Chase was at a loss of words, he couldn't think of anything to say to the others. The sight of everyone back in one place only succeeded in making him much more nervous. He let out an audible whimper, taking a step back. Ryder frowned and Marshall was quick to stop Chase. "Chase!" Shouted Marshall with glee as he ran up to the German Shepherd. Even five years later, the two were relatively the same height if not exactly. Chase gasped as Marshall rushed at him. Of course knowing Marshall, it wouldn't be enough to simply run at him. On the way towards Chase, he slipped on a sponge and began sliding at Chase at mach speeds. Chase was frozen in place and wasn't about to dodge as the Dalmation crashed into him. The position they were left in was pretty suggestive if anything else. Chase was left pinned under Marshall and on his back, the Dalmation layed atop of him, dazed. Marshall shook his confusion off before glancing down at Chase. "You're actually here! Chase, I missed you, bro!" Marshall laughed, ignoring the fact that he had gone and bulldozed Chase to the ground.
Chase was still dazed at the initial impact. Chase groaned a bit but was overall OK. He did find himself blushing lightly as Marshall's face hung mere inches away from his, resulting in Chase giving him a dead-pan stare and pushing his face away with a paw, "personal space."
"I'm so glad you're back, man your fur is actually well groomed, and you look bulky, do you work out?!" Marshall bombarded the dog with questions.
"Personal space!" Chase groaned and ended up tossing Marshall off of him with enough force to send him flopping onto his back. Chase flinched as Zuma and Rocky rushed up to him. Zuma would give Chase a big hug, which by that meant he pounced on Chase and pinned him down as well, tears practically streaming down his face. To be fair, Zuma and Chase shared a tight bond, almost as siblings, although the same can be mentioned with Marshall as well. Zuma was the little brother Chase always admired, his speech impediment only made the chocolate lab cuter. Chase groaned but only ended up chuckling a fair bit as he placed a paw atop his head and gently pet Zuma. Rocky would sit by their side. "Heh, you finally came, it's about time, you're off your game, Chase," Rocky smirked, acting as one of Chase's best friends, and being his own voice of reason. Chase gave Rocky a nervous chuckle and got a paw to the back of the head from the mix breed. "You deserve that entirely," Rocky smirked but opted to join the hug with them. Chase blushed lightly before sighing and eventually shaking the two of them off, Zuma looking far happier now and Rocky acting more relieved.
Next came Tracked and Rubble. While the relationship between Chase and them were arguably the weakest compared to the others, Chase kept them in high regards, admiring their potential back in the day, and even now Chase was happy to see them. Rubble would end up running up to Chase, but Chase would end up dodging the dog's tackle, he didn't want to end up with a sprained rib or anything, if anyone had more force behind their tackles it would definitely be Rubble. Tracker would nod and wave at Chase, staying where he was seated.
Everest came up and instead of pinning Chase down like almost everyone else, she opted to simply nuzzle into the area above his chest. "Nice to see you Chasey, five years and you haven't visited once? And here I thought I was cold-hearted!" Everest scoffed, but of course she was joking. "Don't think for a second I've forgotten about all of those bets you've lost, I expect full payment while you're here!" She smirked and padded back to her seat. Chase scoffed, but ended up better than when he walked in.
Skye... Skye didn't even look to Chase, she ignored his presence entirely. Chase and the others notice this and sighed, before turning to Ryder. He nervously walked up to the boy, barely managing the courage to walk up to her. He stopped in front of Ryder and sat down. He lowered his head in shame, which only resulted in him sighing and gently petting the police dog. "Thanks for coming Chase, deep down you're still a good boy." He smiled and stopped, before turning to the others. "Now that I'm here, I think it's about time to start my announcement."
"Now, Chase, Marshall, Skye, Rocky, and Zuma. You all were amazing additions to the PAW Patrol once it was founded. Since then, we've attained new members in the form of Rubble, Everest, and Tracker. We kept Adventure Bay safe for a long time, but once Adventure Bay became more and more safe, we were less and less needed. Eventually we were disbanded, and that's just about the end of the story, we all went our separate ways, but I called you all back today for a reason." Ryder paused only to start coughing into his elbow. "S-Sorry about that, pups," Ryder managed to say without coughing in between. While the others all thought it to be just a normal cough, even Marshall the former medicinal pup on the PAW Patrol saw nothing special in the cough. Chase however knew exactly what it was. His eyes dilated, watching his former owner cough again and again. "Cancer..." Chase muttered, which ended up causing a stir amongst the pups.
