(A/N: I do not own Paw Patrol, enjoy!)
New Skills
The pups loved Saturdays for one specific reason, because Tracker and Everest came to visit and train with them. But this Saturday was special for another reason.
It started like any other Saturday, with Marshall and Chase padding out in the pre-dawn twilight to the edge of the cliff.
"You smell like snow" Chase teased his brother.
"And you smell like the color pink" Marshall teased back. "How does your back feel?"
"Amazing" Chase replied with a smile. "I don't know what it is about sleeping with Skye cuddled up to me that makes the crick go away."
"I do" Marshall softly laughed, "you take off your oh-so serious exterior and actually relax for a little bit."
"I prefer to think of it as a required medicine for my continued health" Chase said with mock gravity, "can't you prescribe more of it?"
"You know Ryder wants things to be fair" Marshall reminded him, "just be thankful we are up to two nights a week."
"I still don't know how you convinced Ryder to give us a second night" Chase said.
"Ryder may be extra resistant to puppy eyes" Marshall said with a wink, "but even he couldn't withstand a trifecta of them. We didn't even need to bribe him."
"What were you planning on offering as a bribe?" Chase asked out of curiosity.
"The girls were going to offer up Katie" Marshall said without any further details, not that he knew any, probably.
"You know what, I'm not going to ask any more questions" Chase laughed. "I'm going to assume that they had something in mind that I'm better off not knowing."
"And that is why they didn't tell you, straight-laced Chase" Marshall finished with a laugh. "But enough of our suspicious schemes, it is time to wake everyone."
"Should we wake the girls first?" Chase asked as they padded over.
"They would say so" Marshall said, letting a smirk creep onto his face. "But we've taken it easy on them lately, we should really be fair to all the pups equally."
Chase returned his brother's smirk, "Ruff, megaphone!"
Inside Chase's pup house, Skye was lightly dozing peacefully, unaware that her wakeup was not going to be what she expected. In Marshall's pup house, Everest was out cold, unaware of the impending assault on her ears…
"GOOD MORNING PUPS! TIME TO GET UP AND GET FLEXIBLE!" Chase barked.
In Chase's pup house, Skye yipped in surprise before her auto response kicked in and she quickly made her way outside.
"This way Skye" Chase called out to her with a laugh.
"Huh?" Skye skidded to a stop, looking around. Looking behind her, she saw Chase waving his paw at her; she had turned to run as if she was coming from her pup house. But that took her away from everyone else when coming out of Chase's pup house. "Coming!" Skye said sheepishly as she ran over.
"It's ok" Chase said lovingly as he gave her a lick on the cheek. Skye gave him a quick lick back as they made their way to their spots.
"This is not how my day is supposed to start" a grouchy voice said.
Marshall turned around to see Everest stalking towards him with a less than pleased look on her face. "Good morning Eve" Marshall said in a sing song voice, "ready for another fun day?"
"No" Everest grumped, sitting down next to Marshall and pointedly turned her head away from him.
Marshall smiled as he kissed her on the cheek. "How about now?"
"Nope" Everest replied.
Marshall ran to her other side and gave her other cheek a kiss. "And now?"
"Still no, you missed" Everest commented.
Marshall turned her head with his paw and gave her a long kiss.
"Fine, I'll move, but I'm taking your spot this morning" Everest said as she scampered away from Marshall. Marshall just smiled as he ran after her.
At that moment, Tracker pulled up and ran over to join them. "¡Buenos días cachorros! Everyone ready for a great day?"
"Why is everyone so chipper this morning?" Everest grumped outloud. Rocky and Zuma heard her and snickered.
"Ok, now that we are all here, there is a slight change to the schedule" Chase said. "After yoga, we are going to head straight to breakfast. Then, we'll head over to Farmer Al's farm to train."
"Yes! No cardio!" Rubble said happily.
Chase and Marshall shared a knowing smile as Skye took over and they started.
Everest's moodiness about her improper wake up quickly faded as Skye led them in yoga. She already had put together that something different was going on and that Chase and Marshall knew about it. She also surmised that Marshall had deviated from a proper wake up as part of some sort of return to normalcy. She had been fully cleared for duty for more than a month and this was her fourth weekend after moving back up to Jake's Cabin. But she was intrigued about what Marshall and Chase were hiding from everyone about their day. They were definitely going to train, but what was out at Farmer Al's that they couldn't do here? Everest pondered that in the back of her mind as she focused on the yoga poses, and her improved view. Swapping spots with Marshall had it's perks…
"Breakfast pups!" Ryder called from the lookout door as they finished.
"Coming Ryder!" came a chorus of replies as the pups ran over.
"Dogpile!" Chase barked, leading the attack by going straight for Ryder's shoulders. Ryder was immediately buried in a pile of eight pups all fighting to lick his face.
