Chapter 18: Vexation (10:35 AM)
After the pups finished getting their drinks, they decided to head back to the storage room to play a few rounds of foosball until Mr. Jordan was ready for them in the kitchen. Despite what Leo had said to her, Mira chose to wait for him until she was convinced that they weren't coming.
"I don't know, maybe he just forgot? I mean, he seemed pretty tired before he started yelling at me, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's asleep or something. Or… maybe he's still mad at me? I don't know…"
"Hey, we still have some time before the others arrive, so maybe they'll finish up before then," Chase remarked.
"Yeah, right…" Mira sighed before turning around. "Well, I think we've waited here long enough, so let's go check back on Mr. Jordan and see if the oven is ready."
"You sure you don't want to go check on them?"
"Yeah, positive! Besides, I wouldn't want to interrupt them again if they're still in there."
"If you say so..." Chase said before walking towards Mr. Jordan, Rocky, and Skye. "Geez, I hope she'll be okay…."
"Hey, guys! Still no sign of the other's yet?" Mr. Jordan began.
"Uhhhh, they're a little busy right now, so maybe we should start without them," Mira replied.
"Alright then, you guys got the toppings prepared?"
"Yep! All set and ready to go!" Rocky replied.
"Great! I'll keep this door unlocked in case you guys need anything, but make sure no one else wanders in here, alright?"
"You got it, Mr. J! I can help out with the toppings in case they want to mix things up a little bit. " Skye commented.
"Okay, make sure to use the dividers so there's little to no confusion when they're out of the oven."
"And while you're working on that, I can clean up along the way so we can have more time to work on my hourglass," Rocky said.
"I'll do the cutting!" Mira volunteered.
"And I'll make sure there aren't any problems with the other pups." Chase finished.
"Well, now that you all have your jobs, let's get to it!"
15 minutes later… (Elsewhere)
"Okay, I think that was the last one. We did it, Peter!" Skipper smiled as Peter wagged his tail.
"Looks like it! Phew... I'm exhausted!"
"Yeah, same here. Come on, let's let these dry for now and go back inside. Once again, I really appreciate you helping out."
"Oh, it was nothing. After all, I think I should be the one thanking you for letting me stick around. I just hope I can get through to them…"
"Don't worry! As I said, you just have to be honest with them, and I'm sure you'll do great."
"Yeah, right," Peter replied before stretching his legs. "Well, I should start heading back now. It was nice working with you."
"Right back at you. I'll see you around!"
"See ya! Oh, and if there's anything else you'd like me to do, I'll be more than willing to help."
"Heh heh, I'll see if Katie has anything. Anyways, take care."
"You too!" Peter waved before entering the kitchen. "Okay, just gotta wait and see what happens next. I can do this! I can do this… Hmmm, why does it feel like I'm forgetting something?"
"So…like this?" Avery's voice could be heard from a distance.
"Yeah, you've got it! Just make sure to leave enough room for the crust." Skye replied as Peter approached the table.
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late."
"Peter! I'm glad you could join us. Would you like to add some toppings to your slices?"
"Ummm, sure. What's there?"
"Let's see, there's cheese, bacon, ranch, and pepperoni, but please! If you're lactose intolerant, stay away from the cheese!"
"Uhh… What does that mean?"
"You've got to be kidding me." Avery sighed. "I've seen him drink milk before. He'll be fine."
"Well, okay. So, you want cheese?" Skye questioned.
"Yeah… I'll leave out the ranch."
"Got it. I'll leave it here in case you decide to change your mind. Just let me know when you guys are ready, then we'll move onto the next step. Until then, take your time!"
"Okay!" Avery and Peter replied in sync as Skye walked away.
"So, what have you been doing all of this time?"
"Oh, I was just helping Skipper out with something for next week's activity. Why? Did I miss anything?"
"Nothing in particular. We were just watching a movie, although your friends seem a little worried about you. You haven't tried talking to them recently?"
"No, not really. I mean I did say I never want to speak to them again."
"Wait, you actually meant that?"
"N-No! I mean, I did... but I was just… Uhhhh... It's kind of hard to explain, but I'm gonna try and make things right after we're done here."
