered as Zuma, Chase, Rubble, and Skye nuzzled their friend to comfort him. "I'm so so sorry."
Ashley closed her eyes and drew a deep breath before opening them again. "All I want to know is why. Why did you do it? After all we did for you, how could you betray us and get Marshall in the middle of all of this?"
Rocky was slightly confused at the question, as he didn't know an exact answer. "I-I didn't mean to. All I wanted was something to live for. But all it did was ruin my best friend's life."
The faces of everyone around, including sparky worse breath taking in concern. Zuma whimpered for him. He had now Idea that Rocky had this buried inside and never told him. But Rocky felt that if he and the others didn't like that part, they really won't like what else will be said.
Ashley was the only one without sympathy as she was confused. "Sooo…..you thought that running away and taking Marshall with you was away to make a name for yourself?"
Now Rocky was confused. "Huh? Wh-What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean Rocky!" Ashley harshly said, her tone rising subtly. "You just owned up to it and apologized to me and Sparky! So I'll ask you again, How could you think that running away and taking Marshall with you, was going to make a name for yourself?!"
Everyone tightened up and followed the flow of the conversation on the edge as Rocky was now really confused.
"I-I'm sorry Mrs. Ashley but, I have no idea what you're talking about." Rocky commented, clearly confused out of his mind.
Ashley only responded with bewilderment, as she rose to her fours and spoke with a growl in her tone. "Stop playing games with us Rocky! I'm talking about you taking our pup away from us!"
"What?!" Rocky let out like a jump scare. Zuma and Chase stepped forward on their fours, ready to bat down any Chance of Ashley rushing at Rocky. Skye and Rubble were with them at the ready. Ryder and Norman were at the edge of their seats, trying to keep the pups from rushing themselves, although they were ready to dispel the situation.
Zuma growled at Ashley. Letting his threat known, if the dog were to ever hurt his best friend, no matter what or who they were.
Rocky was too much out of it to notice his friends on edge. His mind was completely thrown for a loop by everything. He thought they were mad at him for the fire, but he was way off. It seems that they were mad at him for something completely different.
Feeling the need to step in, Sparky stood up and put a paw on his mate's paw to get her attention. When she looked at him, Sparky gave her a certain look that instantly told her to cool her head. Ashley took the message and sat back down and calmed herself. She bowed her head in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry."
Sparky then looked at the completely oblivious mixed breed. "Rocky, what Ashley is implying is that you somehow convinced Marshall to run away with you. Please be honest with us son. Is it true? Did you talk him into it?"
When the question was asked, all eyes were on the recycling pup as they were really curious as to what Rocky's answer would be. Rocky shivered at all of them. He normally didn't get this bad with others but considering the circumstances, it's not a complete surprise that Rocky was incredibly nervous.
Zuma probably had the most concerned feeling out of everybody. He was very curious as to whether or not what Rocky was being accused of was true or not. While the act of convincing your own best friend to run away from his family is pretty bad, Zuma hoped that Rocky did it for a good reason. He didn't think that Rocky would purposely get Marshall to just run away for his own benefit. However, the look on Rocky's had worried him. Almost like it was like it was true. That Rocky did convince Marshall to run away with him. He was reminded of what Rocky said before they came in the lookout. Was this what he meant by saying he wasn't proud of it?
Rocky continued to shake as he finally answered. "Um…..I-I'm sorry but…."
Everyone held their breath with Ashley's glare straight at the mixed pup.
"...but no. I never ever even tried to convince Marshall to run away, nor do I think that I would've been able to."
The pups, Ryder, and Norman all sigh in relief at the answer, while Ashley had a complete look of shock and disbelief.
"What?! No! You're lying! You had to have convinced him!"
"I'm not lying! I'm telling the truth!" Rocky cried. "I didn't convince Marshall at all! He made that decision himself!"
Ashley then raised her anger instantly. "NO! I can't believe that! Marshall wouldn't just up and run away! He loved us and we loved him! There is now way he would just run and not look back! It was his dream to become a fire dog and he was going to become one!"
