Wait no longer! The moment has arrived!
Ladies and gentlemen DragonsFire Entertainment rises from the ashes and welcomes you to the hottest Paw Patrol Fic going on today!
Welcome back To Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally!
When we last left off, Chase discovered that Marshall had survived the city hall fire one year ago, and has unfortunately lost all of his memory. Currently in the hands of the Adventure Bay journalist Stacy Jackson, who has an unpopular opinion of the cities' beloved Paw Patrol!
In the wake of this, another accident has claimed a member of Paw Patrol in the form of the recycling pup, Rocky, gaining a concussion by hitting his head, while trying to stop a runaway cargo ship from destroying the city. He was alright, but the accident has left it's mark on the mixed breed, as parts of Rocky's memories have been misplaced, making his mind go blank on half the team! Only remembering Ryder, and Marshall.
After Chase tells Ryder of him finding Marshall, Ryder tells Chase that he thinks Marshall has suffered amnesia, and has no memory of Chase, Ryder, his friends, and even himself. Ryder then tells Chase that in order to get Marshall back, Chase has to literally start all over with Marshall, and become his best friend once again, hoping that the friendship Chase could give him would help jumpstart his memory, and get him to come home.
But in all of this planning, Stacy Jackson realizes that her future in Adventure Bay is running short, as the city's bias for the Paw Patrol is too strong for her to succeed. Stacy plans to reach out to Adventure City, and become a fine journalist in a vibrant city with no bias, opting to of course take Marshall, now known as Dally, with her, hoping to give Dally a more free life that he has now.
Can Chase befriend Dally enough to get him to remember who he once was and will he do it in time?
It's time to finally find out as DragonFire Entertainment presents...
Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally: Act III!
Chapter 37: A New Friend
Skye opened her eyes, hoping to see her handsome shepherd next to her, but an empty space greeted her. Telling the cockapoo that she was by herself like always in the morning.
Due to Chase's early bird nature, it was extremely rare for her to wake up next to him. It was actually a good thing, for it meant that Chase made it through the night without nightmares. At least in her theory.
Ever since Ryder allowed Chase and Skye to sleep together along with Ryder's and Katie's counseling, Chase's night have been mostly peaceful. She was quite surprised on how well her idea worked, expecting to wake up in the middle of the night very often for him. Of course, the biggest help was from Ryder, Katie and even the other pups helping him through the occasional nightmare he would have. Though Skye couldn't help but feel that she was the biggest help respectfully, feeling as though she was giving him the confidence he needed to get through a single night.
Although she was in high spirit of seeing Chase be able to get enough sleep to wake up very early everyday again, she did wish however to wake up to his dreamy face every now and then.
Knock, Knock
Speak of the Shepherd and he may come from the heavens. It must be him that was knocking on her door to wake her up. A sheepish smile appeared on her face as she could imagine the beautiful smile on Chase's unforgettable face on the other end.
"Yes sweetheart. I'm already awake." Skye charmed while stretching. "Ready to see your handsome face."
She waited for a seductive response but got a giggling chuckle instead. "Gee sis. I know you love me, but I didn't know you really love me. Heh heh."
Skye felt her whole nervous system shut down immediately. She opened her door as saw a startling resemblance to her, apart from the dashing look and the jet streak ears.
It wasn't even close to being Chase. It was her twin brother, Wings.
Skye's embarrassment instantly morphed into a jumpstart of excitement, as she tackled her kin to the ground, and gave him a brigade of loving licks. In all the craziness of yesterday, she'd completely forgotten that her brother was coming down to practice for the airshow in a few days. She hadn't seen her brother in what felt like a thousand years, way too long for Skye's comfort.
"Okay, Okay. I-I missed you-haha-too sis." Wings muffled out, taking in the onslaught of tongue licks. "Can-hehe-can you le-let me go before you lick the fur off me?"
Skye responded by seizing her licks and hugging the poor cockapoo to death. "Not after I give you the biggest hug ever, hot head!"
Although the air was almost gone at this point, Wings toughed out a wide smile as he graciously hugged back.
A few minutes went by before Skye finally decided to let her brother go, with some motivation from Wings of course. A moment later, the sound of Chase's cruiser coming up from the hill filled Skye's ears, as Chase parked next to the reunited siblings.
