(Bandit)
This Chapter of Bluey's Kaleidoscope is called:
•[Cool Dad]•

(Chilli)
The REAL title is called:
•[True Blue]•

(Bandit:)
"Same thing."

(Chilli: *rolls eyes*)
"Just because you're blue doesn't mean you can make changes, so don't even try to change the quote at the end."

(Bandit: *gives a cheeky grin*)
"I won't."

>*•*<

Apparently, the Heeler's wake up schedule started at 6 am and the latest time would be 7 am. It would've been okay, but you tend to stay up extremely late, especially last night. Bad dreams and you decided to finish your dessert outside in the fresh air. Still, you were still exhausted and luckily Bingo and Bluey had been dropped off at school.

Unfortunately;

That left you with the adults.

"Good Morning, Kiddo."

"Morning, Mate. Ooo, someone seems grumpy."

Chilli and Bandit take a glance at your slow start on your breakfast after barely putting an effort in a deep hum of acknowledgement.

"You're no different in the morning, Hungry Hippo." Chilli grinned playfully and stole a strip of bacon off his plate.

"Hey! Do not steal my Brekkie, Morning Zombie." Bandit exaggerates a zombie moan and Chilli's words. "I don't want to get up! I don't wanna leave the bed! Let me sleep!"

Chilli held back a laugh and scoffed with annoyance. "I most certainly DO NOT sound like that in the morning."

"You're right.....you just look like it." Bandit jokes, but laughed nervously when Chilli gave that warning glare. "Would you look at the time? I think it's time to start packing for work, yeah?" He runs around Chilli as she tries to grab for him.

"Bandit Heeler! You get back here and face my wrath!"

"I was kidding, Babe!" He screamed a girlish scream.

You stare at the place they stood before and hear a loud thump from upstairs with faint shouts and laughter.

"Chilli! Babe! Have mercy!"

"Not until you say Uncle and apologize!"

"Even if it's true? Ah! I'm kidding!"

"At least I know where Bluey and Bingo's cheekiness comes from." You laugh and finish your breakfast. "I guess, I can try to give it a shot."

>*•*<

"I'm sorry. Uncle, uncle."

Chilli lets go of Bandits arms that she had pinned down. "Good boy. You tease too much." She helped him to his feet and gave him a long kiss. "Remember, you're taking (Y/n) on a ride along with you today. Show them what an absolute goof dog you are."

"I think you meant to say good."

"Mm, nah. I meant goof, you goofy heeler."

"So who's the one teasing now? But, you're right. I'll take care of them today, no worries. I've totally got this." Bandit steps into his studies and packs up a few folders into his satchel.

"You know, I'm going to worry. Every time you say, 'I've got this.', you always get yourself into a pickle."

They walk down to the kitchen again. "I know. Even so, it's gotta be done." They notice the dishes they used were cleaned and put away in the dishwasher. "Wow." Bandit picked up his leftovers that were wrapped into a sandwich and packed in a little baggy. "Not gonna lie. I'm liking this kid more and more."

"You should tell them that— if we can find them. Where did they wander off to?" Chilli asked while glancing around the front yard after locking the door.

"Well, the mango doesn't fall far from the tree." Looking in the direction of their neighbor's house across the street.

"I think you mean apples, Hon."

Bandit points to their neighbor across the street. "I'm talking about Doreen's mango tree and that (Y/n) is helping her down the steps."

You had noticed the elderly dog having difficulty pulling her bag on wheels down the stairs when a random gust of wind blew her hat into the Heeler's yard. Luckily, you rushed over with the hat and helped her. "Here's your hat, Miss."

"Why thank you, Sweetheart. I don't think I'd be quick enough to catch that." She attempts to pull the bag again.

"If you don't mind, I can take the bag after I help you down the stairs." You hold out your elbow, so she could link her arm with yours.

"That'd be the best idea." She chuckled. "Today isn't starting out too well for me."

Once she was by the sidewalk of the cul-de-sac, you go back to grab her bag and slide the handle out. "Maybe, but sometimes it's best not to dwell on it for too long. I have a feeling your day will get better because you're a very nice lady."

"You're a real dear, (Y/n). My day is better already with your help."

At the praise, your tail wagged, but slowly stopped when she knew your name. "How do you know my name?"

"Bandit and Chilli were so excited when they talked about you. Even Bluey and Bingo this morning. You'll be surprised how much they have an impact on everyone, so give them a chance, darling." She gave an encouraging smile and waved behind you. "You've got a very remarkable young pup!"

