The morning of Christmas
Gabriel stirred in his sleep when he heard a pup yell, "It is Christmas!" Gabriel got up with tired eyes. "Well, it looks like sleep is out the window," Gabriel said, groaning. He walked outside to see the pup in question.
It was Rubble running around with a smile. It brought a small smile to his face. "Someone excited for Christmas," Skye said, popping out of her pup house. "Can you blame him? It is such a nice holiday," Chase said, walking up to me and Skye.
"Plus, we get gifts, so it is a win-win," Zuma said with a happy grin. "Sounds like today is going to be full of fun," Rocky said as the pups started to come out. "Now, let's get this party started," Margareth said with a smile.
Gabriel noticed a pup was missing. "Wait, where is Marshall?" Gabriel asked Margareth. Margareth thought about it for a second, and then her ears went down. "Right, has it really been three years already?" Margareth asked herself.
"What do you mean, Margareth?" Chase asked her. Margareth just sighed. "It is about time, I should tell you guys, but today is not just Christmas to me and Marshall; it has some trauma behind it," Margareth tells them.
"What do you mean by that?" Gabriel asked her. "Well, today, three years ago, was the last time he saw Hunter; he was like his best friend, but not; it is hard to explain," she tells him. "I don't get it; why would he just abandon him? Marshall has such fond memories of him," Gabriel says.
"It is complicated; it is not Marshall's or Hunter's fault; it is all just a mess," Margareth said, sighing. "Hunter has been through hell; his wife died around this time three years ago. That is why we don't know what happened to him," Margareth said, but you could see a small tear form.
"You don't have to talk about this if it is too hard," Gabriel tells her with a small smile. "No, no, I am fine; I will go get Marshall; you guys go get Ryder," Margareth said, running off to get Marshall. The rest of the pups walked inside the Lookout to see Ryder ready for them with their food.
"Dig in, pups; we will open up presents after breakfast," Ryder tells them with a grin. "Okay, Ryder," they said and started eating, but Ryder noticed that Margareth and Marshall were missing.
"Where are Marshall and Margareth?" Ryder asked the pups. The pups showed signs of hesitation. " Margareth said Marshall is having a tough time, something to do with a friend named Hunter. She said they would be in soon.
Ryder immediately recognized the name. "I wonder if this is a coincidence." He thought to himself. "Okay, Marcus, get Marshall and Margareth and meet me at the top of the Lookout," Ryder tells him, going up the elevator.
This confused the rest of the pups. "What does he want with that?" Rocky asked. "No point in wondering; I will go see what they are doing," Marcus said, getting up.
With Marshall and Margareth
Marshall just ignores Rubble's yells as he groans in his sleep. "Not today, any day, but today," Marshall groans. Marshall had dried tears staining his fur and bed; he was up for a lot longer than he would have liked.
"I just want to go home," Marshall said, curled up into a ball, and started to cry again. Marshall grabbed a picture of him, Hunter, Margareth, and Cookie. "Why can't things go back to how things were?" Marshall whined as he cried into his pillow.
Margareth walked in to see him sulk; she just walked up and lay next to him. "It is going to be okay," Margareth counseled him. "No, it isn't; it just gets worse every year," Marshall tells her with a whine.
"You don't know that things can get better," Margareth tells him with a small smile. "How can things get better? He is gone; he is never coming back," Marshall tells her with a scoff. "Well, things will never get better if you think like that. How about we go and see Mom and Dad soon? I am sure that will cheer you up." Margareth asks him.
"I want to go home now; I just want to." Marshall couldn't think of words. "You want Hunter; we both do, but we can't fix that; he is on his own; we can't change his mind," Margareth tells him. "Then what can I do?" Marshall yelled as his tears continued to fall.
"I know, there isn't much we can do, but we can't just sit and cry all day; the other pups are worried; let's just go inside so as not to worry them," Margareth tells him with a few tears visible from her.
Knock knock*
They hear it and open the door to find Marcus sitting there. "Sorry to interrupt, but Ryder wants to see us," he tells them, much to their confusion. "What does he need?" Marshall asked, hanging on to a fake smile.
"I don't know, but he wants to see all three of us up at the top," Marcus tells them. They both wiped away their tears and put on smiles. "Well, let's not keep him waiting," Marshall says as the trio approaches the elevator.
Ryder was waiting there with a smile. "Hey guys, I hear you have been having a tough time this morning, Marshall, but I think I might have something that might make you feel better," Ryder tells him, pointing to a neatly wrapped present.
They all look at the present to find all three of their names on it. "Wait, I thought we were doing presents downstairs?" Marcus asked, confused. "This isn't from me, and I was told to give it to you in private," Ryder tells us.
Marshall looks at it curiously, then unwraps it to fit a lid. "Well, let's see what's inside," Marshall says with a smile, opening it. Inside were three rectangular boxes and two tiny square boxes. Each box has a name. Marshall pulls out all the boxes and puts them in front of all three of us. Marshall saw a note at the bottom, grabbed it, and read it.
"Dear Marshall, Margareth, and Marcus, I am sorry I couldn't be there in person, but I wanted to give you guys something for always being there for me." Marshall read it with a growing smile. "I am sorry about leaving for so long, but it is about time I try to mend things. I have put together a few gifts for you all, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did getting them, sincerely, H-hunter," Marshall said with a stutter at the end, unable to believe the name.
Margareth was surprised but soon formed a smile. "Well, it looks like he still does care; don't keep us waiting, Marshall; open yours first." Marshall stared at the box with his name on it. The box was yellow and red with black outlines. The box was not wrapped but had a lid.
