(A/N: I do not own Paw Patrol, enjoy!)
A New Awakening
"It's a .50 Caliber Desert Eagle!" both pups yelped.
"No wonder Augie's vest didn't stop it," Kong said with a shudder, "that pistol is basically a short-range rifle. You would need full level III or IV tactical body armor to stop that; something that SWAT would use for an assault or hostage rescue."
"Yikes, that is a nasty piece of hardware," Chase admitted as he looked between the Desert Eagle and the hole in the wall. "It had enough power to punch through Cinder, Augie and his vest, and still make this hole in a concrete wall. It very well may have been modified to fire armor piercing rounds instead of the normal action express."
"You smell that?" Kong asked as he sniffed.
Chase sniffed too and immediately located the source. "It's coming from the Desert Eagle," he said in surprise.
"What is?" the lead ballistics tech asked as he and his team walked up.
"A strange smell," Kong replied, "there is the normal weapon lubricant smell, but it is mixed with something else."
"Almost like a sick smell," Chase tried to explain.
"Have you touched the weapon at all?" the lead tech asked.
"No," both pups replied.
"Ok, great job, we'll take it from here," the lead tech said before turning to his team. "Get the bio hazard kit, we need to get a look at any bullets remaining ASAP."
Containment was quickly set up and protective masks, gloves and face shields donned. A specially suited tech then collected the gun and placed it inside a clearing barrel. Carefully, she pulled back the slide to eject the unfired round, which she then handed to the team leader.
The team leader carefully examined the bullet under a magnifying glass. "This is strange," he commented as he continued his examination. "It looks like an armor piercing .50 caliber up until the top third of the tip which looks like a hollow point, but with a small glass sphere."
"Get this to the lab," the team leader ordered as he carefully handed the bullet to another team member. "We need to figure out what is inside that sphere. And call the hospital and let them know we might be dealing with a bioweapon."
As the team rushed to carry out his orders, hanging from the ceiling a fully camouflaged black Labrador smiled.
Cinder's eyes fluttered open. The lights in her room were dim, but it was still enough light for her to see her surroundings. She was in the hospital, laying on the gurney on her side. She felt and saw the needle in her leg attached to a unit of blood hanging above her. Well, that is both a good and a bad sign Cinder thought to herself.
Good evening sleeping beauty.
Cinder lifted her head slightly to find the source of that cheekily intrusive thought. Her crystal blue eyes soon found Marshall, laying on a gurney of his own next to her. Simultaneously, Cinder noted that there was more than one needle attached to her. Tracing the tubes with her eyes, Cinder was surprised to find that the extra two needles in her ran between her and Marshall. What's going on Marshy she mentally asked with a hint of nervousness as she laid her head back down and closed her eyes again.
It's complicated Marshall replied with a dry mental laugh. I'll try and keep it simple. The bullets that the arsonist used were tipped with a weaponized variant of Rabies. In order to combat it, they had to drain all of your blood out and replace it with fresh blood.
But wouldn't that kill me? Cinder thought in confusion.
It would, which is why we're are connected together Marshall explained. Basically, they hooked me up to pump good blood into your body while you pumped all your bad blood out. In addition, they used whole blood to add to the volume because each of us getting half of my blood would not be enough for either of us to survive.
Sounds complicated Cinder thought.
It is, and we still have another unit or two each to go before we are done Marshall replied. But the good news is that now there is no trace of the virus in your system.
What about Augie? Cinder hesitantly inquired.
That is even more complicated Marshall said with a mental shrug. They had to start draining him before Jan and June arrived so he was very low on blood by the time they were both hooked up. The good news is that with both of his sisters attached, they were able to fill him up quickly. They are all topped off now and resting. But they are worried about the fact that he is still unconscious; there is a chance that the Rabies had already infected his brain tissue before they could drain all of it out. They just won't know until he regains consciousness.
Who is providing the reports? Cinder asked curiously.
Open your eyes and see Marshall thought playfully.
Cinder opened her eyes again and found a pair of brilliantly bright blue eyes staring back at her.
"You may have thought no one caught that little head lift, but I did," Everest softly cooed.
"Hi Eve," Cinder softly whispered. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"You should be," Everest replied seriously, "but we'll take care of that later. Right now, you just rest, you've had a long hard day."
"You're telling me," Cinder softly giggled. "How soon can I see him?"
"Anxious for something in particular?" Everest playfully teased.
"Just to see that he is ok," Cinder sidestepped the taunt.
"After both of us are full,they may let us go see him," Marshall replied with a slight smirk.
