"I'm f*cked." Sips the Dalmatian in agonizing realization, the horrible truth hitting him dead with a bat — and my, was that a home run?

          Sat in the midst of the Vet Hospital canteen, a Shepherd, Mongrel, and a Dalmatian have sate their fits of hunger in the area, but could only limit themselves to quick snack bars and carton juices.

          Marshall had finished his' early and crumpled the product out of frustration. He managed to control himself too from tossing the garbage away from him, before ending that clip with balled fists slamming onto the table surface.

          "Definitely," Rocky replies in between munch, full-heartedly agreeing on his statement.

          Of course, this doesn't make situations better, as he could only thread his paws into his scalp and tear them in attempt "This is so f*cked. Why the h*ll did I have to fall for her? After all those harsh things I've done to her?!"

          "Obviously, you've learned more about her, so naturally, you'll feel a connection with her." Points the Shepherd, narrating from his own experience and perspective; with the fact too, that out of the three of them, he's the experienced one.

          His grip had only gotten more intense and forceful as he personally punished himself for allowing those hormones of his skyrocket on their own accord. If only he could welt himself away from these, he would.

          "It's just.. So wrong, yes — the fact I act insolently towards her, but for the love of- SHE'S GOT SOMEONE!"

          "Is it bad to step in though?" Asks of Rocky, to which Chase darted him a look that had all the answers he needed to know but didn't make sense in their nature.

          "Well, canine-wise.. We aren't designed for commitment but a few other animals such as humans. So I'm not entirely sure." Admits the brown coated truthfully in the end, finally retrieving knowledge of their true nature.

          But what had concluded of this temporary discussion of theirs was a groan and inaudible mutters from none other than the Dalmatian himself.

          As the duo has continued conversing, leaving him with his own thoughts, he scanned the area to see it fairly was populated with various creatures — humans, pets, farm animals, and even three wild ones.

          Once more, he sighed at the thought that crossed his mind and buried himself in between his paws, allowing the sting to persist in his heart, feeling as if something's clogged in his esophagus with threatening means from his eyes. Ducking stationarily, he felt baffled as to why he couldn't help but feel something from the thought of her being with someone else; and despite being aware of his own irk feeling towards her, he couldn't help but foolishly trail behind her.

          It was as if the story had finished for a long time now and there was not a single page to be followed from the heartbreaking proclamation of its end. If this was the case, why was he longing for another one to appear? When he knows too well that he could only look back and relive those moments by memory and nothing else — he cannot place himself back in it and make a difference.

          As his contemplation dug deeper, he too, wondered what was the use of such great feeling, when that itself too can cause so much despondency. Why was he not taught anything about this at all? 

          But before he could become feral — alone with his thoughts — Eirwen has emerged from the entranceways and made a beeline forth him. Upon arrival, he'd instructed the spotted canine that the Husky herself wanted to see him.

          Heart pounds loudly within its cage, hot sweat beaded his forehead as memories of his embarrassing moments came back to haunt him; that scene feeling fresh and recently done. His face flashed with an expression as if he had done bloody murder that someone has yet to catch and solve. Gulping away his guilt back within his system, he nodded in return and walked to her ward.

          His dreaded walk forth her began; every step closer was another intensity of beat from his emotional organ, and he just silently wished those memories — all those things he've said — would dissipate into nothing but mere happenstance and an ephemeral moment.

          People of sorts have passed by him in a swift brush, bringing forth a cold breeze that sends his spine "spiteful" shiver in an attempt to hopefully rethink his actions and remind himself of the consequences.

          Eyes were flung open upon cognizance that he had successfully transported himself half-conscious wholly to her door. There, it stood in a pure white hue with a polished surface and a glistening steel doorknob. What awaits behind him are various follow-ups; many possibilities, yet not one of them come to present themselves as definite. 

          Slowly twisting the knob open, the cold sensation brought an electric chill on his paws, making him flinch from it like a child discovering something horrific for the first time. 

          Finally swinging open, he found her laying on her mattress. Her head was faced towards the window that spilled of magnificent lighting, highlighting the best of her that he was unable to see from the barrier built with hatred and vex.

          That once lavender fur that of yore irked him — knowing her presence is around the corner, now brought him a field of daisies and similar flower of her fur, emitting a serene overtone weather.

          Her head delicately panned away from the window and looked at him with foreign expression, eyes were carved with fatigue and bags, and her lips were deserted of the sincerest fruits. Standing there, it felt as though thousand of eyes were watching him — even though he knows himself that he had only wronged one.

          "I'm.. Sorry about last night. Forget about it, all of them.." Pursing his lips into a thin line as he painfully recollected the gist of last night. He was trying his very best not to repeat the same situation again when they had fought, it wasn't fair to Everest.