"You have to believe me Ashley! Please!" Rocky pleaded.
"No! I just can't! I literally can't!" Ashley started to tear up. "Marshall wouldn't just run away for no reason!"
"Ashley please! I didn't tell him to run away! I wouldn't lie about this!" Rocky added, practically on his knees.
"Then why is it when we went to the landfill, that you were gone as well?!
You mean to tell me that you and Marshall ran away at not only the same time, but also ended up at the same place?! Come on Rocky! How can you possibly not come to that very conclusion?!"
Rocky froze up as that was what happened, but it was probably unbelievable. "Uh I…...I….I...I-I-I...but...that….that's exactly…."
"NO! DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT IS TRUE! CAUSE IT'S NOT! JUST ADMIT IT ROCKY! THAT'S ALL YOU GOTTA DO!" Ashley was seething, unloading months of anger and frustration.
Rocky winced and started to shake again. He closed his eyes in sheer terror as he couldn't even speak as he was afraid that anything he dared to say would only make it worse.
Meanwhile, all the pups started to get very agitated at this verbal assault. Especially Zuma, who started to growl.
"Ashley you need to calm down. Yelling at him will only cause him to shut down!" Sparky insisted.
"No! I can't just let him slither away again! He knows what he's done! He TOOK OUR PUP AWAY! How could you still have sympathy for him?!"
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Norman suddenly commanded with authority.
At the sound of Norman's voice, the room went deadly silent as everyone's eyes were suddenly on him with the exception of Rocky, who was still too shaken and scared to react. His whimpers were the only sound in the lobby.
Norman rose to his feet, commanding ever one's attention. "There is no way we are going to find the truth by assuming and accusing, we have to get the both of you's opinion as to what happened. Now as cruel and sad as this sounds, there are only two dogs who can really tell what happened that day. Unfortunately, one of them is not here to speak for himself…" Norman paused at that as everyone whimpered. "...that makes only one with credibility, and that is Rocky."
Everyone's eyes then shifted back to the shuddering recycling pup. He finally opened his eyes to see everyone looking at him which only made him more scared.
No one said a word, as they feared they would only make Rocky feel worse, little did they know that it really didn't matter, Rocky was getting worse anyway.
Then, Ryder stood up and slowly walked to the middle of the gathering. He eyed Ashley very sternly, until he turned his attention to his terrified pup.
Rocky looked at him, his body vibrating the ground beneath him, not knowing what Ryder would do.
Ryder goes to a knee and looks at the pup's stagnant but shaky eyes. He puts a hand on the side of the pup's head which caused Rocky to gasp and wince a little. Ryder started to gently scratch his fur, giving the pup the most caring and calming eyes he could muster.
A few seconds went by as Rocky started to relax in his owner's trance before he teared up and rushed at the boy, clinging on him to death. Rocky then started to bawl in his owner's shoulder as the wails nearly burst his ear drums.
Everyone looked on with concern as Rocky continued to wail and sob in his owner's embrace.
"I-I-I didn't do it R-Ryder!" Rocky let out as he squeezed harder. "I-I didn't t-tell Marshall to run away with me! P-Please Ryder! You have to-to be-believe me!"
Ryder began to hush his pup, as he rubble Rocky's back. "Shhhhhh Rocky shhhhh. I do believe you boy. I don't think you did it. But…" Ryder pulled away and looked into the pups crying eyes. "You have to tell us what really happened little buddy. You need to tell us why Marshall ran away if you can, and how you and Marshall ended up running away together despite different times."
Rocky dipped his head for a bit before he raised it back up. "But….she's not going to believe me. No matter what I say, she will always doubt me. She doesn't like me, Ryder. It's obvious that she blames me. How will I convince her that I didn't give Marshall the idea to run away?"
Ryder looked at the dally in question and saw the hate in her eyes as she sat in silence listening on. He looked back at his pup with determined eyes.
"I know, but don't worry about her now. Just tell us what happened and we'll figure something out okay?"
"But what if I get her more mad?" Rocky shook.