The next hour and a half seemed to drag on forever to Cinder. Once the IV bag of blood was empty, another was immediately hooked up. A doctor came by and checked Cinder and found nothing new with her. And he noted that this would be her last unit of blood, which pleased Cinder greatly.
Finally, the last unit of blood was almost empty. Cinder did her best not to fidget as the nurses carefully removed the needles and tubes connecting her and Marshall.
"How do you feel Cinder?" Dr. Dani asked as she carefully checked over the lithe female Dalmatian.
"I'm good," Cinder softly replied, "when can I go see Augie?"
"In a hurry or something?" Dr. Dani asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He was shot through his aorta with a bullet coated in weaponized Rabies. By all accounts, he and I are both extremely lucky to be alive. Shouldn't that be reason enough?" Cinder softly retorted.
"Fair point," Dr. Dani conceded. "As soon as I am done, I'll check to see if you can see him."
"Thank you," Cinder softly thanked her.
You sure there isn't any special reason? Marshall thoughtfully inquired.
Nothing for sure, other than being alive. I guess we'll have to find out if there is any other reason, now, won't we? Cinder thought back. The dream she had woken from had felt painfully real… and heartbreaking.
"Where is everyone else?" Cinder softly asked as Dr. Dani finished her work.
"Busy," Everest replied with a smirk. "It isn't every day that a canine police sergeant and canine fire captain take down a dangerous arsonist. And with so many assets involved in untangling the arsonist's web, they didn't have anyone to spare to keep people from pestering you and Augie. So, Chase and the others are doing their part."
"Tell them thank you," Cinder softly whispered, very grateful for the peace and quiet.
"Tell them yourself," Everest replied with a smirk as she swiped her tag. "Hey pups, look who's awake."
"CINDER!" came the chorus of voices from the pup tag, making Cinder giggle.
"I'm going to be fine," Cinder softly answered the unspoken question on all of their minds. "Thank you for keeping all the riff-raff out."
"Our pleasure," Rocky said with a smile.
"Or at least Chase's pleasure," Skye added with a giggle. Chase could be heard barking into his megaphone in the background.
"How soon will you be able to come in and see you?" Zuma asked.
"Soon, I'm sure," Cinder softly replied, "talk to you then."
Everest hung up the tag perfectly on cue. "See, everyone loves you," she softly noted.
"It comes from being a family," Marshall said as he slid over and hugged Cinder. Everest sandwiched Cinder from the other side.
"Hey, how come Marshall gets to move but I have to lay here," Cinder softly protested.
"Because I didn't let myself get shot," Marshall playfully retorted.
"So shut your muzzle and take your punishment," Everest snickered. All three pups sank into the snuggle, grateful for the peaceful moment.
A short time later, a couple of nurses came to take Cinder to see Augie. As they entered, Jan and June stirred from their dozing.
"Hi Cinder," Jan said with a yawn, "how are you doing?"
"I've had less-crazy days," Cinder softly replied, "how are you doing?"
"Drained," Jan replied with a short laugh. "It has been a long day."
"You can say that again," June quipped, "I feel like a vampire bit me, and not in a good way." Everyone let out a little laugh at that sentiment.
"How is he doing?" Cinder softly asked.
"Still unconscious," Jan replied with a shrug, "and they don't know why."
"Probably just sleeping it off," June added, "it has been a long and hard day."
"Understatement of the week," Cinder softly chuckled. Then she turned to look at Augie. The nurses had done some work to clean him up, but he was not presentable by any means. His jet-black fur was matted, some parts of it caked with dried blood and other sections with dirt and soot and ash. All four of his legs had been taped after his massive blood transfusion. His midsection was another bundle of bandages, so many that you couldn't tell where he had been shot beyond "somewhere vaguely in the middle."
And the sight of his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm made Cinder's thoughts soar. Thank God he is not dead Cinder thought to herself as she placed a paw on Augie's head.
I take it you were worried Marshall gently inquired.
I had a terrible dream Cinder admitted. I don't remember all of it exactly, but he died, and I had to bury him.
I'm sorry Marshall apologized as he pressed up against his twin. But it was only a dream.
Yeah… Cinder agreed. It seemed a bit too real to just be a dream, but for the moment she was going to count her blessings as she lightly stroked Augie's head with her paw, humming a lullaby.
"She's doing it again," June whispered to Jan.
"Hush," Jan whispered back.
"I don't know how much longer I can take it," June said with an exasperated sigh.