"Chase! My brother's finally here!" Skye yipped with a flip.
"I know. I was supposed to pick him up during my patrol. But soon as I got there, he bolted towards the lookout for you." Chase replied, his annoyance leaked through his smile as he gazed at Wings. "You are pretty fast on foot Wings. If you were in a car, I'd ticket ya."
"You would've had to catch me first blue." Wings played up. "Considering that I was able to easily outrun your car, I don't think I'd have anything to worry about."
"For your information Wings, I wasn't even trying to catch you." Chase claimed. "I'm not going to endanger other's lives to catch a runaway dog."
"Yeah. Sure thing boy scout." Wings rolled as a snicker came out of Skye.
Before Chase could argue further, Ryder appeared from the lookout with an inviting smile on his face. "Hey Wings. I forgot you were arriving today."
Wings smirked with a mocking look at his sister. "You weren't the only one."
"Hey! Cut me some slack bro. We had a crazy day yesterday." Skye defended. "I don't think you missed the big ship on the beach right now!"
"It's kind of hard to miss sis." Wings replied. "But Chase still remembered."
"Yeah, but Chase remembers everything." Skye shot back. "His mind is an active memory bank."
"Don't knock my strong memory, Skye. It comes in handy a lot." Chase said, with prideful grin.
"Indeed, it has bud." Ryder let out with a warm chuckle.
"Hey, wait a minute. Where's Marshall? I know he must so happy to see me as well." Wings dropped the mood down to the ground.
Skye froze. It just hit her that she never told Wings about the accident, despite it happening the year prior. She hadn't really been able to talk to anyone of her family as she should, due to the two parties being incredibly busy. When she finally talked to Wings a few months back, it was the first time they'd spoken since before the accident. It really has been too long.
Skye willed herself to finally inform Wings about her fallen comrade. "W-Wings…" Tears formed in the cockapoo's eyes, as she felt her brother's sudden concern for her. "I-I'm so sorry. I forgot to tell you. Ma-Marshall died in a fire last year."
The awkwardness covered Wing's face like a mask. "O-Oh…Oh no. Th-That's..that's terrible…." Although he only met him once, Skye could tell that the news of Marshall's death crushed Wings's heart. "I…I cant believe it. I don't know what to say…."
The silence between the four was excruciating. Strangely enough though, Ryder spoke with strong composure. "You don't have to Wings. We all know Marshall was a great pup. We miss him so much."
Skye noticed how strong and firm Ryder seemed in his statement. The night before, he tore his office apart over the grief of Marshall being gone for a year.
A spark of hope went off in Skye's heart. Maybe Ryder had come to terms and was getting better about talking about him.
Come to think of it, Chase seemed the same way. Not a single whine sounded from him for Marshall. Have Chase and Ryder move on? Is this a green light that says that it was okay to talk about Marshall without getting sad? She really hoped that was the case.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a perfect way to change the grim subject. Two freshly awoken pups were making their way towards them, with one of them practically drooling for something to eat, while the other had a slightly depressed look on his face.
"Uh uh…oh! Th-That's right! You've never met Rubble and Zuma!"
"Rubble and Zuma?" Wings repeated. "Who are…"
Skye suddenly shot over to the two, who respectfully jumped at Skye rushing at them. "Rubble! Zuma!" She turns around and looks at her brother. "This is my brother, Wings."
The two look over to see Wings who was still a little off rail, until he spotted them, then gave them a trademark smile. For a moment, Rubble and Zuma seemed a little confused on who they were looking at. For all they know, they were seeing an exact replica of their friend.
"A Bwothew? You nevew told me you had a bwothew Skye." Zuma responded with a muffled happy tone.
"Me neither." Rubble joined.
"What?!" Skyyyye!" Wings whined, a little hurt.
"Uh-wh-what?! Come on guys! There is no way we've known each other for two years, and I haven't told you about my brother!" Skye insisted. She tried to think of a time where she said anything about her brother but could think of anything.
Both Rubble and Zuma shook their head.
"Mm. Nope. Not at all Skye." Rubble said. "I don't know why though. You look so cool Wings! What do you do?!"
