Disclaimer: Yay for a chapter with an abusive father returning! Lol just kidding. I knew Snow's arc of her anxiety and her fear of being like her father wouldn't be complete without this in at least one chapter, so I figured now was a good time to add it in. Let's hope it pays off!
Also, I don't own Paw Patrol.
Paw Patrol X
Powered Up Pooches arc Episode Fifteen: The Bruise of a Peach
Wave and Liberty were watching funny videos on the internet while on the living room couch, trying their best not to laugh as Snow giggled at their silliness. They were clearly struggling when it came to a video of funny animals dancing on the screen. When they reached their breaking point, Snow pressed a button on the remote that set up the air fresheners. This was because she knew what Wave and Liberty were about to unleash...
PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT
PHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHT
...Two green clouds erupted from Wave and Liberty's vibrating butts in the form of loud and ripe farts. One reeked of rotten meat, and the other reeked of moldy vegetables. The two of them ended up breaking out into laughter as Snow rolled her eyes while smiling. "Well this isn't something I totally saw coming."
Just then, someone came up in the elevator, catching the three off guard with Wave going to answer it. "That's weird. None of us were expecting a visitor today." When Wave came around the couch, she saw a grown adult Husky with Everest. This caught Wave off guard, and when he mentioned Everest's name, Snow and Liberty turned around. "Oh, hey there Everest. Is this one of your friends?"
"Well... not exactly." Everest answered, starting to feel like doing this was a bad idea. The look Snow got on her face was all it said to confirm it.
Snow was stunned on the couch as she saw the Husky's expression. It was a seemingly happy one, but Snow didn't know how genuine it was. Liberty saw how shaken she was and nudged her to see if she was okay. "Snow? Are you okay?"
Wave looked at Snow in concern, and then looked back at the Husky. She got even more and more worried as she kept doing this. "Don't tell me." When she stopped, she looked at Snow to get the definitive answer. "Is this your father!?"
"Yes, and I don't know why he's in our home right now." Snow gained the courage to jump over the couch and confront this sudden entrance. As soon as she did, Wave stepped in front of her in case her father did something. She was ready to rush forward in case he hurt Everest too. "What the heck is he doing here Everest?"
"Believe me, I tried to turn him away at first." Everest assured Snow, showing that she didn't want their father here any more than she did. "He wouldn't stop insisting that he's changed. When he said your name, I realized that you should get to decide if you want to talk to him or not."
"And you brought him here!? Yeah; that was smart!" Snow shouted sarcastically, and then she made a brief comparison to another flawed decision made by someone on the team related to family. "At least when Wave made the idea to tell Chase about Coral's plan before Skye, there was the outcome of Coral twisting it into something good!"
Liberty's sass made it clear that she would defend Snow and Everest in case their father was up to something. "You'd better not hurt them unless you want your tail between your legs!"
Snow and Everest's father stepped forward, showing the heart of someone who wanted to make things right. "Snow. I know I messed up. I can't take back how I treated you."
"Yeah. It was pretty bad." Snow stated coldly, requesting that her father get to the point. "Well, since you're here, you might as well get to the point."
Snow's father sighed, knowing that she shouldn't keep Snow waiting. "Here's the honest truth Snow. I, Carl Silverman, want to reconcile with my daughters. I would appreciate it if you gave me that chance." Wave held Snow's paw as she started to get conflicted about this. Everest hugged her, whispering that 'it was her choice' to let her know that no one was forcing her. That did help a little bit. But Snow still had no idea what to do. Could she trust Carl to finally be the father she should've had? Or would he be the same abusive, business obsessed maniac she despised?
Wave and Liberty were now at Arrby's boat, knocking on the door as they noticed how dirty it was since they were last here. Arrby wanted to stay there after he got back to Adventure City. The pups visited every day to help him. As they knocked, Wave was finishing up a call with Snow to make sure she was okay with her decision. "We're at Arrby's now Snow. Just one last time. Are you absolutely sure this is the right call?"
"I don't know yet Wave." Snow admitted, knowing there was the chance that her decision could be the wrong one. "But at least this way, I'll know for sure if he's still the same callous jerk who only cared about his stupid peach business."