"Cancer, you mean... Wait, Ryder?!" Marshall paused and gasped as he stared at Ryder, resisting the urge to rush off to grab his medical equipment to possibly check it out for himself. Rocky and Skye gasped and would rush up to Ryder, stayed at his sides and the other pups shared looks of worry.
"Chase." Ryder gave Chase a stern look before frowning, "that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you all about. I actually was diagnosed with Cancer, Lung Cancer specifically, awhile back, how long ago I don't really remember, but the doctor came to me a few days ago. He says I might not have all too long to live from now. That's why I wanted to spend my time with all of you at Adventure Bay. But looks as if I might just be bedridden for awhile. But thats when I thought of something that would make me much happier. I want you all to stay in Adventure Bay, not forever, just a week at best, and I want you all to hang out." Ryder smiled at all of them, but would of course reciev eight whimpering dogs with tearful looks in all of their eyes. Ryder chuckled before petting Rocky and Skye who held their heads on his lap. "I know how difficult it's been for all of you, your new jobs prevent you all from actually seeing each other that often. Frankly it's put a strain on all of you. I may not be able to spend my last days with all of you, but I know that all of you can spend your days with each other. You can all visit me at the hospital if need be, but just for this week I want you all to put each other before yourselves."
The Pups would exchange glances. What Ryder said was true, because of their new jobs and work they actually haven't been able to see each other all that often. Some more than others. While most of the pups would meet each other every once in awhile, such as a few special events, all safe for Chase, who has spent his last five years in Barkingburg and kept communication with the former PAW Patrol to a minimum. Even so, none of them actually wanted to leave by Ryder's side. How were they supposed to accompany each other when their former owner was dying as they spoke. It was a nerve wracking thought. How long would he last? How could they leave his side knowing he had cancer?! Why now of all times?! Skye began to bawl her eyes out as she cried into Ryder's lap. Rocky and Zuma would stare in disbelief at their former owner. Marshall and Everest looked down in defeat while Rubble and Tracker hid their faces to keep from showing their tears. Chase whimpered, he didn't want this, then again, nobody wants cancer to happen to someone so close to them.
Ryder scoffed, "you're all great pups. But if you keep like this you're only going to drive yourselves apart. You shouldn't worry about me. We have about eight days, or so the doctor told me. Now c'mon, lighten up you silly pups." Ryder smiled, his bright cheerful smile. The Pups did their best to smile back admits their river of tears.
Chase frowned and began to back up as everyone's backs were turned. He couldn't deal with this, not now, not here. He rushed out the front door, the automatic doors swinging open. Ryder and the others gasped, watching Chase run off. "Chase!" Ryder called out for the dog before going into a coughing fit, he was unable to stop the german shepherd from running off.
Marshall however wouldn't let Chase get off so easily. Marshall growled and chased after him. While Chase used to be the fastest pup in the PAW Patrol back in it'a prime, and he still is today, Marshall wasn't anything to scoff at either. Chase rushed to his cruiser, but just before he could jump in, Marshall tackled his flank, preventing the dog from escaping and pinning him down like before. Chase yelped in pain of being tackled but soon after being pinned down he would thrash from beneath Marshall. "Get off of me, Marshall!" Chase shouted at the dalmation, showing a much more viscous side to the formally polite pup, but Marshall combated with a growl of his own. He barked loudly at Chase, which quieted the shepherd, and got him to stop thrashing about.
"Why did you run off like that, Chase? Ryder wanted us all to be there for him and you're just going to ditch him like that?!" Asked Marshall, showing his anger clearly, the klutz of a dalmation baring his teeth and growling audibly.
"B-Because! B-Be... J-Just get off of me! I don't need to explain myself to you! Get off of me Marshall, I'm going home!" Chase began to thrash again, which led to Marshall pressing a paw down on Chase's chest, preventing him from wriggling out or reaching the Dalmation either. Chase growled at Marshall and Marshall growled back before the two of them suddenly stopped. Marshall took note that Chase was holding back tears, and his tail tucked between his legs. Chase whinced before giving up, showing no effort to remove the dalmation anymore, and showing no effort to stop the tears from flowing down the sides of his face. Marshall huffed and climbed off of Chase, but still awaited an explanation. "I...I'm afraid, Marshall, alright..? I'm afraid..." Chase muttered out as he hid his face within his paws. Marshall's previous anger had subsided with this. Chase whimpered and Marshall slowly grabbed Chase's collar with his teeth, pulling the German Shepherd to his feet.
