Here we go again!
DragonsFire Entertainment Welcomes you back to the enthralling FanFicton everyone will never forget!
Welcome back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally!
The one glaring thing that has got to be on everyone's mind is Dally. Recall back to last chapter where during a race involving Dally and Chase, Dally suddenly had what we all know as a flashback to his memories, but the question is, does Dally himself recognize it as a flashback? And how much will it nudge him to getting back his memories?
While that was happening, Zuma formally apologized to Rocky, and told him the probability of Marshall being alive, but in doing so, he has attracted unwanted attention from Katie and soon, Ryder, thanks to Rocky's mental breakdown soon after. What will Zuma do when Ryder confronts him? Will he open up, or will he keep what's left of his word?
Lets head on down to the Chapter and see how things will turn out!
Chapter 39: Echoes from the Past
Zuma was still shaken when Ryder finally got to Katie's. Ryder suggested that he go home but Zuma couldn't find himself to do that. Rocky needed him, now more than ever, and he wasn't going to just leave him. No matter how scared he was.
Ryder and Katie went outside to talk, leaving Zuma all alone with the snoozing mixed breed. As an act of pure instinct, Zuma got on the bed, and laid next to his friend. Resting his head on Rocky's chest, assuring him of his companionship. The only way he could help him.
He was instantly regretting telling Rocky about Rubble's secret, who practically projected it in front of Katie. No doubt that's what she was talking to him about. Now, Ryder will know and Rubble will feel betrayed Rubble's trust. All because Zuma wanted to apologize to his best friend. How selfish is he.
Although it's important for Ryder to know that Marshall's pup pack survived the fire and needs to be returned, Rubble's secret must be revealed. Zuma my not have wanted to reach Ryder by his doing, but it happened anyway, and the worse part, two pups will be exposed and be wrapped up in a life they don't want. All because Zuma couldn't keep his mouth shut.
Then, he realized something. Rocky didn't really reveal the secret about the pup pack, just that Zuma told him that Marshall could be alive, meaning that Zuma still had a chance to protect Rubble's secret. But to do it, he has to lie, not only to Katie, but to Ryder.
Lying was unheard of amongst the Paw Patrol. Let alone to Ryder of all people. But Zuma felt he had to do it. Not just for Rubble, but for the pups involved. No matter how wrong it was to lie, he did give his word, and if there's a chance to save it, it has to be now.
A few moments passed until the door opened and Paw Patrol's daring police pup entered the room. Zuma had a slightly irritated manner towards the shepherd when he got out the bed. "It's about time you showed up, Chase."
Chase looked at Zuma, completely embarrassed "I….I know. I was supposed to come by earlier but…..I got held up."
"Like you wewe yestewday?" Zuma jeered.
"Zuma….please….I'm really sorry." Chase replied with a whimper.
"I'm not the dude you need to say sowwy to Chase." Zuma replied, letting off on Chase a little.
Chase continued to stare at the snoozing mixed breed as he whimpers some more. "I doubt he even remembers me."
"Thewe might be some hope, he got my name wight eawlyew" Zuma slurred, as he jumped down the bed and faced Chase. He lowers his head and sighs sadly. " I don't know what to do Chase."
Chase somberly looks out. "What do you mean Zuma?"
"I mean, I don't know what to do with Wocky anymowe." Zuma whined. "I wanna keep going, but evewy tuwn of the cownew, something happens that change him. I can't keep up at all."
"Zuma. You can't give up on him." Chase urged.
"I'm not Chase!" Zuma blurted out before he lowered his head again. "I can't. but I'm so scawed that Wocky will change way too much fow me to hang on. Evewy once in a while something's different, and befowe I can get used to it, he changes all over again, and now he bawely wemembews me. What's wowse is he's have all these fweakouts and I fweeze up."
Tears start to fall down Zuma's cheeks as he looks back at Rocky. "I know it's not his fault and I feel like a jewk saying this but I don't know if I can handle it anymowe."
Chase went up to the lab and draped a paw on his shoulders. "You're already doing as much as you can for him. But what Rocky really needs is help from all of us, not just you, and I know Katie is doing all she can to work with him. All you have to do is keep doing what you're doing and hope for the best."
Zuma lowered his head. With a sigh. "Hope. Is that really all I can do?"
"Maybe, but you'll know what to do when you find a way." Chase replied. "Just don't think you're alone on this. Because you're not, and neither is Rocky."