"Thanks, Doreen! Have a good day!" Bandit waved back.

You grew embarrassed and realized you kept the Heeler's waiting at the car. "It was nice to meet you." You run back as your ears flatten on your head, tensing a bit. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"There's no harm in helping someone in need, Kiddo. You've done a great job, Mate." Bandit playfully ruffled the top of your head and twirled the keys on his other hand. "Now, let's get this show on the road! Bandit moonwalks into the car." He narrates while moonwalking back and slips into the driver seat of the car.

You bite your tongue to keep from laughing, but you do chortle gleefully. "Is he always like that?"

"Oh, you have NO idea. That's hardly even the peak of Bandit Heeler." Chilli shakes her head. "Sorry, you have to sit between the girls' car seats. After you two drop me off at work, you can have shotgun."

>*•*<

Moving to the front seat was alright, though as expected, you were afraid Mr.Heeler would change his attitude when his wife left for work.

Nope.

He just starts singing along with the radio and sometimes making up words.....or sometimes not even words. At one time, he honked to get the attention of a friend of his across the street. "Ah, good to see mates when you least expect it. You got any friends from the places you've lived at?"

"Less than a few. Maybe none at all, since I don't exactly stay long."

Bandit grimaced at the downhill of the conversation starter. "Eh. Sorry, Mate. One thing's for sure. You'll definitely have long lasting friends once you get more comfortable."

The buildings began to grow taller, meaning you're definitely in the city-city. Office buildings and some were historic looking, though there was one modernist skyscraper that stuck out near the waters. Wait, you haven't noticed that this place was near an ocean. "That building looks cool."

"Yep. That's where we're walking into. I've got papers to drop off with the Department of Heritage Protection. Nothing that will take up too much time. Afterwards, we'll get some lunch." Bandit parked the car on one side of the street, two blocks away from the tall tower. "Are you ready for a walk? If not, you can stay in the car and pay for our lunch."

"Huh?" You look at him confused.

"Because whoever gets tagged last before going inside the building has to pay for lunch. So—TAG!!!" Bandit tags your arm and rushes out of the car after slamming the door shut.

"What?! Hey, that is so UNCALLED FOR!" You immediately get out of the jeep and try to catch up to the blue heeler. "I don't even have money!"

"Well, boohoo for you and this is TOTALLY called for in this situation! It'll get us to the tower faster!" Bandit was gradually losing his breath and slowing down a bit. "Maybe not my best i-DEA!!"

You yanked on the strap to his bag and made yourself have a boost. "Sorry, Old Man, but I have more energy than you do. That's IF I'm trying. Gah!" You're pulled off to the side by your hoodie.

"Old man? Come on! Gotta come up with something better than that, Kid! OOF!" Bandit panicked when you hopped onto his back and he started trying to keep balance. His back was going to be killing him later. "You're HEAVY!"

You grin, "One of the perks of loving food. Now, you'll have less energy with me on your back."

"Can't argue with loving food, Spider-Monkey. Unfortunately, you won't be able to hang on much longer." Bandit starts spinning around with a lot of force. Almost like a bucking horse.

You couldn't help but laugh. "This isn't a great idea!"

The two of you are now stumbling around, trying to get the dizziness settled. Bandit was able to recover faster and ran up a few steps toward the entrance of the tower. "Yes!! I won!" He does a victory dance. "Guess you're going to need to find a way to buy lunch." He turned around, only to see you with a smirk. "Why are you looking at me like that? I've learned from Bluey and that is not a good sign."

With a small shove to the blue heeler's chest, you take a step back and into the building. "Tag. You're it."

"Ah, Biscuits! I celebrated too early, didn't I?" Bandit chuckled and softly ruffled the top of your head. "You got me this time, Kiddo. Next time won't be too easy."

You scoff and roll your eyes. "I'd like to see you try. I'll even go easy on you."

Bandit scanned his work ID to let you two inside while he grins, "Ha! You should be worried that I won't go easy on you, Hotshot."

The whole ride in the elevator was spent bickering back and forth even quietly when you two made it to the desk that the paperwork was supposed to be dropped off. Bandit had turned his attention to the secretary while your attention was drawn over to the waiting area. The giant glass separating anyone from accidentally falling from the tower's height.

"The ocean?" You feel your tail wag at the sight. It was barely visible, but you could see the ocean line. Your gaze shifted down to the active walkways near the waters below.