"Guys! I haven't gone anywhere!" Ryder laughed between licks.
"I know" Chase said with a roll of his eyes, "but we haven't gotten you in awhile and the time felt right" he finished with an excited wag of his tail.
"But I really want breakfast now" Rubble piped up. Everyone laughed as Ryder picked himself up and walked into the kitchen with them.
Breakfast was delicious. "You ready pups?" Ryder asked as Rubble and Everest finished their second helpings.
"Ready!" came the response from all the pups.
"Alright then, Paw Patrol, to the Paw Patroller!" Ryder said.
"Ryder needs us!" The pups yipped happily as they raced out after their leader.
Marshall hung back slightly to make sure everyone made it. Then he tripped on the base of the ramp. There was no warning or hope for anyone to move…
*Crash*
"Ah fu-ey, I almost had it!" Marshall joked as they poked their heads out of the pile. All the pups laughed as the door closed and Robo Dog started driving.
The pups geared up and ran to their seats. "Paw Patrol ready for training Ryder sir!" Chase sounded off, "Pup-Fu style!"
All the pups howled excitedly except one. Everest cocked her head to the side as she watched Tracker shift from paw to paw.
"I don't feel so good Ryder…" Tracker said.
"Marshall, check him out" Ryder said.
"My pleasure, Ryder" Marshall yipped as he hopped down and walked over to Tracker. "Ruff, X-Ray!"
Everest took the opportunity to see how everyone had progressed. Marshall was the most senior, wearing a red belt that matched the rest of his outfit. I wonder what he has left before becoming a black belt himself, he has got to be close Everest thought to herself.
Next most advanced was Chase with his brown belt that looked like a strip of his fur. Next up was Skye with her purple belt, followed by Rocky with his blue belt. Everest noticed she and Zuma both wore green belts. Rubble wore a tan/gold belt. Then Everest noticed Tracker's white belt. Everest's mind started putting the pieces together and her eyes got wider.
"Ryder, I'm not 100% sure, but I think it could be koutávi-fou-phobia" Marshall said.
"Sí, sí, that's it, that is what I have!" Tracker yipped. "I should rest a lot so I get better quickly!"
"Tracker…" Ryder said, walking back and putting his arm around the Chihuahua, "that is an extreme or irrational fear of Pup Fu. It means Marshall found you fully physically fit to train."
"Oh" Tracker replied, his big ears drooping down sadly.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ryder asked gently, sitting down next to the jungle pup. Marshall sat down on Tracker's other side and put a paw on his back.
Tracker was silent for a few moments. Everyone else waited quietly for him to be ready to speak. "Lo siento, it is just that I've never done it before and I am starting now when all of you have been doing it for years." Tracker paused to sniff before continuing, "I just don't want to fail and let any of you down."
"It's ok Tracker," Marshall said gently, "Atychiphobia, or fear of failure, is a real thing. I'm sorry I made up a fake one to describe what you were feeling. But, do you want to know the good news?"
"What is that?" Tracker softly sniffed.
"We are all here to help you!" Everyone else yipped back at him. Even Robo Dog added some encouraging arfs of his own.
"We are a team, Tracker" Ryder said with a smile, "we look out for each other, we help each other, and we never give up! You may be the last pup to start Pup-Fu but Sensei Yumi and rest of us are here for you. The question is are you willing to try?"
Tracker was silent for the rest of the ride to Farmer Al and Farmer Yumi's farm. Marshall never moved from Tracker's side the whole time. Normally, Everest would have gotten grumpy with him for not taking the opportunity to sit with her but she fully understood the comforting power his paws held, borderline magical, and that Tracker needed that support right now.
Robo Dog pulled the Paw Patroller to a stop in front of the barn. Ryder turned to Tracker, "so what do you say buddy, are you willing to try?"
Tracker looked back at Ryder. "I'm all ears; ¡Hagámoslo!" Tracker replied, adding a howl at the ends. Everyone joined in as they ran out the back of the Paw Patroller and into the barn.
Sensei Yumi was waiting for them. "Welcome my students, it has been far too long since we last met" she greeted them with a bow.
The pups all lined up in front of her. "Good morning Sensei Yumi!" Everypup but Tracker said with a formal bow back. Tracker stood on the end, glancing awkwardly about, unsure what to do.
"Sensei" Marshall said gently, "we have a new student with us today."
"I see that" Sensei Yumi said with a smile. "Tracker, are you ready to start your journey into the art of Pup-Fu?"
"I'm…ready" Tracker said, taking a deep breath in the middle.
"Very well then" Sensei Yumi said before turning to the others. "Marshall, I am charging you with beginning his training."