"I have a feeling that they'll figure it out sooner or later," Everest whispered, surprising both female Belgian Shepherds. "For better or worse, near-death experiences tend to cause a pup to focus on what is important."
"Sounds like you are speaking from experience," Jan quietly noted.
Everest nodded. "Not too long ago, I was ready to be in a three-way relationship with Marshall and Cinder just so I could be with Marshall."
"What?" Jan softly yipped in surprise.
"Ok, now you have to tell the whole story," June begged.
"Well, it was before I knew that Marshall and Cinder were twins…" Everest began telling the story.
Cinder heard none of the other girls' chatter, lost in her own world. Marshall closed his eyes as he stayed pressed against his twin.
"So, there I am, missing fur all over my lower half, with nosy spots over there trying to…" Everest's storytelling stopped abruptly as a low growl rumbled through the room. Everyone turned to look at the gurney.
Cinder sat stock still, with Marshall next to her as a black shadow slowly sat up. It was Augie, but it also wasn't as another low growl escaped from his muzzle. His lips were curled back over his teeth and drool was starting to drip down from each tooth. But what Cinder could see more clearly than anyone was that Augie's eyes were narrowed to little yellow slits.
"No sudden moves," Marshall softly said as he wrapped a paw around Cinder's middle. "June, when I say go, run out and tell the nearest nurse or doctor that we have a Code Grey and need a tranquilizer. Jan, I will toss Cinder down to you. Take her and get her out of here, lock the door behind you if you can. Everest…"
"Ready" Everest softly replied as she slowly coiled herself to leap onto the bed and help Marshall. Despite all the doctor's efforts, somehow the Rabies had gotten into Augie's brain and now was in total control of his actions. All they could do was buy the others time to get out. Every canine muscle in the room was poised to strike.
No… Cinder thought desperately as she gazed into eyes that were in Augie's head but didn't belong to him.
With a snarl more befitting a starving wolf, Augie leaped forward.
"NOW!" Marshall barked. June bolted for the door as Jan jumped forward to catch Cinder. Marshall grabbed his twin and tossed her to Jan as Everest leaped upwards.
Except Cinder didn't move. For some unknown reason, Marshall's paws felt like he was grabbing an ice block shaped like his sister. Unable to get any grip, all the momentum that Marshall had put into tossing Cinder to safety instead propelled him off the gurney in her place.
Everest was perfectly positioned so that Cinder would fly right by her as she jumped up. Which left her exactly in Marshall's flight path. It didn't even register with the husky that something was wrong before Marshall plowed muzzle first into her.
Jan had a fraction of a second longer to realize that she had two pups to catch. But that knowledge didn't make it to any of her muscles in time to stop it from happening. Marshall and Everest slammed into her like a boulder, sending all three of them backwards to crash into the wall.
Oblivious to the chaos behind her, Cinder was focused only on Augie's eyes. This is not how this ends she declared to herself. The lithe Dalmatian leaned back slightly in preparation…
And then threw herself forward as hard as she could and punched Augie right on the nose.
Augie was bigger than Cinder. Augie had more mass the Cinder. Augie had a leap forward adding to his momentum. Any physicist would tell you the Augie had more than sufficient force to knock Cinder flat on her back. But none of that mattered.
Augie yelped in pain, at a pitch no one would have guessed came from him, as Cinder's punch sent him flying backwards, landing with a heavy thud on his back on the gurney.
Hearing the pained yelp, Marshall and Everest were already untangled as they leaped up together to protect Cinder.
And paused as they landed, confused by the sight of Cinder sitting placidly where she had been, while Augie looked suspiciously like some pup had punched him very hard on the nose. A normal sounding groan escaped the Belgian Shepherd's muzzle.
"What happened?" Everest panted.
"I knocked some sense into him," Cinder softly said with a smile.
"Owwwie," Augie whimpered in pain, "why does my nose hurt so much worse than the rest of me?"
"Because letting yourself get shot wasn't the dumbest thing you did today," Cinder softly and sweetly replied as she gently reached a paw out and turned Augie to face her. His eyes were back to their normal beautiful brown. "You growled at me."
Augie's eyes widened in horror at the very thought.
"And on top of that, you tried to attack me," Cinder softly added.
If Augie could have turned white, he would have. "I-I-I'm so sorry Cinder," Augie stammered, "I don't know what came over me."
"I forgive you," Cinder softly said, leaning closer, "I think I cured you of your insanity."
At that moment, Doctors and nurses burst into the room, ready to respond to the Code Grey combative patient. And crashed into each other as they were confused by the sight before them.