Skye lowered her head in complete embarrassment, while Chase goes up to her and gives her a reassuring smile.
"Well I guess I better Clear the air here." Wings announced, as he forms a cocky smile and posed dashingly. "My name is Wings. The better-looking twin and most daring stunt dog of the AirDogs."
Skye rolled her eyes at her brother's bashful introduction. Rubble stared in amazement at Wing's proudful pose, but Zuma on the other hand, looked as if his eyes were about pop out of his head.
"Wait, You're a pilot of the AirDogs?! The most awesome stunt group in the wowld?!" Zuma let out, jumping in pure excitement.
Wings kept his cocky smile on as he responded. "Yep. As true as the blue sky."
"No way!" Zuma yipped, jumping five feet in the air. "I am such a big fan! I think I wemebew seeing you on TV, doing one of youw totally cool twicks! You'we amazing in the air dude!"
"Hey! What about me?!" Skye asked. "I'm a good pilot!"
"Well…no offense Skye, but I seen Wings do things that even human pilots can't do. I thing he's totally better than you. At least a little bit."
Skye was dumbfounded. Zu-Zuma! Anything he can do, I cand do! I was part of the AirDogs too you know!"
Zuma shot up. "Weally? You wewe?"
"Yes! Of course, I was! Me and Wings used to tear up the skies together as a team! Right Wings?!"
Wings nodded in agreement along with Chase and Ryder. "It's true Zuma. We were known as the Mighty Wings."
"Whooooa. So coooool. Why didn't you tell us Skye?" Rubble asked.
"I thought I did. I spent five years of my life with the AirDogs. I must've said something." Skye replied, completely confused.
Zuma shook his head again. "Nevew Skye."
"Bu-But how? I…It's not like I wanted to keep it secret."
Skye drooped her ears and whimpered. She couldn't think of anyway to explain this strange predicament. Did she even tell Rocky about her early life?
Wings went up to his sister and draped an arm around her. "It's no big deal sis. It's just going to wow them more when they see you in the show."
Skye smiled at her brother. "I missed you so much. I can't wait to fly with you again."
"Me too sis." Wings warmed, as the two hug again.
"Wait, fly again?" Rubble asked. "What do you mean fly again?"
Wings looks at Rubble and Zuma with an excited smile. "Well, in a few days, the AirDogs will perform right here in Adventure Bay, and for the first time in two years, Skye and I will perform together again, just like old times."
Zuma and Rubble gasped deeply.
"No way! Ouw Skye is going to be in the Aiwdogs?! That's totally awesome! I bet you would be soo cool up thewe Skye!"
A cocky smile formed on the female cockapoo. "Just you wait Zum. It'll be more than cool! I'll show you what flows through my blood every day!"
Wings chuckled in reaction. "Yeah, but only if you still got it Skye."
Skye gasped. "Wings! You must have bees in your brain! Of course, I still got it!"
"Well, that depends. You still remember our catchphrase do you?"
"How could I ever forget bro?" Skye smirked. "With our paws in the air and…"
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! What's with the downplay sis? You know you're saying in wrong!" Wings cut. "You've got to do it exactly how we do it all the time!"
"Well sooorry Wings. But you're going to do it with me." Skye replied.
Wings looks directly at Skye's magenta eyes. "Of course, sis. I've waited so long to say this."
The two stared each other down as they counted down in front of everyone.
3
2
1
They then crouched down as they project their voice in complete sync with each other, while suddenly jumping in the air.
"With our paws in the air, and our dreams up there,"
They then land on their fours, now staring at the sky, while in perfect timing, they both do a backflip.
"We are one mighty pair!"
They slapped paws right on the last word, standing proudly in from of their little audience who cheered at their performance.
"Whoooa! I bet you two were amazing back then!" Rubble let out.
"Only the best young pilots on the circuit. We had so much potential." Skye blushed.
"You would've lived up to that potential had you stayed with us sis." Wings jabbed.
Skye narrowed her eyes at her brother's. "Ooooh no no. Don't start with that now."
Wings gave a chuckle. "I'm just joshing you Skye. You made the decision to stay here yourself based on what you wanted. I can't give you heat for that."
"So, is it just you Wings?" Ryder asked.
