We maybe late, but I'm late with style!
Welcome one and all back to the DragonsFire Paw Patrol universe!
Welcome Back to Paw Patrol: The Ballad of Dally and man have we got a hot one for you today!
Fresh off of the intense encounter with Stacy Jackson, Chase decides to make a short stop before going to the look out to do what he should've done days ago. Visit his friend Rocky who is currently suffering serious side effects from his injury. On top of that, Rocky knows about Dally, though he of course doesn't who Dally really is
Will Rocky even remember who Chase is, and will he confront him about what's been going on?
In the midst of that, Zuma was very displeased about Ryder's decision to keep Rocky at Katie's and is on his way to give Ryder his two cents about it.
Will Zuma accept whatever Ryder will say?
Its time to find out right here, right now with Chapter 41: The Fault In My Owner!
Chapter 41: The Fault In My Owner
"Are you sure there's nothing we can do about the beach mayor?" Ryder asked about the cargo ship that was still stuck in the middle of the beach. Preventing anybody from having the nice day at the beach. "I'm sure we can have the beach cleared in no time."
"I'm sorry Ryder, but the Coast Guard wants to handle it themselves. Plus, I think they would be the more efficient." Mayor Goodway illiterates.
"But they claim they can even get started. Give me and my pups a few days, and we can find away to get it out in no time." Ryder urged.
"Ryder, this isn't Captain Turbot's flounder, It's a huge cargo ship on the bay." Goodway replied with reason. "Even if you weren't a pup down, it would take more than a small team like yours to get it out."
"Come on Mayor Goodway, you know better than to overlook us like that." Ryder responded with a smirk.
"Ryder, don't be ridiculous. You know that the Paw Patrol can't do any better than what the Coast Guard can do. We're just going to have to wait."
Ryder clenched his teeth and ran through his hair. He hated being total useless at a time Adventure Bay really needed him and the pups. "I just don't want to be sitting around and waiting like this. Is there anything the Paw Patrol can do?"
Ryder noticed that the mayor herself was beside herself with her hands tied. "There really is nothing we can do until the ship is gone Ryder. When there is, you'll be the first call. Focus on helping Rocky dear. That poor pup needs your full attention right now. I'm sorry Ryder but I need to get to a meeting. Buh bye."
"Wait, Mayor what….." The mayor hung up before Ryder could get the rest of his question out, leaving him sitting at his desk, feeling powerless.
Ryder has noticed a pattern as of late. Comparing from the past year to when the Paw Patrol started, Adventure Bay has been oddly quiet as far as emergencies are concerned. There of course were the occasional time where the team was asked to help with a festival and Alex certainly gotten into some trouble a handful of times, but as far as accidents were concerned, they were only few and far between.
Before it seemed that every day, sometimes twice a day, the Paw Patrol would be needed. Ryder and the pups never minded because it gave them something to do and proved there worth. But now it seems that not even Mayor Humdinger was causing problems.
Ryder knew why it would be like this and he was afraid of it. The town obviously feels guilty of calling them for every little thing and may think that they rely on them too much. The accident with Marshall left a reality check for them and they feel like they are burdening a healing team.
The worst part is that Ryder couldn't say or do anything to reassure them. After all, it's their choice if they want to call them or not, and if they feel that they want to try handling their problems themselves, out of respect for the Paw Patrol, then there's really nothing Ryder or the pups can do. Ryder feared that it may have had a lasting effect on them. With no rescues to do, the pups haven't been active all that much. He could tell they were getting antsy, but unfortunately, he could also notice them drifting apart from each other as well.
Ryder has of course noticed it but he couldn't understand why. Why was his pups gradually disconnecting from each other? He thought the team would stick together and heal after the accident. But It seems to him that the team is drifting further and further apart.
Ryder turned his attention to a sudden sound of the doggie door across the office. It was Zuma who had a unpleasant look on his face.
A little put off by the look, Ryder gave smile to his pup despite it. "Hey bud, Whatcha need?"