"Oh, that's good to hear. Well then, shall we begin?"
"Yeah, let's do this."
(11:15 AM)
"Well, it looks like I'm done with everything on my end. How about you, Mira? How's the cutting coming along?" Rocky asked.
"I'll admit, I'm getting a little sore, but it's nothing I can't handle," Mira said as she finished cutting another groups' slices. "Enjoy your food!"
"Thanks, Mira! Come on guys, let's go!" A different pup shouted.
"You sure you don't want to take a break? I can finish these last few if you'd like."
"No thanks, I've got it."
"Okay. Well, we'll be at our usual table if you need us, so feel free to stop by."
"Will do!" She replied with a faded smile as Rocky headed off. After finishing up with the last pizza, Mira sighed before noticing her group's dough on the counter. It took her a moment to realize, but the more she thought about her argument with Leo, the more distracted she became. Deep down, she knew something was wrong, but no matter what, she couldn't seem to piece it all together. With that in mind, she decided to return it to the fridge, and head towards Rocky's direction.
"Alright, the kitchen is all cleaned up, and we still have a lot of time to spare. I think we did a great job, you guys!" Rocky smiled.
"I agree, although it kind of feels like you guys did most of the work," Chase admitted.
"Are you kidding? There's no way we would have made it this far if everyone was mad at each other."
"Yeah, but everyone was already cool with each other, so there wasn't really much for me to do."
"Well, you know what they say, better safe than sorry!" Skye commented.
"Well… can't argue with that logic. So what do you guys think? How does it taste?"
"Mmmm! This is amazing! The sauce really goes great with our crust, don't you think?" Rocky asked.
"Where have you been all of my life…?" Skye gasped while eating her slices.
"Heh heh! I knew you'd like it!" Chase smiled before noticing Mira heading over to their table with a box titled "Hedbanz" on her back. "Hey Mira, do you wanna try one of our slices since your group hasn't arrived yet?"
"Oh, no thanks. I'm not really that hungry, but I was wondering if you guys would like to play a board game with me." She answered.
"A board game? What do you have in mind?" Rocky asked.
"Well, Katie gave me this one for my birthday, so I figured why not try playing it with you guys?"
"Oh wow, I've never played this one before," Skye said.
"Don't worry, it's easy! My friends and I used to play it all the time. I would ask them to join us, but… you know…"
"Okay! So, how does it go?"
"Well first, we need to put these headbands on. Then, we each grab one card face down..."
Meanwhile with Colten:
"Now, where could he be…?" He wondered to himself while entering the kitchen. "I swear I could have heard Skipper's voice a few minutes ago."
"Do I have any legs?" Chase's voice said from across the room as the others shook their heads. "Any teeth? Am I even considered an animal!?"
"It would be funny if you weren't," Mira said as Rocky and Skye laughed.
"Well, at least she's doing okay. I really feel bad about what he said to her. I mean, I don't get it! He's never had a problem with her in the past, so why would he start now? Well, I guess there's no point of thinking about it right now, so I've got to find-"
"Morning Colten! Looks like you guys have been busy, huh?" Skipper's voice was heard from behind.
"Oh, good morning Skipper! Wow, talk about amazing timing."
"Why? Did you need me for something?"
"Yeah, but first, how have you been? We were pretty worried when Mr. Jordan said you were out sick yesterday."
"He did? Oh! Ummm… yeah! I just needed some time to rest my mind is all. I'll be fine."
"Okay, that's a relief! So anyway, I really need your help with something. It's about Leo, he's been acting strange lately, and I can't seem to figure out why."
"Really? Did something happen yesterday?"
"No, not that I know of. I mean, Mira and I tried asking him about it, but he kind of pushed us away."
"Well, that can't be good. Do you know where he is now?"
"Ummm…. No, he didn't really say where he was going."
"Okay, I'm gonna try to look for him right now. Thanks for letting me know."
"Uhhh, is it okay if I come with you? I really want to know why he's upset. "
"I'm not sure. I mean there is a slight possibility that he may think you're trying to snitch on him, don't you think?"
"Oh, I never thought of it like that... Okay then, I guess I'll leave it up to you."