          Her face slowly dawned of apprehension of what he meant. Her eyes fell onto her blanketed lower half, the gist of last night's event replaying in front of her — raw.

          Beneath the sheets had she began to twist her paws of promise, but it was surprisingly hard to connive the situation as it was played on loop, a film that could never be worn out by time and would only rewind with each beginning slowly becoming out of tune like of old animatronic voice boxes. It scares her.

          "I called you here as I want to confirm this myself. Do you.. Really dislike me? Did you mean it when you said I'm just a nuisance in the team?" she quietly asked. She saw his expression switch, his eyes widened in surprise as if he just caught a bullet in the chest. Immediately, he averted his gaze.

          "No, i was just caught up in my emotions and sentiments, honest." As she heard his response for herself, she felt even more confused, angry even. She thought that perhaps hearing him admit she has more worth than nothing would ease her raging internal conflict. But his response felt.. Empty somehow.

          Albeit not an apology – which was the least she wanted to hear at the moment – it felt like it was. For some odd reason, it felt like he shielded himself once more and refused to accept his errs, as if she was in the wrong again to provoke a touchy and fragile side of him, and she's the one who must understand his side. But she knew too well that that's not what he meant. Nonetheless, why can't she see this sentence in a different light but rather against an ablaze of fire with a sinister grin?

          Contrasting to this sombrous overtone, she couldn't help but merely scoff humorlessly at his response "Really? Honest? How can I assure myself that you're not gonna do it again? How many times have we been in this situation of fighting and forgiving? It's all in repeat and i'm tired of this sh*t. I can't bear another day of someone reminding me that i'm incompetent and useless!"

          "I'm sorry.. I should've known better."

          "You should have! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to deal with you?! With you, I always feel like walking on eggshells around you, and I'm scared that this is how my life is mapped out to be. I always second-thinking if I'm even cut-out and worthy of being a member of the Paw Patrol. I'm also someone who has feelings Marshall. Feelings! You're not the only one capable of doing that! And who the hell in the right mind say they love someone in gist of hatred in disgust?!"

          As she lifted her gaze and landed upon the Dally, she saw him silently well up in tears. Right past these physical assets that withholds his soul, she could see how much he'd been struggling to keep the tears – he knew how much his burden had exhausted her so much, and the least he wanted to do was look pathetic yet again in front of her.

          She knew that.. She had gone too far with her words and became someone she had despised the most in anyone — an unreasonable tw*t screaming their heads off with such sudden vexatious news that doesn't give her time to process everything.

          All her life, she based her belief that all arguments must be settled through a level-minded state and clear communication in order to shield herself from heartbreak and confusion. But now? Everything came out like a bomb; something that neither of them had expected. Even though what she's in is far different from her previous situation with her and Eirwen parting ways, something about their current situation was awfully similar to it nevertheless.

          Perhaps because it's both an argument. Both something she desperately wanted to prevent from becoming to reality. 

          In this very moment, neither of the two had realized how badly damaged they were from each other and what limits they have crossed as they traverse along the territories they've opened between them. Just cause one's capacity is different from the other doesn't mean it should be invalidated.

          "Ah.. I'm sorry.. I went too far." Her eyes fell back onto her self-knotting paws underneath the sheets. As she panned her irises to the window, she could only bite her lips more in repentance — at how she should've remained silent again and keep her role, because when did her interventions ever work out in the end?

          "You can't come along with anymore." Then bit his lips as if it were a sin to say that straight into her face.

          As if reality was squeezing a citrus fruit upon their wounds, Everest's eyes just widened in disbelief.

          "W-why?" Was all she could mutter at the blow she took from only a couple of words, delivered by yours truly.

          "Everest.. The pack.. They do not approve of—"

          "Eirwen. How can we fulfill that promise of working side by side forever, if you are going to kick me out of the clan?"

          "I know Everest, but—"

          "Eirwen.. Please keep me. I promise I'll do better! I'll practice scavenging for remnants without you so your duty won't be disrupted. I'll do anything just so you keep me in!!"

          "Everest—"

          "You promised me. You promised me a lifetime that we'd conquer together despite these harsh conditions. You're the leader, I beg of you.. Do something.. I have no one else if I leave the clan. "

          Silence soon swept the room with all its unholy glory, the Husky spell-hushed and the Dally pinned to his place with tear ducts struggling to restrain its cargo.