Zuma didn't smile back, instead he kept his stern look on Ryder, showing an obvious distain with his owner.
The smile faded. "Zuma? Is….something wrong?"
"Why didn't you let Wocky come home?"
The lab's manner impaled Ryder like an icicle. He was at a loss for words.
"I…..I….what?"
"Don't shove me off, Wydew." Zuma fired. "Why couldn't he come home today?"
Where in the world did this come from? Never has any of his pups ever confronted Ryder in such a hostile manner, let alone Zuma. He must be really upset.
"Ex-Excuse me?" Ryder responded with shock. "What with the…"
"Come on dude. Get weal! I'm asking you a simple question." Zuma intercepted.
"I can answer it easily without the salty attitude Zuma." Ryder responded with authority. He always hated throwing his weight around the pups, but even he knew that the pups had to be checked every once in a while. "You know better than to act like this."
Zuma's faced softened a little as the heat in his tone cooled down as well. "What you did to Wocky was wong Wydew. He wants to be home any you bwoke his heawt."
Ryder now knew where the water pup was coming from. He must've been in the room when Rocky was told that he had to stay. As Ryder feared, Rocky's reaction must've not been pleasant. He hoped the mixed breed hadn't felt betrayed by his decision.
"Zuma. You have to understand, it's what's best for him right now." Ryder answered somberly.
"How?" Zuma replied with a whine. "How in the wowld is it best fow him to be kept at Katie's?"
"Because Zuma, his condition has gotten worse for the past two days." Ryder replied.
A sharp gasp shot from Zuma as his eyes went wide. "Wh-What do you mean it's gotten wowse? I thought he was gaining his memowies back?"
"It's more than just his memories Zuma." Ryder said. "It's his health, his behavior, and his energy. He may be gaining his memories back but he's having a tough time doing anything he sts his mind to. Not only that, but he's having mental breakdowns way too often and he's having trouble walking and even standing."
Ryder saw Zuma twitch suddenly. "S-Standing? B-But, he was standing just fine today."
"I'm sorry bud but that's not good enough. Katie thinks that there's something really wrong with him and I think I agree with her. Rocky needs some serious help and I'm afraid we can't give him that help."
Zuma narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean we can't give him the help?"
Ryder sighed sadly as he knew that Zuma wasn't going to like his answer because he didn't even like it. "What I'm trying to say is that whats going on with Rocky is something that not even Katie can do much for. So, we think that we need to take Rocky to someone who knows a lot more than we do and can help him."
Ryder felt a sudden sting in his heart when he saw Zuma's face fall. "B-But I thought Katie was the best vet in the wowld."
"She may be Zuma, but there's still more she has to learn bud." Ryder replied. "She's still a nurse after all."
Zuma dropped his head and stared at his paws. On instinct, Ryder got up from his chair and went over to the lab. Crouching to a knee as he petted Zuma gently.
"Whewe's he going?" Zuma asked. "Who can help him?"
Ryder continued scratching. "I'm not sure yet. I think we found someone in Adventure City that can help him. I just need to get a response from him."
Zuma didn't move. "Does Wocky know?"
Ryder gave another sigh. "No….not yet. I want to wait until Katie and I find the perfect person first, so he'll be comfortable know that were trying to help the best we can."
Zuma started to whimper in response.
"I know it's hard Zuma, but it's the best thing we can do for him." Ryder delicately sympathize while stroking the pups fur.
"But it's not the best thing fow him. Wocky hates big cities." Zuma commented, citing Rocky's troubled past. "How is he going to get bettew at a place he will hate?"
Ryder thought about that for a second. It's no secret that the big city was not kind to Rocky, when he lived as a stray for a few years before coming to Adventure Bay. He was sure that his idea with taking Rocky to a city would help but Zuma brought up a very critical issue. Maybe it was best for Rocky to come home and find a way for a Vernerian to come to them instead.