Zuma lifted his head at Chase and inched a small smile. He didn't need to say anything to express how appreciative he was.
Then, the door opened and Ryder called out. "Zuma? Could you come out here please?"
Oh no. Here it comes. He knew he was going to be in trouble for not saying anything to Ryder about Marshall's pup pack.
He slowly walked over to the door, leaving Chase alone with Rocky.
As Zuma appeared in front of Ryder, his nerves amplified the shaking he was doing.
"Zuma? Are you okay?" Katie asked caringly.
Zuma was too shaken up to say anything.
"He thinks he's in trouble Katie." Ryder intruded, as he looks at Zuma. "I'm assuming Rocky was telling the truth. That you told him Marshall was alive?"
Zuma somehow shook more. His teeth chattering like he was shivering cold. Ryder put his hand on Zuma's head, feeling him wince a little before calming down to Ryder's caring petting.
"Zuma. There's nothing to be scared about. You're not in trouble."
Zuma shuttered his eyes. "No, I am in twouble Wyder. I….I scwewed up."
Ryder looked somberly at Zuma. "Why do you think you screwed up?"
Zuma swallowed hard as he tried to reduce his shaking. "Be..because Wyder….I….I lied."
"Lied?" Ryder repeated.
Zuma nodded his head. "Yes. I-I lied to Wocky. He has this theowy on how Mawshall can still be alive and….I told him that I believed him." Zuma then tears up as he continues. "I know thewe's no way Marshall can be alive, but…I didn't want to tell him that. I wanted to make him happy, and not make him feel that he was alone with this. I knew it was wong but….I just couldn't say no Wyder."
Zuma looked at Ryder with his eyes full of tears. "I'm so sowwy Wyder."
It was here that Zuma was admittedly a little scared of how Ryder will react. He obviously lied to him and made Rocky look crazy. He could've told Ryder the truth and this whole thing would be over, but Zuma didn't want to go back on his word more than he had before. He hoped Ryder believes him.
Ryder looks at Katie who had a slightly worried look on her. He then goes down to a knee and meets Zuma's eyes. "Are you telling me the truth Zuma?"
Zuma swallowed as he was trapped in Ryder's gaze, nearly caving in, but he somehow kept it together as he nodded. "I pwomise Wyder. It is the twuth."
A few moments passed before Ryder closed his eyes and gave an obvious deterred sigh. The chocolate lab braced for it. Thinking that there was no way Ryder believed him, and now he was in real trouble.
"I know you were trying to help Zuma, and you didn't want to make Rocky feel bad, but lying is lying, and a lie like that is very dangerous for him. Understand?"
Zuma was understandably surprised at the response. He thought for sure Ryder wouldn't believe him. The lab looked down at his paws. "I undewstand Wydew."
"Zuma? What all did Rocky say about Marshall being alive?" Katie asked curiously. "Does he really have any reason to believe that.
Zuma eyed Katie as he had to come up with something on the spot. Thankfully, it was relatively simple as it was the truth. "No. Not at all. He just believes that Mawshall is still alive. The theowy he has doesn't hold up at all."
Katie pondered Zuma's answer for a bit while Ryder eyes her.
"I can't say I'm surprised." Katie says with honesty. "He may not want to accept Marshall being gone and is grasping at straws to fully believe that he's alive.
This would be the time for Zuma to say that Rocky never really believed Marshall was dead since the very beginning, but he felt that he already damaged Rocky's character enough.
However, Zuma was quite surprised that Ryder himself didn't look disturbed on Marshall himself. After what happened to Ryder the day before yesterday, Zuma thought that he would still be on edge.
"That poor pup. I can't imagine what his mind is like right now." Ryder says with a hint of sadness.
"Is thewe any hope fow him?" Zuma asked with a cold feeling.
Katie looked at Zuma with a dumbfound look. "Of course, there is Zuma. Rocky's going to be okay."
"You call that okay?!" Zuma yelped, blowing both Ryder and Katie away. "Wocky can hawdly wemembew my name and anybody else's!"
"Zuma. Chill. It's going to be okay." Ryder calmed.
"No it's not! Wocky's needs ouw help, and we don't know what to do!"
"Zuma, I understand your upset, but you need to stay calm." Ryder tried to calm Zuma down the best he could, but the lab was to riled up.
"I've been keeping calm Wydew! But nothing seems to get bettew!" Zuma shot out before he ran towards the door to the outside before Ryder and Katie can say anything further.