Ryder patted Rocky's head. "It's okay boy. I'm not going to let her hurt you."
Rocky looked at Ryder's eyes and was immediately lost in his trance again. The sight of Ryder washed his worries away, as he started to relax, then, he recalled what happened on that fateful day.
"Well, It was a few days after the fire, and since then, the city started to ramp up on stray dogs. Because of that, it got a little hectic on the streets, to the point where every dog was getting caught almost every hour and after some very close calls, I realized that I had to go somewhere away from the city. I hadn't seen Marshall since the fire so I really didn't know what was going on with him." Rocky bowed his head. "I-I wanted to see him before I left, to say goodbye, but I knew that if I did go see him, Marshall would've convinced me to stay, and I didn't want to change my mind, so I left a note for him, and went to the cargo dock."
Everyone had their full attention on the mixed breed as he told the story. Ashley paid close attention. Wanting to hear every word that came out of his mouth.
"I don't know if this was by fate or just a big coincidence, but…...when I got to the dock, Marshall was there."
"He was?" Sparky asked. "What was he doing there?"
Rocky then looked at Sparky as he answered. "Well…..when I questioned him, he told me that….well….he was running away as well."
The group all gasp in surprise at Rocky's story. Ashley and Sparky were shocked.
"What?!" Ashley pressed. "Th-That can't be true! Why would he run away?!"
"That's what I wanted to know." Rocky answered. "I at first tried to convince him not to but Marshall was dead set on his decision. Plus, I really didn't have any room to talk. When I asked why he wanted to, he gave me his answer.
Sparky and Ashley listen on with full focus. Rocky then directed his attention at them. "Let me make this clear. He didn't run away because he felt unloved by you. There's no question about that. He loved you as much as you loved him, but unfortunately, that was part of the reason he left."
Sparky raised his eyebrow at that. "What do you mean son? I don't follow."
Ashley was probably very doubtful herself, perhaps more than anyone. But instead of acting out in anger, she wanted to hear him out.
"One thing. The fire. Specifically everything after it." Rocky blatantly said with a whimper.
The pups with the exception of Chase, all look at Rocky very curiously. To all of them, this was the first time they ever heard of any sort of fire.
"Um...excuse me but…" Skye gently inserted. "What fire are you talking about?"
Rocky was about to open his mouth to explain, but Sparky beat him to it.
"What he's talking about, is the fire at the firehouse two years ago that Marshall started after he mistakenly knocked over a candle in the lounge area. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt, and the fire was easily put out...with our help of course."
All of the pups went wide eyed in astonishment, but the one who was in absolute shock was Rocky himself. It was then that he realized that after all this time, they still didn't know who really started the fire. He couldn't believe it. He thought all this time that Marshall's parents knew Rocky started the fire and the fact that they thought Rocky had run away with Marshall coming with. Only made it worse for his case.
But apparently, they have no idea that Marshall lied to them, and that Rocky was the real cause of the fire.
Rocky looked at Chase who was the only one who knew the truth besides Rocky. Chase himself had a little surprised look on his face, but he kept firm to the pup. Rocky knew that Chase was telling him silently to tell them the truth, and Rocky wanted to himself, but at the same time, he didn't, at least not now anyway. If he were to tell them now, there would be a chance that he would get castrated in front of everyone.
He will tell them, just not now. Maybe when he could get Marshall's parents in private later, if he had the confidence.
Sparky continued his explanation of the fire. "That fire was so damning to Marshall. The fire dog association wanted to strip him from his fire dog permit, and never recognize him as a fire pup again. When the house protested along with us, they threatened to pull us out of the house."
All of the pups Whine in sadness of Marshall's punishment.
"What? Why?" Zuma wined. "Why would they do that to him?"
"Because the FRDA never thought Marshall would be a suitable fire dog." Ashley answered with a growl. "They thought that his "disability", would be a problem of his forever and tarnish their reputation."
"That's unfair!" Skye blurted out angrily. "Marshall didn't deserve that! He was a great fire pup…...and an amazing friend."