He takes off the lid of a weirdly shaped, wrapped object. There was a note too. He unwrapped the cloth around it to find a sword. It was curved with a sharp side inside the curve. The sword was weird, but it only brought more joy to Marshall.
Ryder was surprised, but what Marshall said next surprised him more. "Akukri, he remembered!" Marshall said he was jumping for joy. Margareth smiled, while Marcus was confused. "A Kukri? What a weird and expensive gift," Marcus says.
Margareth only giggled. "Of course you wouldn't get it; this is the sword Marshall always wanted," Margareth said. "Wait, you're telling me he wants this?" Ryder asked, confused. "Of course I do!" Marshall said while holding it, Seeing it in hand is better than any picture.
"You like this one, kid?" Marshall hears and turns to see him and Hunter looking up different swords. It was always something they enjoyed. "A Kukri is a unique blade; it is unlike most, having its sharp side on the curved side," he tells me with a smile.
"I wish I could have one of those; they are so cool!" Marshall says it back with a smile as he turns back to reality. "This blade brings back good memories; I am really glad he got me this," Marshall says, staring at the blade. The hilt was made of wood with red coloring, and the scabbard, which is the thing that holds the blade, was also made of wood. The blade was made of high-carbon steel, but the blade had something carved into it. "Legacy"
"I guess if you like it that much, you can keep it; just don't do something stupid with it, okay?" Ryder says with a shrug. "I got it," Marshall answered with a smile while staring at the sword. "Well then, any guess what these will be?" Marcus says this with a laugh and points at the other gifts.
"More swords," Margareth said with a giggle. "I'm starting to think he might be a bad influence on you guys," Ryder said, shaking his head. "Well, we haven't lost our heads yet, so I think he has done a good job with safety regulations," she says with a smile as she grabs the one with her name on it.
"Now, what's in here?" Margaret asked herself as she opened it. Inside was a much smaller blade than Marshall's. She unwrapped it to find a small, slightly curved blade. Margareth may not be into Swor as much as Marshall, but she still knew what it was.
"A Tanto, small but versatile, perfect for my medical pup pack," Margareth said with a smile. The hilt was covered in red cloth shaped into triangles, and the blade was of high quality. "What's with all the weapons?" Ryder asked, confused.
"Swords always made us happy; we used to spare with bamboo swords. I miss those times," Marshall says with a smile. "Well, I guess I'm next," Marcus said, and he grabbed his gift. He opened it to find a nicely wrapped sword.
He unraveled it to find a more recognizable sword; it was straight, unlike the other two, but the blade had a bump on it. "Wow, a machete; now this is nice, good quality too," Marcus says with a grin.
"Now, there are just these," Marshall said, holding up the two black boxes. It had Marshall's and Margaret's names on them. Marshall handed Margareth the one with her name on it. "Let's open them together," Marshall says.
"Okay, on three," Margareth said. "One, two, three," she said, and they both opened it. Inside their boxes was a ring, one red and the other white. This confused Marshall, but Margareth looked at the white one intensely.
It brought a tear to her eye. "What, are these Hunters and Cookies rings?" Marshall asked, confused. Margareth only continued to stare at it. "Yeah, they are," Margareth said with a sigh.
"Why would he give us this?" Marshall said that and saw a note in the box. "Dear Marshall and Margareth, I am giving you this because it is time to move on. Afriend told me this was for the best. I have a lot of work to do, but when I am done, I will come see you, sincerely, Hunter," Marshall read.
Later, at Marshall's childhood home
Nicholas, Veronica, Matthias, Austin, and Mariana were all opening presents. "Okay, this one is for Mirriana," Nicholas said, handing her a box. She quickly unwrapped it with a grin. Being the youngest, she is the most excited about Christmas.
She opens it with a big smile. "Okay, this one is for all of you," Nicholas said, handing all three pups a big box. "What's up with the box?" Matthias asked. "Open it," he tells him. All three pups slowly opened it.
Inside, there were three more boxes and a note. Matthias picked up the note and read it. "Dear Matthias, Austin, and Mariana, it has been a while. I hope you enjoy the gifts I made for you guys. It may not be much, but I want to get you guys something after disappearing for so long, sincerely, Hunter," Matthias read out loud with a smile.
"It looks like Spyro is doing more good for him than Antonio," Matthias said with a grin. "Wait, who are Spyro and Antonio?" Mariana asked with curiosity. "A friend of ours," Nicholas said with a laugh. "Oh, he's not that bad," Veronica said.
"Anyway, let's see what's inside," Austin said, grabbing a box with his name on it. Austin opened the box from the top, and he saw something wrapped in fabric. He unwrapped it to find a short sword with an edge with small noches like spikes; it was also slightly curved.
"Wow, nice," Austin said with a smile. He looked at it with a smile. Austin always liked Hunter, especially with his interests in Marshall. Austin put it back in the box. "I wish he were here; Marshall would have loved it," Austin said with a smile.
"Yeah, but he is busy; if he could visit us, he would," Nicholas tells him. "Okay, me next, me next!" Mariana was overjoyed. "Okay, you can take yours, Mariana," her father said. "Yes!" She said that and grabbed the one with her name on it.
She opened it with a big smile and grabbed the wrapped sword. She unraveled it to find a sword with no edge but a fine-point tip; it had a nice hilt that went around your entire hand or paw. "Wow, a Rapier, I have seen this kind of sword on TV," she said and started to swing it around.
"Mariana, be careful with it; it is not just some toy," Veronica warns her. "Okay, Mom," she said with a smile. "Okay, it looks like I'm next," Matthias said, and he grabbed the last box. He found a wrapped sword inside.