Before Zuma went through the door, he stopped in front of it and lowered his head. He thought about turning around and talking to Ryder some more, but the only thing he thought to say was…
"You told me that he would be fine on that boat. That you and Wocky would be okay Wydew." A tear went down as he let out the last line. "But he's not okay. In fact, he wowse than I even imagined."
He let out nothing else, as he went through the door, leaving a stunned Ryder and Katie.
In relative, Chase had no idea why he was called to Katie's. He didn't know if he was any help to the mixed breed in any way other than what he told to Zuma. Though that didn't matter in Chase's eyes, it was an excuse to finally come and visit Rocky like he should've earlier.
He felt justified for not visiting earlier, but he didn't mean he felt good about it. How can he be a responsible leader if he couldn't be there for one of his teammates? Even with the discovery yesterday, it's no excuse in his eyes to ignore his friend's issues. He could've waited to turn the notebook in. Then again, he would've never found Marshall, and him and Ryder would've never known that he was still alive, and Chase preferred not to live in that reality again.
He whimpered as he eyes Rocky's sleeping manner. Feeling more guilt for keeping a crucial secret from not just him, but the rest of the team. He nearly caved when he had to tell Skye that he couldn't watch her practice. He almost told her so she wouldn't feel that Chase was avoiding her, but he promised not to let Ryder down, or Marshall down for that matter.
It felt so dirty to keep Marshall's survival a secret from the rest of the team they had the same right to know as much as he did, let alone interact with him. But Ryder insisted, hoping to keep them from storming all over the dalmatian, who as of right now, doesn't remember a single thing about them. A suitable reason for the most part, but is it good enough to lie to his friends and keep them from away from Marshall?
All of them, especially Rocky, should know. The accident effected their lives dramatically. Almost to the point of running away, depression and even suicide. Now things have changed, and they don't even know it has.
Still, he trusted Ryder more than anybody else, and if Ryder says that they need to keep it under wraps for now, then Chase should feel that it's the right thing to do.
But….not telling that a beloved friend is alive….is it really, the right thing to do?
Chase heard the door behind him, and he spun around to Ryder and Katie, who just walked in the room.
"Easy Chase, it's just me and Katie." Ryder calmed with a slight smile.
Chase relaxed as he turned back to Rocky. Sitting squarely and fimly in front of the mixed breed's bed, still snoozing.
"He's okay Chase. He's just sick." Katie chimed. "Mentally sick. He'll get better."
Chase turned back around to then utter. "I know he is. Rocky's strong it's just…." Chase trailed off when he realized he was about to speak his mind. "….nevermind." Chase shoved his thoughts away and looked at Ryder. "What did you need me for Ryder?"
Ryder folded his arms and gave a slight embarrassed look. "As it turns out Chase, I really didn't need you at all."
"You didn't?" Chase questioned.
Ryder shook his head. "No…it was just a misunderstanding with Zuma."
Katie gave a slightly confused and curious look at Ryder. Ryder then turns to Katie.
"Katie? Could you give me and Chase a moment?" Ryder requested.
Now a surprised look appeared on her. "Wh-What? Of-Of course….let me.."
Ring Ding!
At the sound of a bell, Katie turned towards the door. "Well I guess I have no choice to. A customer just walked in here, so…I'll leave you to it. Let me know if Rocky wakes up, okay?"
"Sure, thing Katie." Ryder responded, as Katie walks out into the lobby, leaving Chase and Ryder alone with a still snoozing Rocky.
Ryder then looked sternly at Chase. "Okay Chase. I'm going to ask this and I want you to tell me the absolute truth. Did you tell Zuma about Marshall?"
Chase was notably put off by this. "Uhhh N-No. I didn't tell anyone."
Ryder narrowed his stern look as he fixed his eyes on Chase's. "Are you sure Chase? You're not lying to me are you?"
Even though he of course wasn't lying, Chase had a uneasy feeling of Ryder being very rigid with him. "No-No Ryder sir. I didn't tell a soul."
Chase's discomfort got the better of him as he started to shake nervously. He never liked being interrogated by a strict Ryder. Then again, nobody does. Ryder may be a very caring and loving owner, but when Ryder was disappointed, it felt like the world was coming down on you. He was very glad he didn't tell anyone about Marshall and was not lying, otherwise, Chase's nerves would be ten times worse than they were now.
Ryder looked at Chase skeptically for a short minute, making it worse for Chase. Then he softened up his look and started to pet the nervous Chase. "It's okay Chase, I believe you."