"It's ok," Marshall said loud enough for everyone to hear, "code cleared."
"What happened?" one of the senior doctors demanded.
"I think I know, but you won't believe me," Marshall responded with a shake of his head, "but let's go look at the tape and show you."
Confused, but also curious, the doctor walked out, followed by Marshall, the other doctors and the nurses.
"Did Cinder just punch Rabies out of Augie's head?" Jan asked quietly, after the door had shut.
"Looks that way," Everest said with a confused shake of her head. It didn't make any sense; it shouldn't have been possible. But she wasn't about to question the miracle.
"You mean Augie finally got what was coming to him and I missed it?" June flounced.
The girls all started giggling together. "I'm so confused," Augie said, unsure both of what was going on and whether or not he should be afraid for his life.
"That's fine," Cinder softly cooed as she laid down next to Augie. "You are alive, and that is what matters most for now." Cinder laid her head down on her paws and closed her eyes. Ever so slightly, she leaned to the side to lightly press her fur against Augie's side.
Still unsure of what was going, Augie debated pulling back and asking more questions. But, despite just waking up, he still felt exhausted so he just relaxed and let sleep come upon him again.
Unseen to either of them, June motioned for Jan and Everest to follow her out. The three girls slipped out of the room and let the door shut softly behind them.
"Can we talk about them now?" June whined, "just watching them is killing me."
"Not this again," Jan said with a roll of her eyes, "they are still both assigned to the Arson unit. And the case isn't closed yet."
"How could it not be closed?" June shot back, "one dead arsonist, check. No fire intentionally started, check. What's left to do?"
"How about figure out why he was lighting fires," Jan said, "if he was working alone or with others. So many questions without answers that need to be put to rest."
"Just let them figure it out themselves," Everest voiced her opinion, "that is part of the fun, even if in the moment it doesn't feel like fun."
"Not sure that they would call sharing a near-death experience 'fun', even after the fact," Jan said dryly.
"But they seem to be enjoying the after effects," June nodded towards the room.
"Not for much longer," Everest nodded down the hallway to where Marshall was walking back with a couple of nurses and a doctor in tow. "Something tells me that they are about to be separated."
"Silly hospital rules," June said with a shake of her head.
"They are supposed to keep everyone safe," Everest noted, "even if they are a pain in the tail. That is why I prefer recovering at home."
"In Marshall's bed?" June teased.
"Or mine," Everest replied with a shrug. "Either as fine as long as Marshall is there."
"A little case of 'home is where the spots are?'" Jan said with a smile.
Everest nodded, "Though, Cinder has identical spots, so I have some flexibility." June and Jan snickered at that.
"What are you three standing out here laughing about?" Marshall asked curiously as he walked up.
"Nothing for you to worry about," Everest replied sweetly.
Marshall shrugged in acceptance. "I'm guessing they are asleep?"
Jan nodded, "Right after you left."
"See," Marshall said, turning to the staff behind him, "no need to move anybody, just hook them back up to the monitors that you need and let them rest in peace."
"I'm sorry, protocol requires us to separate them," the doctor said before nodding to the nurses who went in to do just that.
"Figures," June muttered under her breath.
"I have a feeling she'll ask to see him again tomorrow," Everest said with a smile, "see you then."
"You can count on it," Jan replied.
"Come on Eve," Marshall said, "we have to go relieve the others for a bit."
"Did Chase finally get tired of his megaphone?" Everest said with a roll of her eyes.
"Actually, I think everyone but Chase is tired of his megaphone," Marshall snickered, "Rocky even mentioned that he thinks the crowd might chill out if it were to go away."
"They better chill out," Everest said, "I'm not in the mood for crazy people."
"Don't worry, I have a distraction plan," Marshall said as they neared the doors.
"Is it making out with me?" Everest asked hopefully.
Marshall just smiled as he pushed his way through the doors.
"It's making out with me, right?" Everest whined desperately as she followed her spotted boyfriend.
Cinder awoke to distant voices she couldn't quite identify. Lifting her head, she realized that she was back in her room at the hospital. Great, alone again she thought to herself. But it wasn't also totally accurate she realized.
Scattered around the room on various cushions and the couch were Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Ryder. However, there were two noticeably absent pups.
"That was the worst distraction ever, Marshall," Everest whispered grumpily as she opened the door.
"You are just saying that because it wasn't what you wanted, Eve," Marshall whispered back as he followed the Husky into the room. "And you can't say it wasn't incredibly effective at keeping everyone out."
"My idea was still better," Everest replied.