"Well, I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best."
"Thanks, Skipper. I owe you one."
"Hey, don't worry about it! I'll talk to you later!" Skipper smiled before leaving the room.
"See you," Colten replied before looking towards Mira's direction. "Well, I guess I might as well clean up the mess we made in the kennel. I think she'll be alright as long as I don't interrupt."
"Hmm…? Are they nearby?" Mira thought to herself as Chase continued guessing what he was.
"Aaaaand, time's up Chase!" Rocky said.
"Darn it! What was I?" Chase as he removed his headband. "An anteater? What is that?"
"Oh, they kind of look like raccoons, except they're a lot bigger, and their heads kind of look like an armadillo's head, except for the long snout," Mira answered.
"Wow, I can't even imagine what that would look like."
"You don't have to. You can just look it up." Skye suggested.
"Oh right! We still have the tablet. Hold on, I'm gonna check it out." Chase said as he walked off.
"Hey, wait! We're still in the middle of a-! Oh, never mind…" Mira sighed.
"It's okay Mira, we can just roll the dice until he comes back," Rocky said.
"Well, at least I don't have to worry about you guys getting bored."
Meanwhile...
"Now where did I keep that tablet…" Chase asked himself as Leo entered the room with a distraught look on his face.
"I am not a cursed pup. I am NOT a cursed pup!" He repeated to himself before staring in Mira's direction.
"Let's see who can try to keep it bouncing the longest. Here, I'll go first!" Skye's voice said from a distance.
"Hey! It's not fair if you're doing your paws like that!" Mira giggled.
"Wow, she doesn't even know that I'm here. Either that, or she doesn't care… Well, I guess it is kind of my fault. And out of all the pups she could have sat next, does it have to be Rock-" He growled before taking a deep breath. "No…. I said I was done with that. It doesn't matter who she's next to. As long as I'm not dragging her down and she's happy, I'm fine…"
"Oh cool! Seven bounces and a six! Nice one Rocky!"
"Thanks!" Rocky replied as Leo's ears went down.
"Yeah… Right…" He sighed before walking in Chase's direction.
"So that's how they look like! Huh… her description was surprisingly accurate. Well, except for the raccoon part. They kind of look pretty cute." Chase chuckled before looking up. "Oh, you're here! I was wondering how long it would take for you to show up. So, are you guys ready to get started?"
"No… I actually came here just to get a drink, that's all."
"Oh, well that's fine. Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll talk to Skye."
"Kay."
Silence…
"Also, I think you should probably try talking to Mira sometimes because she seems pretty worried about you."
"Mira…S-She's not my friend anymore. She'll be fine without me."
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"We had an argument, and…" Leo paused. "You know what? Never mind, I don't feel like talking about it."
"But I just-"
"Are you only sticking around here just to get on my nerves? Is that it!?" Leo growled as Chase started backing up.
"Whoa! N-No! I was just trying to-"
"Do you think I'm stupid? You think I'm just going to say something and not actually mean it!? Is that what you're thinking!?"
"I-"
"Say something!"
"C-Calm down-!"
"Calm down? Oh, right! Because remaining calm always solves everyone's problems! Well, you know what!? Forget it! I'm tired of being calm, and I'm tired of listening to you!" He raged before attempting to claw at Chase. But before he could reach, Chase quickly ducked out of the way and took a step back.
"W-Whoa! Leo, wait! I'm not trying to pick a fight with you!"
"Shut up!" He yelled before swinging again and missing.
"Guys, look! They're having a fight!" Another pup shouted as they started crowding around them.
"Oh! Beat him up, Leo!"
"Yeah! Kick his tail!" They cheered as Mira's ears perked up.
"Leo…?" She whispered.
"When did he…? Is that Chase!?" Rocky gasped as the three of them got up.
"What!?" Skye shouted before rushing over there.
"Leo, what the heck!?" Mira cried as the crowd spoke over her voice.
"Crap, he's being serious! Why isn't anyone trying to stop him!?" Chase thought to himself while avoiding Leo.
"Stand still already!" He barked as he continued trying to hit Chase.