A wave a relief washed over the shepherd as he relaxed to Ryder's hand petting him. He was very curious as to why Ryder was asking him about Zuma. "Wha-what's this about Ryder? What did Zuma do?"
Ryder ceased his petting as he rose to his feet. "I'm not too sure Chase, but I think Zuma might've told Rocky something along the lines of Marshall being alive."
Chase titled his head in more curiosity. "He did? Why would he say something like that?"
"I don't know Chase. That's why I asked you if you told him." Ryder stated. "But if you didn't tell Zuma, then that raises more questions."
"What did he say Ryder?" Chase asked. "To you I mean."
"Just that he said he believed Rocky when he told him that he thought Marshall was alive." Ryder then formed a slightly annoyed expression. "However, I don't think Zuma is being truthful."
Now Chase was completely surprised. The mere thought of Zuma to lie to anyone let alone Ryder was completely out of character for him.
"You're saying he's lying to you, Ryder?"
"Not so much of lying, more so much as he's trying to hide something from me." Ryder claimed.
"But what does he know?" Chase asked. "I don't think he actually saw Marshall yet."
"I can't tell Chase, but that's something for me to find out and you not to worry about right now. You have something far more important that needs your attention." Ryder responds with sincerity. He then gave what seemed like a anticipated. "How was your day with Dally?"
Chase felt the craving manner that Ryder was giving off, like it was the one thing he looked forward to liking the main event of a show. He could also tell that Ryder was being careful about it. Probably minding that someone could be listening in with Rocky in the room, and Katie just outside. He felt obliged to play along.
"Nothing Much. We talked, played, and raced in the field today." Chase smiled as he reflected on the past few hours. It struck his heart to be able to play with Marshall again. No matter if he was going by a different name or not, from what Chase saw, it was still Marshall. "It was…amazing, Ryder….." He tears up a little. "I…never thought I'd get to….."
Ryder suddenly started to pet Chase again. "I know it must've been Chase, but I need you to keep focused here. You said you two talked. What did you talk about?"
"R-Right. So-sorry Ryder sir. Um…" Chase took a bit to align his thoughts back on track. "We didn't really get into anything, but…there was something that Dally said that struck me."
"Was it something about his memories?" Ryder pressed with a hint of hope.
"A little bit." Chase replied. "He said that he couldn't remember anything about himself from before. He had no recollection of either him or his family."
Ryder put his hand on his chin and cuffed it. "I guess that could confirm who he really is, but it could also mean anything else."
"The-There's something else Ryder." Chase added. "Dally was going to say something about the earliest memory he had, but for some reason, he stopped right before he could say anything, then he strongly urged not to talk about it."
"You didn't pressure him, did you?" Ryder asked.
"I-I did a little. But he was insistent on keeping it to himself." Chase added. "Before I could try for more, you called me."
"And I'm glad I did. I don't mean to dog on you Chase, but you were about to make a huge mistake." Ryder informed. "Anymore pressure on him and he could've cringed up and cut you off"
"But-But I wasn't trying to get him to remember anything." Chase defended. "I was genuinely trying to find out more about him, or at least that's how I came across."
"And I believe you did and were careful as can be." Ryder replied. "But you have understand, when your dealing with someone with amnesia, even the gentlest of pushes could lead them over the edge and shut you out. You've got to give him time to figure it out for themselves."
"But…what if he never remembers? What if he lost his memories forever? What can I do then.?" Chase whimpers.
"Like I said before, it's very rare for that to happen, but if that's the case, we'll go from there. For now, all you can do is just continue to be his friend. Wait till he starts to ask questions and carefully lead him to it." Ryder stated warmly. "You want him to come to the conclusion."
Chase eyed Ryder as he added. "Remember Chase, No matter if he never, ever remembers his own self again, at least he'll still be your friend."
Chase subtly lowered his head as a weak smile grew back on him. "Yeah. You're right there Ryder." His smile fades when a depressing thought came across his mind. "There's….something else Ryder sir."
"What is it bud?" Ryder delicately inquired.
"It'sssss….how I found him today. He was on the ground….crying." Chase mumbled as a few whimpers escaped him. He hesitated greatly, feeling as if he wanted to keep this secret. "He-He was crying because….he was only and didn't have anyone to play with. I felt real bad for him and it got worse. He told me that he's been alone for the entire year…with no friends."
Chase whimpered as the tears returned. The moment of seeing his best friend, cry for his loneliness really got to him.