"Your idea would have had us on the cover of every newspaper in the city," Marshall replied, "for public indecency."
"I don't even want to know what your idea was Eve," Cinder softly giggled, startling Marshall and Everest.
"Sorry we woke you," Marshall softly whispered as he jumped up.
"Sorry Cin," Everest apologized as she too jumped up.
"You two can make it up to me by snuggling me back to sleep," Cinder softly demanded as she laid back down. She immediately felt two pairs of paws wrapping themselves around her. "Much better," Cinder softly cooed as she let the warmth of Marshall and Everest coax her back to sleep.
There was no sunlight in the hospital, no way to tell time other than the silent digital clocks. No alarms sounding or sirens blaring. It was disorienting for Cinder, who set an alarm even on the weekends.
The first thing the she-Dalmatian noticed was that while Everest was still snuggled up to her, Marshall was missing. A quick scan of the room revealed that Chase was missing as well. Probably off doing their normal morning thing Cinder surmised.
A glance at the clock revealed that it was 06:27. After multiple long rests, Cinder felt ready to get back to work. But of course, that wasn't how getting shot worked, especially since her wound was in her leg. Cinder surreptitiously flexed her leg to see what she could do.
It definitely hurt, which Cinder took as a good sign that they were tapering down her pain medication. She didn't have her full range of motion either. Sitting the previous day had been only slightly uncomfortable, but she guessed it would be different today. I wonder how Augie is doing this morning Cinder wondered to herself.
Still asleep came the unbidden answer.
How do you know? Cinder asked her twin.
Chase and I just walked by his room on the way back Marshall mentally explained. All three of them are out cold.
Any idea if either of us will be released today Cinder inquired.
No idea. Usually the answer would be no, but this is not a normal case Marshall replied.
Well, they better come in soon; I have no desire to be here longer than absolutely necessary Cinder informed her twin. I'm also getting very hungry.
Chase and I are already taking care of that Marshall thought with a mental laugh, it's not home cooked but it will at least be nutritional.
Lovely Cinder groaned to herself. Hospital food was not known for its flavor. Cinder started to let her mind wander, and it invariably made its way to a certain black Belgian Shepherd.
I'm sorry Marshall thought to her after a few minutes.
Why? Cinder inquired in surprise.
Not saying this as a bad thing, but it is interesting listening to your mental undercurrent Marshall replied, and imagining what it might have been like for you back when you and Everest first met.
Cinder immediately understood. I'm sorry, I'll stop if it is bothering you, she apologized.
Don't you dare Marshall shot back firmly; I just have a better appreciation for how close we really are to each other. And just don't forget that we both love you.
You say that like you know what is going to happen Cinder noted suspiciously.
You are my twin Marshall thought with a laugh, it won't be the same, but I can guarantee there will be similarities.
We'll see about that Cinder replied obstinately. But she still suspected that Marshall was more right than wrong. As long as I don't dither about like you did, the rest is probably fine.
I heard that.
You were meant to Cinder mentally laughed.
I think Eve is waiting for you Marshall changed the topic.
You can read her mind now too? Cinder questioned.
No, but I've got this feeling Marshall replied, the Pup Fu exercises Sensei Yumi has us doing has actually been really helpful for us in being able to be in touch with each other so to speak.
Intriguing Cinder thought thoughtfully. Marshall would probably never be linked with Everest the way he was with Cinder, but being more in touch with her was a good step regardless. Cinder carefully rolled over to face the Husky.
"Good morning, Cin," Everest said softly before Cinder had even finished moving.
"Good morning, Eve," Cinder softly replied, "Marshall thought you were waiting for me and it seems he was right."
"Not truly waiting," Everest replied, "more just being patient."
"Waiting is implied in that statement," Cinder softly giggled. The silvery sound ever so slightly started rousing more pups.
"Did Marshall say where he and Chase are?" Everest asked.
"Not explicitly," Cinder softly admitted, "but he did mention that our hunger problems might soon be solved."
"Such a good pup," Everest said with a giggle, which set Cinder off too.
"Good morning pups," Ryder said with a yawn and a stretch. "Let me see what I can do about finding us breakfast."
"Yes, please, Ryder," Rubble begged.
"I wouldn't go anywhere yet, Ryder" Rocky said as the mixed breed sat up and scratched at an itch behind his ear.
"Why is that?" Ryder asked, still not fully awake.
"Look who is missing," Skye replied, picking up on the same thing that Rocky had.
Everyone looked around, doing the mental check-off in their head.
"Wait, whewe is…" Zuma started to ask.