Skye nearly broke down as all of the pups whimpered for their fallen brother. Zuma and Rubble even started to cry a little bit as they wished Marshall was here with them.
"We thought that as well. Marshall was top class in everything that he did to be a fire pup. He proved the association wrong at any occasion, and got way farther than any of them ever thought he would. But…. When the fire happened, they finally had their reason to scrub Marshall out of the association. They over exaggerated the fire, and thought it was the most damning thing he had ever done and because of that, they came down, and pressured us to give in."
All of the pups were stricken with both anger and sadness. None of them ever knew of Marshall's struggles to be a fire pup.
Rocky was having a hard time keeping himself together. The guilt of being the reason Marshall was castrated for the fire HE started, was taking over. He started to shake again. Ryder notices this as he gets worried.
"Rocky? Rocky are you okay?" Ryder asked, as he put his hands on Rocky's shoulders.
Rocky couldn't hear him. He was way too deep in his misery to even care who talked to him.
"That is totally unfawe!" Zuma cried with anger. "How could they evew tweat Mawshall like that?! He was totally bettew than anyone evew thought he was! What did he do to desewve being hunted down like a bad pup!"
"There's no clear answer. I guess they were just too scared to recognize him as a capable fire dog. The fire seemed to only seal his fate." Sparky grimly said with irritation.
Rocky couldn't take it anymore. The guilt had consumed him too much that he couldn't go on like this. Before Ryder could calm him, Rocky finally let out.
"IT WAS ME!"
The sudden shout caught everyone off guard as Rocky had an anxiety attack in front of everyone.
"IT WAS ME! IT WAS ME! MARSHALL DIDN'T DESERVE IT BECAUSE HE DIDN'T START THE FIRE AT ALL! IT WAS A LIE! ALL A DIRTY DIRTY STINKING LIE! I STARTED THE FIRE! ME! I DID! I RUINED MARSHALL'S LIFE! THERE! I SAID IT! I'M SO SO SORRY! WAAAAHHH!"
Rocky collapsed on the floor, bawled and wailed the pain away. Everyone was stunned. Not even Ryder who wanted to calm his pup and stop him from crying, could move an inch. The only one with the willpower to do anything was of course Chase, who went up to him and hugged the crying mixed breed.
Rocky wailed and wailed and wailed as Chase hugged him in front of everyone's stunned faces. Chase held him tight as he spoke to him. "Let it all out buddy. Everything's going to be okay."
"NO IT WON'T!" Rocky screamed in hot stemming tears. "Marshall's GONE! He's GONE CHASE! He'll never know how sorry I am for ruining his life! WAAAHHH!"
Rocky sobbed some more as Chase continued to comfort him. Letting him get it all out of his system.
Ryder, the pups, and Norman could only look on in sadness and misery, as Rocky cried his heart out. None of them had any idea what they could say.
After a few moments, Rocky opened his eyes and saw Sparky and Ashley, who were practically frozen in time. Rocky had a good idea what was going through their minds. Unfortunately, it was at his expense.
Rocky let go of Chase, and walked past Ryder and Chase to sit directly in front to them. Ready to receive his lickings.
Zuma stepped forward to join him as he was scared what they would do, but Chase stopped him and shook his head. Giving Zuma the signal that Rocky had to face this alone.
Rocky sat in silence as he looked at the two dogs with regretful eyes. Hoping and praying that their words won't cut him so deep.
The two sat and stared at the pup. Rocky's anxiety grew each passing moment as they sat there with shock on both their faces. Everything they knew about Marshall and the fire was just ejected from their minds. Ashley somehow, opened her mouth to speak as Rocky prepared for the inevitable. "Y-You…..started the fire?
Rocky swallowed a basketball down his throat. He slowly nodded his head very stiffly and shakingly.
"Y-you mean to tell us that…..Marshall not only didn't start the fire, but also lied to us?" Ashley added with a quiet, shocked tone.
Rocky sighs as he nods again. "Yes mam. He did. He lied to you because he felt that, if you found out about me starting the fire, you would tell him to never see or talk to me again. So he made it look like he did it and told everyone that he did it."