Ryder dropped to a knee and put arm around his pup. "I know it must be hard to see him like that Chase, but he's not alone anymore. He's got you now."
Chase suddenly sobbed in response "This shouldn't even be happening to him! He's supposed to be with us! With us! Not with Stacy Jackson!"
Ryder hugged the crying shepherd. "I know Chase, I know." Chase hugged his owner as tightly as he could. "But you've got to keep it together Chase. He won't be for long. He'll be back with us, just you know it. Away from Stacy."
Chase let go of Ryder as in a instant, he sniffed his sadness up and replaced it with animosity. "I still don't understand, how could she do this. She must be so heartless."
Ryder looked at Chase with empathy. "Chase, I understand your upset. I am too, but that doesn't mean. You get to be the nasty one as well."
Chase gave Ryder a intense look. "She's keeping my best friend from me Ryder!" Chase growled. "And the worst part is he doesn't even know she's doing it!" The shepherd emulated his distaste for the reporter for Ryder to see. From what he saw and heard of Marshall's current life, she was beyond redeemable. "He doesn't deserve that. He deserves to be with his friend who currently think he's dead!"
Chase clenched his paws tightly as his eyes did as well. Hot tears leaked down his cheeks as he tried his best not to lash out.
It was plainly obvious that Ryder was holding back on his animosity for the reporter. But like the calm owner that he is, he somehow kept his cool, at least to the point of not yelling along with the shepherd.
"Trust me Chase. Stacy will get what's coming for her." Ryder grimed. "But right now, we must forget about her. We need to focus on Dally for now. Continue to spend time with him Chase as the days go by, and report to me if anything happens. Good or bad. Understood?"
On pure instinct, Chase shoved his emotions away and addressed his leader. "Yes Ryder sir."
The whole way back to his house, Dally was deep in his thoughts at what had transpired an hour ago.
He wasn't confused at the fact that he lost a race he was winning, it was what the experienced in the middle of the race. It felt like a sudden dream had invaded his mind and he suddenly dosed right in the middle of the race.
What stuck out to him though was the feeling that it had happened before like he knew how everything played out before he experienced it. Like it was….from his past, his past.
Over the past few months, Dally had never really thought long and hard over his memories or lack thereof. He accepted that he may never find out who he really was, simply because no matter how hard he tried, they never came. Until yesterday, when Dally first spotted Chase on the beach.
He had a sudden clue that sparked his mind on who he really was, seeing Chase rescue the pup from the ship. He saw that pack he had on that was eerily similar to the one he had when he woke up in the building a year ago. Then, it was Chase himself, who had a very faint familiar face to him that stuck out in his mind.
But now, he had this sudden…dream, or….not a dream…you only have dreams when you're sleeping.
It was in a field, and Dally was lining for a race very similar to the one he was in. He heard voices behind him that as far as he knew, were unrecognizable, But in the dream, he knew who they were like they were off the top of his head. He can't remember the names now, but he knew them in the dream along with their faces when he eventually saw them. He remembered felling very warm when they were, as if all of them were very dear to him. Unfortunately, Dally couldn't remember them at all. All except for one pup, who was the only pup Dally really knew. His new friend, Chase.
Chase was there. Standing next to him, ready to dust him in the race. If it really was a dream, why would Chase himself be a strong presence in it?
Another thing struck the Dally's mind as he came up to the house. He had a significant different feeling about the shepherd than before. The feeling of being relaxed and joy for Chase just being there, like whenever he was around, Dally felt assured and safe from harm. That Chase was more than just a friend to him.
As Dally made his way to the doggie door on the front door, he unnoticeably slowed his pace to a crawl. When he got to the door, his vision went hazy and then…he gasped.
Over past the lookout, in a particular spot on the cliff over seeing the ocean was where you could find Marshall.
It was the only place he could think of being after what just happened. Another instance where Marshall's bumbling clumsiness almost caused one of his friends to be seriously hurt. Marshall wanted to slam his head into the ground for letting his clumsiness overtake him and hurt his best friend. It didn't matter that Chase wasn't hurt at all. The fact that if happened anyway made Marshall want to scream.
All his life, Marshall's clumsiness had been a stone barrier to him. No matter how hard he'd tried to get better or how much he would try to not even think about it, it'll still happen. Marshall would trip oversteps, toys, dirt, a cordless phone, any where the dally would walk or do, Marshall's disability would make him mess up.
Disability.
A word that has followed Marshall for as long as he lived. A label that the FRDA put on him to think of an excuse to hold him back.