He opened it to find a curved sword with a cool-looking crossguard. "Wow, a falchion. Hunter really knows how to pick a sword," Matthias said, impressed with the blade. He puts it back with a smile.
"So, what now?" Mariana said it with a big grin. Nicholas and Veronica smile. "That is a surprise," they both said.
Deep in a forest is a mountain, and inside that mountain is a building where a team was setting up Christmas. "Okay, Kade, nice and gentle," Bolt tells him. Kade was on a ladder next to the Christmas tree.
They were in the lobby of Team Hope, setting up for Christmas. Most members have the day off, but most choose to stay. "Don't worry, I have done this a thousand times," Kade said while trying to put the star on the tree.
"Hey guys, Merry Christmas," Spyro said, and he popped out of nowhere. "Oh no, no, no," Kade said before falling to the ground. Spyro giggled when he fell. "Have a nice fall," Spyro tells him, holding out a hand or claw.
"Ha, ha, very funny," Kade said sarcastically as he took his hand and got up. "Well, this place is starting to look like Christmas. Where are Fritz, Hunter, and Raven?" Spyro asked. "Raven said she would be here as soon as she could; she wanted to spend the mourning with Stella and Tessa," Bolt explained.
"Did she say if they were coming?" He asks. "She said maybe, but my guess is a definite yes; that kid loves it here," Bolt said. "Yeah, I still can't believe Raven adopted her; how long has it been—five years? Time does fly," Spyro said with a happy smile.
"Yeah, I still remember being a rookie; you and Raven have taunted me a lot," Bolt says with a grin. "Anyway, Fritz said he would make a short visit just for the new gear; I think he is going to be more excited than Hunter when he gives him his gear," he said with a laugh.
"And Hunter hasn't gotten out of bed yet; we tried waking him up, but he just grumbled at us; we honestly don't know what to do," Bolt said while scratching his neck. "He'll get up when he is ready; he is going to need the sleep anyway for my surprise," Spyro said with a laugh.
Spyro grabbed the star, Kade dropped it, pulled out his wings, flew to the top, and put it on. "Now, this is where the fun begins."
In another room lay a yellow-haired man. He lay in his bed; this was his room. Being a member of Team Hope has many perks, and this was one of them. Huner was used to wandering around from place to place, but with this room, he could settle.
The room was small but big enough. There were many self-displaying plushies. Hunter really didn't know why he collected so many plushies, but it became a habit, not to mention that he refused to get rid of any.
There was a stand for his swords that held his two Katanas, his Odachi, his Wakizashi, his Ninjato, and his Tanto. There wasn't much else in the room, just his bed, dresser, and a nightstand, which had an alarm clock that was about to go off.
"Ring, ring, ring." Hunter heard the ringing but only groaned. Hunter throws one of the many plushies on his bed at it, but it doesn't stop. "AGH!" Hunter yelled and got up and hit the clock. "All I want is a few more minutes of sleep, stupid alarm," Hunter huffed.
Hunter quickly switched clothes and put on his soundproof headphones. He plugged it into his phone and played a song called "Don't Forget by TryHardNinja." He put on a hood and walked out.
Hunter walked into the lobby to see all the Christmas decorations and the smiles on the others' faces as he took off his headphones. "Morning, sleepyhead," Spyro tells him with a smile. Hunter takes on a slight smile.
"Morning," he says groggily. "It looks like someone is tired; it is ten; how are you still tired?" Bolt asked with a laugh. "I don't know; I am just not a morning person," Hunter says and walks over to the refrigerator. He pulls a bottle of something and chugs it.
"Since when do you keep coffee in the fridge?" Kade asked jokingly. Hunter stops chugging for a second. "I don't like coffee; this is apple juice," he said, then jugged in again. All of the people in the room burst out laughing.
"What are you, a kid?" Kade said between laughs. "Have you seen my room? It is not a professional place," he answered, undeterred. He stops chugging it down and places it on the counter.
"So, what's on today's list?" He asked. Spyro stared at him seriously. "You don't even know what today is, do you?" Spyro asked with a smile. "Nope, I am way too tired to think straight; I need my morning workout before I can function properly," he tells him.
"Well, we don't have time for that. If I want to get everything done today, look around, idiot," Spyro playfully said. Hunter did just that and found a bunch of Christmas decorations. "Oh, shivs," Hunter said with a sigh, and Spyro laughed.
"Yeah, today's Christmas; how could you forget?" Spyro jabbed. "Maybe because I didn't want to remember," Hunter said, sitting down with a thud. "What do I even do now?" Hunter asked nobody in particular.
"Wel, I am going to tell you what you are going to do; you are going to get up and stop feeling sorry for yourself," Spyro tells him and pulls him up with his hand. "We don't have time for that; we have guests soon; help Bolt and Kade decorate," Spyro tells him and wanders off.
"Well, I got nothing better to do," Hunter said, picking up some random decorations from a box and starting to help out. Spyro walked outside—well, outside the building; they were in a mountain. He pulls out his phone and sits on a bench.
He dials a number and starts a FaceTime call. It rang a few times before someone answered. "Hey Spyro, been a while." A girl answered. "Lizzie, how have you and Flarezian been up there?" Spyro asked with a smile.
The girl herself was not a normal-looking girl; she was wearing a hood, but you could see her inhuman-like features peeking out. "We have been better; DC stinks; if it wasn't for my job, I wouldn't be here. Anyway, I hear Team Hope got a new recruit," she says with a smile.