Ashley was in pure disbelief. It was all too much for her, from what Rocky could tell. The only question she could ask was. "How? How was it your fault?"
Rocky swallowed hard again as he began his answer. "It was just a very dumb invention that I had made, that short circuited when I tried to show it to Marshall."
"So, it was an electrical fire?" Sparky asked.
Rocky nodded. "Yes sir. It was a fire started by my inexperience with electronics. It was stupid dream I had where I wanted to change the world. But I ended up changing lives for the worst."
Rocky whimpered and teared up again as he went. "I wanted to help put out, and come clean no matter how scared I was or anything, but Marshall was more scared than me of what would happen. He told me to go home and that he would take care of everything. I of course protested but Marshall was dead set and I couldn't get him to change his mind. I gave up and ran home, hoping Marshall won't get hurt. I just had to know if he was okay. So I returned in secret. And…..that's when he told me what he did."
The two dalmatians just sit and watch as Rocky gets close to breaking down.
"I-I know th-that I'm probably going to be unforgiven for this, heck I don't even forgive myself, but I'm going to say it anyway because it needs to be.
The two dogs listened closely as Rocky began his apology. "I'm so, so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I just wanted to do something that you and Marshall would be proud of me for. You were all family to me. Not just Marshall. You all helped me in ways that I had only dreamed of. To make a mistake like this and to go on so long to keep it a secret, it destroyed me and worst of all, while I truly didn't convince Marshall to run away, I technically did cause him to. The pressure from the association thanks to the fire, along with years of being put down by naysayers and his talents ignored. The feeling that his mess ups were ruining the lives of the ones he loved. That's why he ran away. He felt that his problems were affecting everyone. So he ran away so that you wouldn't lose your jobs because of him."
Rocky didn't see it, but Sparky and Ashley were not showing faces of anger and hate, but sorrow and sympathy.
"I'm so so sorry to cause all of this and while I wish you could forgive me, which I don't think you will, the one I really need to apologize to…."
Rocky looked up at the ceiling with tears. "Is someone who is so…..far…...away, and won't hear me, no matter how loud I scream. All I want is for him to know. But I'll never, ever get that chance now."
Rocky's eyes stayed glued to the ceiling as everyone looked on and whimpered. Zuma took it upon himself to walk past Ryder and Chase and hug an oblivious Rocky. Rocky lowered his head as he accepted the comforting hug from his good friend.
The other pups along with Ryder and Norman, felt the need to join in, as a massive group hug was formed around Rocky. The pups all cried and whimpered as Rocky's story all brought them to tears.
Sparky and Ashley look at each other, unsure of what to say or do. They didn't want to lash out at the poor pup for the simple fact that he was a pup. But the animosity they had gained from being lied to and not only believing it for so long, but losing their son in the process.
They didn't know what to do but they had to say something, and Sparky felt the need start first. Sparky looked back at the mixed breed who was still being hugged by everyone and went from the only place he could...his heart.
"Rocky?" Sparky began with a firm tone, as Rocky looked at him with very wet eyes. The others let go of Rocky, curious to how the dallys would react. "I'm going to be completely honest with you son, I don't really know what to say. So I'm going to let my morals do the talking. I am very hurt by the fact that me and my mate were lied to and kept out of the truth for so long. If we had known what happened, all of this probably would've never happened, all of this probably would've never happened. But there's no use in crying about the past and thinking what could've been. All that matters right now is what will happen now and how we move on."
Rocky kept his focus glued on Sparky as he went on. "As much as I'm hurt and angry over the events that happened, I can't help but feel sorry for what you went through. No pup should have to go on with regrets that you have and I wish that you were able to tell him about how you felt. But the one thing I understand about my own son, is that if he really felt that you were not sorry for what you did and that you were taking advantage of him, he wouldn't have done so much for you."
Rocky looked with awe as the direct opposite of what he thought was going to happen unfolded.