"You do make a good point Zuma, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, keep doing what you're doing for him. Okay bud?"
Zuma sighed sadly as he dragged his paws to the doggie door. Ryder couldn't say anything else to ease his worries.
Once he got to the door, Zuma stopped suddenly and stood still for a moment. Then he uttered out. "Wydew? Can I ask you one mowe question? And be honest with me?"
Very curious as to what Zuma's question was, Ryder responded with. "Of course Zuma. What is it?"
Zuma turned around and eyed his owner. "Who is Dally?"
Each beat in Chase's heart got louder and louder as he stepped into the medical room at Katie's. He'd not said a single word to Rocky since he was injured and thanks to his condition, Chase has no idea if Rocky even remembers him. It shouldn't really bother the shepherd at all really. He knows the mixed breed couldn't help it, but after dealing with a similar situation, Chase was scared that another one of his friends may not remember him.
When he walked closer to the bed, Rocky opened his eyes and his ears perked. The mixed breed sit up to eye Chase and give a small smile to him.
"It's about time you showed up."
The statement stopped Chase's trek. "You-You remember me?"
"Course I do, pal." Rocky replied, still dawning the friendly smile. "You're one of my best friends."
Chase's tail wagged a couple times. "What about my name?"
Rocky furrowed his brow and figited his lips. "Uhhhhh…..give me a second, I'm still working on that."
A cold chill went through Chase's body, but he kept his composure and even let out a chuckle. "It's alright buddy. It's Chase."
"Oh come on. You couldn't let me figure it out myself?" Rocky whined.
"I could, but I decided to just give it to you." Chase said, making it up to Rocky's bed and raised to his hind legs, draping his forepaws over the side. "Just to get it over with."
"Oh, ha ha. Very funny." Rocky replied sarcastically.
Chase chuckled again before his ears lowered and he let out a whimper. "I'll tell you what's not funny. Me taking until now to finally talk to you after your accident…." Chase's embarrassed whimpers grew. "….some friend I am."
"Don't beat yourself up about it." Rocky shrugged. "I know how busy you are. I'm just happy to finally see you."
Chase popped a smile and shook his head. "You're way to nice Rocky."
"It's the only thing I want to be pal." Rocky charmed. "Especially my friends."
Chase's smile grew. It was so relieving to see his friend still the same despite being mentally challenged at the moment. Unlike a certain friend that he wished the same.
"You sound like you're on cloud nine buddy. How're you doing?" Chase asked with his smile.
Rocky's friendly smile dissipated. "Not well at all. I'm downright miserable in here."
Chase's smile faded as well, as a wave of concern washed him. "What's wrong."
"What's wrong is I can't get out of here." Rocky whined. "Katie or whatever her name is, keeps badgering with questions that I don't even know, and I keep having to do exercises that give me a headache."
"She's only trying to help Rocky." Chase replied.
"Yes, yes. I know. For the millionth time, I know she's trying to help me. But I don't think it's helping me at all." Rocky let out with a gruff of frustration. "I just want to go home."
Chase responds by placing a somber paw on Rocky's. "Katie wants you to go home too Rocky. You think she likes seeing you miserable here?"
"I….uh….n-no." Rocky stutters.
"Of course, she doesn't. She wants to see you happy and healthy just like the rest of us." Chase said sincerely. "Right now, she sees that you're not and wants to help you."
"But what gives her the right?" Rocky pressed. "How come she gets to say when I come home?"
Chase answered easily. "Because she's the only one that can help you right now. I know it and Ryder knows it."
Rocky turned his head and closed his eyes at the mention of Ryder. "How would he know what's best for me? He's the one who got me into this in the first place."
Chase was nearly blown off across the room. Never has he ever heard Rocky or any pup on the team make such a remark like that.
"He left me alone on that ship and then he made me hold on to that brake." Rocky continued with a gruff.