"You don't really want to leave Adventure Bay again, do you, Chase?" Marshall asked, his glance gaining a look of sympathy as he tilted his head. Chase looked to Marshall, nervously but sighed in response.
"I don't know... that's a hard question to answer... But... I-I'm afraid of what's going to happen... I was better off in Barkingburg then here..."
"As if, Chase we all miss you. I missed you alot, Skye is really upset that you never showed up for five years, Zuma straight up thought you were dead and was worried he'd never even see you again! Rocky, Everest, Rubble and Tracker all assumed you wouldn't show your face for ages. Ryder kept his hope up though. I've been with Ryder more than enough times to know he's thought about you and us alot." Marshall sighed. "Jeez, you're so selfish, Chase. You haven't even tried to think about what anyone else wants, but you're more than happy to think of keeping yourself away from us. The least you can do while you're here is stay with us for a week and carry out Ryder's wish." Marshall huffed in protest, before walking up and sitting beside Chase. "I promise things will be better."
Chase gave Marshall a tearful look, before sighing and leaning into his best friend. Chase let his head rest on Marshall's shoulder before he sighed, "ok, I'll stay... B-But... No guarantee that I'll be easy, alright?" Chase huffed, which warranted a hug from Marshall. Chase groaned in response but even then he couldn't help but hug Marshall back. "Personal space," Chase scoffed, which caused Marshall to burst out laughing. Chase looked away a bit flustered.
Marshall laughed, before standing up with Chase. He stayed by Chase's side and walked with Chase back to the others. The two walked inside but were greeted with the pups all silent, and Ryder missing. Marshall frowned and walked up to Everest, "what's wrong Everest?"
"Ryder was taken off to the hospital. Everyone stayed behind, but nobody really knows what to say, myself included..." Everest sighed before glancing to Chase, "oh, you got him back. Hey Chasey," Everest shot him a smile, but that only lasted for about a second before she sighed and looked down. Chase frowned but would stick close to Marshall. Marshall would take note of this before gently nudging Chase and leading him out of the store.
Chase flinched and would give everyone a nervous stare before following Marshall out. "W-Where are we going Marshall?" Chase asked as he followed by his side. Marshall would shoot Chase a warm smile.
"We're going to head over to Mr. Porter's and have a talk, like old times," Marshall smiled back at Chase. Chase glanced to Marshall and smiled back, unable to keep himself sad after being exposed to his signature goofy grin. So Chase submitted. He allowed Marshall to drag him off towards Mr. Porter's restaurant. Marshall was kind enough to get the two of them some smoothies but when the time came to talk, they both were at a loss of words. Who could blame them either, five whole years without seeing each other once. The friendship that they have built up all the way to this point was mostly in shambles, a small thread kept their relationship alive, and it looked like it was going to give out as well.
Marshall was the one to finally break the silence, glancing to chase with a smile. "Y'know, it hasn't been all that bad in Adventure Bay since you've gone. When I became a fire dog for the firefighters, I was really anxious. Though really, it felt as if nothing had changed, nothing except my team. I wasnt with the pups anymore, I was surrounded by a whole new group of people. For the entirety of my first year I didn't belong at all, there were no pups like me, just humans, but one thing would lead to another. The humans were actually really nice and frankly I'm having a much nicer time with them now more than ever, but that doesn't mean I still don't miss you and the others, Chase." Marshall chuckled, his tail wagging miles a minute behind him.
Chase however still looked apathetic, glancing down, "that's... that's great, Marshall." He hadn't the courage to even look Marshall in the eye, all that progress from before gone down the drain.
"You know Chase." Marshall spoke up, his tone displaying a more strict one, which caught attention of the police dog. "You're not the only one that's had it rough. Chase. I don't know what's up with you today, but this isn't the Chase I grew up with, this Chase is a total buzzkill. C'mon buddy. I know you've probably had it horribly, but that's not an excuse to stop yourself from opening up. I'm sure you have alot of things to say to the others, especially Skye." Chase's eyes widened, as he stared at Marshall. "I was right then. Look buddy... Tell me what's wrong, I may not be able to understand what you're going through, I'm no emotional support dog after all, but I can atleast try, now can't I?"
