(A/N): Hey guys! So...I'm really, really, really sorry this is so late.
I have a horrible confession to make.
I could say that 'Oh I couldn't get much work on it due to family.' or 'Oh I ran into a writer's block and couldn't get out of it' but those are all lies, and I want to be completely honest with you all. This is a very selfish reason for the Chapter being late but here it goes.
I got really, really into Red Dead Redemption 2.
I'm so sorry to you all, but that game is so amazing that I couldn't put it down! I strongly recommended it to anyone who wants to witness such a incredible and influential story.
I played the whole game form front to back and because of that, I didn't really work on this Chapter as much as I wanted to at first. It wasn't until I disciplined myself and told myself that I had to work on it that I finally got on it.
I apologize to everyone who waited so long for the next Chapter, and promise to not keep you guys waiting that long again, unless stated other wise.
That being said, I have a short announcement on the future of this magnificent story so please stay tuned at the end of the Chapter to find out.
That's all I've got to say for now, so please, enjoy this long awaited Chapter that should've been up 2 weeks ago. (Sorry)
Welcome back To Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally.
Chapter 14: The Pain of Guilt
Ryder rode down the streets of Adventure Bay with his heart in his stomach. Mayor Goodway has requested for him to come down and discuss Marshall's funeral, which is tomorrow. The Mayor wanted to go through everything with him, to make sure Adventure Bay's hero gets a proper goodbye.
Although the Mayor and Ryder have been planning this funeral for days, Ryder didn't have any recollection of those conversations. All he remembered was him saying yes the whole time while the Mayor did most of the planning. Ryder was mostly out of it during the planning sessions, so he generally had no idea what all was going to happen tomorrow. If Garth Brooks showed up to play some memorial songs for the dally, Ryder would've had no memory of saying yes to it, then the would ask her about it and she would swear up in down that he did say yes.
Thankfully, he was in a "okay" mood today, and would at least try to pay attention. Hopefully, the Mayor did plan anything very elaborate like fireworks or something, even though it wouldn't surprise him if she did.
When he got up to the sight of the former city hall, he stopped. A couple of mobile homes stood in front of the sight as one was acting as a makeshift office and the other one was a home for the Mayor. He got off his ATV, took off his helmet and made his way to the trailers.
Being back at the ruins of the building which at this point was nothing but dirt, gave him goosebumps. It had been the first time he had come back to it since Marshall was pronounced dead, and it wasn't any easier the second time for him. What suddenly caught his eye was the plethora of bouquets, lit candles, cards, and signs that were on the spot where Chase found Marshall's helmet. Many citizens of the town from time to time treated the spot as a makeshift memorial for the fire pup, where they had their grievances laid out for the pup who did his best to protect the city he loved. Almost unconsciously, as if he was in a trance, Ryder walked past his destination, over to the sacred spot that was believed to be the last place Marshall was alive.
He kneeled down to pick up one of the cards that were left. It wasn't anything that special, just a simple message written by what seemed to be a young child who probably hadn't had much experience with writing due to the handwriting being all over the place and the letter's all different sizes.
'Bye Bye Marshall. Daddy and I miss you so much…...You were my favorite.' was what it said. It was then that Ryder noticed the tear stains that littered the card which hurt his heart so much. Marshall had a strong following with young fans and pup. He couldn't imagine what they were going through.
Ryder looked up from the card and eyed a medium sized portrait of the dally's proud face. The Mayor must've put this up to accompany the many tributes around it. Ryder stood there, staring at the portrait as if the pup was still alive in front of him. For what may be the millionth time of the week, his eyes watered up. His heart rate rose, his breathing sped up more the longer he stared. It seemed only yesterday Marshall was looking at him with that smile. Playing, laughing, and talking with his friends and owner, and by a very short time, was suddenly silenced. Ryder loved Marshall like a only son, and was taken away from him so soon and if that wasn't enough, his parents came at the absolute worst time imaginable. He wished they would've seen him, he wished that they at least knew he was here and how amazing he was at his job that they could be so proud of him. But life was cruel and ripped Marshall away from everyone who loved him.
Ryder couldn't take his eyes off the portrait to save his life. He thought that if he did, he will forever forget the face that brought many smiles to so many. He lost track of how long he had been standing there, looking at the portrait, but he didn't care. He wanted to stand there all day and forever look at his pup's bright face.
The dally was as good as ever in the picture. Smiling as he stares as his observer with not a care in the world. His trademark happy face reminded Ryder of how happy and joyful he was. Though upon looking at it longer, knowing about everything he found out about him yesterday, made Ryder contemplate on whether or not the smile was genuine. While Marshall didn't really show signs of the depression he may have had, the fact that Marshall had such a stressful life at such a young age, made the boy wonder differently. Though the one thing glaring that had Ryder all confused about was why Marshall hid this from everyone.