Chase was in full disbelief. He didn't know if he was seriously burying Ryder or if his mind was so unstable. "You have to be kidding me Rocky." Chase finally replied. "There's no way you really believe that."
"Does it sound like I'm kidding Chase?" Rocky responded coldly. "You weren't on that boat. You don't know what happened on it."
Chase wanted to keep calm and shoot down his claims, but in the back of his mind, his anger was growing. Hearing Rocky bashing Ryder reminded him of when Stacy Jackson was doing the exact same thing a few days ago. Chase did his best to filter himself, hoping to contain the anger.
"Rocky. I find it real hard to believe Ryder would just throw you into danger on a whim like that." Chase growled lowly, his anger trying to escape.
Rocky however was a brick wall. "Now you're joking Chase. He's done it plenty of times."
"That's not true!" Chase let out. "Name one time! One!"
"One year ago Chase." Rocky replied sternly. "The city hall fire. When he sent Marshall in that burning building. He killed him!"
Chase's anger took hold as he no longer saw Rocky. All he could see was his imagination of Stacy Jackson in Rocky's stead. It was enough for Chase to lose himself as he jumped on the bed and got into Rocky's face.
"That is a lie! A stupid lie! It wasn't his fault!" Chase snapped, full anger in his eyes.
Rocky didn't flinch. "Yes it was!'
Chase highly resisted the urge to hit the mixed breed. Pushing his nose through Rocky's. "No you garbage pup! It's me! MINE! I KILLED MARSHALL!"
In an instant, all the fight Rocky had was blown away as his eyes grew wide in shock. Chase didn't stop though. He was going to get it through his thick skull on where the fault lies. "Don't you remember?! Marshall went back in to save me after I lied to Ryder about my paw! It was me he pushed out the way of the rubble, and IT WAS ME WHO LEFT HIM IN THERE!"
That revelation seemed to shut the mixed breed, as Rocky could only stare with trembling eyes at the panting Chase. Chase stood there, staring a hole into him. Then, suddenly, Chase's eyes watered up, as he shuttered them. He collapsed on top of Rocky and started to sob into his chest.
He didn't know if he got through to Rocky, but he felt that a massive weight was lifted off his shoulders. All this time, Chase reluctantly gave the illusion to everybody that he thought it was just an accident but in reality, Chase never forgave himself for lying to Ryder, and put his best friend in grave danger. Even after the recent discover of Marshall being alive, it didn't change a thing. It still happened., and now the dalmatian was not just somewhere else, but someone else entirely, and it was all his fault.
Chase cried on Rocky's chest for what seemed like hours for the shepherd, while no reaction came out of the mixed breed. Then the door swung open, making Chase snap his head around to see Katie with a look of deep concern in her face.
"What's going on in here?!" Katie immideiatly asked as she ran to the bed. "I heard screaming!"
With tears still flowing down his face, Chase sniffed. "Everything's okay Katie…..I was just leaving."
Chase jumped off the bed and made his way out of the room, not saying another word to a appalled Rocky or a questioning Katie.
After the pretty eventful day, Zuma wanted nothing more than to slam his body down to his bed and sleep. Though the processing of what Ryder just told him was keeping him from doing that single thing.
When he asked Ryder about Dally, Ryder turned stiff, immediately questioning where he even got the name from. Zuma revealed that he heard it from Rocky and that he thought that Dally was Marshall's replacement. Ryder then told him everything about Dally. Saying that Dally is a new friend Chase met while out on patrol and then most importantly, dispelled the sentiment that Dally was Marshall's "replacement." Zuma believed him outright. He couldn't fathom a reason why his owner would lie to him, but even then, Zuma felt that something was…..off.
Like why Chase has never said anything about Dally at all. Even though everyone's noticed him being out for a long time and only coming back for dinner. To make things more weirder, whenever someone would question him on where he's been, Chase would shrug it off, saying that he was on a secret mission given to him by Ryder. It's now obvious where he had been but why was it a "secret mission?" He'd assumed that he was lying about it, but Ryder's knowledge about it confirmed that it was true.