"My highly trained paws are at your service, Sensei" Marshall replied with a smile. Marshall waved for Tracker to follow him and the two pups headed outside. Everest watched them wistfully for a moment, she had wanted to spar with Marshall today but it seemed that wasn't in the cards.
"Everest," Sensei Yumi's voice snapped her attention back, "Today, I want you to start out by sparing with Rocky. Take the opportunity to work out how to defend against a staff when you have only your paws.
"Yes Sensei" Everest and Rocky said together as they split off.
"Chase and Rubble, I want the two of you to spar against Skye and Zuma. Let's see how you handle the mis-matches in skill and size."
"Yes Sensei" the remaining pups replied before splitting off.
The entire morning was spent with Marshall training Tracker while the rest of the pups spared in various combinations. By the time Sensei Yumi called them all back in, all the pups were sporting new bruises but had learned a lot and were in high spirits. Marshall and Tracker were the last two to trot in.
"Tracker, how do you feel after your first session?" Sensei Yumi asked.
"Magullado, but I feel like I learned a lot" Tracker replied with a smile.
"Good, then we'll take this opportunity for you to demonstrate what you have learned" Sensei Yumi said, "Marshall, who shall Tracker spar against?"
"Skye" Marshall said without hesitation. The pups all looked at each other questioningly. The two would be well matched in size and strength but Skye was significantly more experienced.
"Very well then" Sensei Yumi said, "to your places pups."
"Remember what I taught you" Marshall whispered to Tracker as the young pup walked away from him. "Don't hold back Skye" Marshall said to the cockapoo as she passed him, causing her to give him a curious look. The two pups turned and bowed to each other after they reached their spots.
"Begin" Sensei Yumi said and the contest was on.
The two pups both took several quick steps forward, gauging the other's reaction. Tracker started working his way closer in a clockwise spiral while Skye mirrored him. The cockapoo then started an outward spiral when they were about five feet apart, maintaining the distance between them.
Tracker broke the stalemate first with a bound forward into a kick aimed at Skye's chest. The pink pup avoided it easily with a backflip away which the followed through with a kick of her own. Tracker blocked her kicks as the two started to trade strikes in earnest. Skye was landing more hits but not as many as expected and Tracker had managed to land a few of his own as well.
Sensing that Skye was gaining an advantage, Tracker executed a tuck-roll away, causing Skye's latest kick to land in the dirt, kicking up a small cloud of dust which she spit out of her mouth. Tracker used the momentary distraction to close the distance again and his paws connected with Skye's ribs, knocking her to the side.
Skye responded with a front flip to dodge Tracker's follow through kick. Halfway through the flip though, Tracker's head came up to connect with Skye's shoulder. It wasn't a hard hit but it was more than enough to upset her balance and sent Skye tumbling in the dirt.
"Very good" Sensei Yumi said with a clap, signalling the end of the match. Skye picked herself up and smiled as she bowed to Tracker who returned the bow before they returned to line up with the rest of the pups.
"Tracker" Sensei Yumi said formally, "I must admit that I was skeptical when Marshall said you were ready to test for your yellow belt. And while you have barely scratched the surface, the few things Marshall has taught you have executed well and endeavored to be precise. You also have shown a dab of inventiveness as well which will serve you well as you continue to progress." Sensei Yumi paused as she removed a yellow belt from her pouch. "Marshall, would you do the honors?"
Marshall stepped up and took the yellow belt from Sensei Yumi. "Tracker," he said as he walked over, "you bravely stepped up today for something you were not prepared for, listened, and dove right in." Marshall removed the white belt from Tracker's waist and replaced it with the yellow belt. Marshall put his paw on Tracker's shoulder, "you earned this by facing your fear, doing your best and forgetting the rest; wear it proudly."
All the pups let loose a joyous howl at Tracker's achievement. Tracker looked as if he was ready to faint from all the attention.
"Good work today pups" Sensei Yumi said after the howling ended. "Get some lunch and rest up; we'll continue in an hour."
Everyone walked up to congratulate Tracker on his first advancement. After she had her turn, Everest noticed Sensei Yumi and Marshall in quiet conversation so she headed off with the others to grab lunch in the Paw Patroller. After wolfing down her meal and a fair amount of water, Everest decided to wander the edge of the pasture for a bit before they had to start again.
She had just reached the top the hill overlooking the pasture and the farm when a voice startled her, "Hey." Everest yelped in surprise, jumping away from where she thought she heard the voice. In fact, she jumped right into the owner of the voice. The two pups tumbled a short distance.
"You know, I'm beginning to think that you are catching my clumsiness" Marshall teased as he helped her up.
"Only when you are in close proximity to me" Everest shot back, "why did you sneak up on me anyway?"
"Keeping my skills sharp" Marshall replied, "quiet as a mouse is important but being quick about it also has value."
"I'm sure it does" Everest said, sparing a moment to give him a quick kiss. "So, what is the plan for the afternoon?"