"Breakfast?" Chase asked as he pushed the door open. He was carrying a plain brown bag in his jaws. Marshall followed behind him with an equally plain brown bag. A warm and appetizing smell began to fill the room.
"Mmm, what is it?" Skye asked excitedly.
"Bacon and sausage egg bakes," Chase replied with a smile as he opened the bag. Ryder pulled out a paper bowl wrapped in tinfoil. As he removed the tinfoil, a little steam escaped.
"Careful, they are still quite hot," Ryder said as he set the first bowl down in front of Cinder.
"Thanks Ryder," Cinder softly said before blowing on the corner to cool it and taking a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Did you go all the way to Angelo's for these?" Cinder softly demanded.
"Why, yes I think we did," Marshall replied with a coy smile.
"What is Angelo's?" Zuma asked.
"A little Italian place over by Waterfront Park" Cinder softly explained between bites. "Really good food, as you will be able to tell momentarily. But from where we are right now, let's just say I didn't expect that they would go that far to get me breakfast."
"For the record, he didn't tell me how far we were going before getting me to agree to help him," Chase said with a crooked smile at his brother.
"It was a lovely morning for a walk," Marshall replied judiciously.
Everyone laughed at that before tucking into their food with gusto. They were just finishing when Dr. Dani came in.
"I thought I smelled something delicious," she said with a smile. "Too good to be hospital food."
"You would be correct," Cinder softly replied with a smile as she took her last bite. "So, how soon can I get out of here, Doc?"
"Always somewhere else to be," Dr. Dani said with a smile. "Let's take a look and see."
Cinder paused her breakfast while Dr. Dani examined her leg. Carefully, Dr. Dani tested her range of motion, with Cinder letting her know pain levels throughout, as well as palpating the muscle tissue to see if there were any tender spots. Last, Dr. Dani removed the bandages to check for excessive bleeding.
"Well, everything is looking good," Dr. Dani said as she re-wrapped Cinder's leg. "You will need to stay off it for a little while longer so that the muscle tissue can really start to heal before you start trying to walk again."
"As long as I can go home, I can live with that," Cinder softly acknowledged.
"Setting terms now, are we?" Dr. Dani inquired with amusement.
"Just respectfully requesting," Cinder softly countered.
"Let me see what I can do," Dr. Dani said with a smile before walking out.
Shortly thereafter, someone else same to visit. "Good morning," the doctor said as he daintily entered the room, "my name is a Dr. Basil and I'll be your physical therapist. I'm here to evaluate your injury and how we are to proceed with your recovery."
"Nice to meet you," Cinder softly said before starting to get up.
"Oh, no, none of that yet," Dr. Basil said respectfully but firmly, "not here, we have a special part of the hospital we will go to for the evaluation."
"Oh, ok," Cinder softly replied as she laid back down. "How do we get there?"
"I will carry you" Dr. Basil said as he came over to scoop Cinder.
"Hold on, please," Cinder softly objected, "why don't you lead the way, I have a better mode of transportation."
"What mode would that be?" Dr. Basil asked in surprise.
"Chauffeur," Cinder softly said with a smile before clapping her forepaws together.
"She means you," Everest said, giving Marshall a shove in her direction.
Marshall rolled his eyes and gave Cinder a smile as he jumped up. Expertly, he slid under Cinder and stood up with her perched comfortably on his back. "Lead on, Doc."
"Oh, um, right, this way," Dr. Basil said in surprise as he led them out of the room.
"Some things never change," Everest said in a sing-song voice, eliciting a round of laughter from the other pups.
Dr. Basil led them out to a grassy courtyard in the center of the hospital. Surprisingly, the sun still illuminated the courtyard nicely and there was a bench and a tree in the center.
"Pretty," Cinder softly noted as they stopped.
"Yes, it is rather," Dr. Basil said, "I've found that the natural environment is more conducive to healing."
Great, I have a British hippie PT Cinder mentally groaned.
It could be worse Marshall offered, he could have been your primary and used tea instead of blood to top you off and be singing Beach Boys songs.
Cinder couldn't stop herself from giggling at the jest, eliciting a questioning look from Dr. Basil
"Nothing, just an inside joke," Cinder softly offered the answer to the unspoken question.
Dr. Basil shrugged, "Let's begin, then." Marshall deposited Cinder on the grass and they got to work. Dr. Basil methodically worked through every motion of Cinder's leg with her laying down, asking about pain levels and range of motion, comparing them to what she had prior to being shot. Finally, at the end, Dr. Basil had Cinder stand and, then with him supporting her weight, take a few experimental steps. As much as Cinder didn't want to admit it, her body wasn't ready to walk just yet.