Why didn't he speak up? Why did he not say anything about his parents, and why was his life in San Francisco so secretive? Sure he told Chase, but that was probably after Chase integrated him to no end, and even then, didn't tell the shepherd everything. Why? Why keep them guessing about it? Did he not trust his friends? Did he not trust his friends? Did he not trust Chase?...did he not trust his owner?
Ryder didn't want to believe that, But it seemed that way based on how much Marshall had kept from them. Surly, he would at least say that his parents were still alive and lied that they knew where he was, but he didn't even do that. When Ryder would ask about his parents, Marshall would usually turn a blind eye and would usually say that he had no interest in talking about it.
Ryder wasn't angry about it, far from it. He just wished that he at least knew about Sparky and Ashley, so he could've reassured them that their pup was safe and also maybe make sure they could talk to him anytime and be able to spend time with him. Based on everything that happened, it probably would've been heartwarming for the three of them.
But…...that's in the past now, and all Ryder could feel was guilt. Guilt for Marshall for letting him get killed, guilt for his pups for letting their friend die on his watch. Guilt for Sparky and Ashley for letting their son die, as well as not knowingly keeping him away from them. Guilt for his father for bing a stupid idiot son. And finally, guilt for himself for failing his own dreams.
It was entirely too much for him to handle and the boy knew it. He knew all the challenges that were ahead of him, and he quite frankly brushed them off. He thought that he, along with his pups, were unstoppable, and as long as the pups had him and he had his pups, nothing could stand in his way. But one fire and a bad, STUPID decision later, and it all came crashing down, with one of his pups going down as well.
Ryder was foolish in thinking that as he continued to stare at the portrait with tears. How could he move on? Do the pups still trust him? Does the city trust him for that matter? Even though Ryder didn't know for sure, he knew an answer. There should be no way anyone would ever trust him again. The doubters were right, how could a ten year old with pups, be able to earn the trust of an entire town? It sounds completely unrealistic, likes something from a kids show. But it happened, and the results were right in front of him.
He thought about the future of Paw Patrol these past few days and flipped flopped between shutting it down or carrying on. Ryder was quite proud of himself for being able to lead his pups. As much as he was proud of them. For a better part of a year now, the Paw Patrol had been an excellent rescue team. Helping out all of those in need and bettering the town. Not to mention all the fun they had along the way. But now, There was a very critical fork in the road with Ryder not sure for himself and others what path to take.
Ryder continued to look at Marshall's portrait, wishing if he could ask him what to do. But all he will get is the silent still image of his fire pup, staring at him with a smile that was mocking him.
"Ryder?" Ryder heard a voice say. It was a very familiar voice to him. Ryder's eyes went wide as he recognized the voice to be his fallen pup. He looked closely and suddenly saw that Marshall's mouth was moving.
"Ryder? You okay?" He thought he heard and saw the dally say. He gasped deeply as the impossible happened before him. He was about to call out the dally, until a hand touched his shoulder, scaring him into reality as he jumped in the air with a quick scream.
"Ryder, what's wrong?" The voice said again, but this time it was more feminune and off to his left. Ryder turned left and saw a very concerned Katie, who looked as if Ryder had just hurt himself right in front of her.
"Ryder? Are you okay?" Katie asked.
Ryder shook his head a little as he looked back at Marshall's portrait and noticed that Marshall was still frozen in it. He then looked back at Katie who at this point, was scared about Ryder's well being.
"Y-Yeah. Yeah Katie…..I'm okay."
Ryder's answer did little to change Katie's worries. "Ryder, are you sure?"
"I'm as best as I can be right now." Ryder stated firmly. "Trust me."
Katie's look of concern turned quickly into a very skeptical one. She was going to press harder, but figured that it wasn't a good idea for both of their sakes to keep digging for more, at least not in public. She decided to let it go for now as she didn't want to aggravate him.
"Oh-Oh okay...um….the Mayor's waiting on you Ryder. She needs to talk to you about…"
"I know Katie, I know." Ryder cut in with some annoyance. "I-I just got distracted."
Katie backed off a little at Ryder's interruption. "Ryder…..I'm sorry. I was just worr.."
"I'm fine Katie." Ryder said with a harsh tone. "Let's just please get this over with."
