(A/N): Hey guys. Back with another emotional one for you today. Im letting this out a little early because I'm starting a new job tomorrow morning, so I need some sleep.
I'm also releaseing this now because I know you all will be more interested in the movie coming out Friday then a silly old fanfiction. Next week's will be back on Friday and will continue from then on, unless I say different.
We had an eventful start to Act II last week and I hope to keep that momentum going!
Were not going to get a lot of action in this chapter, but we will get a very crucial piece of backstory about Ryder. One that puts his morals to the test.
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally!
Chapter 22: Love From an Angel
When the sun came up in Adventure Bay, Chase opened his eyes to see that he was still laying on his side in the forest, with his nose touching the beautiful dog that was Skye. It confirmed to him that last night wasn't the greatest dream he ever had in his life. It was now, the greatest moment of his life.
To think, it started off horribly, with the horrid nightmare of seeing Marshall burning alive. He was afraid that the night would consume him for days, but any remains of it went away, as he noticed Skye's beauty in her sleep, which put a bright smile on his face.
He finally did it, and it only took him a year and a half to do it. Not bad. Not bad at all.
He will never forget what happened last night as long as he lived. After having the world's most terrible nightmare, Chase sought to Skye herself and to hear her voice and be serenaded away, but he found Skye's pup house empty and a lonely note laid on the floor.
After reading it and crying for acceptance that Skye was gone, he was "visited" by Marshall, who told him to not give up, and find her.
Realizing what Marshall was saying, Chase found Skye's scent and tracked her into the forest where she was on her way to Foggy Bottom of all places. Chase didn't care at the time, the only thing that he was focused on, was to somehow convince Skye to stay.
After almost tearing himself up for her to listen, Chase ended up doing something he didn't intend to fully do at the time. He confessed to her, and revealed every feeling he had for her.
Chase's mind was a blur on this. All he could remember were the words five minutes, happiness, care, angel, love, and stay. But after that, Chase remembered clearly and happily. He not only convinced Skye to stay, but was able to receive her love in return. Which was then followed with another hazy period he could barely remember what exactly happened. Just bits and pieces of them kissing the night away, and falling asleep once they were truly exhausted.
Thankfully, nothing further happened. Not that Chase would ever do that at his age right now. If he did, he would be terrified of being anywhere near Ryder, as he would probably hang the both of them by their toes if he ever found out. Provided that they wouldn't get in big trouble already for not only kissing, but being away from the lookout all night long.
When Ryder crossed his mind, Chase determined that even though he wanted to stay laying in the grass with Skye, they really needed to get him and Skye back to the lookout, before anyone noticed them gone.
Chase reached his head over to Skye's, and gently licked her cheek to wake her up. "Skye…...Skye…...come on girl. We've gotta get up." His voice was very delicate.
A few more licks and Skye finally started to stir and groan. After stretching her legs, her eyes finally opened, and as soon as she realized who was lying next to her, her face grew the biggest smile the shepherd had ever seen.
"Good morning Chase." Skye greeted. Her voice like a chirping bird.
Chase smiled back. "Good morning angel." Which made the cockapoo eyes glisten and wag her tail. She scooted closer to him and licked his muzzle.
The two gazed at each other with not a care in the world except for themselves. Skye licked Chase's snout again, before she nuzzled in Chase's furry chest. She lets out a meaningful remark. "I don't want this to end."
Chase kept his smile on, as he wrapped his right foreleg around Skye's side, and snuggled her close to him. But suddenly, a subtle whine came out of him, prompting Skye to retract and look at him with concerned eyes. "What is it baby, what's wrong?"
Chase whined again. "I'm sorry angel, but we have to get back to the lookout, before someone notices we're gone. There's no telling what punishment Ryder will give us, once he finds both of us missing."
Skye whined in tune with Chase. "Do we have to?"
Chase kept firm with her. "Not unless you want to be grounded from the TV and playing outside. Separating us as well."
Skye averted her eyes as small tears formed in them. "D-Do we have to go right this very moment?"
Chase had a sure answer, but Skye's eyes were brainwashing him very easily. He thought real hard about the situation. Judging from the sun still rising from the south, Chase figured that it was at least seven twenty five right now. At that time, Chase himself would get up and start waking all of the pups up, then he would go out on his patrol of the city. The pups didn't wake up until he woke them up, and Ryder didn't really come down until about ten o'clock to lay out breakfast for them.
Once he found the loop, he smiled at Skye, seduced by her beautiful magenta eyes. "Well….no..not really...I guess the pups could sleep a little longer."
Skye giggled, as she pushed forward, and gave Chase a loving kiss before cuddling to him again. Chase rested his chin on her ear and repeatedly gave her loving licks on her cheek.
"I can't believe I thought I could ever run away from you." Skye let out with a warm smile.
"Yeah….especially how it was very easy to track you."
Skye retracted from him and gave him a playful shove. "Hey. I didn't make it that easier for you."
Chase kept his smug grin. "Whatever you say Skye. That does remind me though. Where were you running away to? Please tell me you weren't really going to run away to Foggy Bottom and stay there."
Skye giggled again at the shepherd's ridiculous implication. "Of course not you silly pup. Like I would ever choose Foggy Bottom to run away to. Even if I wanted to, It wouldn't be wise considering you and Ryder were in the next town over. I was actually going to the airport to hitch a ride to California."