"For the next few days, yes. Mom and Dad have a couple shows before they get here and prepare." Wings answered.
"You weren't billed on them, were you?" Skye asked.
"Of course, not Skye, Mrs. Judy planned in advance for me to come down here. So we can come up with a routine and practice."
"That's great! Cause I have some sick ideas on what we can do!" Skye yipped. "Were going to make those planes dance in the sky!"
"Actually sis, I don't want to fly planes in the show." Wings admitted.
Skye cocked her head. "Huh? What do you mean? How are we going to fly then?"
"Well, you see, I want our first show back to be something special. Something that we never did before." Wings explained. "Sooo, I was able to convince Mom, Dad, and Mrs. Judy to see if we can fly with jet packs instead. I know we've never performed with jet packs before, but I've had plenty of practice with mine thanks to Ryder giving me one to keep." Wings said confidently. "Since then, I've got tons of ideas that'll knock the socks off our audience. Some that will fil their eyes with delight Skye. What do you say?"
Skye's eyes grew wide at Wing's suggestion. Her excitement and daring brain wanted to say yes right away. It would be a spectacular idea. Fitting for a first show back together. To give their onlookers something that would inspire them. Skye's risk-taking nature was all for that, but the other side wasn't easily convinced.
Not only was it the first time in over two years, but Wings wanted to do something they had never done before. Ditch the planes and fly freely with jet packs. Skye may be very skilled with it, and she assumed Wings was skilled, it still was very risky.
They would have to fly around and come up with tricks that were up to standard with the AirDogs, which was high. A speedy fly by, wouldn't be impressive enough. They also must come up with a safe routine and they only have a few days to do it.
It was a challenge. A big challenge for the Mighty Wings. She needed some opinions from someone, more importantly, from two specifically.
Skye turned to Ryder and Chase. "Ryder? What do you think? Should we do it?"
Ryder slightly trembled at the sudden question answering from the top of his head. "Well….to be honest, I don't really have any problems with it Skye. I'm confident that you and your brother are skilled enough to handle the jet packs. I do however want to look at Wing's pup pack. It's still a prototype after all and I'm surprised that it made it this long. I want to convert it to a fully functional and make sure it's super safe to use it in the show. You don't mind, do you Wings?"
Wings nodded in response. "Of course, Ryder. You know our policy after all. Safety is the upmost importance with the AirDogs. Being safe is way cooler than being sorry."
Ryder smiled at the pup's agreement. "Perfect. I expect nothing less from you Wings."
Skye then looked at her shepherd. "What about you Chase? You cool with it?"
Chase took a few seconds before he answered. Skye wasn't surprised at all, considering how uneasy he was about the idea of her performing again a few months ago. She knew how much Chase could worry for her and hoped it wouldn't concern him too much.
"It's…. really up to you Skye." Chase stated firmly. "I believe in you the whole way. Just make sure you're safe, for me. Okay angel?"
Skye gave a quick hug to Chas as she replied to him. "Of course, precious."
A few moments went by before Wings came up behind the two. "Okay, okay, that's enough. We need to get started while we have time."
"Of course. Let's head into the garage, and I'll give a lookover on your jet pack Wings." Ryder said.
"Sure thing Ryder." Wings said, as he followed Ryder into the garage. He noticed that his sister wasn't following him and was still hugging Chase. He cleared his throat loudly. "Ahem. Skye? You coming?"
Skye let go of Chase as she turned to her brother. "Y-Yeah bro. I just need to ask Chase something."
It took Wings a few seconds and a quick rolling of his eyes. "Okay sis. Don't hold out for long. I'd like to go over a lot with you while Ryder works on my pup pack."
"Of course Wings, I'll catch up." Skye replied, as Wings leaves her with Chase to Ryder's garage.
"Sounds like he's a iffy on you and me." Chase commented.
"If he is, he'll get over it." Skye replied with a loving smile. "Not even my brother could keep me away from you, good looking." She rubbed her body all over him, making Chase's hair stand on end.
"Ahem. Sssskye. Now not the time for…"
The cockapoo playfully shoved him with a chuckle. "I'm just teasing, you boy scout."
Chase gave a smirk. "Well you don't make that clear enough, sweet heart."