Not a word was spoken as the two youngins made their way to the Mayor's office trailer. To urge to talk to Ryder and help him was gnawing on Katie like a stubborn nat. It was the first time she had seen the ten year old since the news broke. The only way she had ever heard Ryder was through the phone conversation where she called for his well being in which Ryder would shoo her away. She was afraid of what had become of the boy in question and hoped that he at least took care of himself. He didn't look too bad, but not too great either. She could see the bags under his eyes and noticed that he wasn't his light hearted and upbeat self. But honestly, Katie wasn't as worried for him as she was worried for his pups.
Her feeling from the loss of Marshall was devastatingly enough for her and she knew that it affected them worse for them. Marshall was in all the way their brother who they played and worked with for almost a year. In that short span of time, Katie watched them get closer and closer to each other like a very tight family. With this in mind, Katie felt sympathy for them greatly. It was so degrading for her to not have at least seen one of them for days. If it wasn't for a few very busy days at her office, Katie would've made a point to visit, and help them through this traumatic time.
She thought about asking Ryder about them, but before she thought about the question, they were already at the Mayor's door, as Ryder knocked on it.
"Who is it?" The Mayor sounded through the door with her charm.
"It's me Mayor Goodway." Ryder slurred. "You wanted to see me?"
After a sudden sound of shuffling papers, the Mayor responded. "Oh, Ryder. Yes of course! Come in, please!"
Ryder proceeded to open the door and step on into the cramped office trailer with Katie following him in.
The office was very small with the mayor's desk at the end with about four couch lengths away. The Mayor had two chairs in front of her very cramped desk with the rest of the trailer filled with seats and tables that were very close to each other due to the size of the trailer.
"Jeez Mayor. You must feel like a caged animal here." Ryder joked with a small smile, probably the first one in a while.
"You don't know half of it my boy." Goodway responded with irritation. "My dear Chickletta barely has any room to stretch her teensy little cute wings." Upon cue, Chickletta clucked with the same expression she's had all her life. "But it gets the job done. I can't wait till we get a new city hall built. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now, we need to make all the preparations for Marshall's funeral."
The smile on Ryder went away at the mention of the funeral. Like the comment brought him back to reality. One look at him made the Mayor almost shiver in her heels. "Oh…..dear me. I'm sorry Ryder. That sounded so….casual."
"It's okay Mayor, let's just get this over with, please." Ryder responded with a somber tone.
The Mayor looked at Ryder with a sad and worried tone. "Um…..yes at once…...you don't mind Katie being present with us, do you?"
Ryder looked at Katie who looked back in return. She gave an expression that made Ryder understand that she could go if he didn't want her there. Ryder looked back at the Mayor with a friendly smile. "No Mayor. I don't have a problem with that. She could be a great help for us anyway."
"Why yes of course." The Mayor responded gratefully.
Katie smiled as well, as she sat and was all ears.
"I do wanna know Ryder. As much as my concerns for you have bothered me, my concerns for the pups have affected me a little bit more." The Mayor stated. "Those poor things must be in complete agony right now. Please tell me how they're doing right now."
Ryder's smile disappeared in thin air. "They're….fine Mayor. About as well as they can be. They're back at the lookout right now. My dad is watching them and spending time with them."
The Mayor and Katie's eyes lit up.
"Oh my. Norman's here? That's astonishing!" Goodway charmed. "I had no idea he was in town! Oh I hope to catch up with him once this is all over with!"
"Me as well." Katie added gracefully. "It feels great to have Mr. Norman around."
Ryder's smile returned. "I'm pretty sure you'll get the chance Mayor, but believe it or not, that wasn't the most surprising visit I had recently."
"Eh? What do you mean Ryder?" Katie asked curiously.
"Well…." Ryder started, his smile fading yet again, as he looked firmly at Mayor Goodway. "Marshall's parents also came by."
The Mayor's eyes went wide and Katie's jaw dropped to the floor. Only one sentence uttered from Goodway shock.
"M-Marshall's…...Parents?"
For the first time in four days, Chase was finally starting to relax a little. He'd been talking with Mr. Norman for about two hours, catching up with each other in the observatory.
If it wasn't for the glaring event that overshadowed Norman's visit, the pups would be all over Norman. The man would tell about his ventures at Washington and also tell stories about Ryder when he was younger, much to Ryder's embarrassment. This time, it was Chase telling the stories about the missions that the Paw Patrol has been on. From saving Chickens and Whales to even saving Santa Claus at one point. The Paw Patrol has had one doozy of a year.
Unfortunately, he also told Norman of what happened in the accident. Chase struggled through it obviously, as it was the first time he had to recount the events to anyone, even himself. By the end of it, Chase's guilt and misery broke him down.
"...when Ryder told us that Marshall was gone, It was like someone shot me right in the chest. I…...I….cou...I couldn't speak. I just stood there…...not knowing what to say or do."