Chase raised an eyebrow at this. "You were going to California? Did you know where you wanted to go?"
Skye's smile faded as she averted her eyes again. "Um…no….not exactly."
Chase was now looking with both sadness and concern. From what she was implying, she had no clear destination on where to go. It struck him with sorrow. The thought of Skye facing the whole country alone without him, Ryder, or any of the pups depressed him greatly. Skye easily noticed this. "Don't get me wrong Chase, I had a clear destination….I just….didn't where it was. Or more like, I didn't know where they would be right now."
Chase instantly caught on to who Skye was implying. She had planned on meeting back up with the AirDogs, an aerial stunt group only occupied by dogs with one human who runs the group.
While he was relieved that she was not going to be alone all her life, that also meant that it could've been a long time of her scouring America for her family. If she made it that long. That drew concern for Chase.
"You must be talking about the AirDogs. But how were you going to find them if you had no idea where they were?"
"I did have an idea of where they were." Skye corrected. "I know their schedule lik the back of my paw. Around this time, they would be making their run in California. But the thing is, usually some cities and towns would swap with others for variety. So I just wasn't sure where in California they would be. I was either going to go by each city until I found them, or stay in one and let them come to me. I wasn't going to be alone for long, just for a couple days or so."
It still bothered Chase that she would be by herself in California, but he was eased that she wouldn't be for long. There was no doubt that her parents would've welcomed her ten times over when they found her and maybe try to talk some sense into her and get her to return to Adventure Bay. Not to mention, thanks to the AirDogs' assurance to the mayor that they would return every year, Chase and the others would've at least seen Skye once a year.
Through this, Chase had one thing on his curious mind about Skye's journey. "Would you have been happy going through with that Skye?"
Skye closed her eyes and opened them back up with her pupils on the bottom of her sockets. "I…...don't know if I would've been, but it was the best I could think of. I loved being in the show, and I loved being with my family. Especially my brother. But...there was a reason I left the group for Paw Patrol. We were on the road nearly every day of our lives. He didn't really have a permanent place to call home. So I didn't have much time to make friends. I did have some, but I only saw them once a year….if I was lucky. I cherished them all of course, but not being able to be with friends depressed me. Due to us being on the road, I felt…..lonely. When we came to Adventure Bay, I was fully exhausted. There was no point in me making friends if I wouldn't see them at least once a week. Despite that, I got so close to you, Ryder, and…..Marshall….that I looked for any reason to stay. I'm so lucky that Ryder wanted me to join the team, because if he didn't, it would've been very hard to convince my mom and dad to let me stay. About as much as it took to convince Wings. I probably would've never been allowed to stay. But thanks to Ryder needing a pilot, I had a chance of belonging in one place and being with so many amazing friends. Thinking about it now, I probably would've never have been as happy as I am in Paw Patrol, but I thought that with me not being able to fly and do my job, I had to find them again, so I would never feel so useless ever again. I love…."
When Skye looked at Chase's eyes, she noticed that Chase was crying softly. In fact, he had been crying all throughout Skye's speech.
She instantly inched over to him and touched his nose with hers. "Ch-Chase? What's wrong? Why are you crying honey?"
Chase closed his eyes and sniffed his nose with a whine. "I am so glad I found you in time, Skye." He sniffed again. "You have no idea how worried and scared I would've been had I not found you."
When the shepherd whined that out, tears formed in Skye's eyes. She immediately cuddled him, resting her head on his neck and licking his cheek. "You have nothing to worry about now baby. I'm not going anywhere. I know I said that I felt useless on the team, but I don't have those thoughts anymore."
Chase cuddled and nuzzled his snout with hers. "Really? Are you sure?"
"Yes. I promise Chase. I'm sure, I don't. Because you gave me so many reasons, that I just have to stay. Mainly…" She smiled as she looked at him. "To take care of you."
Chase felt a pit in his stomach, when she said that to him. She basically just said that he was tethering her here, and that was the last thing Chase wanted her to think.
"S-S-Sskye…...I don't want you to,mmmm"
Skye placed her paw on Chase's mouth. "Uh uh uh. Don't you even think of saying that. I know I don't have to take care of you, but I want to. Not because you love me but because…..I need you too."
When Skye released Chase's mouth for him to speak, but the shepherd refrained himself to listen to Skye.
Skye kept her smile as she looked lovingly at Chase. She didn't need Chase's words to know that he was wondering what she meant. "If I were to go away and leave you behind, not only would I miss you terribly, but…..I will never feel….safe….without you."
Chase softened his eyes and let his jaw hang open in astonishment and confusion. "Hm? What do you mean Skye?"
"Oh come on Chase. You are such a dummy sometimes." Skye replied, a little annoyed. "You always have me on your mind. You worry about me and you want to always know that I'm okay. I want that Chase."
"Really? That's not annoying to you?" Chase asked back.
"Well….it does get a little annoying after a while, but I never get angry about it because it makes me feel that I'm protected."
Chase formed a small grin at her. "Skye, It wasn't just you. I do that for all of us."
"I know that baby. That's why I love that about you. Whenever we are down, you're always there for us. Protecting us from danger and looking out for us in every moment. So much that I started to worry about whether or not you're looking after yourself. So I will try to return the favor so you will be okay."