"Overall, everything looks good, Cinder," Dr. Basil said, "there are no signs of any impairment in your joints or other permanent damage. But the muscle damage will take time to heal. For better or worse, you were hit while running so your muscles where at full extension and the bullet basically snapped most of the tissue. The good news is that you are fine to sit and stand as long as your pain remains low. The bad news is that it will take time for your muscles to repair themselves so you can walk again. The other good news is that you will likely regain most, if not all, of your previous strength."
"So how long of the no walking?" Cinder softly asked.
"At least two weeks," Dr. Basil replied, "four weeks would be better, but the first two weeks are critical to get the healing process started. After that, you must be very careful to listen to what your body is telling you because it will be very easy to overdo it and undo the regrowth."
"Understood," Cinder softly acquiesced. It didn't make her all that happy, but she knew how important it was for her to heal properly the first time.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go get my next patient," Dr. Basil said as he stood.
"Would it be ok if I hung out here a little longer?" Cinder softly asked. Despite her jokes earlier, she really did appreciate the beauty of the courtyard.
"That would be fine," Dr. Basil said, "but you'll probably have to leave when I come back with the other patient."
"Ok," Cinder softly agreed. As Dr. Basil left, Marshall came back over and laid down next to Cinder. Cinder rested her head across Marshall's back and closed her eyes peacefully.
"Laying down on the job, are we?"
Cinder opened her eyes and was met with a pair of brown eyes looking back at her, and a warm smile.
"Oh good, the entertainment is here," Cinder softly teased.
"You two know each other I take it?" Dr. Basil said with mild surprise.
"We both caught the same bullet," Cinder softly explained.
"A result of being partners," Augie added.
"But you are Fire and you are Police," Dr. Basil said in confusion as he looked back and forth between them.
"Arson Investigation," Cinder and Augie said together.
"Oh, well then, would you like privacy for this, Augie?" Dr. Basil asked.
"I'm not going anywhere," Cinder softly declared as she laid her head back down on Marshall.
"Not necessary," Augie said with a smile. Dr. Basil shrugged in acceptance then got to work with the jet-black Belgian Shepherd.
Since Augie had been shot through the chest, the motions Dr. Basil went through were different, focusing more on Augie's core strength and flexibility. But, when they got to the standing test, Augie was unable to support his own weight.
"Well, the bad news is that your body can't support you standing just yet," Dr. Basil said as he helped Augie lay back down. "The good news is that once your back is strong again, you will be able to start walking very shortly thereafter. I would expect two to four weeks for you back and another two to four weeks to be walking again."
"So, bed ridden until then?" Augie asked to clarify.
"That would be correct," Dr. Basil said.
"Well, at least I'll be in good company," Augie said with a nod to Cinder.
"There goes the neighborhood," Cinder softly and playful groaned.
"Would you like to go back inside, Augie?" Dr. Basil asked.
"No, I think I'll stay here," Augie said, making a small motion to scoot closer to Cinder and Marshall.
"I'll make sure he gets back inside, Doc," Marshall said reassuringly.
"Well, ok, I'll see you both in a week or so," Dr. Basil said before taking his leave.
"This is peaceful," Cinder softly said as the breeze gently stirred the leaves of the tree. It lasted maybe 10 minutes before their peace was interrupted.
"Pups," Chief Callie said semi-formally.
"Chief," Cinder softly replied, lifting her head up to meet her gaze.
"I hope you are recovering well," Chief Callie said, "because you really kicked a hornet's nest."
"How so?" Augie asked in surprise.
"Seems like your arsonist wasn't all he appeared to be," Chief Callie said gravely. "I don't think anyone has all the details, but suffice to say a number of agencies are taking quite the interest in him now that he is dead."
"Three letter agencies?" Cinder softly asked.
Chief Callie nodded, "The bright side is that this isn't your case anymore. And Cinder, I would say that you've more than exceeded the requirements for your checkout with arson, which means that, for the moment, you are back to being a Fire Captain at Station 25 full time."
"Wow, that is quite a bit of news," Cinder softly said, glancing over at Augie. The shepherd looked saddened by the news. "What's wrong Augie?"
"I hate having to give up a case," Augie replied. "There is something satisfying about taking a case all the way through."
"Well, we did solve it," Cinder softly replied, "and we stopped him from hurting anyone else."
"Yeah, that is something," Augie replied.
"Some would say everything," Cinder softly replied, to which Augie nodded in tacit agreement.