Tears were drowning the police pup's eyes as he went on. Norman sat and listened, feeling dreadful for the shepherd.
"It was a feeling I hoped to never feel again. Loss, hopeless, and powerless. I should've stayed behind. I should've got him out. Heck, I should've never been in there in the first place. I was a burden that needed to be rescued and Marshall paid for it." Chase lowered head in guilt. "I...I lied to him. I told him that I would be okay, and now me and the other's are paying for something that was my fault."
Chase whined and sobbed with his head buried in his forepaws. Norman got up from the chair he was in, and walked over to the laying Chase. He got on one knee and began to pet the crying pup. "Chase. It was just an accident."
"The accident could've been prevented. My paw caused me to hesitate and fall through the floor. Marshall would've never had to go back in the first place if I hadn't lied and gone in." Chase whimpered.
Norman looked at Chase and said his response. "Chase, just because you made a grave mistake, doesn't mean it was your fault. You've got to believe me son."
Chase looks back at Norman with more tears. "I want to believe you Mr. Norman. But it's the truth. Getting myself into a very dangerous situation was the cause of it all."
"I know that Chase, but believe it or not, that's not enough to place the blame on you. Now we can sit here and list all the things that led up to this terrible occurrence all day long, but all it would do is make you and everyone else feel more miserable, and putting blame on anyone will only make it worse."
Chase stayed silent and focused on the words that Norman was saying.
"If you ask me, I really don't think anyone should be blamed for this. Unless somebody deliberately, with intention, pushed Marshall under that pile and didn't make any effort to look for him, there should be no blame to put on any of you pups. Don't harp on yourself for the mistakes that you made. Learn from them and make sure it doesn't happen again."
"But I…" Chase began until he was cut off by a determined Norman.
"No. You know darn well that Marshall himself would be saying the same thing. Nobody else is blaming you and punishing you but yourself, and after everything that's happened, you still don't deserve it. There was nothing you could've done to save Marshall. He was just at a very difficult place at the wrong time, not caused by you."
Chase lowered his head again as he laid there, processing the information. It was no doubt that the shepherd still blamed himself for Marshall's death, but he started to doubt it a little. Accidents happen, especially on rescue missions. Chase knew that very well as the thought haunted him for seven months. He then thought about the conversation he had with Marshall just a week prior to everything, where he finally let him in on what had terrorized the police pup for months. He remembered what the dally said about everything that could go wrong and that no matter how much you plan to prevent an accident, something could always go wrong and this was no different.
The doubts conflicted the young shepherd and made him have second thoughts of the entire situation. "I guess you're right Mr. Norman. In all honesty, I just want all this to be over. I'm sorry if that sounds like I don't care but, it's true. After all of this, I still want the Paw Patrol to go on, and continue to help others. It's what me and the other pups are meant to do. I can't imagine us doing anything different."
Norman put his hand on Chase's head and petted it, as Chase looked at him in return with tears. "There's no shame in that son, and don't worry, you will. This is just a very difficult road block that you all have to pass, together for everyone's good." Norman then stopped a bit as he looked away a little. "...I just wish my son could learn that himself."
Chase's thoughts on himself immediately were left when he heard that statement as he looked at Norman with concern. "What's wrong with Ryder?"
Norman stepped away as his concerns for his son grew in his eyes. "I don't want to reveal too much, but...let's just say that you're not the only one who blames himself for the accident."
Chase's eyes went wide at the realization. He whimpered out. "No…...don't tell me that…"
"I'm afraid it's true Chase. He blames himself." Norman sadly confirmed. " He thinks that it was his mistake of sending you in was the worst decision he's made, and for that, he thinks it's all his fault."
Chase looked in total disbelief. He knew that even Ryder himself was having a hard time getting through Marshall's passing, but he didn't think that Ryder was actually blaming himself for the whole thing.
"But….But I lied to him. It can't be his fault. Doesn't he see that?"
Norman sighed as he responded. "Do you see what I'm talking about Chase? All this blaming is just making everyone trapped in their insecurities. Ryder and any of you pup will never move on if you keep damaging yourselves."
As soon as Norman said it, Chase's mind instantly reminded him of the promise he made to Marshall about taking care of everyone and helping them get through the pain of loss. With Chase's knowledge of Ryder blaming himself, the difficulty of the promise rose at an alarming rate. He always thought that whenever Chase was scared and was unsure of himself, Ryder would be the ultimate remedy to soothe and comfort him. But now, it's going to be the other way around, and Chase wasn't sure if he could accomplish that goal.