"Well, just remember that Everest is there to help if you need it, and I'm here if you need to call me for backup." Wave assured Snow, still being unsure if she made the wrong call in allowing this. "And remember. Even if he has changed, whether or not you forgive him is up to you."
Snow smiled before ending the call. She was always happy to have a girlfriend like Wave. "I know. Thanks Wave. I love you. And say hi to Arrby for me."
"Will do. I love you too Snowflake." Wave said, hanging up once Arrby answered the door. "Hey Arrby! Snow says hi."
Arrby smiled when he saw Wave and Liberty, and Liberty walked up to him and hugged him. "How've you been holding up?"
Arrby shrugged, not sure how well he was really doing at the moment. "Well, it's been three weeks since Sid's turning. It still hurts. But at least I have you guys to help me through it."
Wave and Liberty felt awful about not being able to act sooner. If only it were easier to find an unmarked demon. Wave stepped in, placing a paw on Arrby's shoulder as she expressed her sympathy. "I'm sorry we can't act sooner Arrby. Unless Richie can whip up a new demon power or something, we don't know how we're going to find Sid."
Arrby was more understanding now, but he was clearly still depressed. Liberty got an idea at the same time as Wave when looking around, and they nodded to each other before she offered it. "You want us to help you clean up your boat?" Arrby looked around, and when he did, he started to realize how much of a mess his home had been. Sid wouldn't be happy about the place being so dirty. "Maybe a cleaner environment will help you start to really recover."
Arrby smiled in appreciation, signaling Wave and Liberty to follow him to show it. "Thanks a lot you guys. I'd love that. You remember where the utility closet is Wave?"
"Even if I didn't, I'm sure you'll be happy to remind us." Wave responded, doing her signature paw bump with Liberty before they followed Arrby to the utility closet.
Everest was driving Snow and Carl around in her snow car, and she could tell that Snow was as on edge about this as she was. Everest felt awful about forcing this onto Snow, even though that wasn't her intention. She should've known letting Carl into the HQ was a bad idea. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Snow in any way. The thought of doing so made her heart ache. "I'm sorry Snow. I should've just texted you or called you to let you know what was going on."
"It's fine. At least this way, I can know for sure he's not the same person he was before." Snow said, knowing that Everest was put into a tight spot. Even though Carl could hear them, he decided to ignore them for now. Snow also didn't know why, but for some reason... a part of her was still hoping Carl would be her father. Maybe it was because, while she had a father, she never really... had a father.
Everest stopped in front of some kind of club before assuring Snow that she was right there. "We'll leave as soon as you want out. Just let me know"
"Same to you." Snow assured Everest, knowing this was as hard for her sister as it was for her. When they all stepped out of the car, Snow got a good look at the building. It looked like a club for teens and adults, so at least Carl didn't suggest a place that only HE would enjoy. Or so it seemed. The name 'Teens and Adults' threw her off at first. "Is this place with possibly disgusting undertones where you wanted us to go?"
"Yes, and don't worry. I went in there, and they have a rule against any illegal intercourse." Carl assured Snow and Everest. Since they'd never been in there before, they had to take his word for it for now. When they got up to the entrance, the hostess let them in, and they made their way to the bar. Carl leaned on the counter to get the bartender's attention. "Give me a light one buddy. I've got my daughters with me today." Snow and Everest cringed at Carl calling them his 'daughters'. As right as that was in terms of blood, it still felt weird.
Snow went to pull a chair out, but Carl ended up sitting in the one she was about to pull out. They were both ticked off about this, and Carl started to get a little stern as he responded. "Now Snow, you know it's rude to force someone out of their seat."
Snow flinched at the sound of Carl's old voice, but shook it off quickly. She sat down on the right side of Carl to avoid starting a fight. Her sarcasm made it clear she didn't take kindly to Carl's rudeness projection. "Thanks for the reminder."
Everest sat down on the left side of Carl before standing up for Snow. "You could've at least told her you were gonna sit there."