Chase sighed and looked down. "I'm sorry Marshall, I just don't... I'm afraid-"
"Afriad of what?!"
"Afraid of getting attached to you all again!" Chase barked aloud, attracting the attention of passerby and the others dining outside. Chase flinched and lowered his tone, head hanging low. "I did my best to try and convince Ryder to keep PAW Patrol, but the influence of the PAW Patrol lead to it's own downfall. I was destoryed. For all I knew this meant we wouldn't save others as a team anymore. When I was suggested to head to Barkingburg as a police dog, I knew that it would be impossible for us to all meet up like we usually do. When I got on that plane to Barkingburg, that was the worst pain I've ever had to experience in my lifetime! I spent the entirety of the ride bawling my eyes out because our adventures were over and I was too afraid to admit it. You all were fortunate enough to be located atleast somewhere near Adventure Bay if you weren't already in it, you all could still see each other, but me? I live a whole ocean away from you all now!" Chase clawed at himself as he spoke of his past, before glancing up to Marshall. "That's why I don't want to get attached... Because I'm afraid I might lose you all once again..." Chase muttered the last bit as he stopped.
"Chase, I'm sorry, but you know this could all change. The pain of separation is awful, but you're not the only one who went through it. While it's true what you had to go through was horrible and we all got off easier, that's not an excuse for you not to even look me in the eye. I know when this week is up you'll have to go back to Barkinburg, and I'll be back at the firestation, but while we have this week, I want to make sure you make up with everyone, I don't care who it is. And when you end up leaving, I promise you, you'll be more happy that you got to spend your time here with us. That will drown out the pain, no, it'll erase the pain of when you have to go back home to Barkingburg. You just have to trust me alright? Everything will be better, I promise." Marshall walked over to sit next to Chase and give him another hug, licking his face.
Chase glanced over to Marshall and flinched as he was hugged. He wanted to doubt him, he wanted to decline badly, but he knew full well that Marshall was right, he would feel much better if he managed to spend time with everyone else rather than if he stayed in Barkingburg. Chase sighed and pushed Marshall away with a paw, "personal space dude... but you're right. You better keep that promise or I'll force you to live in a jail cell for a week, but think of it this way, atleast I'll be the one to watch over you while you're in it.~" Chase chuckled. Marshall began laughing and would tackle Chase once more, rolling around with him on the ground, but this time Chase was able to pin down the dalmation instead. "Hah, you're off your game!" The two of them shared a laugh before Chase helped Marshall to his feet. Chase smiled. "Alright, let's go see Ryder when the day ends, promise?" Chase smirked.
"Of course, I think that's the third promise I've made today!"
"That's only your second one though?"
"Well I never really was good at math," Marshall smirked, and of course followed by a laugh. Chase joined in before flinching as he spotted something on the table the two of them sat at. "What's this?" Chase climbed up and grabbed the envelope, and on it: "To Chase."
"What the? Did someone just leave this here when we weren't paying attention?" Chase asked, glancing at it suspiciously.
"I think so? It looks like it's for you though, why don't you open it up?" Marshall responded.
Chase shrugged and did his best to open the envelope with his claws. "They really need to make opening envelopes easier..." Chase scoffed and managed to rip open the envelope, revealing a note inside. "Huh, what's this for?"
"Read it, read it," Marshall chuckled, and stood next to Chase, looking over at the note. Chase nodded and began to read aloud.
"Welcome back, Chase. I'm glad to see you back. Did you miss Adventure Bay? It sure did miss you. So did I. Then again, with the whole PAW Patrol all reunited, for the most part anyways, how about a little mischief here and there? I'm sure you pups can prevent something bad from happening, right? Now then, don't get too carefree while you're here, there's still someone out there, watching you." ~ An Old Friend
"...I can feel a chill running down my spine... Who would send you this!" Marshall groaned in discomfort. Chase froze, a look of dread fell over him.
"Why would anyone send me this..." Chase muttered before groaning, folding up the paper and dropping it in a trash can. "Let's just ignore it. I bet it's just some dumb teen trying to scare us... maybe..."