Skye's eager smile grew. "I'm sure I don't. You going to watch us practice?" Skye asked, though she knew his answer.
"I would love to Skye." Chase answered. He then gave a noticeable whimper. "But I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy today."
Skye twitched. "Busy? What do you mean busy?"
As Chase answered, Skye could suddenly see him trembling. "R-Ryder assigned me on a secret mission Skye. That's the whole day for me."
Skye popped an eyebrow. Very confused at Chase's manner. "Chase? Are you lying to me?"
"N-No! I swear I'm not lying to you." Chase insisted, trying to steady himself.
"Then why are you shaking? Are you okay?"
"L-Look. You can go ask Ryder himself. I really am on a mission." Chase replied confidently as can be.
What a weird conversation. She doesn't think he's lying, but she doesn't understand why Chase is a nervous as a deer. Maybe it's the pressure of this mission he was given.
"No Chase. If you say that you're not available, then I trust you." Skye stated, before drooping her head. "It's just a shame. I wanted you to watch me and see me be amazing. But if Ryder's got you on something, then I guess you have to do what you have to do."
Chase slightly wagged his tail. "Thanks Skye. Look on the bright side, I'm not going to miss your show. You can save everything until it really matters. I've got to go. Love you."
As Chase bounded off, Skye looked at him with a very saddening disappointment and confused look. "L-Love you too." She then made her way to the garage to join Ryder and her brother, wondering what sort of mission Chase was on.
Zuma's excitement for seeing Rocky was overwhelming him. It was very troubling to him to see Rocky int the state that he is, but he is his best friend and the mixed breed's presence always put a smile on Zuma's face, thanks to the many good times he's had with him.
Then the thought of the chance that Rocky may not remember any of those times saddened him. He had no idea how Rocky was fairing right now, trying to piece together his memory like some complicated jigsaw puzzle. All he could do was be there for him, but is it enough?
As he got out of his hovercraft, he spotted Rubble coming from the bridge. He motioned his paw to him to get him to stop. Wanting to talk to the bulldog.
Rubble stopped when he got up to him and shut off his engine before jumping out of his rig to meet Zuma. "Hey buddy. Whacha need?"
Zuma gave a nervous smile…. "Hey dude…..I…uh…wanted to talk about….you know…..what you told me yestewday?"
"About Skylar?" Rubble asked.
Zuma nodded slowly. "Yeah, and…you know."
"Yes Marshall's pup pack." Rubble hushed his voice. "What about it?"
"You still don't want to tell Ryder?" Zuma asked in a low voice.
Rubble breathed deeply. "I don't know Zuma. I really want to find Skylar first. I know I said that I should tell him but….I…I'm not sure if I want to put Skylar through that."
Zuma tightened his lips at the bulldog's answered not liking the answer the bulldog gave. "W-Wubble. We can't keep it a secwet fow long. Widew has to know about Mawshall's pup pack."
"I know Zuma." Rubble replied, grunting a little. "I just wanna see if I can get it by myself, so the heat won't be on Skylar. Please Zuma, I'm begging you. Don't' tell Ryder yet."
"I gave you my wowd Wubble. I'm not going to tell anyone. That's fow you to decide." Zuma assured. "But you can't keep it a secwet for long. You must tell him eventually. No mattew if you have the pack ow not."
Rubble nodded in acknowledgement. "Of course Zuma. I understand. I' going to go search for her." Rubble got back in his vehicle and turned it on. "I'll give it four days! If I come up with something, I will let you know!"
Zuma accepted this by waving his paw while Rubble drove off. Once the construction pup was gone, he sighed sadly to himself. He didn't want to go against Rubble's wishes, but he had to tell someone. Not Ryder, but his own best friend, Rocky.
Zuma remembered dreadfully how a massive rift was driven between him and Rocky. When Rocky told him that he believed that Marshall was still alive, Zuma denied it. Told him to "let Marshall go." Fearing for his mental state. Instead of resonating with him, Rocky lashed out, and screamed Zuma away, causing them to not talk to each other for a month before the Wintergreen trip made them reconcile, putting water under the bridge.
Zuma still feared for his friend's mentality, thinking that he would never accept Marshall being gone. But that changed yesterday, with news of Marshall's pup pack spotted by Rubble.