"She's thirteen now, right? She should know not to assume." Carl objected, ignoring the fact that this also applied to him. When Carl got his drink, he told the girls how to order. "Make it quick girls. My business has been struggling lately."
"When was it not?" Snow shot at her father, putting her own money down as she made her request. "I'd like a root beer float please. Chocolate ice cream in it if you can."
"I'll have a banana split please." Everest requested, putting her own money down before the bartender went to get their orders. Everest then noticed that Carl was drinking a Modelo. The sight of alcohol concerned her and Snow. "So. You still drink."
"I can never afford to take time off for those AA meetings." Carl said, taking a big gulp of his Modelo before setting the bottle down. "So how're you two doing in your lives? Settling down with any nice boys lately?"
"A girl actually." Snow answered, surprising Carl as he looked at Snow. Talking about Wave made Snow smile with pure joy. "She's so loving, tenacious, generous, an amazing cook, and she's the sweetest girl you could ever ask for."
Everest smiled as she started talking about Marshall. "And my boyfriend's the sweetest BOY you could ever ask for. His clumsiness is adorable. And he's so ambitious. And he's so funny too."
Carl was surprised to learn that Snow was also attracted to girls. Still, he didn't seem to be offended by it. "Well... everyone has their tastes." At least he wasn't against LGBT people. Maybe he was just having a hard time trying to be better. When Snow and Everest's drinks arrived, Carl's eyes darted down at his side, which Snow took notice of. Carl played it off like it was nothing and got back to his Modelo. "Enjoy your drinks." Snow started drinking her root beer float, hoping that Carl's random dart down at his side was about something unrelated to her.
Back at Arrby's boat, Wave, Liberty, and Arrby were making great progress in cleaning up Arrby's boat. The living room and kitchen were looking perfect now. Arrby was definitely starting to feel better now. The sight of a clean boat helped cleanse his mind a little. Cleaning obviously wasn't a fun hobby, but he always liked when he and Sid had a tidy home. "Thanks for the help you two. It already looks like how it would've if Sid and I cleaned up."
"You can yelp for help whenever you need it Arrby." Wave assured Arrby with a spin on Ryder's catchphrase, putting the dishes in the dish washer and turned it on as she did. After she did that, she made an offer to get started on lunch. "What're you guys feeling like for lunch?" Liberty went over to Arrby as soon as Wave's question came. "Keep in mind that I'll have to keep Liberty's diet in mind as well as yours."
"Cheesy vegetarian casserole!" Liberty and Arrby said in sync; Liberty because it was her favorite, and Arrby because he knew Liberty would love it. They smiled and looked at each other when they realized they wanted the same thing.
Wave started getting the ingredients as Liberty got another idea. "I'll see if anything needs cleaning in the bedrooms. We can tag team them if you want."
"Thanks Liberty. I'll check Sid's room, and you can check mine." Arrby suggested, and they let Wave get to work as they walked over to their assigned rooms.
Once Liberty entered Sid's room, she got to work with dusting the cobwebs above his bed. His room looked a lot like it would in a regular pirate's cabin quarters. It even had a pirate ship shaped bed just like Zuma's. Liberty used the extension mechanic Rocky put onto the broom/duster she brought to reach the higher windows. As she backed up to increase her range, she accidentally butt bumped into Arrby's desk and knocked down his pouch. "Whoops." Liberty carefully got down from bed, which was easy to do since Arrby had a dog ramp.
When Liberty started putting the stuff that spilled out back in, she noticed something that caught her eye. "Huh?" Liberty saw what looked like a small envelope from Sid. She became curious when she saw this, and started to wonder if she should tell Arrby about it. She didn't want him to think he was disrespecting his privacy.
Arrby came in to check on her, hoping she didn't fall off the bed. "Liberty! Are you-" Arrby saw the mess and instantly realized what happened. Or at least he knew it was an accident. "Oh, I see. No big deal. I'll help you put it back up."
"Thanks, but... did you know about this?" Liberty asked when she concernedly held up the envelope.