Ever since he entered the fire pup academy, Marshall felt that the association was hard on him. At the time, Marshall thought that they did it to motivate him to get his permit. That they wanted to see him succeed and be a proud fire dog one day.
But that changed and Marshall saw their true intentions when the fire house fire happened. In that moment, the FRDA not only turned on him and his parents, but the very fire that housed them. Marshall had no choice but to run away. If he would've stayed, the association would've pulled his mom and dad out of the house at all. All because they felt embarrassed of Marshall.
Though Marshall could bark about the Fire Dog Association all he wants, but in a very demeaning and horrible way, they're absolutely right. Marshall's clumsiness was a major problem, and it made the dalmatian be a very dangerous fire pup and teammate.
He was a mistake. A mistake that was never meant to happen. It didn't matter whether his antics cause any harm at all. It only takes one mess up for dire consequences to happen, and Marshall knows that it was just around the corner. Why should he even bother? Why does he even try to be a great firepup when he'll never be one? Why should he even try to move on with his life if all he's ever going to be, is a horrible mistake.
"Hey buddy."
Marshall slowly turned his head around to see his best friend. Chase walks up to him with a small smirk. The firepup then resets his head forward. "What do you want Chase?"
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't jump or something." Chase half joked.
Despite the mess he was in, Marshall cracked a small smile and chuckled. "N-No…I'm not that depressed man."
"Well, you could've fooled me after that little episode back there." Chase replied with a hint of concern.
Marshall didn't respond. He plopped down on his belly and started to cry softly. He had no motivation for talking to anyone, even his brother. Though he knew he couldn't get rid of Chase that easily.
"Marshall?" Chase softly called as he followed the dally's movement.
"What?" Marshall exhaled.
A few seconds went by as Chase was as serious as he was. "Are you, okay?"
Marshall's body trembled as he sniffed his nose. "No."
Marshall felt Chase's muzzled brushed all over his cheek and neck.
"It'll be okay buddy." Chase assured.
"No….no it'll never be okay." Marshall shook his head as his tears streamed down his face. "It's always been not okay. I am and always will be a stupid klutz."
Marshall let his tears flow down as he sobbed quietly, not wanting to draw more attention than he already had.
A few moments went by until Marshall heard Chase ask an off the wall question.
"Marshall, why do you let it bother you so much?"
That question nearly made Marshall jump up.
"Wh-why do you think it bothers me Chase?." He asked back. "All my life I've tripped one everything I run across. Falling all the ladders, stairs, and tables I get on. Running into everything that isn't nailed down and breaking everyone's toys, things, and even themselves. The Fire Dog Association had every right to smear me, because my clumsiness has made me a walking accident. They didn't want to deal with me and quite frankly, I wouldn't want to deal with me myself. They were right. Everyone was right. I'll never be the best firedog in the world, because all I will ever be is a screw up."
Marshall's sobs grew slightly as he buried his face in the grass and cried. Out of all the times he'd thought about the challenges he faces everyday, this was the most depressing. It never hit him hard like this in a long time.
"You really believe in that garbage Marshall?"
Marshall gasped at the shepherd's deflection. "G-Garbage?"
Chasse was stiff and firm with Marshall. "You better not say yes Marshall, because it a darn lie. You know for a fact that you don't really believe anything that you just said."
The dalmatian was at a complete loss for words as it was like his best friend was talking down to him. "Ch-Chase. I-I don't kn-know. I ju-just think since I mess up all the time, and trip over things, that the FRDA were right about me, and I don't deserve to be…."
"That's what they think Marshall, but that's not what you think."
"Now what do you mean?"
"Marshall, you're letting what others say about you dictate who you are." Chase insighted. "That's the only reason you're doubting yourself."
"But they're right." Marshall pushed.
"No, they're not, and they never will be." Chase pushed harder with authority. "I know you're the best firedog in the world."
"No, not really. You haven't seen anything yet." Marshall reflected. "Sure we've had a little forest fire here and there, but that's nothing compared to the ones back home."
"It doesn't really matter, buddy." Chase replied.
"Yes it does!" Marshall insisted, getting a little frustrated. "Chase, I can't even climb my ladder without slipping off at least once. What's going to happen when there is a big fire, and I screw up like I always do?"
Marshall dropped his head back down. "Look, I appreciate you batting for me, but you just don't understand. I'm a big accident ready to happen. I never should've even dreamed of wanting to be a firedog, because I am, and always will be a very big mistake."