"In a way, you really didn't need to say sorry to him, because he knew you were. He knew that you didn't mean for the fire to happen, he knew that you had the best intentions. He felt sorry for you and felt that he needed to help you. He also felt that you were his very best friend, and would've ran to the end of the world if it meant that he could keep you as a friend. It makes sense to me why Marshall resorted to lying, and while I can't say for sure that we would've reacted at that level, that's not in debate right now, Marshall thought that, not you. So I guess what I'm saying is, that I hold no anger towards you, and I appreciate you finally telling us the truth, even after so long. I'm not mad at you Rocky, not at all. You are a brilliant pup Rocky. Whether you believed it or not, I always believed in you, and didn't deserve to be stained by this awful time. So the one thing I really want you to do, is never give up and always know that a certain someone will still believe in you."
Hearing this made Rocky's eyes light up a little. While he didn't think that Sparky would ever hurt him physically, it meant to the world that Sparky still believed in him and wanted to see what success would come from the pup. But now….he looked at Ashley, how had a look of sadness and hurt on her.
Ashley closed her eyes and drew a breath as she said her thoughts.
"Rocky. I can't lie and say that I'm not angry or that I forgive you for what you did. But after hearing you finally telling the truth and hearing Sparky's thoughts, I feel that I treated you wrong."
Everyone's eyes were glued to dally as she spoke. Rocky felt that his fate was to be decided by her words and feelings.
"When you and Marshall left, I felt nothing but hate and anger for you. I felt that you not only betrayed me, but Marshall himself and because of that, I was scared of what would happen if we ever saw you again."
Everyone was on their toes as Ashley went on, hoping that it wouldn't lead to any yelling or physical harm.
"When you walked in here with that smile, I hated that. I felt that you were having a nice and peaceful life and that you saw nothing wrong with what you did and I thought that you didn't care what happened but I was wrong, so wrong."
Ashley bowed her head in embarrassment as she continued. "When you started to defend yourself and tell us that you didn't tell Marshall to run away, I didn't want to believe you. But then, you told the truth about the fire and that changed everything for me. I no longer had any anger or doubt for you because I felt horrible for holding you responsible for Marshall leaving. Everything that you said Marshall did made sense to me. It was like the final piece of a puzzle I had been trying to solve to know why he left. He felt that he was dragging us down with him and he wanted to go before things got worse with us."
Ashley started to tear and sob her words out as she thought of her son. "Oh my poor poor poor pup. He must've felt so bad, so lonely, so miserable." Ashley paused as she whimpered softly. "As for the fire, had you and Marshall would've told you the truth, I would have been angry yes but I don't think I would've gone as far to keep Marshall away from you. You meant so much to Marshall and even though I wasn't one hundred percent in trust with you, I knew that you wouldn't hurt Marshall for that. I have no anger towards you of the fire, running away with Marshall, or anything. Instead, I want you to forgive me. You have nothing to say sorry for. Instead, I want to apologize to you for doubting you, and thinking that you were a no good pup. So please, I beg of you…."
Ashley raised her head up and looked at Rocky's appalled eyes with tears. "Please forgive me."
Rocky sat there and processed what he was just told. He didn't expect Ashley of all dogs to ask for forgiveness, especially if he was looking for forgiveness from her.
After contemplating on what to do, Rocky responded by suddenly hugging Ashley. As long as he felt that he was hated by her, Rocky had always wanted Ashley to like him. In a way, she was a mother to him.
"Of course I do Ashley. Hearing you say that means so much to me." Rocky sobbed as he hugged tighter.
Ashley returned the hug, as she creed with him. For so long, there had been nothing but hard feelings and hurt hearts. Now, it had finally resolved and Rocky felt that he had a mom and dad again. The only thing he wished that could make this moment absolutely perfect…...is if a certain someone was here to see this.
(A/N): Yes! Finally! Years of hurt and anger is finally put under the bridge. Just wished that that certain someone could've decompressed like they did.
Chapter 14 is in production and will probably be out by next week...hopefully.
Also, I will make an announcement on the near future of this story next week so make sure to be there for that.
Question of the Chapter: How much stress do you think Marshall had in his life?
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!