Zuma thought Marshall surviving the fire was impossible, but after yesterday, the probability grew immensely. Zuma hoped it was true. He wished Marshall was alive all this time. He didn't worry about the fact that Marshall didn't come home for some reason, just to have a sliver of hope that he was okay, made him beam. He just hoped that if he is alive, he can be found.
But that was later down the line, what mattered now was a huge apology he had to make to Rocky. About completely dismissing Marshall's chances of survival. It didn't matter if there was little evidence, there was still a chance and for that, Zuma felt that he had to apologize.
The only thing is, will Rocky accept the apology, or even remembers what Zuma will apologize for.
Dally stepped out the doggie door to the outside and although he loved the look and sounds of the forest, none of that could put not a faintest smile on his face.
He no longer knew why he bothered coming out to entertain himself, cause that's all he would be doing. Entertaining himself. There were animals he loved to play with of course, at least the ones that wouldn't run away from him, but he couldn't talk to him.
If only he could. Then he would have someone to talk to. Someone that can listen to him and talk back. Someone he could call….a friend.
It was then that he remembered why he was even out here. He was wanting to go out and find the pup he met yesterday. The German Shepherd that Dally was drawn towards. When he saw him on the beach, running around, helping everyone off the beach as a giant ship was crashing on to it, Dally was struck with something that he'd never felt before. In that moment he felt the urge to join him out there. Not to talk, but to help him. It nearly drove him to do it but when Dally caught eye of what the Shepherd was wearing, it glued him in the spot.
Dally may not remember much from when he woke up in the building, but the one thing he remembered for sure, was a pack he seemed to have on when he woke up. He didn't know what it was, he didn't know what it was doing there, he didn't even know what color it was. All he knew was that it broken and on his back. Dally thought that it was the only clue he had to who he once was, and now he no longer has that along with his memories.
When Dally saw Chase's pack on, it looked awfully similar the pack he had on apart from it not being broken. He knew it wasn't his, but it made Dally's interest in Chase grow.
Much later, Dally ended up running into Chase, and the exchange he had with him was very puzzling to him. The Shepherd first mistook him for someone else and claimed that he looked like him. Dally didn't think anything of it, figuring that the impact must've caused him to mistake Dally for someone else. It wasn't until now that he thought more about it and wondered if Chase was a presence in his life before.
In all honesty though, that wasn't what made Dally want to find Chase. He wanted to find him and hang out with him. Chase was the only other dog he'd seen since waking up and after so long of being alone, Dally felt that this was his one chance at having a true friend.
But then, he remembered the promise he made to Stacy. That he would never go into the city again. He didn't want to break the rule again, as it would cause Stacy to get mad at him, which was something Dally preferred not to do. But if he stays, he'll never find Chase and he doubts if Chase could ever find where he was. If he even wanted to find him at all.
The tears stain his eyes as he got closer and closer to reality. He'll never have someone to talk to. He'll never have someone to play with. He'll never have someone to laugh with. He'll never have a true friend.
Dally abruptly dropped to his belly in the middle of the forest. He had no idea how far he walked, but he could careless, as he whimpered and sobbed in between his paws. Surrounded by the nothingness that trapped him in his misery.
Chase hoped he was on to something. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to find Dally all the way out here. The only clue he had was the memory of pulling Stacy over one day on the road he saw her going down. She had to be going home and it seemed that her home was deep in the forest. The perfect place to not be found, especially if you want to hide a pup.
The implication of Stacy Jackson hiding Marshall away from them twisted the Shepherd's veins. There's no way she can play dumb to him or Ryder. She knows who Marshall is. She knows want he looks like. There's no question that she knows what she's doing. No matter if Marshall retained his memories or not, you would have to be blind or dumb to not recognize Marshall around these parts.
Stacy Jackson pup napped Marshall. There's no other way to cut it differently. She was deliberately keeping Marshall from his friends, owner, and family, and while Stacy had been at least suspicious in Chase's eyes, this made him truly sick to his stomach.