"Yes, we did get a new member; his name is Hunter, and he has quite some skill with a sword. I can't wait for him to be in the field," Spyro said proudly. "It ain't often that you find someone that you put a lot of faith in," she said with a smile.
"What can I say? I have a knack for finding the right people," he said. He then sees a car pull up. "Well, I got to go; we have some little company," Spyro said with a smile. "Ah, Lucky, I want to see little Stella," she whined.
"Sorry, you will just have to wait until next time; see you later, honey, and Merry Christmas," Spyro tells her. "Merry Christmas and stay safe, Spyro," she says and hangs up. "It looks like today is going to be interesting."
Back in Aventure Bay
All the pups were rushing around with decorations in the town hall. They were getting ready for the Christmas festival. Mayor Goodway wanted to have a big celebration today, even inviting troublemakers like Mayor Humdinger, Harold, and other people.
She wants it to be perfect. "Okay, pups, let's keep things moving," Ryder said, bringing out another box of decorations. "What can I do?" Gabriel asked with a happy smile and a tail. "Go decorate the tree," he tells him, and he points at the empty tree.
"Got it," Gabriel said, and he grabbed some ribbons and started to throw them on the tree. "Chase, use your launcher to spread ribbon; Marshall, use your latter to reach higher places," Ryder commands. "Got it, Ryder," they both said and ran to get their things.
"Skye, use your jetpack to get things going," Ryder tells her. "I am on it," she said, and her wings popped out and she started to get the higher decorations. "Rocky, Zuma, help wherever you can," he tells them. "Got it, Ryder!" they yelled and ran off with decorations.
"Sebastian, Marcus, help anyone you can," Ryder says. "Yup, on it," they said. "Margareth, help with the tree," he tells her. "Okay," she said, and she walked over to Gabriel. "So, how has Christmas been?" She asked Gabriel kindly.
"Great, the best one I have ever had, not that I have had many," Gabriel jokes while putting on ornaments. Margareth grabs some too. 'Well, she looks like someone in a good mood," she teased. "How could I not be? This is just so unreal," he said with his eyes in the clouds.
"Yeah, it is different this time; being with the PAW Patrol is like a family you never knew you wanted," Margareth explains with a happy sigh. "I now know why Marshall is so fond of this team; it is amazing."
"Like the family you always wanted but never could get," Gabriel says with a sigh. "I just wish my mom and dad would tell me why they treated me like this. I used to hate them, but now I don't know," Gabriel says, sitting down for a second.
"The ones that can answer that question are your parents; until then, let's have the best time, okay?" Margareth asked, holding out a paw. Gabriel takes it with a smile. "Yeah, the best time of our lives," Gabriel says with a smile.
"WATCH OUT!" They hear Chase yell as a ball of black and white rolls straight toward us. "Oh, sugar!" Margareth frowns as Marshall runs into them both. They pop their heads up and then start to laugh.
"I wouldn't change this for the world," Gabriel said, laughing. "Yeah, maybe this is for the best," Margareth said as a smile formed. "Yeah, I love being clumsy," Marshall said with a laugh. They then got up and continued to decorate.
Back at the Dragon's Den
Hunter was putting up steamers with the help of the latter. "Okay, I think that should be it. Good job everyone," Bolt says with a smile. Hunter only sighs and starts to chug apple juice again.
"How are you still chugging that?" Kade asked. Hunter only shrugged. "Didn't that make you sick? Kade asked curiously. "Sometimes, but I am used to it; I hate most other drinks," he says.
"So you don't like coffee or soda?" Bolt asked with a laugh. "Nope, too fizzy for my tastes," he tells him. Suddenly, they hear people walking up the hallway. "It looks like we have guests," Bolt said with a smile.
"Guests? And here I thought this place was secret," Hunter said with a sigh. "To most people, yes, but family is family," Bolt said, shrugging. Then Spyro and Raven walked through the door.
"Guys, I am here with guests," Raven announces with a smile. "Hunter, I would like you to meet Stella and Tessa, my daughter and girlfriend!" She said it with a big smile. Two girls walk in with smiles.
The first one was a little girl, about 12 years old. She was wearing a purple hood with small orange wings on the back, and she wore rainbow pants. She had purple hair and had a big smile on her face. She had magenta eyes.
The next was a girl around the age of 22. She had purple hair with pink highlights, and she was wearing a black jacket with a weird mark on her shirt inside the jacket. It was a weird-looking star surrounded by other stars. She wore black pants, and she had purple eyes.
"Wow! More members! Hi, I am Stella. Nice to meet you," the little girl said. Stella was a kid with a lot of energy, and she was showing it. "And I am Tessa; nice to meet you. Rainbow has nothing but good things to say about you, Hunter," she said, using Ravens code nickname.
"Um, nice to meet you?" Hunter said, a little confused. "I can see you are a little confused; you get used to it after a while," Tessa joked. "Am I missing something?" Hunter asked. "Family," Spyro said with a smile.
"I told you this was a normal team; this is like a family," Spyro explained. "And family trusts family," Spyro tells him. "If this is the Ravens family, then they are family to me too," Spyro said.
"Can you fly, Spyro, please?" Stells said with a happy smile. Spyro giggled. "There will be time for that later, Stella, but for now, I have something I want to show you, Hunter," Spyro tells him and motions for him to follow him.
He leads him to a room that has a lot of pictures in it. The first one was one of Spyro and Raven, but it looked old. "That picture was taken when we formed Team Hope; it brings back memories," Spyro said with a smile.