But why though? Why is Chase and Ryder keeping Dally a tight secret. Even when Ryder told him about the pup, Ryder took many attempts to shoo Zuma away from the subject but Zuma easily kept pushing on, wanting to get as much as he could get.
Zuma didn't want to think that Ryder and Chase were hiding something from him and the others, but it was really hard to do that when Chase and Ryder were acting very exclusive from everyone when they don't really need to be. If Zuma gets to meet Dally, He probably be as friendlier than ever to him. Heck, it's a new friend to have and you can never have too many friends. Even if Dally does end up on the team and "replacing" Marshall, Zuma wouldn't be against the idea entirely.
So….why did it take Rocky overhearing them talking about Dally and Zuma asking about him for Ryder to open up. What is it with Dally that makes Zuma or any of the pups not meet him? It just didn't make any sense to him, and it was swirling his mind, giving him a slight headache.
All in all, he wished this entire year was just a really bad dream and sooner or later he would wake up, Rocky would still be his old self, the team wouldn't be so divided, and most importantly, one of his best friends was still with him.
If Zuma could pinpoint the one event that started this downward spiral, it was the day they lost Marshall. He was blown away at how much Ryder, his friends, and even himself changed for the worse.
Everyone told him that it would get better. That everyone would get through it together, and be closer than ever before, but overtime, the exact opposite happened. Whether everyone intended it or not, the team slowly drifted away and seemed to only be together for rescues and dinner. That amazing point in time where the pups couldn't go one day without seeing each other had passed on, and now, they would be lucky if they even saw one of them.
To be honest, Zuma could learn to live with that. The only thing he truly wanted was Marshall back. He didn't care if he never talked to any of his friends again, including Rocky, it would be worth it by a million miles if Marshall could come back. Things were simpler then. The Paw Patrol wouldn't be as depressed as it is now, and they be out playing and laughing together instead of mellowing out.
The one thing that Zuma missed more though was Marshall himself. Marshall meant a lot to others, but for Zuma, it was uniquely special to him. The lab looked up to him probably more than anybody else and considered Marshall his big brother. He admired his bravery and his efforts to push through when the going got tough. Mostly, Zuma missed Marshall's playfulness and that was more important to him.
Zuma loves being playful and competitive, and it didn't matter what was going on with Marshall. Whenever Zuma needed someone, Marshall was always willing to play with him. Marshall always surfed with him, raced him, play Pup-Pup Boogie with him, play fight with him; Zuma was always grateful for that. He wouldn't get too serious often but when he did, Zuma and everyone else would be taken to the limit thanks to how determined the dally would get. It made Marshall more competitive, and Zuma loved that side of him like a drug.
The lab will eerily never forget the very day Marshall died, where before the faithful mission, Marshall faced off with Zuma and pushed the lab way out of his groove and snapped Zuma's undefeated streak in Pup-Pup Boogie 2. Zuma missed that feeling he had that day and wants to feel it again. While the ghost data in the game sort of sustains that, it's the same thing over and over, and Zuma always had to step off at the last minute to keep it. Nothing ever beats the first time though and sadly; he may never feel that competitive edge again and it burns the labs hat slowly.
Except, He maybe able to again. He was reminded of that as he looks at the statue of Marshall he'd been sitting in front of since his talk with Ryder.
When Rubble told him about Marshall's pup pack having survived, Zuma went between happiness and sadness. There was hope for the dalmatian after all this time, but then he realized a grueling fact. It's been a full year since the accident and Marshall has been presumed dead. If he really is alive….why isn't he home? Why has no one spotted him?
Zuma couldn't make any sense of it until he thought back to the argument he and Rocky had in Ryder's garage and what the mixed breed said. That Marshall faked his death and ran away because he thought his team abandoned him. He of course didn't want to believe that. Citing that Marshall wouldn't think of that at all. He would know that wasn't the truth. But now, with Marshall's pup pack showing up and Marshall was nowhere to be found, added the fact that there was no body found in the debris, it was very believable now.