"Consider me scared... Let's just go see Ryder, yeah?" Asked Marshall, followed by a whimper.
"Yeah, let's go. I'll race you to the hospital," Chase smirked- but it didn't take long after saying race before Marshall began to rush off towards the Hospital... in the wrong direction as well. Chase snickered, he never changed did he. He glanced back to the trash bin he through the letter in but shrugged it off as some prank. Still, his senses all ran haywire as he turned from that note, but he made a promise to Marshall and was going to keep it. He smiled and rushed after Marshall, barking happily.
Ryder smiled, watching from his phone. He could see what Marshall and Chase were doing thanks to the cameras in their pup-tags, while yes it was a bit creepy Ryder was happy to know that even now, the two of them could stay friends even if five years have taken their toll. That being said, Ryder yawned, growing drowsy. He fell asleep within the confines of the hospital, bed-ridden just as he informed them. The other pups accompanied him until he fell asleep, unaware that he was watching Marshall and Chase. They all wished him a good recovery before exiting the hospital bedroom.
After steering Marshall in the correct direction, Chase managed to find their way through the hospital and to Ryder's room. Thank goodness dogs were allowed at the hospital, although Marshall was held back by a swarm of kids all wanting to pet him. Looking back at it, they were probably only granted entry because they assumed Marshall was an emotional support animal. Chase and Marshall walked into Ryder's room with a smile on both their faces, although the smile was quick to subside spying the owner asleep. The monitor to his side indicated he was still alive, which was a relief, but they shouldn't of assumed he was dead in the first place. It was still just a possibility at this point in time. Marshall jumped up to the side of the bed, making sure not to wake the resting teen up. Chase watched from a distance, he was glad he could be here even if he was a bit upset Ryder was asleep when he made it. Chase gently nudged Marshall. "C'mon, let's go. There isn't much we can do while he's asleep, we just have to come back some other time," Chase smiled up at the dalmation, an genuine smile that wasn't forced in the slightest. Marshall smiled, nodding as he hopped off. "Besides, with your luck we better hope some disaster happens here," Chase teased, which caused a bap from Marshall. The two silently laughed before walking out of the room.
On their way out, they actually ran into Mayor Humdinger. "Oh, hey there Mayor," Marshall smiled up at the man, and he smiled back, followed by a wave. "What brings you here?" Marshall asked as he stepped out of the way of Mayor Humdinger.
"Oh, nothing in paticular, I just came to hand some flowers in and be on my way." He was carrying a bouquet of various flowers, tulips, sunflowers, tiger lilys and roses. "Oh, and before I forget, perfect timing Chase. I found this, which I assume belongs to you?" The Mayor unpocketed an envelope, and handed it to the dog. Chase's eyes dilated as he could already tell it was the same letter from before. It was torn open and the letter inside was neatly folded, just as he folded it earlier. "Now then, toodaloo." The Mayor smirked, walking past the two dogs. Chase was frozen in place. Marshall looked over at him concerned. The silence was broken when Chase decided to toss out the envelope once more.
"C-C'mon Marshall. Let's go home," Chase nervously smiled. Marshall nodded before smirking.
"Oh yeah, where do you plan to stay at while you're in Adventure Bay? I'm sure your pup house is a little too small to sleep in now since you've grown. I know I can hardly sleep well in mine." Marshall chuckled.
"Oh yeah, I guess I haven't really put much thought into it. Now that I think about it, I'm practically homeless," Chase scoffed. "The Lookout Tower was abandoned, even if I could make it inside it would be impossible to get a good night's rest. Katie still has that cat running around her store, and when we were there earlier... I smelled way more than just the one cat..." Chase shivered, the thought alone making him want to sneeze up a storm.
"Hey, don't worry, you can come and sleep with me at the fire station! I know we have enough room for yah, and I'm sure the guys wouldn't mind you staying with me." Marshall smirked.
"You think so? I promise to not be a burden, or a total buzzkill," Chase chuckled.
"Perfect, now then, let's go." Marshall smirked and led the two out of the hospital and headed to the fire station.
Night would reach Adventure Bay, and Marshall and Chase would lay down in their dog beds. Just as Marshall said, the men at the fire department didn't mind a bit about Chase staying overnight. The two dogs were able to get a peaceful night's sleep, while Marshall would flail around in his sleep, Chase slept without flailing about. They managed to get a good night's rest before morning came.