"More sparing, though Sensei Yumi has something special for us" Marshall replied.
"Oh? And what might that be?" Everest inquired.
"I don't know" Marshall answered with a shrug, "all in good time.
Everest took the opportunity to press up against Marshall's side. "Today has been busy" she said quietly.
"It has, but the good kind of busy" Marshall noted, tilting his head to rest it on top of Everest's head. "The kind where you feel like you accomplished something."
"I don't know about that" Everest said with a little laugh, "I just feel bruised and slightly battered."
"At least your bruises are cute" Marshall teased, tilting his head down to offer a kiss.
"You are such a dork" Everest giggled as she tilted her head up to receive the kiss. The two sat in silence for a couple more minutes before Marshall stirred them.
"Time to head back" Marshall said gently. "Want to race?"
Everest's eyes lit up, "you're on, Spots!" Then she took off running. Marshall laughed as he chased after her.
The rest of the pups were gathering at the barn door. "Typical, we give them a time and they are late" Chase said.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that" Zuma said, pointing a paw at to two rapidly approaching blurs.
"Scatter!" Rocky yipped and all the pups cleared the barn doorway.
Marshall and Everest were running hard, almost neck in neck as they passed the trees marking the end of their race.
"Beat ya!" Everest crowed as she started to slow down.
"Barely" Marshall replied as he too slowed down. The two of them coasted to a stop right at the barn doors. "Hey, where is everybody?"
"Hiding from what we thought would be the inevitable crash" Chase said as he and the others padded out.
"Statistically speaking, it was very likely" Rocky added with a grin. Everyone shared a laugh as they walked into the barn.
Sensei Yumi assigned everyone else sparing partners before calling Marshall and Everest forward. The two pups sat down at her feet. "Ok you two, now that you are dating I have some special tasks I need you to work through."
"What sort of tasks?" Everest asked inquisitively, "whatever it is, we will take care of it in record time!"
"It is not that simple, young one" Sensei Yumi said with a smile. "Marshall may be a student still, but he is also a guardian of the ancient scroll. As such, he has seen some of the knowledge contained within. Eventually, Everest, when you have progressed more you will also become a guardian and become the living custodian of some of that knowledge. But before that, the two of you must learn how to fight in sync with each other. You both have different styles and talents within the art of Pup-Fu, and therefore must know how best to complement each other. So, to help you see into each other, I have a special challenge for you.
"What is the challenge Sensei?" Marshall asked with a wag of his tail.
"First, I want you two the find a quite place a little away from the barn, free from distractions" Sensei Yumi said with a smile. "There, you will play Ying Yang Paw with each other."
"What is Ying Yang Paw?" Marshall and Everest asked in unison.
"I will explain" Sensei Yumi said. "You start sitting across from each other." Marshall and Everest moved in to position. "Now, extend your fore paws out in from of you, with one paw pad up and the other paw pad facing down." Marshall and Everest complied, their paws naturally drifting over each other's. "Good, keep your paws ever so slightly touching, like a feather on the breeze. Now, using your paw that has the pad facing up, you try and bring it over to lightly tap your partner's paw who is over it. Meanwhile, they are trying to keep that paw from being tapped. You are simultaneously both on the offense and the defense at all times. You need speed, stealth, awareness and precise control in order to succeed. You start by watching each other's paws. But, once you are able to pick up on each other's physical cues, you shift to only looking into each other's eyes. Once you have mastered that, you close your eyes, and react based on feeling alone. As you master that, you move your paws farther apart vertically until they are an inch or two apart."
"Sensei, I do not think we will make it that far in one afternoon" Marshall said tentatively. Everest nodded in agreement.
"Nor is that expected of you" Sensei Yumi admitted. "I would like you to do this at least for a short while each day you see each other. Nurture and grow this synchromysticism with each other as a part of your relationship. Before you go, I want to see you each try it here to make sure you understand."
"Yes Sensei Yumi" Marshall and Everest said with a bow. The two stared at each other's paws for a moment. Everest tried to strike first, whipping her paw over quick, but Marshall evaded his own paw whilst keeping the other steady. Resuming the ready position, they resumed watching each other when Marshall struck. In a flash, his paw flipped over onto Everest's and he smacked her paw, eliciting a yip.
"Very good you two," Sensei Yumi said, "that was too hard Marshall, but that is part of the challenge. You must be lightning fast but also light as a feather."
"Yes Sensei, sorry Everest" Marshall apologized.
"But Sensei, how will we know the difference between actually being in sync with each other as opposed to just not being fast enough because we are trying to tap instead of slap?" Everest asked earnestly.