'He's done it before'
Zuma remembered Rocky saying that when Zuma questioned his theory and was now sticking to him like glue.
Is Rocky right? Did Marshall run away again?
As Zuma looked into the statue's eyes, he mumbled out. "Is it true Mawshall?" Zuma's eyes watered. "Did you weally wun away?"
The statue stayed as still ase ever. He somewhat waited for a response that he know he wasn't going to get.
"Hey buddy."
Zuma turned his attention to a very groggily looking bulldog who was about to face plant his bed.
"Duude. You look mowe tiwed than a tuwtle, and it's not even dawk yet. You okay?" Zuma aked with concern.
"I've been much better." Rubble half joked. "Just been out searching for Skylar and Trevor."
"Annnd?" Zuma replied
The bulldog shook his head solemnly. "Nothing." He then yawns. "Absolutely nothing."
Zuma drooped his ears. "You've got to be kidding me Wubble. You've spent months looking fow them and you havn't found even a trace of them?"
Rubble shook his head. "Not even paw prints or sents, and no one in town even knows who I'm talking about. It's like they don't even exist."
Rubble whimpered sadly as he laid down on the grass. Zuma could tell that the bulldog was stretched to his limit. In fact, it looked as if the pups hadn't gotten sleep at all.
"Have you thought about asking Chase fow help? He's usually the best at finding someone." Zuma suggested.
"Of course, I've thought of that, but for some reason, Chase is never here for me to ask him. It's like he disappears or something."
'Tell me about it.' Zuma thought. He wasn't going to tell Rubble about his talk with Ryder earlier due to him promising he wouldn't tell anyone until the time was right. Whatever that means.
"I don't think I want him involved anyway." Rubble admitted. "Knowing him, he'll urge me to tell Ryder, if he doesn't tell himself."
"Maybe that's what we need to do Wubble." Zuma replied. "Maybe you need to finally tell Wyder what's going on. At least we'll have mowe help that way and we can get Mawshall's pup pack fastew."
Rubble closed his eyes and sighed. "That is what I should do. But…..not yet."
Zuma's subtly squirmed in frustration. "What? Weally dude? When will you then? In 100 yeaws?"
"I'm going to give it one more day. If I can't get any sort of lead, I'll tell Ryder myself."
"You said that befowe." Zuma retorted with a snort.
Instead of responding, Rubble got up and walked away from Zuma. Before he got far, he turned back around. "I can't thank you enough for keeping quiet about this. You're a real friend Zuma."
A sting of guilt pulverized Zuma all over as Rubble continued to walk away. He didn't keep his mouth shut. He told Rocky stupidly to apologize for something that happened months ago. Zuma resisted the urge to tell Rubble the truth. Not wanting to make the situation worse.
In the meantime, Zuma saw Chase's cruiser arrive at the lookout. He then thought that if he ever wanted to get answers on what's going on, he ought to get the other side of the story.
Rising to his feet, Zuma made his way to the lookout. Hoping to make sense of everything.
What an exciting situation this is!
It seems that Zuma is getting closer and closer to the truth! But how far will he go before he finds out what is really going on?
Rubble also seems to be very stubborn about telling Ryder about the pup pack. Downright frustrating even. How long will it take before he finally decides to spill the beans or will he actually find Skylar and Trevor?
On top of everything else, Chase seems to be losing himself in the guilt of everything. The poor shepherd has been through a lot these past couple of days. Not only that, but Rocky is losing more faith in Ryder by the minute.
What will happen? The only way to find out is by being right here, When Chapter 42: A Close Call is uploaded next month!
I want to formally apologize for being late this month. Things got very hectic in the cave, but all is fine now and I hope its full sailing from here on out!
Question of the Chapter: Do you think Zuma is right about Rocky being kept at Katie's? Should he stay there or go home?
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!