There were a few moments of silence before Marshall heard Chase again. This time, the dally could hear and almost feel a strong emotion, like the shepherd himself was on the verge of tears.
"No. You are not."
Upon hearing this, Marshall turned his head and saw Chase on his fears. His head hanging down as if he was in shame. His eyes were closed, and he could see Chase canines showing on each side of his mouth.
"You are my best friend and the best fire pup in the world. I've seen you do thing s that even I can't do. That isn't me trying to make you feel better, it's the darn truth."
Chase slowly raises his head and opened his eyes as Marshall slowly got up and face him. "Anyone who's ever said different don't know you. They don't understand how you are a firepup, so they label you and give an excuse because they feel that you're an embarrassment and don't want to deal with you. But you've always proved them wrong. You got your fire pup permit when they said you'll never get it and since day one of Paw Patrol, you've always done your very best in protecting Adventure Bay and it's been well than enough for this team."
Chase then places his paw on Marshall shoulder and glares into Marshall's trembling eyes. "You are not a mess up; you are not an embarrassment. If you were, Ryder would've never gone so far for you. He truly believes in you and so do I." Chase firmly grasp the dally's shoulder as a tear rolls down Chase's cheek. "You are not, a mistake."
Marshall could feel the emotion ringing out of Chase like a damp rag. There's no doubt that Chase wasn't over exaggerating his feelings. He could see the police pup's beliefs in him as clear as ever.
The dalmatian wanted to cry in joy. He couldn't believe he ended up being friends with such an amazing friend. One who will never lose faith in you and will pick you up no matter how far you fallen.
But…..is he right?
The impact of running into the door, brought Dally back into reality. The dalmatian fell on his butt and whimpered in pain as he rubbed his forehead with his paw.
A few seconds later, the door swung open, revealing a slightly distraught Stacy.
"There you are." Stacy breathed, as she hugged Dally. "Where were you?"
Dally felt extremely bad. He must've spooked Stacy for not being here when she got back. "S-Sorry Stacy. I was just out in the forest, playing. I didn't mean to worry you."
Stacy let go of Dally as she formed a relieving smile. "It's alright Dally. I'm just happy that you're safe. Come on in. Your food is in the bowl."
"Oh boy!" Dally chirped, as he trotted inside while licking his lips, realizing how hungry he was. He goes over to his bowl and starts eating with Stacy following him into the kitchen, retrieving a soda from the fridge and looks at her pup.
"So…did you have fun today?" She asks as she sips the soda.
"Mhm." Dally responds as he swallows a bite. "I had a lot of fun today."
"That's great Dally." Stacy chimes as she takes another sip. "I've noticed that you've been down in the dumps a lot, so it brightens me to know that you're okay."
"Yeah, especially since I got Chase to play with now." Dally chirped with a smile.
Pfft!
The Dalmatian heard a spontaneous spew of soda like a gunshot rang out from his owner. Stacy hacked and coughed to catch her breath as the sound scared Dally.
"Stacy! Are you okay?!" Dally yelped.
"Yeah. Yeah, Dally. I'm good." Stacy breated as she coughed a couple times more to regain himself. "Now…what did you say?"
"Oh….r-right. I have a new friend. His name is Chase." Dally smiled as he announced his friend to his owner. Wagging with joy.
"Ch-Chase?"
Dally nodded in delight. "Yep. He's the best friend ever! And he's soooo cool and…." Dally ceased his talk when he noticed the troubling look on Stacy's face. He didn't know why, but Stacy didn't seem to be as happy as he was.
"S-Stacy?" Dally softly called with a whine causing Stacy to look squarely at him. "Is…Is something wrong?"
It took a full minute for Stacy to respond to Dally. For Dally, it was the longest of his life as he teared that he broke a rule or something.
"N-No Dally. Nothing's wrong. I c-couldn't be happier for you to have a friend. It means I won't be two worried for you while I'm gone." Stacy chimed with a smile. "How did you meet him?"
"Oh….uhhh." Dally's excitement slightly diminished as he knew Stacy wouldn't be a fan of his answer. "I…..I actually met him yesterday when I ran into him. Literaly."
As he predicted, Dally could see Stacy's discomfort with the answer.
"Ye-Yesterday? When you were in town?" Stacy repeated with uneasiness.
Dally gulped. "Ye-Yeah."
Stacy closed her eyes and breathed slowly. Taking in Dally's answer very delicately.