Possibly a subtropical garden along with ferries going by. That looked like a great place to walk around, especially some food vendors. This view needed to be taken as a photo, which you did take a couple shots and ended with a timed photo selfie.

"PHOTO-BOMB!"

The picture has the perfect background, but your eyes were wide and Bandit was in the middle of saying photo bomb with one eye barely open. "You know, you can get better photos on the walkway. Let's see what kind of food vendors are there then we can decide on our lunch. Want to race again?"

You shake your head and chuckle, "I think that run took a lot out of you." You lightly jab his side.

"Okay, I'll admit. It did wear me out a bit."

Taking a step outside, the two of you just stroll along and enjoy the sun and shady bits. At one point, you found a stick and so did Bandit as you two began to sword fight. Until, you both managed to whack each other on the thigh which you both screamed out and hopped around in pain.

"Why did you do that?!"

"You did it first!"

The food vendor watched you two bicker, some which didn't make sense and cautiously packed up the order you two made between the banter. Once you and Bandit find a bench to sit at, you both go silent when you begin to eat. You see a hand reach out to your container and you move away to bite at Bandit's fingers, luckily he pulls away.

"Hey! Mate, did you just try to bite me?"

You turn away with your food, "No touchy."

"But I'm still hungry. One bite?" He pulls a sad face with ears flat to his head.

You stare at him unamused. "I have a feeling you're going to bite off more than you can chew. So nah, MATE."

Bandit throws his head back in a dramatic faint. "You're so cruel."

"Boohoo for you." You say back with a cheeky grin. "Here you go." You hand him what you had left in the container. "I think I want to leave room for dessert."

"Sounds good. Ice cream?" He finished off your leftovers.

"No." You point over to a vendor selling anything fruit related. "A fruit cup."

As Bandit walks over to buy the fruit cups, you begin to feel the anxiety creeping up again at Bandit's departure. It's okay, right? He'll be back. With a slight growl at your negative thoughts, you lean back against the bench to stare up at the bean trees above. The sunlight shining through certain patterns of the leaves and a few flowers falling to the ground.

"(Y/n). You feeling alright, Mate? Maybe I should've gotten some water too." He goes to stand up again, but suddenly stops at your grip on his arm.

"I'm okay....stay, please."

Bandit hands the fruit cup to you before leaning back to enjoy his own. The atmosphere had gotten quiet, aside from the birds, small talk from bystanders, and ferries going by. Bandit takes a glance to see that you're barely nibbling a fruit. He might as well, add in his thoughts on things.

"I don't know what you've been through, Kiddo. Although, I'm certain you're always hearing everyone say, 'This is the moment.' when it turns out...that it's not."

You poke at a random fruit with your fork.

"There is one thing that I do want you to know, (Y/n). We will never leave you behind. It'll be up to you if you want to trust us and finally find what you're looking for. Even if it's not us, we will always be there to support you." Bandit tried again to place a hand on your shoulder, this time you finally relaxed into it. "Even if you go— This way! That way! This way, that way, this way, that way!"

You're being playfully shaken from side to side, then forward. "You're gonna make me drop my fruit cup!" You laugh out before Bandit gently pats your head.

"It's still standing." Bandit takes a glance at his phone and mentally groans. "Man. Time to head over to your new school."

That hadn't come to mind, until now. To make it worse, you lost your fruit cup to a bumblebee after you panicked and ran away with Bandit trying to get you to calm down.

"It won't hurt you!"

"Too late for that now!"

>*•*<

It had been a little drive out of the city limits and toward the Australian Mountain landscape. There's a turn off that supposedly leads to Bluey's school which Bandit drove down until making another turn. A hand crafted sign greeted you two as the vehicle went slightly up a cobblestone road.

By the looks of the name and motto of the school, you thought it might've been some stuffy uniformed school.

Actually, the scenario you imagined took a complete 180.

Mr. Heeler was right, though you'll explain your first visit for another day. But one thing for sure, one of the students taught you their meaning of jinx, which Bandit had been the victim.

Hence, the reason why he had been silent the whole time you two picked up Bluey. Her school looked amazing with the many glass windows of the wooden building and tons of space to run around outside. The small blue heeler immediately ran to the jeep once she spotted you.

"(Y/n)!!!" Her tail wagged non-stop as Bandit helped her into the booster seat. "Hi, Dad. (Y/n), I told everyone that you're my big sibling and everyone wants to know more about you!"

You just had to smile at her excitement and slip to the back seat while Bandit makes his way back to the driver seat. "That's...great. I'm happy that you're happy, Bluey."