The next one was one of Kade, Bolt, Raven, and Spyro. "Now that one is a keeper; that is when Bolt and Kade joined," he tells him. "It was quite a good day for us; I remember it like yesterday," Bolt tells him with a smile.
Next were two dragons, one black and one red. "Wait, there is more?" I asked. "Yes and no, it is complicated; that is Lizzie and Flarezian, Spyro tells me. Next were two men, one with two swords and one with a longsword. "That is Luke and Lance; they are some of the best swordsmen," Spyro compliments them.
Next Hunter sees a younger man and a sliver German Shepherd pup. "Now we can't forget that duo, Isaac and Salem; Salem is the only dog to be employed by Team Hope as of right now," Spyro says.
Next, Hunter sees him and Spyro in a picture. "I think you get that one," Spyro said with a laugh. Next was a picture of Raven with Tessa and Stella. "I love that one," Raven said with a smile. "Of course you do," Tessa teased.
Most of the other pictures were of other members with their family members. "I don't understand. What are you trying to show me?" Spyro only smiled and picked up a new picture.
Spyro unwraps it and hangs it up. "You see what I am trying to say?" Spyro asked as Hunter stared at the picture. It was a picture he was used to staring at. It was the same picture he holds dear. It was the picture of him, Marshall, Cookie, and Margareth.
"We are a family; we do things differently than most groups; we call this place the Hall of Memories," Spyro tells him. "A place where you can remember the past, look back on it, and enjoy it—do you understand now?" He asks Hunter.
Hunter shed a few tears but nodded. "Good, now I think Fritz should be ready with the next surprise," Spyro says, and they follow him again. They walked into the training room to find Fritz with a smile next to a table with a sheet over it. "Good timing; everything is ready."
"After about a month of work, I would like to show you your new gear, Hunter. I put everything I have learned into this one and more," he says, uncovering the sheets.
Inside were different pieces for a suit. First, there was a helmet, which was yellow and had the face of a dragon on it. Next was the chest piece; it was also yellow, and like most of the set, it looked very futuristic and sleek. Next were a few pairs of gloves and boots; they all looked different. And last were a lot of different packs. Then there was a place for pieces of different gear. The first was a nice-looking grappling hook, like the one he saw in the other room. Next was a pair of pistols, but they were not ones that citizens could buy. Then there were holsters for all my different weapons. And last was a yellow cloak.
"I knew you could do it, Fritz," Spyro said in a cheer. "Yeah, anyway, I will figure out what most of this does on missions later, but this is what I want you to look at right now," Fritz says, holding out a metallic cylinder. It had a nose and a button on it.
"Wait, is that?" Hunter said, wide-eyed. "Oh yes, it is," Fritz tells him, tossing it to him. Hunter catches it and just stares at it, admiring it. "What are you waiting for? Are you going to turn it on or what? I would like to see if all my hard work paid off or what," Fritz says with a smile.
Hunter hits the switch on the side to see a glowing green plasma blade pop out. "OH, MY GOD! Is that a lightsaber?"Stella said it with a giant smile and ran up to him. Hunter quickly shuts it off so as to not cut the overexcited girl.
"Yes, it is! I made that!" Fritz said it with an unbelievable laugh. Spyro just smiled. "Yeah, sci-fi this place up," Kade said, and everyone burst into laughter. "Okay, we get it, Kade; you want one too," Fritz said with a smile.
"Who wouldn't want their own lightsaber?" Raven said with a smile. "Oh, can I have?" Stella said it with a huge grin. "No way in hell am I letting Rainbow give you that," Tessa said with a smile.
"Okay, enough with the jokes; I still have one more surprise for you, kid," Spyro said with a smile.
Back at Adventure Bay,
The festival was all set up as people started to show up. Right now, Marshall, Margareth, and Gabriel are sitting on a beach. "That took longer than I thought it would," Marshall said with a sigh.
"Yeah, it did." Margareth sighed too. "Come on, it wasn't that bad; we have had worse," Gabriel said, staying positive. "Yeah, but now there is going to be trouble. Did you hear the mayor, Humdinger, Harold, Cheetah, The Ruff Ruff Pack, Arrby, Sid, and even Moby? That is going to be nothing but trouble," Margareth said with a scoff.
"Hey, if Sweetie can be good, then what's stopping them from being good?" Marshall asked with a smile. "I don't know; I don't understand them half the time," Margareth complained and then sighed.
"I know you mean well, Marshall, but you can trust everyone. Sweetie changed, but that doesn't mean they all will," Margareth tells him. "Just try to keep an open eye, sis; people can change," Marshall tells her.
"Okay, enough of that; the pups should be getting here soon, and we still need to get ready for our show!" Gabriel said it with a smile. "Yeah, let's go see who has arrived," Marshall says as the three walk off to the festival.
They walked into the town square to find it filled with people and pups. "Wow, I knew it was big, but this is just overwhelming," Marshall said with a nervous smile and his ears folded down. "Don't worry, we're right here, Marshall; let's go find the others," Margareth tells him with a smile.
They wander for a few minutes, looking for the other pups. They were lost in a sea of people. Marshall's tail and ears have fully dropped down. "Marshall, Margareth, Gabriel, over here!" they hear Chase yell.
They look over to see Chase, Rubble, Rocky, and Zuma. They all quickly made it over to them. "I was expecting this many people," Marshall nervously said. "Yeah, it is a lot, and this isn't even everyone. Anyway, you're okay now, Marshall," Chase tells him with a smile.