"The troubling thing is that I'm only here for a short time. After Marshall's funeral, I've got to get back to D.C. and there's no way I can extend my stay, which means I won't be able to help him."
Norman himself looked away from Chase to hide his own tears he was forming. "I don't like leaving him like this. Not when he needs me. But I have to."
"What's wrong? Can't you tell them about the situation?" Chase asked honestly. "It's your company after all."
"I wish it was that simple Chase, but it's not. It's amazing that I was even able to come down here at all. The timing on this couldn't have been any worse son." Norman stated.
Chase thought it was immediately strange how much Norman was prioritizing his company highly. It wasn't like him to deem his matter at Washington more important that his son's well being. He could interrogate him on the matter, but he probably won't get far on it. He's just going to have to assume that Norman had good reasons for it.
On the other paw, he was contemplating on what he could do to help Ryder. There was no doubt that even Ryder was included in the promise, but Chase had hoped that Ryder wouldn't fall so far, mostly because he knew that at some point in his mourning and grieving period, Chase could cry on Ryder's shoulder and for the boy to tell him that everything will be okay. But from what he understood, It seems that Ryder is probably mentally compromised as well, possibly more than anyone.
It scared Chase to no end. Ryder in a way, was the head of the family. A fatherly figure to all the pups. They practically worshiped the ground he walked on, due to how much care and love he gave to them. They respect and look up to him when the moments come. If Ryder were to completely shut down and get mentally unwell at a time where he is really needed, there would be no telling what the outcome would be a year from now or earlier, except one thing, the Paw Patrol as he knew it wouldn't have long, if it survived at all.
That….was Marshall's ultimate fear, and upon realizing that, Chase had to at least try. Not just for Marshall, but for everyone including himself.
Chase looked at Norman with a sudden determination. The same one he had when he made the promises a week ago. "Mr. Norman?"
Norman looked back at Chase and was a little surprised to see a different mood of Chase.
"I can't lie and say that I understand why you have to leave, but I'm not going to pursue you with that. I'm just going to assume that you have your hands tied and can't stay here. Simply because I know if whatever was going on wasn't important, you wouldn't leave Ryder like this. But I'll tell you what I will do."
Chase then stood on his feet as he continued his determined statement. "All of us, me, Skye, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky, and especially Ryder have to get through this. No matter what, we are still family, and a family picks each other up when we go down. I promise you Norman, I will work with Ryder in your stead. He means too much for me to watch him hurt himself more and more. I'm not going to give up on him, cause if he goes down, we all go as well, and I don't want that to happen. So I promise you, Ryder will get better. I will make sure of that."
Norman produced an appalled face at Chase's declaration. "Chase…You don't have to do that son. It's not right of me to just pass my son's issues over to."
"It may be degrading for you, but it is essential for me and has to be done, or we all will suffer." Chase rebounded, not giving an inch.
Norman looked at the fully committed German Shepherd with a proud expression. Though his worries for him reared his head.
"If you think you can handle it Chase, I would be very grateful. But I want to tell you this. If you yourself think that you need help, don't try to do it alone. I know that the other pups would want to help you out. So please, don't be afraid to ask."
Chase nodded in response. "Of course Mr. Norman."
The horror and shock on the Mayor's and Katie's face were almost permanently glued on their faces by the time Ryder finished recapping everything that happened yesterday. Ryder struggled through the whole thing as it was a very troubling tale.
The Mayor could hardly move. "Oh…..oh my…..word. I…..truly had no i-idea Marshall's parents were still alive and didn't even know he was here."
"I said the same thing Mayor." Ryder responded. "It was a surprise for me too."
"Those poor dogs…..whe-where are they now?" the Mayor asked.
"They said that they wanted to explore Adventure Bay today. Hoping to relieve some stress from everything." Ryder answered.
"I hope they're not being bombarded with questions. You know how it can be with the citizens. When newcomers come here, they want to be very friendly with them." The Mayor implied. "Bless their hearts they want to, but if they would find out who they were, Marshall's parents would be flooded with condolences."
"I think they would be fine Mayor. It may help them understand how much of an amazing pup Marshall was." Ryder responded.
It was at that point that Katie finally spoke with concern. "What about Rocky?"
Ryder turned to her. "Huh?"
"I said what about Rocky?" Katie repeated her concerns showing through more and more. "Where is he? Is he okay?"
Ryder caught on to Katie's concern. "He's alright now Katie. At least he was this morning. He's at the beach with Zuma as far as I know."
Katie only dipped her head in sadness. "I-I don't know Ryder. After hearing about all that, I can't help but feel very worried for him. That was too much stress for a pup his age to go through. That pup must be burying himself in sorrow and sadness."