"I wanted to tell them more, but I didn't even get to ask more about what you like and stuff. Do you think I can bring something of yours for a show and tell tomorrow? What's your favorite color? Favorite cartoon? Do you even like cartoons?" Bluey finally noticed her Dad's silence. "And why is Dad so quiet? Usually he cuts in when I ask too many questions."

You snicker and smirk at Bandit, "Well, during our Adventure to return ancient scrolls to the Tower of Magical Magics. I accidentally said a magic spell that cursed him to be silent, unless he receives a true love's kiss."

Bandit's eyes widen at the last bit, then glares at you through the rear-view mirror. Of course you changed the jinx rule, but it was to have a story for Bluey.

"Really? What else happened?" Bluey was interested in the story.

"Why don't I tell you after we pick up Bingo and your mom? I'm sure they'll want to listen too." You watch as Bluey nods and she digs around in her backpack, then you guys park outside Bingo's school.

Bandit gets out and motioned for you two to stay in the jeep. You give a thumbs up.

"Found it, finally!" Bluey exclaimed while dropping her bag to the floor. "I made this for you today." She held up a braided leather bracelet. It was a simple three string braid and a plain color, but it was cool looking.

You held out your wrist as she happily clipped it on and you ruffle the top of her head affectionately. "I love it. Thanks, Little Blueberry."

Bluey laughed. "I'm not a blueberry!"

"(Y/n)!!!" Bingo jumped onto you for a tight hug. "Guess what?"

"You had a good day at school?" You guessed while hugging back and helping her get strapped in her car seat.

"Um, yeah, I did. I also told Mrs. Retriever that I have an older sibling now. She said that was amazing and she asked if I liked you. I said, yes I do. I liked you this—" She tried to measure the space between her hands, then ended up throwing her arms wide open. "THIS much. She was surprised at that many likes, then asked if you liked me. Do you?"

Bluey grinned, "Wow! That is a lot of likes, Bingo. So do you like Bingo, (Y/n)?"

You hum in deep thought and smile, "That is a lot, but do you know what's even better?"

"What?" They asked as Bandit took a glance at you three in the back before continuing to drive.

"My likes don't work the same way. They're smaller." You make a small pinch. "Wanna know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I can't reach you guys from that far away." You grab one of their paws in each of your hands. "See? I like both of you, Bluey and Bingo." You give a playful and evil laugh. "Now you can't get rid of me!"

Bluey and Bingo shrieked in laughter and tried to pull their hand away without success.

>*•*<

It wasn't long until the airport came into view. Bingo and Bluey had calmed down and began drawing on your hands and arms with markers that Bluey had in her bag. Bandit was actually surprised that the girls were occupied this long in the car.

Chilli strolled out of the front doors and happily looked through the car window. "Oh wow! The car's quiet.... a bit too quiet." She eyed her husband. "Alright. What sort of pickle did you get yourself into, Mr. 'I've got this'?"

Bluey smiled and waved at her mom. "Hi, Mum! Dad got himself cursed by accident and now he needs a true love's kiss, so the curse can be lifted."

Chilli gets into the passenger seat and looks in the back at you. "That's interesting, so how did you manage to get cursed, Love?" She smirked at Bandit.

He silently and dramatically screamed at the frustrating situation. Chilli hadn't said his name nor gave him a kiss.

"It was a bit of a JINX- I mean trouble in our adventure today." You emphasized jinx.

"Oooh! Well, that makes much more sense, but maybe tell us the whole story while we drive back home." Chilli snickered as Bandit began to drive again with a pout. "It's actually quite nice that you're not making much noise, Dearest Husband."

"Yay! Storytime." Bingo says and gets comfortable for the ride back home.

"Today, began the adventure of a lifetime with me and your dad." You began. "At first, your dad wasn't such a good guy and he had stolen the ancient magic scrolls. During the carriage ride, we had stopped and he managed to make a run for it. I tried to stop him as we ran across the labyrinth of extremely tall walls and in the middle was the Tower of Magical Magics. That's where all ancient magic of all kinds is stored for safekeeping."

"Oooh.~" Bingo and Bluey are fascinated. "What did Dad want with the magic scrolls?"

"I had no idea, but it seemed very important to him. I began to slow him down so much that he wanted to make a deal. Whoever made it inside the tower first, would decide what to do with the scrolls." You moved one of your hands forward then used the other to pull the other back. "We had somehow gone separate ways when a Spidermonkey tornado came rushing through."