"So, where is everybody else? I know a few of the pups have gotten here already," Gabriel asks. "Well, Skye is off with Evewest and Libewty, Rex and Wild Cat are wandewing around somewhere, Sebastian and Marcus are playing some games, and Twackew and Al are looking for some food," Zuma tells him.
"What about Coral and Sweetie?" Margareth asked. "We haven't seen them; I don't think they're here yet," Chase said. "Why don't we go wait for them guys? Skye looks like she is too busy." Margareth asked.
"Anything to get away from this crowd," Marshall said as the rest giggled. "Yeah, I don't see why not; I have nothing better to do," Gabriel said with a shrug. "Okay, remember Marshall, we have to sing soon," Zuma said to him with a sinister grin.
"Yeah, so excited," Marshall sarcastically said.
They left the party to sit on a bench near the road, waiting for their friends. "Do you have a fear of people or something? I have never seen you act like that," Gabriel asked, concerned.
"I have social anxiety; it is normally fine around most people in Adventure Bay because I have been around them so long, but with all these new people around, it gets me a little nervous," Marshall says with a sigh.
"And you can't forget your stage fright," Margareth says.
"Don't remind me, I can't sing in front of all those people. I know we are all going to do it, but I just can't do it," Marshall says.
"But you can't just walk away; people are expecting all of us to sing," Margareth reminds him.
"I know, but what can I do? I just wish everyone would just leave alone," Marshall grubbled.
"Come on, Marshall, you are a great singer; you are singing with all of us," Margareth reassures him.
"I have never been much of a singer, but I will be with you; doesn't that make you feel better?" Gabriel asked.
"Maybe I don't know, but we will find out soon," Marshall said.
Just then, two cars showed up. They looked to see who was there to find. In the first, Mayor Humdinger and Harold popped out, then Cheetah popped out the other one. They walked up to the three.
"Ah, you are Gabriel, one of the newer pups, right?" Humdinger asked.
"Well, we are kind of past the point of me being new, but yeah, I am Gabriel; nice to meet you." He reached out a paw for a handshake.
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine; after all, you are the reason Marshall will be training my kitties in the firefighter competition," he said with a laugh.
Gabriel looked confused. "What are you talking about?" Gabriel asked in confusion.
"Yeah, he is not wrong; it was around your birthday when me and Ryder were looking for the books you wanted; it just so happened that he had them," Marshall said while scratching his head.
"And here I thought he would ask for more," Harold snickered.
"Yeah, you could have been more creative than using them for a firefighter competition," Cheetah said with a laugh.
The three then went inside, leaving Marshall, Gabriel, and Margareth in confusion. "What, was that?" Margareth said while watching them leave.
"I will never understand them; anyway, Coral should be getting here soon, I hope," Marshall said in the last part with worry.
Just then a bike pulled up; it was Coral, and oddly enough, she wasn't alone on it. Moby was behind her on the bike. "Hey guys, long time no see. I hope you don't mind Moby tagging along; he wanted to come and say hi," Coral says and hops out along with Moby.
Moby looked uncomfortable like he was scared to talk. "H-hi," he said with a stutter.
Marshall looked at him with curiosity. He could tell he was nervous. "No need to be shy, Moby; we don't bite," Marshall said with a smile. It brought a small but sweet smile to his face.
"Where is everyone? I know we are a little late, but I thought Skye would greet us," Coral asked.
"They are at the festival. We thought we could wait for it, and Marshall needed to calm his nerves," Margareth asked with a smile.
"Calm nerves? What up with that, Marshall?" Coral asked with concern.
"I ain't the best at social gatherings outside of Adventure Bay; there are so many people here today," Marshall says.
"Sounds like it is going to be loud; I should have just stayed in Puplantis," Moby said, grabbing his headphones. Coral grabbed them before he could put them on.
"Come on, Moby, you promised me you would keep those off for tonight; it is just one night," Coral tells him with a smile. "I know you have sensitive ears, but please do it for me," Coral asked with puppy dog eyes.
Moby let go of the headphones. "Okay, just one night," Moby said with a small smile.
Marshall and Margareth smile at the two pups. "Cute," was all Margareth said, and they both blushed.
"Were just friends, Margareth? Nothing more," Coral says, much to her amusement.
"Keep telling yourself that," Margareth teased.
Another car pulled up while they were talking; it was a taxi. Marshall saw it and was confused. 'Adventure Bay doesn't have a taxi,' he thought to himself.
The door opened much to the Dalmatian's surprise. Out popped out his family: his mother and father, Austin, Matthias, and Mariana. Marshall was all too shocked.
"Are you okay, Marshall?" asked Gabriel.
"So you did decide to show up, and here I was starting to think you would dich on us, old man," Margareth joked.
"You know me, fashionable late is how I roll," Nicholas, their father, joked.
"What are you doing here?" Marshall asked, confused.
"And here, I thought you would be happy to see us," Austin said with a smile.
Austin walked over to Marshall. "Been a few months; how have you been?" Austin asked with a smile.
"I have been better, but it could be worse," Marshall shrugged.
"Margareth, you would believe what happened!" Mariana said it with a huge grin.
"Let me guess, you got a sword for Christmas?" Margareth said with a knowing grin.
"Wait, did you guys get one too?" She asked with a smile.
"Yup, I can't believe Hunter remembered; I can't wait to see him again!" Marshall said it with a happy smile.
"Looks like someone had a good Christmas," Austin says.
"Are you kidding? That present is the best one I have ever gotten!" Marshall says it happily.
"Glad to see you in such high spirits, Marshall," Nicholas says with a smile.
"And to think that isn't your last gift," Matthias said with a grin.
"What do you mean?" Marshall asked him with a confused look.