"Perceptive question, Everest" Sensei Yumi acknowledged. "Offensive mastery comes with being able to deliver a precise amount of force at an equally precise moment in time. Defensive mastery comes from knowing the precise moment to move your paw to avoid that force by being neither too early or too late. It should feel as if just the tips of your fur are touching as your paws pass each other."
Marshall and Everest nodded in understanding before turning to the door to carry out their task. They quickly found a spot underneath an apple tree right at the edge of the field. The two pups sat down facing each other and put their paws up in the ready position.
"You know, I have a thought" Marshall said conversationally as Everest again struck first, this time fully connecting with Marshall's paw. Interestingly, Marshall did not even try to dodge.
"What is that?" Everest asked, cocking her head to the side as she struck again, her paw again connecting with Marshall's.
"What if we are approaching this wrong" Marshall supposed.
"What do you mean?" Everest asked, "it seems straight forward to understand but difficult to master."
"I mean this is setup like a game, but with a unconventional victory condition" Marshall explained, this time yanking his paw clear of Everest's strike. "What if we approach this from the perspective of achieving mastery first and then increasing the speed of movement?"
Everest felt a light tap on her paw. She looked down in surprise to see Marshall's paw ever so lightly touching hers. Everest's eyes brightened in understanding. "We aren't competing against each other per see," Everest said quietly while moving her own paw slowly, "but as a pair against the universe to achieve our sync." Everest slowly brought her paw over and Marshall slowly withdrew his paw. They both felt the pads of their paws graze each other.
"Exactly," Marshall said, "on the thought anyway, our execution could use some work though" he added with a laugh. The Husky and the Dalmatian focused their thoughts on exactly that and got to work.
As the rest of the pups spared, they took notice of Marshall and Everest working on their project. But they couldn't quite figure out what they were doing. Finally Skye decided to ask.
"Sensei Yumi, what are Marshall and Everest doing?" Skye inquired.
"They are developing their synchrony" Sensei answered simply.
"Will Chase and I be able to do that soon?" Skye asked hopefully.
Sensei Yumi bent down to scratch Skye behind her ears, "Yes, I just have to get them firmly progressing on the process before I let the two of you start your own journey. Your journey will be different from theirs when you embark on it, reflecting the uniqueness of each of you and your relationship together."
"I'll try to be patient then, Sensei Yumi" Skye said almost convincingly. Sensei Yumi just chuckled as she shooed Skye into her next sparing match.
It was late in the afternoon when Sensei Yumi brought them all back together. She did have to call a few extra times to get Marshall's and Everest's attention as they were quite focused on their task. "Excellent work today pups" Sensei Yumi said after they all lined up. "Continue to work of your skills on your own and with each other and apply the mental discipline in your everyday work."
"Yes Sensei Yumi" the pups all said before bowing. Now dismissed, the pups headed to the Paw Patroller.
"Good work today pups" Ryder said as the all walked up. "How to you feel about a campout tonight?"
"That's a great idea Ryder sir!" Chase said happily.
"Yeah, it will be a great time!" Everest added.
"Ok, hop in pups and let's go!" Ryder said with a wave.
"Whoo hoo!" Skye yipped and everyone else howled in excitement as the ran into the Paw Patroller behind Ryder.
With his customary "arf arf!" Robo Dog drove them to the camp site. Marshall and Ryder setup the fire while Chase and the others brought all the food over. As the sun set and then temperature dropped, the fire gave off a warm glow to go with the warm feel.
Ryder helped the pups cook hot dogs; Marshall managed to avoid lighting his on fire for once while they sat and chatted. Before too long though, Ryder nodded to Marshall who nodded in response.
"Where are you going?" Everest softly asked as Marshall stood up.
"Guard duty for the scroll" Marshall replied with enthusiasm but Everest noticed a serious undertone that oozed professionalism. It was the same undertone that came out when Marshall was pouring his best into a fire or patient.
"Can I come with?" Everest asked.
Marshall thought for a moment, "sure, but we'll have to ask Sensei Yumi if you can stay."
The two pups excused themselves and went to the Paw Patroller. Getting into their vehicles, they drove back to the farm. Sensei Yumi was waiting for them at the barn door.
"Welcome Marshall, Everest" Sensei Yumi greeted them. "While you guard the ancient scroll tonight, I want both of you to meditate on what it means to be in sync with each other, and not just from a Pup-Fu perspective. Since you will be standing guard tonight together, and this is your first time Everest, Marshall I want you to explain how everything works before you start meditating. Then meditate for at least an hour before you start discussing what it means with each other. Feel free to alternate between meditation and discussion after that."
"Yes Sensei" Marshall said with a bow before leading Everest into the barn.
Inside the barn, the scroll sat on a pedestal in the center of a lone ray of moonlight; there was no other light. Everest let out a low whistle, "it certainly looks breathtaking."