Arrby's face instantly dropped when he saw the envelope. He did notice it soon after he got back, but he couldn't bring himself to look at it. "Um... yeah. Sid must've put it in my pouch when Charm came for us." Liberty could see that Arrby was hurting the more he looked at the envelope. Arrby took it and looked at it somberly. "I've been too scared to open it." She looked at the envelope, and then back at Arrby. Sid clearly wanted Arrby to see what was in this envelope in case he didn't make it. But just looking at it brought Arrby into a sad state of mind.
Back at the club, Snow and Everest were trying to finish up their drinks as Carl was finishing up a phone call. He was whispering, but he seemed pretty happy as he spoke up. "It's all going well so far. Just as I'd hoped."
Snow was the first to finish her drink, and this gave her a moment to ask Everest about how she felt about the situation. "How're you holding up?"
"I'm doing okay. At least he stopped being a jerk after he took the seat you wanted." Everest admitted, and then she offered Snow her paw to let her talk after scooting over a seat closer to her. "How about you?"
"I guess... I'm also okay?" Snow said as if it were a question. She wasn't sure what to think about this. "I can't help but worry he's gonna lash out again. He almost blew his stack over a dumb chair." Everest noticed that Snow was also a little shaky. Luckily, she was willing to open up about that too. "I don't know what I'd do if he tried to... you know. I can defend myself this time, but I don't know if I can handle it if he raises his paw."
Since the area around the bar was mostly empty, the conversation didn't attract much attention. That was good for Snow and Everest. They didn't want anyone else to get involved in this. At least not yet. "I feel the same way Snow. Maybe this was a bad idea."
Snow looked over to Carl and saw that he was wrapping up his call. She leaned over to Everest to let her know what she saw. "I saw his eyes dart down to his side earlier. He might be planning something."
"Hey; Everest!" Carl spoke up angrily, startling both sisters as Carl addressed where Everest was sitting. "That's my seat you're sitting in. Move over!"
Carl shoved Everest back into her seat. This set Snow off just as Everest called him out. "Hey, don't push me!" Snow stood up in her chair and grabbed Carl's chest in anger. The bravery she showed wasn't what she expected to show around Carl. The strength she showed caught Carl off guard.
It wasn't just Snow's strength that blew Carl away. Her aggressive tone made it clear that she wasn't the same little girl he used to beat all the time. "That's your second warning fruit stand! I don't care what you do to me, but you won't lay another angry paw on Everest!" Snow started to realize how angry she was getting and stopped. She didn't want to validate her similarities to her father by doing what he would. She sat back down and stated what she wanted. "Just... just don't touch her like that again. Okay?"
"Right. Sorry. I'll keep my cool." Carl said, his apology sounding somewhat obligatory. He hatched an idea to calm Snow and Everest down in that moment. "Hey. Have you two ever played pool before?"
Everest looked at Snow, who nodded before she spoke up. "That's a game that's mostly relegated to bars and clubs, right? This is our first time in either one."
"Then let's give you both a chance to try it out!" Carl exclaimed before taking their paws. He brought them both over to the pool table with both of them looking at each other concernedly. At least Carl let go when they reached the table. Since it was empty, he started setting it up. "You two can play me and I'll show you the ropes. You want stripes, or solids?"
Snow and Everest had no idea what Carl was talking about. They exchanged a glance before Everest gave their answer. "Um... stripes I guess."
"Okay then. You get the solids in, and I'll get the stripes." Carl said, completely ignoring what Everest said. But she and Snow didn't care. They didn't know the first thing about pool anyway. Upon looking at the balls, they saw that some had stripes. That helped them realize what Carl meant. Carl started lining up his shot, getting ready to make his first mark. "Let's hope you can play pool better than you can help a business." Snow started to tense up again with Everest doing the same. The latter used her ice powers to help herself stay cool. Literally.
Wave had just put the casserole in the oven, and she was with Liberty and Arrby as they discussed what to do about the envelope. Arrby was too worried to open it. The thought of what was in there hit him too hard. It'd been almost a month since Sid was infected, and he still hadn't recovered from it. What if this only enhanced his feelings about Sid's predicament? "What if it's something really sad or something? It might be a really emotional letter in case he didn't make it out."