Skye's smile faded as tears formed in her eyes. "When you told us about your nightmares yesterday, I thought I failed you. I felt so guilty for pushing back against you and ignoring you. I should've found out what made you that hard on safety in the first place. We could've avoided it all and you and….Marshall…..would've never fought."
Skye whimpered as Chase's heart tore open more and more. He placed a paw on her and looked at her with calming eyes. "Skye, it's not your fault, it's mine. Even if you didn't do anything about it, I didn't say anything to anyone about them. I thought I could handle it alone so I kept it hidden. I don't blame you angel."
"I know you don't Chase but I do." Skye retorted with an unstable tone. "You don't know how it is disheartening for me to know that you were so miserable in plain sight. Everyone thought that you were being a big jerk, but not me. Yes it got annoying and I ignored you after a while, but I had no clue what you were going through. I feel so guilty for not at least talking to you. I was so angry with myself. You do all that you can to help me, but when it was my turn, I didn't even try."
Skye whimpers grew as more tears fell down. "You know….it's funny what you said to me last night. About how you always looked forward to seeing me everyday to feel so happy and uplifted to the moment you notice me anywhere near you. It's the same for me, except I don't look to you for joy, I look to you for protection. You're always there for me Chase. Even when I don't need you it doesn't matter to me at all, because I want...no...I need that. I need you by my words more than anyone, even Ryder. Whenever I feel unsafe or scared, I can always come to you. You are my shield against everything against me. So whenever you're the one that needs saving, I do my best to make you feel the way you do to me. I never want to see you so sad and lonely. It tears my heart up just imagining it."
Skye paused and wept a bit with Chase rubbing her paw slowly. He wanted to speak, but figured it was best to let her say her thoughts.
"I don't believe that I wanted to run away from you. Simply because I just can't imagine my life without you. You are so strong, so passionate, and so loyal to us, it's impossible to give that much back to you. I love you for that alone. I can't think of anyone else who will go that extra mile for me. Along with your handsome face and gorgeous body, I can't feel anything less than love for you."
Skye cuddled with Chase again, resting her head on his shoulder, while inching her body as close as she could to him. Chase gracefully nuzzled her head as she finished. "I'm not going anywhere Chase. I love you. I don't care if I ever fly anymore. All I need is for you to be with me forever. So that I will always feel safe and happy for the rest of my life."
After finally saying her feelings to him, Skye raised her head to his and pressed her lips into his, while Chase immediately kissed back. It was slower than last night, but the feeling was still there, if not more.
"I love you so much Chase." Skye let out, before pushing her lips back on his.
"I love you too Skye." Chase responded with pleasure. "More than you ever will think I do."
A few minutes go by as they melted in each others' mouths. Never wanting it to end. That was, until Chase felt Skye immediately eject from him. Chase opened his eyes to find Skye's new look of sheer terror.
His heart stopped at this. "S-Skye? What's the matter?"
Skye was completely frozen with horror. "Chase, we do need to go back. Right now."
Before Chase say anything, Skye abruptly jumped up, and took off down the road back to Adventure Bay. Prompting Chase to shoot up himself and run after her. "Wait! Skye?! Where are you going?!"
Skye swiveled her head to answer. "The lookout! Where else!"
"Wh-Why? What's wrong?!" Chase gasped.
Skye stopped and growled in annoyance. "The note you bonehead! Remember?! I left a note in my puphouse! I've got to get to it and destroy it before anyone else finds it!"
Chase finally got the picture, and considering how vulnerable everyone is, it could cause a lot of discourse in the team, no matter if Skye ran away or not. They had to get there fast before anyone could read it.
Before he could respond though, Skye was already out of his sight. Chase gave chase to her, quickly catching up to her. "Skye!"
"WHAT?!" Skye yelled out, really frustrated with Chase, almost angry. "What is it now?!"
"Aren't you forgetting about something?"
"Chase, I don't have time to remember! I've got to go!" Skye insisted with a growl.
"I know you don't angel! But don't you think you can get there faster in my car?!"
Skye shot her eyes wide open in realization. "Oh….r-right…...sorry."
Ryder was in high spirits when he zipped up his vest with total confidence.
Seeing his pups playing last night had given him an inspiring feeling. A feeling that was lost days ago. It also gave him the confidence to start this part of his life on the right foot. He now felt that it was time to get the Paw Patrol back in action. It would be hard without one of Paw Patrol's core members, but in a way, Marshall will always be with them regardless. Watching over them.
While he was very excited about performing rescues again, the troublesome part is he didn't know for sure if they would get any requests today. Even now, with Marshall's funeral behind them, Adventure Bay could still feel very guilty for calling on them for even the most dire of situations. Ryder could insist greatly that the Paw Patrol will always be willing to help, no matter what, he couldn't make them or create problems for the Paw Patrol to tackle. So there is a strong chance they will have no emergencies today.
Which was a shame because Ryder felt that once they started to get out there, and start doing jobs again, his pups would start to feel better. Making the process of moving for them. But Adventure Bay is healing from Marshall's death as well, so it was highly unlikely for a mission to pop up.
There was however, at least one missing he had today, and it involved one of his very pups. Paw Patrol's number one pilot, Sky..
Knock Knock Knock.