Marshall nodded before diving in. "The first thing you'll learn as a guardian, other than how to guard the scroll, is the history. The first section of the scroll is devoted to helping a new guardian understand the weight of their responsibilities."
"You make it sound like guarding the scroll is complicated" Everest noted, "but guarding something sounds simple."
"You have much to learn yet my lavender love" Marshall said with a smile. "The act of physically guarding the scroll is easy on the surface, but that is only a part of guarding the scroll. There is also the meditation aspect where the guardian contemplates knowledge contained in the scroll or something relevant to their progression in the art of Pup-Fu."
"Like how Sensei Yumi wanted us to meditate on what being in sync means" Everest nodded in understanding.
Marshall nodded, "and even the physical guarding is based not only on what you can see and hear, but also on what you can feel around you. Breathe deeply and reach out, tell me what you feel."
Everest closed her eyes and stretched out her awareness. All she could feel was a quiet peace around her. Taking a deep breath, she kept trying to reach out further. "I feel peace" she said softly, "maybe a hint of something else but I can't seem to hold onto it."
"It will develop in time" Marshall said gently, "for now, just let your mind flow on our topic of meditation."
The pups were nearly silent as they contemplated what it meant to be in sync with each other. It was a little unnerving for Everest as she had never spent any significant amount of time awake with anyone but not talking or doing something, let alone with Marshall. She took some deep breaths to try and clear her mind.
The hour seemed to drag on. At one point, Marshall got up and gently nudged the pedestal to keep up with the slowly shifting moonlight. After 40 minutes, Everest couldn't take it anymore and gave Marshall a gentle nudge.
"Having trouble?" Marshall asked in a sweet voice.
"Uh huh," Everest admitted, "it just feels so wrong to be just sitting here without talking or doing something."
"Like your mind is craving the interaction?" Marshall offered.
"Mmhmm," Everest replied, "I can barely focus on thinking about being in sync because being quiet together and awake feels like the exact opposite of that."
"Is it the quiet that feels more uncomfortable," Marshall asked, "or the lack of contact while quiet?"
Everest pondered that, she had never felt this disconnected from Marshall before. But they had been quiet together before when watching the stars or a sunset, but during those times they were in physical contact with each other.
Marshall and Everest were sitting on either side of the pedestal, facing the barn door. To test the theory, Everest scooted sideways until she was almost touching Marshall. Everest then slide a forepaw sideways until it was touching Marshall's forepaw and laid her tail across Marshall's tail. Almost immediately, she felt calmer and more at peace. "I think the lack of contact may be a factor" Everest said quietly.
"It would seem that way" Marshall agreed, "I could feel you relax the moment you touched me."
"Great, we can only meditate quietly together when we touch" Everest said forlornly.
"You say like it is a bad thing" Marshall gently chided, "it is natural, and it seems like that is part of us being in sync. Touch is a very powerful love language, especially for you, so if a little physical contact clears your mind, then is it a bad thing?"
"I guess not" Everest conceded, "as long as it doesn't distract us."
"Well, you are the most beautiful distraction ever" Marshall said with a hint of a laugh.
Everest whipped her head over to gauge that remark and found her lips pressed against Marshall's in a tender kiss. This startled Everest given Marshall's professional persona and avoidance of PDA while on duty but Everest couldn't deny how wonderfully relaxed the touch made her feel.
They pulled back from each other after a long moment and looked into each other's eyes. "Thanks Marshy, I needed that" Everest whispered.
"Of course Eve" Marshall replied with a smile before turning himself slightly so that he was angled to face one side of the doorway. Everest understood what he was trying to do and angled herself the opposite way so she was covering the other direction. Despite not facing each other, their hips were gently pressed against each other, giving them that physical connection while increasing their field of view.
Everest was finally able to actually concentrate on their meditative task. What did it mean to be in sync with each other? It was a deep question with many facets the way that Sensei Yumi had posed it. There was what did it mean to Everest, what it meant to Marshall, what it meant to them together. They were both unique and the way that they complemented each other would be as equally unique. Then, there was also how they would be in sync as friends and partners in life, as rescuers, as guardians, literally everything they did would require a different and unique balance.
Marshall was approaching it from a different perspective. He was already practically perfectly in sync with another pup, his twin sister Cinder. He already knew what it was like to move in perfect concert with her with barely a thought, how to convey incredibly complicated ideas impossibly fast and without any confusion, to understand everything she is was feeling, in every aspect of life. But that synchrony was a result of the neural link that they had shared from birth. The only times that Marshall and Cinder ever had to work on it was when they had been separated for long periods of time, and that work was simply to re-establish the link. Once re-established, it was if they had never been separated. But it couldn't work that way with Everest without her becoming part of the neural link. And without any idea on how to stimulate that growth, Marshall pondered how to achieve that synchrony in a whole new way.