Bingo and Bluey gasp.

"Your Dad made it to the tower, though he didn't see me sneak by and step inside. Unfortunately, he still had the scrolls, so we decided to return the scrolls together and receive the reward."

"What was the reward?" Bingo asked.

"That only ONE very powerful spell may be casted for anything. We make our way out of the tower and the labyrinth while wondering how we should use the one reward. Still, I didn't trust your dad, which led to us bickering and even slightly hurting each other." You and Bandit grimaced at the sticks hitting your guy's thighs. "All the noise caused a black and yellow dragon to appear." You make a loud roar and make your fingers snap like a mouth at Bingo and Bluey.

The girls grow a little scared, but their curiosity overcomes it. "Were you guys okay?"

"At first, the dragon was only after me and I ran. I thought your dad would leave me to be eaten, but...he helped by offering a piece of fruit which satisfied the dragon."

The girls clapped happily. "What else happened?"

"After finding another carriage ride, we happened to stumble upon a tiny village where they trained knights to protect kingdoms across the world. They were really friendly and they even knew your dad very well." You recall a lot of students greeting Bandit and one small group took a liking to you. "Until one of the knights had a slight rivalry with your dad and they began to say, 'How do you know if that guy won't use the spell on you?'."

"But Dad isn't a bad guy." Bingo frowned.

You nod sadly, "Yeah. Too bad, I learned too late. I accidentally said a spell after confronting him, which with my bad mood, had turned into a curse."

"(Y/n), wait! Sure, I was going to use the spell on you! But I promise it was for a good reason!" Bandit ran after you, but you kept dodging him and refused to listen. "I wanted to use the spell to help give you luck into a better life!"

Before you could say anything, you realized the spell was complete and the King had gone silent. He would never get to laugh or talk to his family ever again. His two little princesses were upset that he couldn't greet them like he used to and the true love's kiss from his queen didn't work.

"Why didn't true love's kiss work?" Bluey asked with worry.

"Maybe the curse works differently." Chilli comforts her husband.

"Will Dad be able to talk again?" Bingo cut in.

Seeing the two girls sad, did make you feel bad and decide to just let out the truth. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. If I had trusted you from the very beginning, King Bandit, then you would've continued loving your family. Now without a voice, you're not able to voice your reasons to the kingdom and protect your family." You carefully help Bluey and Bingo out of their seats.

The jeep pulls into the driveway of the house and Bandit parks, turning off the vehicle.

"Please forgive me. I'll help you, Chilli, and your daughters any way I can. I know I'm not much, but I can try." Your words were actually true and not a part of the story.

Bandit smiled softly and turned in his seat to look back at you, "You are enough, (Y/n)."

You felt those words fill a good warmth through you, while Bluey and Bingo gasp excitedly. "Dad! You can talk again! How did the curse break?"

"Well, girls. (Y/n), here spoke true of heart. Something more powerful than any magic." He grins and holds open his arms, "Aaaand so much LOOOVE for their King. Come, child. Give your Old Man a hug!"

"Ew! I'll just take your word for it!" You laugh and try to open the back door, only for it not to open. It wasn't even locked— your eyes widen and pull harder on the handle. "NO! Child-proof locks!!!"

Bandit embraced you into a huge hug, not letting go as you tried to escape. "Dear, Child. Embrace the family love."

You scream, but end up laughing as Chilli, Bingo and Bluey join in, causing you to be squished in the middle. Somehow, you were able to escape and rush to the backyard with the Heeler's close behind.

"(Y/n)! Just let us love you!" Chilli calls out with a hearty laugh.

"Yeah! Me and Bingo are going to Koala Hug you!" Bluey said while Bingo agreed.

"Yeah!!! Koala hug!"

"And the King demands a hug of forgiveness!" Bandit shouts playfully.

"Gotta catch me first!" You race toward the trampoline and slide in.

The rest of the evening was spent with happy shouts and loud laughter as the Heeler Family tried to grab you on the trampoline, but you would dodge every time.

Eventually, they managed to team up with one big jump together and launched you up above them. As you fall from the short midair launch, they catch you and land in a pile on top of you.

"Yeah! We did it!" The Heeler's cheered.

You had the breath knocked out of you, but you made eye contact with Bandit as he ruffled your head.

"Well done, Mate. You've done good."

(Chilli: *crosses her arms*)
"Bandit!"

(Bandit: *laughs and fixes the quote*)
"I'm just playing! Here's the real quote. Still, the first one is better."