"Dude, like I said, I'm not trying to pick a fight with you, so please knock it off!" Chase begged before accidentally pushing him into a wall, causing a few plates to fall and break on the floor. "Oh crap! I'm so sorry!"
"Oooooh! That one's gonna leave a mark!" Peter cringed as Leo stood up with even more anger in his eyes. Within seconds, he quickly shook off the shards on his fur and continued attempting to hurt Chase.
"Sh-Shouldn't we call someone?" Sarah asked Joey.
"And miss out on something like this? Nah, I want to see where this goes!" He replied with an excited look on his face.
"Well, okay. I guess it won't be too bad."
"Leo, please stop! What's gotten into you!?" Mira worried.
"It's no use. I think he's lost control over himself!" Rocky exclaimed.
"But he's never been this angry before. Unless…"
"Keep it up, Chase! Don't fight him!" Skye yelled.
"No, quit being a chicken and fight!" A different pup barked as the others cheered in agreement.
"What?! This isn't some kind of game you guys!" Rocky claimed.
"Yeah, we know! This is high-class entertainment!"
"Yeah! You don't get to see this every day!"
"Wha- No! That's not what I-!"
"Don't worry Rocky, he'll do the right thing," Skye assured as Mira wiped her eyes. "Let's go get Mr. Jordan."
"Right!" A few seconds later, Leo was able to lure Chase next to the table where he left Mr. Jordan's tablet on, only for him to attempt to lunge at his neck. But as soon as he got into the air, Chase instantly dove underneath him and ran to the other side, leaving Leo's teeth to sink into the tablet's screen.
"Oh geez, not the tablet! At this rate, he's going to trash everything until he gets me! Guess I have no choice but to stop him myself." Chase decided before taking a deep breath. "Okay... I just have to wait for him to strike again…"
"Uh oh, looks like he's going to try something!" Another pup marveled as Mira bit her lip.
"Come on Chase..." She whispered as Leo threw the tablet aside. And as soon as he charged at him for the last time, Chase stood his ground, allowing him to get a firm grip around Leo while safely pinning him to the ground.
"Daaaaang! He dove straight into that!"
"Argh! Get off me! Let me go!" Leo growled.
"Not until you've calmed down," Chase replied. "His tooth…"
"Come on! Shake him off!" They shouted.
"Grrrrr!"
"Leo, please! You don't have to listen to them-"
"Shut up! I don't…! I don't care about them…" He huffed as he slowly started crying.
"Leo…"
"Oh look! He's crying!" A different pup smirked as Peter, Avery, and the others started laughing.
"Seriously? Only two hits and he's down? Tch, I really expected more out of him." Joey sighed.
"Well, I guess not everyone can be good at fighting." Sarah agreed.
"Wow, what a loser-"
"ENOUGH!" Chase boomed as the room fell silent aside from Leo's whimpers. "What is wrong with you guys!? You think this is some kind of joke!? Instead of trying to do the right thing along with my friends, all you do is provoke each other! You all should be ashamed of yourselves, especially you Peter! Because I have no idea what you're trying to pull, but you have no right to be mad at Sarah and Joey if you're just going to be like them!"
"W-Wait, he knew about that?" Peter thought to himself while remaining silent. A few seconds later, Mr. Jordan's footsteps could be heard running down the hallways.
"Alright, break it up you two!" He ordered as Rocky, Kaite, and Skye entered the room. "The rest of you, pack your things and leave this area until we take care of this."
"But what about our food?" A different pup asked.
"I'll wrap them up until we get things settled down. Chase, you're coming with me, while Leo, you stay where you are. I'll have Skipper come and talk to you shortly." Katie said.
"Yes ma'am," Chase replied with a monotone voice.
"I'm sorry…" Leo whimpered.
"Don't be…"
"So much for a better day." Rocky sighed as Skye put her paw on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, they'll be fine. I think… Come on, let's head back to the hideout for now. Mira, you coming?
"I…" Mira hesitated before turning her head towards Leo. "Uhhh… Yeah, let's get out of here."
"Hey, are you okay?" Rocky asked.
"I'll be fine. Come on, let's go." She mumbled. "How did things change so fast…?"