While the pups pondered, tiny paws crept closer. Clad in all black, they were very difficult to discern from the darkness swirling about them. Nearly silent, they stealthily snuck closer and closer.
Marshall felt them first, their malicious intent intruding on his meditation. Letting that guide him, he started homing in on six separate small sources closing in and one more elusive on the fringes of his awareness. So, you've come to try again have you? Marshall thought to himself. This will be fun!
Everest had a feeling that something was up. It wasn't really from something external she could sense herself, but more she felt the subtle change in Marshall. She wouldn't have noticed it if she hadn't been in contact with him; a slight shift in his posture, the feeling of his muscles flexing and releasing. But perhaps the most subtle was how his fur ever so gently fluffed itself, almost like it was getting the last bit of cool air in before falling back down into his slim and trim shape.
Then Everest started to sense things herself, a lone crack of someone stepping in the hay, the sound of a sharp claw digging into the wood, a black shadow moving against a black background. They only had to wait for the opportune moment.
The moment finally came when four kittens, dressed from nose to tail in back, jumped out of the shadows. Two kittens came at Marshall from opposite sides while two more did the same to Everest. Leaping up from their sitting positions, the guardian and his girl swiftly moved to intercept them.
Everest tangled with her two first. Paws connected as Everest adopted a defensive form, blocking each attack. Her attackers moved in opposite directions, trying to outflank her but Everest was ready. Seemingly focused on blocking attacks to her front, the second kitten came in for a swipe at her seemingly unprepared flank. Letting the last strike from the kitten to her front propel her, Everest extended all her paws out and spun around like the main rotor on Skye's helicopter. The speed of her spin took the kittens by surprise a split second before Everest's outstretched paws connected with their bodies, sending them flying in opposite directions across the barn. Landing perfectly, Everest's head quickly turned to Marshall as she heard his characteristic "whoah!" She turned to see him tumbling like a bowling ball away from the kittens he was facing.
Marshall had experienced no trouble with his kittens. Adopting a defensive posture like Everest had, he let all the force from the kitten's attacks dissipate harmlessly. Similar to how they had tried to encircle Everest, Marshall's opponents moved to either side of him. However, Marshall simply balanced on one hind paw and deflected their attacks with his forepaws, his other hind paw and his tail. As the kittens moved to throw Marshall off balance, he simply alternated which paw he was balancing on.
Almost as if it was choreographed, the three of them fought as they moved closer to the scroll. The kittens were working Marshall towards pebble covered by the straw. Marshall knew exactly what they were doing and where the pebble was, but that didn't stop him from tripping over the pebble.
Everest started towards Marshall's kittens, who were making a break for the scroll. Then she stopped as she saw the black and white bowling ball curve around back towards the kittens. Everest watched with a huge smile as the unsuspecting kittens were thinking their plan had worked.
Bowling ball Marshall ran over the first kitty, squishing them flat against the straw with a surprised mew. The second kitty, alerted by the squish of the first tried to dodge but to no avail. Marshall sent the second kitty flying, right over Everest's head. Everest watched the kitten go flying only to smash into one of hers that looked like it had been about to pounce her while she was distracted.
"Thanks Marsh" Everest said as the two pups took up positions on either side of the scroll as the four growling and hissing kittens stalked in a circle around them.
"My pleasure" Marshall said with a grin. They both knew this fight was far from over. As the kittens pounced again, the dynamic of the fight changed. Working now with less room to maneuver between their opponents and the scroll, Marshall and Everest put more force into their blocks which predictably sent the smaller kittens flying more frequently.
High above them, clinging to the roof of the barn, were two more kittens. Satisfied that their clowder mates were providing ample distraction, one of them slowly lowered himself down using yarn. Moving slowly so as to not attract attention, the kitten sank lower and closer to the scroll.
"We have company" Marshall said conversationally to Everest.
"I know" Everest replied, "we have been sharing our time with them for awhile now."
"Not these four" Marshall said, "there are two more."
"That would make a complete KCC set" Everest replied.
"Yes it would" Marshall noted, "time to draw them out of their shadows though."
"How to you propose we do that, given we are moderately busy with these four?" Everest inquired.
"We pretend to let the other two get the scroll" Marshall whispered, "just keep fighting and toss me a kitten when I need one."
"When will that be?" Everest whispered back.
"You'll know" Marshall said with a smile. Plan in place, Marshall and Everest continued to play along with the distraction.
The kitten came lower while Marshall and Everest let themselves be turned away from the scroll. They could barely see it on the edges of their peripheral vision, but the kittens didn't know that. The kitten seized the scroll in his paws and held it aloft triumphantly. With a meow, wings sprouted from the last kitten and she dove down to receive the scroll.