Wave considered that possibility and made an offer to Arrby. "Do you want me to read it if it IS a letter?"
Arrby gave that a bit of thought before he gave his answer. "That would be nice. Thanks." He then continued wondering what the envelope held. What if it was something happy that made Arrby miss Sid even more? "He might've given me something to remember him by, just in case the ship wasn't enough. But what if it's one of our best memories and it... hurts?"
"Maybe, it's something Sid wanted you to put on the ship?" Liberty asked in an attempt to join the speculating.
That idea didn't sound too far off. But it could also be something to remember Sid by. Wave didn't want this to come out the wrong way, but she knew Arrby needed to open this letter. "I know it's hard Arrby. But Sid gave you this letter for a reason." Arrby looked at Wave, who put a paw on his shoulder to let him know she was there. "And if it's something sad, at least you'll know once you open it up."
Arrby saw Wave's point, but he was still hesitant. Liberty put her paw on Arrby's shoulder as well to help him feel better about this. The feel of Liberty's paw certainly helped Arrby a lot. He continued looking at the envelope, worried about what it held. When he picked it up, he looked at it intensely. He knew that whatever he was about to get from this envelope, it was going to be something that hit his emotions. Knowing the risk, he reached for the seal. He opened it up and looked inside. Once he did, he saw something that confused him. "Huh?"
Arrby pulled out a USB hard drive that said 'Tidal Island' on it. Wave and Liberty saw the name as well. It sparked curiosity from Liberty in particular. "Tidal Island? What's that?"
"Is it a place you guys visited before?" Wave asked, wondering if Arrby knew anything about it.
Arrby hesitated to answer at first due to the memories that place gave. But after a bit, he was able to start. "Not exactly. It's where I was born." He looked at the hard drive again, unsure what was on it. "And where Sid found me." Why did Sid have it anyway? It's not like the two of them were ever going to go back to that place. Arrby dreaded what was on it, but then he saw Wave and Liberty ready to give him their full support. So, he decided to brace himself for the video. At least he'd have some closure after he did. "I'll go get my laptop.
Snow and Everest were still playing pool at the club. They were currently having their third game with Carl. They weren't having a lot of fun, since Carl kept boasting with every win. It was also just a boring game to them. They stuck around for a couple rounds to see if they'd like it after that. When they realized that wasn't happening, they both shared a glance and a nod once Carl got the last shot. "Yes! Third time's anything BUT the charm in this case!" Snow and Everest went to put their sticks up, confusing Carl. "Hey, what're you doing? We aren't done yet."
"Why not?" Everest asked, making it clear she didn't want to play anymore. "This game isn't that fun."
Carl walked over to Snow and Everest as he demanded another game. "Not so fast. I wanna play another game."
"Well we don't." Snow stated boldly. She had quite the comparison for this event as well. "I'd rather deal with Chase and Claw after Taco Tuesday."
Snow was about to turn, but Carl walked up to her and bumped into Everest to do so. Once he grabbed her, he turned her back to him roughly. "Slow down there Snow!" Carl gave a stern expression to Snow that made her freeze. Every time she faced that glare, she was brought back to her youth. "I said I wanna play another game."
Everest instantly walked over to Carl and grabbed him. When he glared at her, she didn't hesitate to tell him off. "We're not having this dad. Either you chill out, or we're leaving without you."
Carl feigned calming down, prompting Everest to let him go. He made another move to get the mood back up. "Okay then. How about this? I have a surprise for you." Carl had Snow and Everest stand in front of him while he pulled something out of his pocket. He pulled out what looked like a business card. Snow and Everest got a bad feeling when they saw it. "My business has never done that well. But I think it could blossom if my little peaches came back to help out again." He then revealed that it was two cards. One for each of them. "Whatya say?"
Snow and Everest were clearly uncomfortable about this offer. The term 'little peaches' enhanced that feeling. Snow could hardly contain herself as she made her response. "So... you came here for your business." Carl looked at Snow, hoping she didn't actually figure it out. "You didn't want to reconnect with us. You just wanted us to join your business again." Carl started tensing up as Snow continued to call him out. "I'm sorry I thought respecting my allergy was important to you now."