Ryder groaned in response to the sudden knock at his door, wondering who would ever interrupt him psyching himself up. He assumed it to be Chase, who Ryder promised they would both talk to her first thing in the morning. His frustration subsided as he was ready along with the police pup.
He ran his hands through his hair as he responded. "Come in little buddy! I'm ready for you."
After a bit of hesitation, the door opened and it was not his police pup knocking on his door. Instead, it was his father. The last person he wanted to see right now.
"Oh….it's you….Dad." Ryder acknowledged, a little harsh.
Norman looked at his son with sincerity. "Hey there son. I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything, but I'm about to depart for Washington in a few. I wanted to come here and say goodbye. I know you're not very happy with me right now, but…...I love you son."
Ryder stood completely emotionless at his father. "I love you too Dad." He then closed his eyes and gave a deep sigh as his anger for his dad was dwindling. "Do you at least have time to talk for at least a little?"
Norman thought about it for a little, before he gave his answer. "Of course son. I always have time for you."
'Lair!'
"Let's go to the office. We'll talk there." Ryder let out, before he walked out of his room, without even glancing at his father.
Next door to his room, was a medium sized office, although it was more like a makeshift game room. That's what Ryder saw it more as.
A tv occupied the side wall on the left, with a good amount of game consoles Ryder either been given, or collected over the years. While he mostly gamed on his pup pad, he enjoyed sitting back on a bean bag with a controller in his hand and relaxing, as he played his favorite games. He rarely had time to, but when he was able to, it was a sanctuary for him.
It is an office for the Paw Patrol though, so it of course had a normal sized computer desk, with a desktop PC that Ryder of course built himself from scratch. When Ryder is not out in the field or spending time with his pups, he is mostly seen on his computer. Checking emails, ordering parts for the pup's equipment, researching, or just simply gaming on it.
Ryder went around his desk and sat in the chair behind it, while Norman sat in one of the bean bag chairs in front of Ryder. The two met eyes with seriousness, but that quickly went away when they suddenly shared a feeling of awkwardness.
"Wow…..this feels…..weird." Ryder pointed out nervously.
"You're telling me." Norman responded with disbelief. "I don't think I ever sat on this side of the desk. I'm so used to being behind it that I sorta don't know what to do. Not to mention, you are behind the desk now, looking at me."
Ryder shared his father's feelings. After all, the lookout didn't start off for the Paw Patrol.
Three years ago, to keep up with how big Normality was growing as a company, Norman spent nearly all of his life savings to construct a tower for Normality. Thankfully, he made the investment back thanks to his software taking the world by storm.
It was amazing, down right unbelievable that it only took half a year to construct, not just quickly, but efficiently. That was the most important part for him. Not only did he want the tower to act as his company's headquarters, but to be a home for his family. So he wanted to be sure that the tower wouldn't fall apart a few years in. Gracefully, when the tower was finished, it was as safe and up to standards. Acting as a symbol of how big Normality has gotten. But of course, it wasn't like that for long. After Norman was offered to move to Washington D.C, The tower made a drastic change.
Norman repurposed the tower to suit the needs for his son's rescue team, including the top floor into an observatory and turning the garage into a workshop for Ryder. Norman did it as a birthday gift to Ryder, and to make sure his son had everything he needed to run the Paw Patrol.
Ryder and the pups were flabbergasted by the tower's transformation, so much that Ryder was brought to his knees in tears, as he realized how much his father believed in him.
"You're really grown into a fine man already, son. I couldn't be more proud of you." Norman let out with a warm heart.
Ryder kept his monotone expression on, but couldn't keep himself from getting the prideful feeling. "That means alot to me coming from you Dad."
Ryder's guilty conscience grew inside his heart. Despite the animosity he had against him, he at least knew that his dad wasn't acting for himself, and felt that he was a little two hard on him.
"Listen Dad. I want to apologize for yesterday. I was so worked up with Marshall's funeral, that I went off the rails on you, and said somethings that I know cut you. I should've never acted the way I did."
Norman closed his eyes, and pushed his glasses close. "I of course accept your apology Ryder. I understand how hard it has been for you. I wish I could make it go all away for you, but I can't. What I can do is apologize to myself for leaving you so soon when you need me."
Ryder leaned on his elbows on his desk and ran his hands through his face and hair. Drawing a breath before he replied. "I'm not mad at you for leaving so soon. I know you would never put Normality before me, and I'm not questioning that. If you believe that whatever's going on back in Washington is crucially important for you and me, then I have no reason to be mad. I just wish you could at least tell me what's going on. I worry about you dad. I don't want you to lose everything you've built. So when I hear about you having problems that threaten you, I want to know that you're okay. So I'm asking you, no I'm begging you, is there anything you can tell me about what's going on?"
Norman sighted as he slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry son, but I can't. Even if I wanted to, I can't talk about it with anyone who is not directly involved with Normality."
Ryder felt so disheartened. Tears escaped his eyes a bit as his voice was brittle. "But…..ain't I directly involved? You fund the Paw Patrol. So If you go down, we go down as well. Isn't that enough?"
"I-It doesn't work like that son. You're not directly involved with the company. I can get in so much trouble just telling you there's a problem. I'm sorry son…..that's just how it is."
No amount of empty tears could be shed more from Ryder. He had so much animosity for his father, but it was now empty. He realized that his father really couldn't say anything.