"I don't think you have to worry too much Katie." Goodway said, with a comforting tone. "Rocky is a strong pup. He'll be fine as long as we help him."
"I don't know the Mayor. Rocky is a very emotional pup, and the fact that this was the second time he lost Marshall, he could be in a very bad place in his mind right now." Katie responded in more sadness. She kept her head down, suppressing tears. "Oh that poor, poor pup."
Ryder resonated with this as he saw first hand how the recycling pup had been since the fire. He even got very verbal and hostile with Chase and Skye that almost ended up in a squabble. Out of all of his pups that needed comfort, Ryder felt that it would be Rocky that needed his full attention, followed by either Chase or Zuma.
Ryder placed a hand on Katie's shoulder as looked up at him. "Don't worry Katie. Rocky will be fine, I'll make sure of it, and if you ever feel like you need to come down to the lookout to talk to check on Rocky or any of the pups, You're always welcome anytime Katie."
Katie cracked a small smile at Ryder's gesture. "Thanks Ryder, you know I will take that in a heartbeat. But what about you? How do you feel right now?"
Ryder saw the concern oozing out of Katie's eyes. He didn't want to tell her all of his thoughts, but Ryder had one glaring thing on his mind that he couldn't hide. "To tell you the truth, I don't really know what to feel right now Katie."
The Mayor herself produced a questionable look. "What on earth do you mean Ryder? What's wrong?"
Ryder drew a breath as he opened his door. "It's everything with Marshall and his parents. I haven't got the faintest idea why Marshall never told me about them. That hurts me so much."
Katie places a hand on Ryder's to comfort him. "It's okay Ryder. I'm sure there was a reason he didn't want to tell you. It may be that it was too painful for him to talk about. He probably wanted to wait until he was ready. You shouldn't let it bother you that much."
"I know Katie, it's just…." Ryder clasped his hands and rested them on his knees while he dipped his head to his feet. "I-I thought he trusted me."
"What are you saying Ryder? Of course he trusted you." Katie insisted, somewhat aghast by Ryder's comment.
"Then why didn't he tell me?" Ryder bounced back, his tone rising slightly. "He told Chase. Chase knew about it. Not all, but more than me."
It took Katie a second to respond. "I admit, I have no idea Ryder. But there is no use in thinking about it right now. We have no way of finding out now, so it shouldn't matter."
"Of course it matters!" Ryder popped out of nowhere, causing Katie to wince a little. "If I had known about Marshall's parents, I would've done all I could to get them to see their son, and see how much of an amazing pup he was and at least know that he was alive! But he didn't! I don't know why but he didn't tell me, and his parents never got to see him when they could've had a chance! What did I do?! Did I hurt him some way?! Did I not love him enough?! Why didn't he trust me?!"
The mayor was appalled as she listened to Ryder's rant that quickly turned into sobs. Katie continued to comfort him as she spoke. "Ryder. You're thinking too much about it, and you're getting more and more angry as you do."
"I'm not angry Katie! I'm just…." Ryder responded with a sob. He looks at Katie's eyes with tears. "I'm just hurt…...very hurt."
"I know you are. I would be too. But you can't get worked up about it now." Katie continued. "I really doubt that Marshall ever meant to make you feel that he didn't trust you. There had to be a specific reason. But there's no use in that now. What's done is down, and there's no way we can find that out now. So you have to move on and let it be."
Ryder couldn't escape from Katie's coming eyes. Even if he looked away from her, he could still see Katie's stare in his mind. "You're right Katie, I shouldn't be worked up about it. Let's just please this thing over with. I want to get back to my pups as soon as I can."
The Mayor nodded in agreement. "Of course Ryder. Don't worry, this won't take too long."
The mayor began to shuffle some papers around ready to go over the plans for the memorial with Ryder. Katie wanted to press Ryder, but figured that Ryder was already worked up and probably wouldn't want to open up more right now so she let it go for now.
The Mayor cleared her throat before she started. "Yes, okay. Well let's start with this, are we still holding things at the lookout?"
"As far as I know yes." Ryder weakly stated. "I don't know any other place to hold it."
Katie noticed Ryder's very weak and mellow tone and tried to comfort him. "Ryder, I know this is hard for you. It is to us as well, but don't be afraid to suggest anything you would feel we need to do for Marshall."
"She's right Ryder. I would love to hear your Ideas as well. Not just mine or Katie's" Goodway supported.
Ryder looked at both Katie and the Mayor before he responded. "I appreciate it Mayor, but to tell you the truth, I can't really think of anything else. I think that some words and a slideshow or video would be more than enough for Marshall. He never saw himself as a martyr or anything so I don't think we need to do so much."