"That doesn't matter Snow!" Carl shouted. At this point, everyone in the club was watching. "People can represent stuff they're allergic to! It'll only kill them if they eat it!"
"Even if that were the case, we still don't want anything to do with that business." Everest chimed in. While Carl was the adult in the conversation, it was clear he had no authority over Snow and Everest anymore. "Our lives with you and mom have some of the most painful memories we've ever endured. That business is one of the reasons why."
Carl crushed the business cards and started showing his true colors. And then, his anger went through the roof. "You little BRATS!" Snow and Everest flinched at their father's shout, but stood their ground. "I helped bring you into this world! I should have every right to tell you how to live your lives! You're my daughters!"
Snow wasn't having that. Carl didn't rule her life; nor should he. Unable to take it anymore, she took the hardest shot at him she could think of. "We were your daughters. The ones you failed even harder than your crap business! And we all know that's your REAL child!"
Carl got so triggered that he slapped Snow as hard as he could. She fell to the ground, horrifying Everest. "SNOW!" Snow was put into a state of horror after that slap. Everest immediately got on the offensive and shoved Carl into a wall. "You monster!"
Snow's life was flashing before her eyes. In an instant, she started recalling every slap she was involved in. The traditional ones her father gave her. The ones where he hit her with his belt. The last one he did before now, on her Everest's tenth birthday. The last one was when she slapped Wave during the Jake's Mountain incident. That was the slap that reminded her of who she was trying to be. Just because she shared her father's trait of being hot headed, didn't mean she was bad for it. Looking at Everest keep her down helped her see the truth.
She could use her anger for good.
Without hesitation, Snow got up and walked past Everest, who went to help her leave.
SMACK!
She didn't waste a second, slapping Carl as hard as she could when she reached him. This slap was much harder, and left a brutal paw print on Carl's cheek. The rage in Snow's eyes was evident. But the tears that streaked down her face said something else. She loathed her 'father', more than anything. But she was also heartbroken. Because she knew he would never be the father she needed back then. She needed a father. But he didn't need children. Carl glared back at Snow, refusing to let his youngest push her around. "You're going to regret that."
The other patrons stepped up to help Snow and Everest, but Snow signaled them to stay back. She wanted to handle this herself. She started telling Carl off in a voice of anger, disgust, and heartbreak. "I regret everything! I regret having you for a father! I regret letting you make me think I didn't deserve to be loved! I regret giving you another chance as if my hope for having a real father, who understood what love meant, could've been a reality! I regret every, last, part of it!"
Snow kicked Carl into the wall when he tried to get up. She wasn't letting him off easy. "I thought I could have a parent in my life who didn't think his ego was more important than Canine life. But clearly I was asking for too much!" Snow then got to telling Carl exactly who he was. "You have no empathy! You don't even have love! You used mom to make us for your own profits! You even came here, hoping that a fun time would bring us back! And you even screwed THAT up! You're an abusive, narcissistic, monster, with nothing good to say about you!"
"You'd better take that back!" Carl demanded. But Snow wasn't going to take it back. Nor was she done.
"Why should I!? It's the truth! The only thing you'll ever be a 'father' to, is your ego." Snow pinned Carl to the wall, looking him directly in the eyes with an ice cold glare. "I think I have a pretty good idea of what happened after Everest and I left. Some time passed. By some miracle, mom got help, and could learn to be affectionate towards children. When she realized this, that she could finally hug a kid without panicking, she left you. She realized she didn't need you. And you were all alone in that try-hard horror movie setting you called our home."
Carl started to break down silently as Snow kept digging into her. "Realizing you were alone, you sought us out as a last ditch effort to save your business. And now, you're pinned against the wall, realizing that your plan failed. And when I let you up, you'll head home, finally realizing you're a waste of breath. How's that, did I paint the right picture now?" Carl didn't respond. That told Snow all she needed to hear. She let go of Carl, not looking away as she gave her final, hostile, words to him. "Goodbye Carl."