How could anyone have such a conscience to take a pup and keep him locked up. Never revealing to his friends and family that loved him so. Plunders of tears, grating nights, guilt, and wails had been scattered around for a year for Marshall. Pups and kids have cried for him., Rocky nearly killed himself, Ryder doubted himself, Chase and Zuma pushed each other away, Skye attempted to run away, Rubble screamed for more time, Marshall's sister has an unfortunate birthday, Marshall's parents didn't even know he was here, and Chase has had nightmares of the exact moment he lost Marshall, and countless indescribable effects caused by that one single accident that shook everyone's lives like an earthquake, when all this time, Marshall was alive and well.
Chase hoped Stacy was taking good care of Marshall. If not, Chase may do something that he will regret when he sees Stacy again. What the women was doing is downright unforgivable in his eyes, but as much as Chase wants to step to Stacy, he had to put on the toughest poker face ever. Any rush and wrong move could compromise the chance he had at getting Marshall back. It was probably best to make sure to stay away from the lady as much as he can, and focus on Marshall, Or…Dally, for now.
A little further down the path, Chase's ears suddenly perked up, picking up a faint of weeping a good mile ahead of him. Instinctively thinking that someone was in trouble, Chase trotted down the path to find the source that slowly morphed into soft sobs, igniting Chase to run faster and faster.
He finally spotted a crying pup a few feet in front of him. His heart shattered when he recognized him to be the pup he was looking for. Lying in the dirt, his cheeks beat red, and his eyes were faucets. The Dalmatian didn't notice Chase walk up to him, continuing to sob in his paws.
Chase wanted to say something, but the sight of seeing his long-lost friend crying, took all the words away from him. It wasn't until Chase crouched and reached out to him that the pup finally realized he was there.
Dally's eyes trembled at the Shepherd's appearance, as his eyes grew wide. Chase didn't know if he recognized him from yesterday, so he was very carful not to scare him away.
"Hey. What's wrong?" Chase softly asked.
"Ch….Ch…..Ch….Chase?" The pup responded with a hopeful tone.
For a moment, Chase felt that it was Marshall who was looking at him. That somehow in the span of a day, Marshall gained his memories, just by the way he said his name. But a closer look at the Dalmatian tarnished that possibility. While gratefulness was in Dally's eyes, the expression in them was unfamiliar to Chase. It didn't look like Dally recognized hi as his best friend, just a much-needed friend.
"Chase…..wh…what are you doing out here? How did you find me?" Dally asked.
Chase mentally shoved everything he knew about Marshall aside to start over. He gave the pup a smirk. "I have a strong nose Dally. I was looking for you. I wanted to apologize to you for yesterday."
Out of the blue, Dally wagged his tail as his face slowly lit up. "You-You remembered my name?"
Chase twitched in surprise. "Yeah. Of course I do."
"Then…..that means….were….friends?" Dally asked with muffled excitement.
"Uhhhhhhhhh….ye-yeah?" Chase slurred uncertain of Dally's question. "That is…what you want….right?"
The pup's sad and depressed frown suddenly grew to the widest smile Chase had ever seen. More tears formed in Dally's eyes as suddenly, Chase was tackled to the ground and clung on tightly as the pup licked over and over, causing Chase to squirm and giggle.
"He he..easy, easy Dally." Chase said while he was still up against Dally's licking assault.
Dally then buried his snout in Chase's neck and sobbed gracefully into it.
"OH THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I FINALLY HAVE A FRIEND! I FINALLY HAVE A FRIEND!"
Chase was overwhelmed by Dally's joy, so much that he had an arguably even wider smile on his face.
At first Chase didn't know if he could really start over with Marshall. He didn't know if he could ever recapture the magic of his brotherhood with him. But now, Chase was confident, and he realized his excitement to become friends with Marshall all over again.
(A/N): Alright. It seems that Chase and Dally have become great friends almost immediately. Will their friendship grow as strong as they were before and will it be enough? How will Rocky react to Zuma's news and apology?
Find out next Friday when Chapter 38: Starting Over releases. Be sure to be here when it comes up!
It feels really good to finally come back and continue this story after almost losing everything. I thank each and every one of you, for having as much faith, if not more in this emotional story. Hopefully you will love what's coming next!
Question of the Chapter: How do you think Rocky will react to Zuma's apology/news?
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!