"Don't feel that way Ryder, There's never enough ways to say goodbye to him." Katie sadly implied.
"I know Katie. Trust me, I know. I just don't want to overdo it. Because I know he wouldn't want that." Ryder responded. "A speech and a slideshow will be just fine, and if someone wants to come up and say anything for him, that would be welcomed as well."
At that point, the Mayor started to get very nervous. "Oh…..I uh….I see." She started to scratch that back of her neck in embarrassment. "So…..you think the statue is too much?"
Ryder slowly raised his head and popped an eyebrow in total bewilderment. "Statue?"
After a very long and emotional conversation with Ryder's dad, Chase rode down the elevator to the lobby to maybe socialize a little. More importantly, he wanted to check on Skye as the conversation that he had with her a few days ago troubled him.
As the elevator stopped, Chase looked around the lobby and saw Rubble watching Apollo with Ember laying beside him. When Sparky and Ashley stepped out this morning, Rubble begged and pleaded with them to let him watch her. They graciously agreed and Rubble couldn't have been any happier, as he loved baby's Chase smiled at the sight. He couldn't help but find Marshall's sister and Rubble to be very adorable. The bulldog definitely will be very good with pups.
A little bit to the left, on one of the bean bags was the pup he was looking for. Lying on the bean bag looking bored out of her mind. Chase wagged his tail slightly when he saw the cockapoo as he trotted over to her. "Hey Skye. How are you holding up?"
Skye slowly raised her head to meet Chase with a seemingly depressed look. Although Chase noticed her tail wagged as well. "About as well as everybody else is I guess."
Skye whimpered a little as Chase got in front of her. Skye looked at him assessing the sight of him. "How are your injuries? Are they any better?"
Chase honestly forgot about the injuries that he had gathered over the weeks. His paw had thankfully healed tremendously with only a slight sting every now and then. His ribs still hurt though as he wheezed. "I'm okay Skye. It just still hurts a little when I breathe but it shouldn't be a problem now."
Skye gave Chase a skeptical stare. She believed him at least to a point and Chase knew it. "L-Look Skye. We haven't gotten any missions since. By the time we start back up, I should be fine. I'll be okay."
Skye didn't move an inch. Chase then decided to change the subject. "Skye. Are you still having nightmares?"
Finally, a reaction came out of Skye, as her ears drooped at the question. She exhaled out "Yeah. Each one is the same."
"Are they all about…..Marshall?" Chase gulped.
Skye's eyes suddenly shifted as if she was being interrogated. She hesitated a little before she answered. "Uh…..y-yeah. E-Everyo-one of them."
Chase popped an eyebrow at this. He wasn't sure, but it sounded like Skye was lying a little. Normally, Chase would pursue this like a hawk. But the nightmares that he has had were so traumatizing that he imagined Skye would justifyingly be a little scared about detailing her dreams, so he just went on.
"You know you don't have to hide it Skye. I'm having them too, so don't feel embarrassed." Chase added.
"I know, I know." Skye hastingly said as her tone became shaky. "But, I'm trying to get through it. I know for a fact that I'm going to have these dreams for a long time. I just need to be as strong as I can."
Chase whimpered a little. Although he admired Skye's strong and brave attitude, he wished that it wasn't too much for her to handle. "That's easy to say Skye, but please. If you need someone to talk to, I'm right here. You are not alone, no matter what."
Skye cracked a comforting and warm smile. "I know Chase. I just miss Marshall so much already…" She teared up. "...I wish he was here. He would know just what to say…." Whimpers covered her speech as she sniffed through it. "Oh….Marshall…"
Chase responded by getting a little closer to the cockapoo and put a forepaw on hers. His heart rate went up by doing this as he was barely holding in his affections. "I do too Skye but we've got each other. We'll be fine."
Skye eyed Chase and their eyes were locked on to each other. His temptations grew the longer he stared at her. He hoped that he wasn't creeping her out, but he couldn't look away to save his life. Her beautiful glistening eyes parallized the shepherd from ceasing his admiration for her. He suddenly got the urge to take the chance and get it done and over with, but before he could make a move on her, Skye lowered her head again, causing Chase's heart to split a little.
"There's something else on my mind." Skye admitted. "Something that I can't stop worrying about."
Chase swallowed his sadness down his disappointment. "Go ahead Skye, I'm all ears."
"It's Rocky and Zuma, Chase. I'm so worried about them. Mostly Zuma." Skye revealed with a downed tone.