"But….I think I'll be fine, if I told you this"
Ryder perked up immediately at his father. "Tell me what?"
Norman looked at his son firmly, with a stern voice to follow. "Tell you the basics of what's going on, but just to be safe, not a word to anyone about this. If the wrong person finds out I told you, both of us could lose everything we worked for. You understand?"
Ryder gulped for the sake of Paw Patrol. "Yes sir. I understand."
At his son's assurance, Norman began. "There's a certain entity that wants nothing more than to see Normality fail. They are taking me to court to do so. In about six hours from now, I need to be at the judicial court, to stand in defense. If I don't show, the judge will rule against me, and Normality would be forced to settle on a huge amount. Which….would take everything I have and you have, and even that wouldn't be enough."
Ryder listened to his father like he was watching the launch of a space rocket go wrong, and the rocket exploded. His concerns for his father grew. "S-Somebody's out to get you dad?"
Norman rubbed his chin. "From a business perspective, yes. All they want is to see the company go down. At least, I think that's all they want."
Ryder clenched up his hands, crumbling a unlucky piece of paper in his right hand tightly. The mere thought of someone, anyone wanting to harm his father in any way lit a fire in him.
To say that Ryder looked up to his father was an understatement. His father was an amazing man and a real genius in Ryder's eyes. He always thought that his father was smarter than anyone said he was, to include Ryder. He had given the world so much and Ryder adored his father for that.
"Who-who is it dad? Whose gunning for you?" Ryder asked sternly, trying to hold back anger.
"Calm down son. I can deal with it. You don't have to get so heated that much." Norman responded reasonably.
"I know Dad." Ryder pushed out. "But who would have the guts to do something like this to you?"
Norman closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry son. But that's all I can tell."
"You can't tell me, or you don't want to tell me?" Ryder replied immediately. In a harsh tone.
Noticing Ryder's rising tone, Norman went up to his son and put a calming hand on Ryder's shoulder. "Take it easy. I will personally handle this."
Despite the distaste he still had, Rydr looked at his father with hopeful eyes. "You're not going to give up, are you?"
"No. Never Ryder." Norman implied. "I have an amazing lawyer on my side, and plenty of ways to dismiss the case."
"I know you do, it's just…"
"Ryder. Look at me." Norman ordered softly, as Ryder looked back at his father with the same concerned eyes. "I'll never give up. I've got more to lose than my company. Don't forget that your dreams will go too, along with your future." Norman paused a bit. "I won't let my failures cause you to fail as well. What you're doing here is something that no ten year old can do. You re-engineered my program and made your own from it. On top of that, you use it in ways that I never would've thought of, and you still have a long life to live with potential to grow. I don't want that to be ripped away from you before you even have a chance."
Ryder formed tears in his eyes, as he looked at his father like some deity to him, while Norman put a hand on his cheek and looked at him with determination. "I can't give up. Not for anything. I will fight and fight until the bitter end, and even if I lose, I will find some way to keep you from falling for me. You are the only reason I've been going this extra mile. The only reason I moved Normality to Washington. The only reason I started Normality in the first place. All this is a very dramatic way to say how much I love and am so proud of you."
Ryder hugged his father with tears. "I know Dad. I couldn't be more proud to have you as a father. I love you too."
Norman returned the hug with tears of his own. He kissed Ryder's forehead before Ryder let out. "I'm so sorry Dad. I didn't mean to say that you didn't care about me."
"Forget about that son. I'm not worried about it." Norman stated with assurance.
"D-Dad, I made a very unfair comment to you. I never should've compared you to Mom like that. It was a low blow to you…..and to her as well."
A few minutes go by before Norman could respond to his son, which killed Ryder inside. He let go of him and stood back to look at him. "Speaking of your Mother. I actually talked to her this morning, before I came here."
Ryder's eyes grew wide with amazement. He could hardly believe it.
If Ryder got his intelligence from his father, he got his adventurous side from his mother.
Ryder's Mom, Claire Valentine, is a daring archeologist and treasure hunter, who collects rare finds and keeps them out of the hands of others who want to exploit them. Only asking for a little bit of money just to get her by.
She, along with her best friend, Stormy, a german shepherd, lab, and husky mix dog, who has been by her side since her early adventuring years, has gathered a plethora of artifacts and treasures. She has even saved the world more times than she could count herself, earning her quite the reputation with museums and historians, dubbing her the hero for history.
Unfortunately, this did come with a hefty price for her and her family. Due to her around the world on a regular basis, she rarely was home.
Claire loved her son. More than any mother would love their child, and like Norman, would drop anything to help him, but when it came to the adventures where the world was in grave danger, it was pretty hard to turn a blind eye to it. Especially if it would affect her son. She never wants someone to use an artifact that threatens the world's existence, and could wipe out life as soon as they get it. So she had to thwart their plans, to preserve the world. Mostly to keep her son safe from harm.
That life has big consequences for sure, and there wasn't a bigger setback, then how Claire and Norman's marriage ended, that ruined her relationship with Norman beyond repair, and worse, affected Ryder for the rest of his life.