"Have a look," Matthias said, pointing to a purple car pulling up. Marshall saw two men walk out of it. One was in a purple hood, while the other shocked Marshall to his very core. A man in mostly yellow with bright yellow, spikey hair.
"Is that him?" Marshall said, stuttering.
A few minutes earlier
The Team Hope crew was all cramped into a minivan. Spyro and Raven are in the front, Tessa and Stella are in the middle, and Bolt, Kade, and Hunter are in the back. Hunter was in the middle seat in the back.
"So, where are we going anyway?" Hunter asked. They had been in the car for a while, and Hunter was just confused.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now, would it?" Spyro joked. "We are almost there, though," Spyro said.
Spyro was now in a purple cloak to hide his dragon form from lurking eyes. Hunter had a good feeling, unlike his normal bad feeling. It was a nice change. Ever since he met Spyro, his life has changed. He used to be sad all the time, but the more time he spent with Team Hope, the happier he became.
"Okay, you ready, kid; once you step out, you have nothing except what happens," Spyro tells him and unlocks the car.
Hunter climes to the front. Spyro gets out while the others stay in. "Come on, kid, let's not keep them waiting," Spyro said with a smile.
Hunter jumps out and looks around. The small town looks familiar, like he has been here before. Then he looks on the street to see the one pup he has been wanting to see. He could see his eyes water up with a surprised look.
"No, please; I am not ready yet," Hunter said in surprise.
"No one is ever ready to face the past, so I am making you face it; you can thank me later," Spyro tells him with a smile as Hunter sees a blur run straight at him. "H-hunter!" was all he could hear before falling to the ground from the blur tackling him.
Hunter looked up to see Marshall on top of him, hugging him. "P-please, don't leave me again," was all Marshall could say as he melted into him.
Hunter didn't know what to do, but he subconsciously lifted his hand onto the crying pup. He started to scratch the pup's ear. "Don't cry, Marshall; you always looked better with a smile," Hunter reassured the crying pup.
Marshall looked Hunter in the eyes. "I missed you, pup," Hunter tells him as a few tears fall.
"Please tell me you won't disappear again," Marshall said with tears in his eyes. "I won't, I promise," he tells him with a growing smile.
Marshall just grasped onto him tighter. Spyro watched on with a smile. "Spyro, is that you?" Gabriel asked with a smile.
Spyro looked at the Chow Chow with a smile. "Yup, how have you been, kid?" Spyro asked happily.
"Great! I didn't think I would see you here," Gabriel said with a smile.
"Who is this, Gabriel?" Margareth asked him.
"It is a long story, but to make it short, we are friends," Gabriel said while stretching the back of his head.
Hunter got up while holding Marshall. "Okay, kid, how have you been?" Hunter asked with a smile.
Marshall whipped away his tears. "Oh, we have so much to talk about," Marshall said with a smile as they walked into the festival with big smiles.
"Sounds like Hunter finally got what he needed," Raven said while getting out with the rest.
"Yeah, but I have a few things I need to do, but you guys can go have fun," Spyro said as they all went off to have fun.
"Now, let's see if I can find that pup," Spyro said while holding a tablet. Its screen was blue and transparent. There was info on all different people and pups, but Spyro was looking at one that was strange, a Mer-pup by the name of Moby.
There wasn't much on him, but he was intelligent and resourceful, and being a Mer-pup, he was bound by sea. Spyro has been looking at his bio for a few days now, trying to decide what to do, and he only came up with one option. "I am going to help this pup," he said, walking into the party.
There were people and pups everywhere, celebrating Christmas with big smiles. He walked through the crow with his hand on his hood to make sure he was concealed. "Ah, Spyro, I did not expect to see you here," Spyro heard a man say.
It brought a smile to his face, but no one could see it. "Mayor Humdinger, I thought you might be here. How have you been?" He asked happily. Holding out his hand.
"Pretty good, but something tells me you aren't here to just say hi," he said and grabbed it.
"You know me all too well. I am looking for a Mer-pup by the name of Moby; do you know him?" He asked him.
"I know of him; I never met the kid, but I saw him with the other one. I think it is Skye's cousin; I don't really keep up with all that," Humdinger tells him.
"Okay, thanks for the help," Spyro tells him and walks off.
He wandered for a while before finding what he was looking for. He saw him with the pup Humdinger told him about. "Coral and Moby together, and here I thought they were enemies," Spyro giggled.
They were at one of the games set up, a shooting game, and Moby was playing with a smile. He walked over to watch him play. Moby was pretty good at the game; he even won a plushie. "Uh, you can have it, Coral; I don't really want it," Moby tells her and hands it to her.
"Oh, thanks, Moby," Coral said with a smile as she took it.
"You are a pretty good shot, kid," Spyro tells Moby.
"Really? Thanks," Moby says with a smile.
"So you're Moby, right, the Mer-pup that wants to be a pup?" Spyro asked him, much to his surprise.
"How did you know that?" Coral asked, stunned.
"I know a lot about what happens in Adventure Bay; I try to keep a close eye on it, but you interest me," Spyro tells them.
"What? Why?" Moby asked, concerned.
"Because I know how to help you, here, take this." Spyro handed him a card that was identical to the one he gave Hunter. "I want to give you a chance at pup life if that is what you want; call me if you ever want to become a pup," Spyro tells him and walks off, leaving both Moby and Coral shocked.
"Who was that?" Coral asked with confusion.
Moby just looked at the card. "I don't know, but I think he wants to help me become a pup," Moby said with a smile.