After that, Snow and Everest made their leave. They got into the car, and Everest looked at Snow. After all that, she felt... relief. She finally got true closure with Carl. She knew once and for all, that she was better than him. Her sharing his anger didn't make her a bad Canine. She could feel content with herself. Happy with herself. She felt at ease, with a heavy feeling of resolve. She smiled, and hugged Everest after looking at her. She shed a tear of joy as Everest embraced the hug. No matter what, there would always be love with the Silverman Sisters."
Back at Sid and Arrby's boat, Wave, Liberty, and Arrby finished downloading the video on Arrby's laptop. The starting point was that of the title that came on the flash drive. Tidal Island. When Arrby pressed play, he got a sense of nostalgia. It was footage of a dock, and a malnourished Dachshund puppy was sleeping on it. A pirate ship had just arrived at the dock. It was Sid and Arrby's ship. Sid saw Arrby and ran up to him. As he checked on him, the Dachshund woke up and looked at him timidly. "It's okay, I won't hurt you. Are you okay?"
Wave and Liberty saw Arrby's stunned look. How Sid got this footage was a mystery. But it was still doing it's job. Especially once the Arrby in the video spoke up again. "No. I'm hungry."
The Arrby in the video was on the verge of tears. Sid saw this and gave him some comfort. "Why are you sleeping outside? Don't you have a home?"
"Well... there's the orphanage caretaker." Arrby said, and this brought shock to Liberty in the present. Arrby used to live at a bad orphanage too. She started holding his paw after hearing that. She knew how much that hurt, and wanted Arrby to know he wasn't alone. "But he's really mean. He doesn't feed us, and... sometimes he hits us."
Sid gently picked Arrby up just in case he had any broken bones. "That sounds awful." Sid instantly showed sympathy to Arrby. He got an idea and quickly suggested it. "You wanna live with me? I inherited this ship from my parents, and I've always wanted a dog."
Arrby was caught off guard by that offer. No one had ever been that kind to him before. "A-are you sure? I don't wanna be a burden."
"I'm sure you won't be. I'm really hard to annoy." Sid admitted, laughing a bit as he pet the young Dachshund. He was starting to crack a smile, if a small one. "Besides. I just said I wanted a dog. And you clearly need food and a home." Sid smiled to Arrby. He was more than happy to have him around. "If you see something that makes you happy... go for it." Those words hit Liberty really hard. She couldn't help thinking intently about them. "Come on. I'll go get some stuff for you. I think there's a pet store around here."
The video ended with Arrby smiling as Sid carried him off. At least it looked like it did. The final message was one where Sid told Arrby how he felt. "Ten years ago... I made the best decision of my life." Arrby felt his heartstrings being tugged. Even in his worst moments, Sid was thinking about Arrby. "I know it's hard to talk about stuff like this. Especially with everything else that's been happening lately But I also know that communication is key. So, if you ever want to talk to someone... I'm always here." Sid ended the video with three words.
"Happy birthday Arrby."
That was when Wave looked at the calander. It was January 17th. Today was Arrby's fourteenth birthday. Arrby looked at the end of the video, which was a shot of him and Sid hugging soon after the adoption. Tears started streaming down his face, and he didn't blink. All he could think about now was just how much he loved and missed Sid. Even the love he got from Wave and Liberty's paws didn't help. It all came flooding back as he thought about his reckless mission. Arrby had to witness his best friend get turned into a demon. And worst of all...
"It's all my fault."
Romantic music started playing as Liberty started talking about what was going to happen with specific moments from the next chapter being shown. "My very first time celebrating Valentine's Day! I'm so excited! I just wish I knew what to do. I'd love to tell Arrby... well, ya know. I just don't know if I can. I'm gonna be honest. What Sid said near the end of that birthday video he gave to Arrby keeps ringing in my head. What if I act on it wrong?"
Liberty finished the announcement with the words Paw Patrol in all blue with red outlines surrounded with a white border with Wave on the right, and Marshall on the left. "Next time, Couples of the Paw Patrol!" Liberty was sitting at the table during breakfast, watching every couple embrace each other. "I just realized I'm here for our one hundreth story chapter! I'm so excited!"