Norman didn't take too kindly to his wife being gone all the time. Nearly every time she came home, he and Claire would get into arguments that would heat up fast, as their egos clashed like a prize fight. Norman of course would argue that Claire needs to reline her priorities and at least be there for Ryder more. Even though Norman had a damning point, Claire's ego was the size of the moon. She fought back against him, stating that she does it for Ryder's safety which had some backing, but wasn't as strong as Norman's.
It eventually got so bad that their arguments would become scream fest, which usually ended up with Claire leaving jetting out of Adventure Bay, and Norman being shut in the entire day.
Years and years went by until it happened. Shortly after Marshall came into the picture, After so many arguments and tears, Norman served divorce papers, and they quickly split apart, with nothing but strong distaste for each other. The worst part of all of this, Ryder witnessed the entire series of events, and it crushed him inside that he had different views on his parents. Mostly, his mother.
Ryder….didn't…..hate his mother. In fact, he used to love her just a little more than he loved his Dad. Even though he rarely saw her, he always felt safe in the world, knowing that she was out there, saving the world. His love for adventuring came from her, and looked up to his mother as far as morals and ethics were concerned. But it changed dramatically when she left them. He still loves her, and would never lose faith in her, but his animosity for her grew more the longer he went without seeing her.
Ever since the day she left, Ryder never heard from her. Not even on Christmas or his birthday. That's what really tarnished his view on his mother, as he often thinks that his mother doesn't care. The boy still had hope, and still kept a hold of that strong bond that he had with her, but each day gets thinner and thinner.
"You. You talked to Mom?" Ryder asked in disbelief.
Norman nodded his head slowly. "Mmhm. I'm telling you the truth son, and she was even the one who called."
Ryder slumped back in his chair, and took deep breaths before he lowered his head. His voice went to a low distaste, almost sounding like a growl. "What did she say?"
Norman drew a breath of nerves as he revealed what Claire said to him. His annoyance of her leaking out a little. "She said that she heard about Marshall, and that she wishes she could be here for you. She's also been trying to get a hold of you, but she's got nothing back from you."
A battle started in Ryder's mind. His heart fighting for the love for his mother, but his brain fighting for her dismissal.
Ryder was brought out of that battle, when his father rubbed his shoulder for comfort. "Listen son, I know you have a certain view on your mother, especially after what happened between me and her, but I hope you don't hate her for it. Your mother may not have been there for you a lot, but that doesn't mean you can't love her at all. Whatever she does, she at least means well. I'm sure of it."
An emotionless look came from Ryder, but that didn't stop his tears. "I don't hate her dad. Far from it…..it's just…...I-I don't know right now. It's complicated."
"I would assume so Ryder, and you can't be more justified to have those feelings about her. I just ask that you at least give her a chance, not for her, but yourself."
Ryder closed his eyes and dipped his head. The battle still going on in his mind on what to do.
"I have to go Ryder. My plane will be at Foggy Bottom in thirty minutes." Norman announced, as he hugged his son one last time. "Please…. whatever you do. Take care of yourself. I promise I will come back as soon as I can, to check on you. I love you Ryder."
Despite being a bit out of it, Ryder hugged his father back with as much affection as his father was giving him. "I love you too Dad. Take care of yourself too, and please let me know if anything happens."
"I will, son. I will." He then lets go of Ryder and makes his way to the door. As he opened the door, he took one last look at his son, who was still at his desk. His head was still down, until he looked up to meet his father's eyes.
A few seconds passed until Norman finally closed the door, leaving Ryder trapped in his mind.
When Ryder heard the door close, his heart nearly fell out. The battle was still going on, with no clear sight on which side would win.
Ryder loved his mother and would do anything to get her back again, but it has been so long. Ryder debated whether or not to give her that chance. Does she even care about him?
Of course she does, he's her son. She's supposed to care about him and apparently, she still does. Ryder had his pup pad on silent all day yesterday, so he had no chance to catch her mother even if he wanted to.
Ryder flashed his pup pad out to see his call logs and sure enough, he had a total of ten missed calls. All from his mother, along with voicemails.
The battle now got interesting, with the loving side having the upper hand. She does care about him, she must've! Why would she be calling him at a time like this? She must be so worried about him losing Marshall! But….the animosity side bounced back with a much stronger and crucial claim.
If she was so worried about him, why was she not here?
Surly if she would drop everything and would at least make an appearance. But…. she wasn't. She never showed. Probably off on another daring adventure, that has her hands tied.
That doesn't mean…..he can forgive her.
Ryder changed his mind. He put his pup pad away. Whether his mother cares for him or not, that will have to be put aside for a more crucial issue.
His pilot...Skye.
He got up, and made his way out of the office to the elevator. Totally focused on saving Skye.
Although...there was a deep grueling feeling that turned Ryder's stomach. A feeling that he may be too late.
(A/N): Oh boy! What a crucial situation this is!
Chase and Skye has to get to the lookout before anyone reads Skye's runaway note! But Ryder is on his way to Skye's puphouse as we speak! Now it's a race back to the lookout with the participants mere minutes away! Who will get there first? Will Chase and Skye get there in time?!
Find out next Friday, when Chapter 23: Spirit in the Skye, is uploaded!
Question of the Chapter: Ryder is in a tough fork in the road right here. Do you think he will ever give Claire a chance to be a mother?
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.
DragonsFire productions
"What's a couple characters like you doing all the way out here?"