Chase knew exactly what she was worried about. Rocky has been an emotional wreck for the past few days with Zuma being along for the ride. Although he has gotten a little better thanks to finally getting closure with Marshall's parents, one thing still hasn't changed, Marshall was dead. Never to come back and because of that, Rocky may never be the same again. Much to the dismay of Zuma. Despite that though, Chase still had faith in the mixed breed.
"Skye, you shouldn't worry too much. Rocky's a strong pup, and so is Zuma. It's going to be a hard couple of weeks for all of us but we all can do it. I know we will."
Chase expected Skye to be lifted up and reassured, but the cockapoo wasn't convinced. "I don't know Chase, Zuma was really torn up yesterday. He believed that Rocky was too far gone and I had to really convince him not to give up on him. I know they would get better, but part of me thinks that it will be a long way towards that. Too long for little Zuma. It may be too much to handle, and you saw what happened to Rocky after the fire. He was a monster. I legitimately thought that he was going to lunge at me and you. Zuma was so scared that Rocky had changed too much in so little time."
Skye whimpered as she went on. "Poor Zuma. He thinks that he's losing another friend in the matter of days. It may cause him to lose all faith in himself."
Chase put his paw on her shoulder. "It's alright for now Skye. They're playing at the beach and having a great time. The fact that they're out there is amazing."
"Oh come on Chase, you know it's going to take more than that." Skye sadly responded.
"I know Skye, I'm just trying to say that we need to have faith in them." Chase responded. "We can't be on them like this all the time….not when we have our own problems to deal with."
"But their problems are my problems Chase! We are all family, and I don't want us to fall apart!"
"And we won't." Chase assured. "We'll stay together and we'll move on together, no matter how long it takes, we'll move on."
Skye dipped her head. "But what if Rocky gets worse, and Zuma shuts down as well?"
Chase places a paw back on hers again, truly focused to ease her worries. "Focus on you Skye. If they go too far, you let me worry about them"
Skye instantly popped an eyebrow at that and cocked her head. "What do you mean let you worry about them?"
It was then that Chase realized what he just said. He hadn't told a single soul about his promise to Marshall. He could tell everyone, especially now, about Marshall's fear and promise that Chase made, but he was uncertain that that would be the efficient way. He wanted to keep it to himself so that the other pups would put on a mask in front of him to shoo him away from their problems. But now that was in definite danger of Skye finding out just for the slip of the tongue. "Uh…..I…...uh….."
"What? What is it? Why are you telling me not to worry about them, but you should worry about them? What's going on Chase? Is there something you're not telling me?" Skye pressed, very annoyed that Chase was now being very secretive.
Chase started to fidget with his paws a little. "I…...Uh…..I…" Chase couldn't think of anything to steer Skye away from it. He had to tell her, or Skye would be on him like a porkchop. Better rip off the band-aid now.
"Skye…..I have to….."
"CHASE! SKYE! WUBBLE!"
From out of nowhere, Zuma came running in the lookout screaming bloody murder. Chase, Skye and Rubble all look at the terrified pup as he comes sliding end, with Ember immediately crying due to the disturbance, which prompts Rubble to soothe her.
"Zuma? Zuma what's wrong?!" Chase sounded very worried for the pup.
Zuma could barely concentrate as the usual calm and cool water pup was going mental. "It's-It's-It's…..Wo-Wo-Wo-Wo...ock-hic-y. H-h-h-h-he's m-m-m-mis…."
Skye went to him and lightly hugged him in an effort to calm down. "Zuma! Zuma! Calm down! You have to calm down. We can barely understand you."
After taking in Skye's words, Zuma managed to control himself enough to finally give out his message. Though he was still wailing.
"WOCKY'S MISSING! I CAN'T FIND HIM ANYWHEWE!"
(A/N): Oh no! That is not good! Where is he? Guess we're going to have to find out next week.
Now on to an important announcement.
I know you all have waited a long time for this Chapter but I need to announce that after the next two Chapters, after the funeral is done. I am sorry to say that the story will go on a short hiatus.
Now Now hold on! Don't start crying yet. This does not mean the story is going away, far from it. I genuinely believe in the story and want to see it end as much as you do, if not more. This is a planned hiatus, that was planned well before the story started. The reason it is going on hiatus is that I'm going to write a wave of chapters to make it a little easier on myself to keep up with the weekly releases. It shouldn't be vary long as It's probably going to take a month or so. For the good of the story, myself, and all of you who stuck by and want to see the end of it, this is what has to happened.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for your anticipation, and hope that what comes is well worth it.
That is all I have for the announcement so be ready for Chapter 15 next week and the funeral the following week.
Question of the Chapter: Why do you think Marshall never told Ryder about his parents and his life in San Francisco.
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!