The girls ran into Katie's, the door dinged as they entered.
"I'll be right there," yelled Katie.
Katie entered from the back wiping her hands.
"Good morning girls," said Katie. "You must be Christina. Your grandma Yeshe told me about you. I'm Katie, I own this place, Gale and I are going to school together to become vets. What can I do for you girls?"
"Well, Christina was going to learn to swim," said Val, "She was hesitant so I thought sitting in water she's comfortable with would help."
"Your mom will be proud," laughed Katie, "Christina, you should have seen the trouble I used to have with your grandpa Rocky. Let me get your baths ready. Val, your mom is already here."
The girls went back and found Skye sitting back relaxing in a warm bath. Skye looked up as the girls walked in.
"Good Morning girls," said Skye.
Val explained again her idea and added, "besides everything is better with a spa day."
"I'm so proud," laughed Skye.
Katie got the tubs ready and had Christina get in the middle tube between Mira and Val. The girls all sank in, allowing the warm water and bubbles to cover them. They continued talking among themselves.
The girls were enjoying their baths and talking among themselves. Yeshe walked in to meet Skye and noticed the girls.
"Good morning girls," said Yeshe, "Enjoying your spa day?"
"Actually Aunt Yeshe," said Val, "Christina wants to learn to swim but was a little overwhelmed by the bay so we decided to get her used to being in comfortable water with us, then we'll try the bay again."
"Don't feel bad Christina," said Yeshe, "I was terrified of the water before your grandfather Rocky helped me."
"I-i thought Grandpa Rocky was afraid of water," said Christina.
"He was before," said Yeshe, "Uncle Zuma helped him. When we met he just didn't like the smell of wet dog, especially if it was him."
The girls laughed at that.
"What helped?" asked Christina.
"Facing any fear is always easier when you're with friends or loved ones," said Yeshe, "I think you have both covered. These girls love you and would never let anything happen to you. I actually think Mira might like the water more than your Uncle Zuma does."
"O-ok," said Christina, "I'll try again. I really want to learn to swim."
"How about after lunch," said Val. "I'm really enjoying my bath right now."
"You are definitely Skye's daughter," laughed Yeshe.
"I know," giggled Skye, "I'm so proud."
The girls all laughed and then laid back enjoying the warm water soaking into their fur.
Chase sat in the TV Room looking obviously distressed. Ryder was walking by and noticed Chase on the verge of complete panic.
"Chase!" Ryder said, kneeling in front of the shepherd. "What's wrong? What's got you so upset?"
*** Later ***
Chase sat there staring out the window but obviously not hearing anything or anyone.
Marshall came walking in and handed Chase a cup of water and a couple capsules.
"What is going on Marshall?" asked Ryder. "Has something happened to Skye or one of the pups?"
"Apex is flying his first solo today in Skye's Chopper," said Marshall. "Dad's not taking it very well."
Ryder visibly relaxed. "Chase, I'm sure he's ready," said Ryder, "Skye wouldn't have cleared him if she wasn't 100% sure."
Chase just stared at Ryder and Marshall.
"He's still not doing so good? Huh?" asked Skye, as she stepped out of the elevator.
"No, I take it he's off?" asked Marshall.
"Yes, I came up here so I could track him," said Skye, she walked over and kissed her mate, "but also so I could observe from the balcony."
Ryder walked over and pulled the tracking software up on the screen. It showed the blip from Skye Chopper heading for Farmer Yumi and Farmer Al's silo. Apex circled it and then headed for Jake's Cabin, He turned and headed back for the Lookout. They all ran out to the balcony and watched as Apex flew in and landed with the precision of a Pro. He shut down and began his checklist for finalizing his flight. Once he added the tie downs he turned to come into the Lookout and entered the elevator.
"Chase, he's back and safe," Skye said, once again kissing her mate. Chase looked up at her, took a deep breath and passed out.
"Oh, honey," sighed Skye, petting the shepherd then covering him with a blanket.
"Mom, Did I hit all the points correctly?" asked Apex as he stepped out of the elevator.
"Perfect flight," said Skye, "Fill out your logbook and I'll sign it off. Only two more flights and you'll be cleared."
"Dad did it again?" asked Apex.