A voice over of Jack Micheals is heard before scenes of Chase and Marshall trekking through A depressing looking Wintergreen
Cut to Chase And Jack, glaring at each other across the dinner table
"We've come from the River Rush pack, who say that the ShadowFur wolves had begun raiding their camp." Chase slurred "Destroying them, and claiming their allegiance to the BloodRayne wolves."
As Chase talks, Different shots of the River Rush pack struggling to survive show, with Chase and Marshall walking through with horrified faces.
Jack gives a smug grin to Chase. "I'd keep that to yourself Chase. Packs had been known to spread stories of fear and folklore."
The two stare each other down before we cut to Chase and Marshall in the River Rush Alpha's den, listening to Tyler.
"I've heard many stories about a group of outsiders who were able to push out some invaders from this land many moons ago. Are you that group?"
While Tyler asks that, various scenes of Chase, Rocky, and Zuma's trip to Witntergreen a year prior are shown. Including scenes of fighting and gunfire.
Paisley spoke up with a very hopeful tone and rambled on. "Is it true? Are you Paw Patrol?"
Chase was a little taken aback by the female's sudden question. "Y-yes mam. We are."
"Th-then you could help us!"
As Paisley's voice rolls on, We get shots of different Wolf's Emeralds being handled by the ShadowFur wolves.
"They came and took our Wolf's Emerald!"
Jump to a shot of Oni-Con gazing at his followers in the temple as Paisley speaks.
"We've been trying to stop them since they started, but they just kept coming. Every time we killed many of them, they killed more of us!"
Jump back to Chase, Marshall, Paisley, and Tyler. At this point, Paisley was frantically rambling as she stood on our fours outright begging Chase and Marshall to help.
"We are on our last leg here! Please! You must help us Paw Patrol!"
The two rescue pups look at each other with uncertainty.
Cut to Chase and Marshall standing outside, figuring out what to do.
"This is sad." Marshall says. "These wolves need our help now, and if we leave, we will be abandoning them. I think we need to stay here and help them."
As Chase responds, different shots of them being overwhelmed by wolves are shown.
"Marshall We're just two pups! No Ryder, no pups, no vehicles! Just us! We don't have a dogbone of a chance!"
Jump to Marshall staring down a BloodRayne wolf.
"That's never stopped us before."
DragonsFire Entertainment invites you.
We then get a set of sequences of Chase and Marshall fighting wolves inside of a mine, with wolf pups all over, cheering them
To experience the story like never before.
"Your time is up Chase!" Smutt announced as she started firing her tommy gun at Chase.
Chase vaulted over a railing on the other side of the gong as bullets ricocheted off the walls and the gong. Using a sword, he cuts the gong down. The gong dropped with a thud and started rolling to the far left. Chase got behind it and used it as a shield to move with it and stay behind it. Bullets ricocheting off of it, as Smutt laughs like a mad pup. He jumped out the window of Bubba's club and bounced off awnings slowing him down until he grabbed the last one and hung in the air.
Typo free
"Watch it Chase," The ambassador warned, as he continued to stare across the table. "You're becoming very unpopular with our guests. They don't take too kindly to a foreigner sticking their nose into business that doesn't belong and accusing them of something with no evidence."
New lines
Marshall squeaked out, sounding very hopeful. "Skye taught you how to fly, right?"
Chase smiled nervously and looked at Marshall, as it took him a minute to answer. "Uh..no, you?"
More content
Chase looked at the picture of Gari and obviously got a comforting feeling from her. One of love, compassion and selflessness that sorta reminded him of his owner back home. Chase could tell from the look in her eyes that as long as she was "around," no one would ever be subjected to pain, misery, and suffering, and there would be a cold day in hell, if Red-Eye would ever get his way under her watch.
"Heh, thank god for you I guess." Chased softly said out loud.
Though one thing clicked for Chase. Something that kept him from looking away from the picture. It was Gari's appearance in more detail. Her coat was lavender, and her face, underbelly and undertale, were snow white. Although the lavender was a little faded, probably due to age, as long as Chase looked, the more he had a feeling of familiarity to the wolf. He couldn't put his paw on it, but if he didn't know any better, the full grown wolf in the portrait had a strong resemblance to a certain husky back home…
Same danger
Cut to Marshall, standing in front of a stone door, trying to find some way of opening it as Chase shrieks from inside as deadly spikes pierces his hat.
"Marshall! weeee are goiiiing to DIEEEEEEEE!"
Cut to a raggedy looking mine car track
The pup's cart screamed down the track as Marshall looked ahead and nearly froze in terror. Just ahead of them, was a very long and sharp turn to the right, and they were going WAY too fast.
"HEY WHOAWHOAWHOAWHOAWHOAWHOA! TOO FAST! TOO FAST! TOO FAST!"
Chase immediately applied the brakes. Putting all of his force into them to slow down. Sparks shot out of the wheels, as the cart teetered left and rolled on it's left two wheels through the turn. The pups screamed for their lives in fear of falling down a lava filled chasm.
We see Oni-Con, staring a hole into Chase while the shepherd is restrained, and giving an icy stare.
"You…...don't believe me?"
We then see Chase squirming and screaming around on a slab in a separate room while Oni-Con's voice gravely enters our ears.
"You will Chase."
Back at Oni-Con staring Chase down.
"You will become, a true believer."