"Is that possible? I can turn into a pup and back, but it only lasts a day. Can he really turn you into a pup?" Coral asked while deep in thought.
"I don't know, but it is worth a shot," Maby said with a big smile.
"Okay, I will see what I can do about the number since you don't have a phone, but not today; let's just have fun!" Coral said that and dragged him somewhere.
"So, it sounds like the PAW Patrol has been treating you well," Hunter says with a smile.
Marshall, Margareth, Austin, Matthias, Maraina, and Gabriel were all walking around together; Marshall was now on the floor.
"Are you kidding? It is one of the best things to happen to me!" Marshall said it with a huge grin.
"Yeah, I have to say it is pretty amazing; helping people while bringing them smiles is always fun," Margaret giggled.
"It sounds amazing; I wish I could come back more; you guys are amazing," Austin said with a small smile.
"I am sure Ryder won't mind; me, Ryder, and Chase do still miss you," Marshall tells him.
"Yeah, maybe soon. I do miss you guys," Austin tells him.
Margaret looks at the time. "Oh, Marshall, Gabriel, we need to go get ready; we have to sing soon," Margareth tells them, and Marshall sighs.
"Why now of all times?" Marshall groaned.
"Come on, Marshall, you are a great singer," Margareth tells him.
Hunter kneels down to Marshall's level and smiles. "Come on, Marshall, you got this; I know you can do it," Hunter tells him with a warm smile.
Marshall takes a deep breath. "Okay," Marshall says as they walk off to get ready.
Everyone starts to gather around the town square, where a small stag was built. On top of the town hall were two hooded pups. A hooded figure appears behind them. "I thought you guys might be here," Spyroo says from behind them.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see the show," one of the hood pups said as she pulled off her hood to show it was Natassha.
"Yeah, we are here to watch Gabriel after all," said the other pup, who also took her hood off to see it was Miriam.
"Yeah, but I have something for you, Miriam," Spyro said, handing her a box.
"What's this?" she asked.
"You can be dead for everyone else, but I may have told Hunter that you were alive," Spyro said with a laugh.
"Here, I was trying to keep it a secret; you better not have told anyone else," Miriam warned.
"Relax, kid, I would do that, but he needed to know to make it up to everybody," Spyro tells her.
She opens the box to find a Spathae, a straight-blade sword. "Wow, I can actually use this," she said while holding it.
"You can use whatever tool you want, but all I need are my claws," Natassha said with a smile.
"Well, not all of us are Werepups, Natasha; tell him it will be in good hands," Miriam tells Spyro.
"Will do, but I think the show is about to start," Spyro tells the two as the curtains open.
All of the Paw Patrol pups were on stage as the music to Deck the Hall started to play. Hunter watched on with glee as they started to sing.
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly." They then started to bark in the toon.
"Tis the season to be jolly," they sang with smiles and barked in toon.
"Don't we now have our gay apparel?" they barked.
"Troll the ancient Yuletide carol." They continued to bark.
They had big smiles on their faces, but Spyro turned his face to see a man on a rooftop. He was hooded and had a sniper, getting ready.
"Sir, there seem to be members of Team Hope here; what do I do?" the man said, seeing the other members.
"See the blazing Yule before us." They continued to sing.
"Run," Spyro said from behind the man. He turned around to see the hooded Spyro as he smashed his face into the rooftop. Spyro
"Strike the harp and join the chorus." The pups continued to bark, unaware of the danger they were just in.
"Follow me in merry measure," the pups barked, full of energy.
Spyro grabs the walkie-talkie that the man was talking to. "If this is Walton, go to hell and stay away from these pups," Spyro says to it.
"While I tell of Yuletide's treasure," they barked with joy to the song.
"Fast away, the old year passes," they sang.
All Spyro heard was laughter. "You may have won this time, but you can't save them every time. I enjoy this game of cat and mouse; see you next time, Dragon," he said as it went dark.
"Hail the new, ye lads and lasses." They barked with joy.
"Sing we joyous, all together," they continued, nearing the end.
Spyro crushes the walkie-talkie with his claws in anger. His eyes were glowing red.
"Heedless of the wind and weather," they finished with smiles as the crown went wild.
Spyro watched on with his eyes full of rage. 'He's right, what do I do?' Spyro thought as his eyes turned back to normal. Raven met him on the rooftop. "You did good, Spyro," Raven tells him with a warm smile.
"He is right; I can't protect them forever," Spyro tells her. "Don't think about that; Natassha and Miriam are here now; they will protect them," Raven tells him.
"Okay, let's just have some fun," he said as they headed back down.
"You were great, Marshall," Hunter tells him with a smile.
"You really think so?" Marshall asked excitedly.
"Yeah, you were," he tells him.
They continued to party like it was the best night of their lives when Margareth and Gabriel stepped under a mistletoe. "Look, you guys are under a mistletoe; it looks like you guys have to kiss," Marshall teased.
"No, I don't think we—" Gabriel said that when Margareth came up and kissed him, it was short but sweet.
She smiled as she stopped. "Now come on, let's go play some games!" Margareth said as they rushed out.
Chapter 6: Mistletoe and Presents is finally done! I feel like I have been in this chapter forever. Anyway, I have some good news: I am setting up a schedule! new chapter every three to two weeks! But with this, I want to do something else. I am going to be switching from story to story; I have this and I have the Purple PAW series coming out soon, and I hid a small hint in this part for the third book I will be working on soon; it is cross-over with PAW Patrol and something else. The next two chapters will be in this book, but after that, I am going to be switching it up, one chapter for this book and another chapter for another book. I hope you guys like my new schedule.