"I have a feeling you don't really want this case, Augie," Chief Callie said, "with everyone involved, it is going to be a regular snafu."
Augie shrugged in acceptance, but Cinder could tell there was something more.
"Anyway, both of you are on convalescent leave until you are medically fit for duty," Chief Callie continued. "You may have to do some paperwork or other stuff, but nothing crazy." Both pups nodded in understanding. "Ok, I'll check in on you later."
"I'm going to go check on the others," Marshall said as he also stood, "will you two be ok here for a bit? Need me to bring you anything?"
"Some water would be nice," Cinder softly said.
"Same for me," Augie said.
"Ok, see you in a bit," Marshall said before trotting back inside.
"What's wrong Augie?" Cinder softly said when they were alone.
"Wrong?" Augie replied in surprise.
"Yes, wrong," Cinder said, crossing her paws in front of her body regally. "And don't try and say nothing."
Augie looked back at her, evaluating possible dialogue options. "We don't get to work together anymore," he finally said with a sigh. "I've really enjoyed working with you and I…, I don't want that to end."
Cinder looked back at him warmly. "Just because I'm not working arson anymore doesn't mean we won't see each other."
"Huh?" Augie said in surprise.
Cinder shook her head. And scooted over next to the jet-black Belgian Shepherd. "In fact, I plan on seeing you frequently." And with that, Cinder laid her head gently across Augie's back, just like she had been doing with Marshall, and closed her eyes.
"Project Outreach: Travel Log update 108. April 8th, 2023. 3:24 PM EST."
"Universe: FoxFireverse"
"Referring to the subjects from the last log, Marshall convinced me to help them resurrect one of their… ahem… very close friends who had recently passed away. Since the device hasn't been tested since its last reconfigurement, I'm monitoring the situation carefully. The timeline branch transplantation process occurred better than I had hoped; it's as if there had never been a change in the first place. Since it's still assimilating, though, it's impossible to tell how things will play out."
"The only thing I'm currently worried about is the deterioration of the minds of the twins. Neither have spoken out loud about it, but that's to be expected. However, neither have been acting the way they normally would if they both remembered. To my best guesses, it feels so much like a dream to Cinder that she thinks it was one. As for Marshall, it doesn't seem like he remembers it at all. Monitoring will continue for two weeks. With any luck, they'll confide with Everest at some point if they do remember. After the monitoring period, if everything goes well, I'll rendezvous with them at the Lookout. End log."
The recorded message finished with a beep. A period of silence filled the Lookout's control room where Gizmo, Ryder, Marshall, and Rocky were discussing the current situation. After the log note had finished playing back, Gizmo looked up at Ryder. "That's the current state of things. What are your thoughts?" he inquired.
The young adult leaned forward in his chair and tapped his leg thoughtfully. "I think it should be fine. You should run some quick simulations, though."
"We already did," Rocky spoke up. "They're too simple to determine anything definitively, but they don't show anything detrimental happening yet. In the grand scheme of things, the change itself was so minor, but the impacts are already spreading."
"The only thing I find concerning is how quickly they're willing to throw it off as a dream," Gizmo confided.
"Hey, to be fair, when it happened to us, Rocky thought it was a dream at first too," Marshall piped up.
"No. I thought it was real," the mixed breed corrected. "You thought it was a dream and wouldn't believe me until I described exactly what happened in it."
"Heh… oh yeah…" the Dalmatian chuckled nervously while the recycling pup rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
"Alright," Ryder remarked, switching the topic. "Well Marshall, I just wish you and Gizmo had talked to me before, and I'd have let you do it. As for now, we leave the timeline exactly as it is. You can check up on them daily, but no interactions. And I mean it this time. Once it reaches the point where you contacted them in the original timeline, then you can talk to them."
"That's the plan," Gizmo agreed. "But what if they try to contact me sooner?"
"Then you can leave them something in that log cabin. Something so they can call for help, but only if it's Marshall or Cinder. We don't want anyone else stumbling across it," Ryder pointed out.
"Alright. How would you like me to do that?" the Lab inquired.
Ryder shrugged, "I don't know. You're smart. You'll figure something out. I trust you. Oh, and Marshall?"
"Yeah?"
"I know you wanted this to be a surprise for your sister, but I think it's best if you have her come for a visit with them after Gizmo makes contact again. After all, it's only fair that Auburn gets to meet her alternate self too," the team leader declared with a smile.
A/N: Special thanks to RodentRacer for bringing his OCs Gizmo and crew into this world and his help writing and proofing this chapter!