Which was a mistake. With a powerful pair of kicks, Marshall sent one kitten flying out the barn door and the other upwards, right into the path of the flying kitten. With a startled meow, the flying kitten evaded to the side but Marshall was ready. Everest knocked one of her kittens to Marshall who followed through by kicking it upwards as well, right into the dodge of the flying kitten. The two kittens crashed together with a thud and plummeted down.
The kitten on the pedestal was in shock, barely comprehend how everything had changed in a split second, and didn't even see what happened next. Everest knocked her last kitten up into the air in a perfect layup for Marshall who spiked the kitten downward like a volleyball. The kitten ball knocked headfirst into the one holding the scroll with a meow that was immediately cut off as both kittens fell to the floor unconscious and the scroll went flying.
Flying in an arc that brought it almost casually into Everest's outstretched paws. "And she makes the catch!' Everest said with a laugh.
"And the crowd goes wild!" Marshall happily added, trotting over and giving her a lick on the cheek as she replaced the scroll on the pedestal. Then they surveyed their unconscious former opponents. "Now let's collect these kittens before they come around" Marshall said with a laugh.
They collected the kittens and removed their black garments, revealing it was indeed the Kitten Catastrophe Crew. Using the black sweaters and masks that they had been wearing, Marshall and Everest tied the six kittens together into a bundle that could be conveniently carried, complete with a handle.
"Now what?" Everest asked as the ball of kittens dangled from her jaws.
"Now, we deliver them to Mayor Humdinger who is on the hill by the shrubs" Marshall said.
"Can we play a trick on him?" Everest asked, tail starting to wag in excitement.
"Sneak out the back and up behind him?" Marshall ventured.
"While you distract him from the barn door?" Everest finished.
"Perfect!" They said together with a laugh. Everest and Marshall shared a quick nuzzle before Everest headed out the back of the barn with the kittens and Marshall and walked to the front barn door. As he made a show of stretching and looking bored, he noted the purple top hat barely poking out from the shrubs about half way up the hill.
Everest was moving as quick as she could while still being stealthy. She wasn't nearly as good as being quiet as a mouse as Marshall but good enough. As she loped across the country side, a worrisome thought crossed her mind. What if this is a trap to capture one of us to then make a trade for the scroll? Everest slowed down as she pondered that possibility. It could be a trap, so I should be careful. But no one knew that I was going to be there tonight until I asked. But the kittens knew I was there when they attacked and didn't seem surprised. But that could just be because they saw me when they arrived. Well, I'll just have to be careful and see.
Marshall had thought of the same possibility and come to a similar conclusion that it could be a trap but it was unlikely. But, if it is, nothing Mayor Humdinger or the kittens can do will save them from my vengeful paws! Marshall thought seriously. As Everest reached a good spot behind Mayor Humdinger, Marshall decided it was time for the next part of the trick.
Mayor Humdinger was totally clueless as to what what about to happen. He knew his kitties had entered the barn but nothing beyond that. "Those kitties had better hurry up with my scroll if they want tuna for a midnight snack" he said softly to himself. Almost on cue, he saw Marshall jump up from the doorway and go tearing into the barn. "Haha, my kitties have done it!" he chortled gleefully.
"I wouldn't quite say that Mayor Humdinger" Everest said from right behind him, startling him so badly he jumped up in the air before falling on his behind with his top hat over his eyes. "Here are your kitties, all bundled up and ready to go home" Everest continued as she handed him the bundle of kittens.
Mayor Humdinger was so confused and stunned as he numbly took the bundle of still unconscious kittens. "Uh, thank you?" he said before turning to look at the barn door. Marshall was sitting there, waving a paw jauntily. Mayor Humdinger sighed in defeat and turned to carry his kitties back to his kitty carrier so they could drive home to Foggy Bottom.
"Have a good night Mayor Humdinger!" Everest said brightly as he walked away before turning to trot back to the barn. She didn't notice another all black figure skulking about. Marshall gave her a high paw when she reached the door before turning to walk back to the pedastal with her.
"You should have seen his face" Everest giggled, "he had no idea what went wrong. And you played your part perfectly!"
"And you did a great job sneaking up on him" Marshall, "not to mention that super setup for my spike."
"Aww, thanks" Everest said with a slight blush. "It just seemed like it fit perfectly."
"Like we were in sync just a little bit" Marshall said with a smile as he sat down.
"Mmhmm" Everest said as she sat down next to Marshall; they were in the same position that they had been in before the kittens showed up. "So, now that we defeated the kittens, what now?"
"We continue guarding the scroll and meditating and discussing until dawn" Marshall replied.
"Sounds good" Everest said with a smile.
(A/N: And so the next saga begins. I will try and update this every two weeks but that frequency may change with life events. Also, there will be a valentines day chapter, just probably not on time… Please be patient and enjoy!)