"Yep, He lasted until you made it back this time." laughed Marshall. "Congratulations by the way, I'm sure your dad regrets that he wasn't able to tell you right away. He is very proud of you."
"Are you sure," asked Apex. "I feel like he's worried about me because I'm not athletic like him and Val. I'm just a weak pup."
"No, stop those thoughts right now," said Marshall, "You have an amazing ability to fly just like your mom. You know how many pups have received their pilot's license?"
"No," replied Apex.
"Until you came along," said Marshall, "One, your mom. You are continuing what none of us ever could do. Yes, your dad and Val's jobs are very important. Your mom and now your job is more important in that air operations has the ability to support every aspect of Paw Patrol operations and rescues. You are far from weak. Look at your uncle Rocky. He isn't what you would call an exceptionally strong pup, but his mind can do things and come up with solutions that none of us could ever hope to. Strength is not only measured in muscle force, mental abilities are equal if not more important."
"You really think I'm strong because of my interest in flying?" asked Apex.
"I know you're strong," said Marshall, "I've known you dad almost my entire life. When your mom crashed and for a while was gone, it scared your father more than anything he had ever faced. He honestly thought he had lost her and if Gale and I had not gotten her back, I think we would have lost your father also because of the grief. He loves you and your sister very much and the thought of losing either one of you scares him terribly. He will come around and beat this fear. I promise he is beyond proud of you."
"Thanks Uncle Marshall," said Apex, "You're the best." Apex turned and went over to begin finishing out his flight logs.
Marshall turned to Skye and started to apologize for taking over the conversation. Skye had tears in her eyes and rushed to hug Marshall.
"T-thank you for caring as much as you do about all of us," whimpered Skye, "But especially how much you care about Chase."
"I love all of you," said Marshall, "but I will admit, I do watch out for Chase a little closer at times and You of course as well his family."
Christina stood looking out over the bay. She was visibly shaking.
"You don't have to do this you know," said Mira.
"No one will think any less of you if you choose to wait," said Val.
"It's just so big," gulped Christina. "I want to do this, I need to do this. I have so many fears, if I can beat this one, I'll have hope that I can beat them all."
"This one or the next one," said Val, "we'll be by your side. We three can conquer the world if we decide we want to."
Lizzy, Karuna, and Zuma all sat at a distance watching the three girls.
"So have you guys noticed that the new Paw Patrol," said Karuna, "is shaping up to be the opposite of the first team?"
"What do you mean?" asked Zuma.
"Well the first six were 5 boys and a girl," explained Karuna, "Now it's shaping up into a girl heavy squad. Three, maybe four girls and two boys, I guess we'll have to see what pup takes interest in construction."
Zuma laughed, "You're right. I hadn't noticed but you're right."
"You think she'll ever be able to get in the water?" asked Lizzy. About that time the girls ran into the surf squealing at the coolness of the water. They didn't go deep, but Christina was in the bay and laughing.
"You see, it's just water," said Mira. "You can do this. We'll stay close to shore for now. Just deep enough to swim in."
"And I'll be by your side the whole time," said Val. "You're doing great."
"Thanks guys," said Christina. "Thanks for being with me and thanks for believing in me."
The girls all hugged and then Mire took Christina's paws and had her float while she pulled her around feeling the water move by.
"She did it!" yipped Lizzy.
"I knew if anyone could get her in the water," said Zuma, "it would be Mira."
"It's getting late," said Karuna, "I'm going to run over to Mr. Porters and get us all some dinner to enjoy with everyone. Lizzy, do you want to call Chase and Skye and Zuma call Sunny, we'll have a family picnic in honor of Christina's accomplishment and the three amigos forming a bond that nothing looks strong enough to break."
"That's a great idea honey," said Lizzy, kissing her mate.
The parents all gathered and continued watching the girls play in the water and then came together as a great family. Rocky and Yeshe, Marshall and Everest all showed up about halfway through to find a mass gathering occurring, they too celebrated Christina beating her fear of water. Rocky of course was exceptionally proud of his granddaughter.
I want to thank DaytonGamingGames02 again for allowing me to continue to use his OC Jȁschke. She has been a fun addition to the story.