Various shots of the BloodRayne ceremony, From Chase entranced, Marshall screaming in a cage lowering down a fire pit, to Oni-Con howling with his wolves
Back again at Oni-Con's and Chase's stare down as Chase chuckles his response.
"What a very creative imagination."
Same Adventure
An adventurous version of the Paw Patrol theme plays, as we jump to different moments of Chase and Marshall's escapade.
A wolf appeared behind Chase and instantly regretted it, as Chase punched the wolf in the muzzle.
"Marshall! You got company!" Chase blurted out at his friend to keep him focused.
Marshall looked in front of him, and saw two wolves, howling as they ran towards him.
"Uhhhhhhhh CHASE! WE'VE GOT A PROBLEM!"
Chase groaned in annoyance as he looked ahead. Like they needed another problem right now. "What is it no….."
Ahead of them by ten yards ahead or so, was a missing section in the track.
Claria and Marshall screamed for their lives, as Chase grabbed their heads and pushed them down. "GET DOWN!"
The three pups made their way through the tunnel to get away from the destructive running water, howling in fear. Neither of them looked back as they ran as fast as they could through the tunnel.
Marshall leapt off a catwalk and sailed to the other side. He was a little short, breaking the railing as he grabbed the edge of the catwalk. He held on for dear life, as his back paws dangled in the air while bullets flew by his head, when he finally climbed up.
Chase pinned the wolf he was fighting to the ground, bared his teeth and chomped down on the struggling wolf's neck, ending his life swiftly.
Chase
Chase ran through the forest trying to get to the bridge. He was just about there, but two wolves stood in his way. Armed with swords. They growled at Chase to challenge him.
Chase wasn't intimidated. He smirked as he barked out his launcher to easily take care of the wolves. But no launcher appeared. Instead, an arm came out with a broken part which was sparking. Chase looked at it and the smug look turned into a nervous look.
"Heh, heh, oops."
Marshall
Chaos was all around him, bullets were weezing by, wolves howling a battle cry, and Oni-Con barking orders as Marshall was now rappelling down to Chase and Claria's cart. He finally got to it and let's go, crashing down on Chase and Claria.
The two groan as Marshall cracks one of his trademark puns.
"He He, sorry to drop in on you guys."
Claria
Chase let out a loud yelp as the wolf stepped over him to attack the two pups, but got a sharp bite in the muzzle by a growling Claria. The wolf yelped and fell back as Chase lifted the wolf up. Dumping him behind them.
Will the pups
The wolves growl, as they rush at Chase. Chase blocked the first slash with his left paw, and elbowed the wolf in the side. The other wolf then tries but Chase quickly shoots behind him, punches him in the back, and grabs the wolf's paw that had the sword.
Using the wolf as a shield, Chase sword fights with the first one, as he blocks the slashes with the wolf's sword.
Ever escape
Marshall and a humongous wolf were brawling in the cart as it climbed closer and closer to the conveyor, with Marshall surprisingly having the upper paw, as his punches were actually stunning the wolf greatly.
On the other side of the mine though, on the platform of the water tower, Roxy appeared. He watched Marshall, as the dally's punches made the wolf bleed from the mouth, but still be in the fight. Roxy pulled out a doll looking exactly like Marshall. With claws about as long as a lion's and sharp as a kitchen knife, Roxy scratched the back of it very slowly. The doll tore open as stuffing flowed out.
Marshall yelped, as pain suddenly shot down his back like a pitch fork was scratching his back slowly.
the Temple of Doom
Oni-Con's paw catches fire itself, as it was now engulfed in flame. Oni-Con was laughing menacingly as he now started to rise upon his back paws.
"AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!"
Marshall's voice is heard as we see different moments of Marshall fighting off wolves in the mines with Pup-Fu.
"We are Paw Patrol Chase. We don't help later, we help now, and right now, they need us."
Chase then responds, while we see him being chased down a bridge, before suddenly realizing that he was surrounded on both sides, with Oni-Con pushing Marshall and Claria towards him.
"Of course the wolves need us now. I just don't want us to die in something that's way over our heads."
"Let them go Oni-Con!" Chase demanded as wolves were behind him and in front of him. Oni-Con laughs mockingly in response.
Cut to Chase and Marshall talking to each other.
Marshall smiled as he looked at the whimpering shepherd. "You know Chase? I think we're going to be just fine. You've got me, and I've got you. I know that we won't let anything bad happen to each other."
Back to the bridge where Marshall gets a horrid look as he finds out what Chase is going to do, and wraps his paw around the ropes to hold on for the ride of his life.
Chase started cutting the rope to cut the bridge. The bridge shook up and down with every stroke from Chase's sword.
After a few more cuts, Chase cut through the rope, which then caused the bridge's left to break, leaving the right side to support the bridge. But the stress of it was too much, as it too broke, separating the two ends as the bridge collapsed, taking every patron that was on it.
Paw Patrol and the Temple of Doom: Anniversary Edition
The last scene is at Bubba's club, where Chase is staring Bubba down at a table, while Skylar sits next to him and lets out a jab at Chase.
"I thought the Paw Patrol were too busy saving little kitties from trees in Adventure Bay than to be all the way out here."
"You forgot about the Chickens." Chase Chuckled.
Experience the blood curdling adventure once again.
August 27, 2021