"Do..Do you know him Stacy?" Dally asked curiously.
"I do, actually. I do know Chase." Stacy then opens her eyes and looks at Dally in a sudden serous manner. "Listen Dally, I don't mean to scar you or anything, but I want you to promise me that you'll be careful with him."
The confusion hit Dally like a baseball. He never expected Stacy to say anything eerily about Chase.
"H-Huh? Wh-Why? Is….Chase a bad pup or something?"
"No. Not really. Just that…." Stacy seemed to be struggling to get her words out. "Chase is a pup who is around danger a lot and…" Stacy takes a breath as she nods on. "I'm a little worried that he may drag you into that danger. So please at least be aware of that and if he ever tries to get you to do something you don't want to do, tell him no. Understood?"
Now Dally was confused. From the way Stacy made Chase out, it sounded like the shepherd was manipulative. Dally himself never felt that he was that way at all. In fact, it seemed that Chase was just happy to being around him from what he gathered.
"Um…yeah, of course Stacy. I….I won't let him do those things to me, but…" Dally paused as he tried to process us. "I…I don't understand. Chase has been a good friend to me. I-I know I just met him, but I feel like he's already so close to me. Almost like…."
Dally trailed off as he couldn't quite describe what he was about to say.
"What is it Dally?" Stacy asked with a certain urge. "What were you about to say?"
Dally barely heard her, as his mind was louder than her words, though he didn't want to worry her. "It-It's nothing. I'll be on my toes around him, just like you ask, okay?"
Even though he gave her a favorable answer, Dally could hear the hint of disappointment in her voice. "Th-Thanks Dally, I knew I don't were to worry about you."
Dally didn't say anything as he suddenly walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
"Dally? Where you going?" Stacy asked curiously. "You havn't even finished your food yet."
"I'm not really hungry anymore Stacy and I'm kinda tired. You won't mind me going to bed early to night do you?" Dally stopped in the middle of the stairwell.
"No." Stacy sighed. "You can go ahead. I'll leave it in here in case you change your mind."
Dally gave Stacy a cheerful smile. "Thanks Stacy. Good night. Love you."
"L-Love you too Dally. Good night." He heard her say, as he climbed the stairs to his room.
Stacy knew from the moment she saw Dally in the city yesterday, that the cracks were starting to form in her life.
Her worst fear had come true. Somebody did spot him yesterday. To make matters worse, It was the last pup she wanted it to be. Chase.
The only reason Ryder wasn't banging on her door was that they may not know that Stacy has him. It was the only thing saving her hide right now, at least for the time being.
She felt a little sliver in the back of her mind telling her that it was not too late. That she should go ahead and make things right. She could tell Dally about his past and let him go back where he belonged. At least he would be happy, and she could maybe get off the hook.
She was on the verge; very tempted, but then, she shoved it off.
She couldn't do it. Stacy felt that her heart would shatter when he'd go. The past year has been wonderful, with many memories sticking of her and Dally. If she would let him go, Stacy would lose the center piece of her life. She needed to keep him from going back.
On that aspect, Stacy shouldn't let Dally and Chase interact anymore. But when she had the opportunity, she couldn't go through with it. She only said to be careful around him. She saw the happiest Dally she ever saw when he was talking about Chase. She could tell that Chase already meant the world to him. Mostly because Chase is the only real friend he has right now.
She just didn't have the heart to do it. It didn't matter how crucial it was. To tell Dally that he wouldn't be allowed to play with his only friend would be like tearing out his heart and stomping it over and over in front of him. All she could will herself to do, is pay more attention and keep a close eye on what's going on.
Hopefully, in about a few days' time, her application to Adventure City would be approved, and Stacy would be able to get out with Dally in tow, before the two pups can become closer friends like they once were, and she loses Dally forever.
Looks like things are starting to heat up!
Stacy now knows about Dally and Chase's friendship and if she doesn't hurry and get a job in Adventure City, she could lose Dally in the matter of days! But of course, readers like you don't want her to succeed. Right?
While Zuma may have shoved the spotlight off of him and Rubble for now, Ryder suspects him and thinks there's more to this whole thing. What will happen when Ryder starts to dig in?
The answer will either next month, or sooner when Chapter 40: The Intense Temptation is released!
In case you are unaware, Ballad of Dally is now on a once a month schedule until the writing is complete. Then we'll go back to weekly updates.
Question of the Chapter: In your opinion, do you think Stacy is redeemable? Even after all she's done?
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!