          Neither knew what to say next. Lingering longer is suffocating enough, but leaving felt like one had fully decided to cut ties and declare an end of an era. Truth be told, they wished nothing of that and all be fixed despite their messy relationship. It was all so.. New and odd.. That mere words cant explain it. (lol, me this entire time i'm rewriting this)

          "I.. Gotta go. I'm needed elsewhere." He excused himself as he slipped out of the room. The last thing she saw of him were his paws twisting and releasing the doorknob. From that, she was ready to accept fate and let the tides of time rift them apart and hope that a message in a bottle meant for her would wash by her bay once more and rekindle of what's left of them

          A ring came to senses in the midst of a conversation. Picking up the tone, the Shepherd was told to come scour the crime scene. Excusing himself out of the narration, he took his leave by taking a public transportation to the given location. Before he left though, he left a verbal note to Marshall relating to his whereabouts, thanks to Rocky who'll make this possible.

           Upon arrival, there were still mists of black smoke fuming off of the ground, making a faint hiss every time you draw nearer to one of them. The purified air was still of contaminated with chemical components and was an awful pinch to the noses.

          Spotting the Cockapoo and the Bulldog, he waved them a paw as a declaration he had arrived and they could officially begin the assessment.

          "I've found two of the culprits — situated amongst the forestry, but I lost some of them." Tells Skye, as she points at the tied up foxes that are by her copter, at a safe distance at the very least to ensure they can't cause mischief.

          "The fire's actually covered a large expanse, it's just that it damaged this home greatly," A sigh escaped Rubble's system "I hadn't gone to some places yet, so I'm not certain if anyone's covered in debris still. It was a hefty task for one, so I've gotten hungry after that." His tummy growled as evidence that he told the plain truth.

          Scratching his nape in frustration, the Shepherd could only sigh in utter frustration, his thoughts still muddled and unable to function properly.

          Looking around, Ryder had concluded his conversation with the local government and made a beeline forth them. Placing his hands akimbo, he broke the news that they'll be dropping the case now. If there's any unfinished business left, they may do so freely, but not much, as the local government will officially deal with it.

          As if it were a miracle, Chase sighed out of relief, glad that he wouldn't deal with something that's unrelated to Adventure Bay. Not to mention, dealing with all of its issues along with just their team is enough to exhaust him, especially when he's much needed — Rocky coming in second.

          "I guess we should deal with what were ought to finish. Tie things up on your end Rubble. We'll head on to the venue." Instructs the Alsatian, to which the instructed one instantly went in action and drove his bulldozer off elsewhere.

          The couple now was left alone by themselves, walking amidst a snowfield. They were enlaced in mute despite having no clue why, it oddly felt naturally uncomfortable.

          Events of last night came back to them in the flesh, and things had gotten messy here and there due to panic.

          Last night, Chase had almost burnt himself along with Marshall without such protection as they made an attempt in rescuing Everest — whose left lower limb is hindered with a fallen plank.

          Skye had insisted to put on a proper gear to avoid themselves from catching minor or major burns, but Chase and Marshall having a heroic mindset, ignored this and jumped straight in to danger to save her. Their logical reasoning was reasonable, and that wasting time is needn't. But too, irrationally made as it may cause harm to them.

          Luckily though, it were just quick stings of flame and a sensation of being cooked under a summer sun. In the end, they've brought Everest unharmed any further.

          Quickly, she ushered them to bring Everest over so she could get a proper supply of clean oxygen. Not too long had the rest of the patrol members arrived.

          Zuma instructed them to bring Everest onto his hovercraft and Marshall too, knowing they were the ones heavily affected by the sulfur production emitted by the blaze. Chase was offered to do so, but declined and reasoned he wasn't exposed for more than thirty minutes, then decided to assess the crime scene along with the others.

          "I admire your bravery Chase. But you shouldn't act so.. Carelessly. " Mutters the Cockapoo underneath her breath, as it became ragged at the faint memory of it.

          He could only look at her with his apologetic yet unregretful eyes "I'm really sorry.. But it's my best friend's life who's at stake. Someone who.. Equally did as much as you to change my life for the better. Having the thought of him. . . Gone. . . I couldn't bear to go through that once more; your near experiences were enough."

          Although this opposes her idea, she couldn't get mad at him somehow. True, it was wrong of him to do it in a whim, but she realized that it can't be helped. If everything stays walking on a trapeze, if one is out of course, you'll eventually have to venture out of it and take risks to put them back in line.

          "You're right, that's why you're amazing, you know that?" She simpers, drawing nearer to his fluffy chest, to which he held her closer. Receiving the compliment, he chuckled and blushed at a small intensity.

          "But you are not wrong about your earlier statement. I'll try to be more careful. Can't always live on the edge all the time if I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you." The female elbowed him for his cheesy reply and joked she'll have diabetes soon if he doesn't tone it down.

          "How many?" Cheekily grins the Alsatian, to which she didn't understand, and instead, tilted her head in confusion. He refused to give her a straight answer, in return, he's given whacks from the smaller breed — it really wasn't painful but rather a pillow smack at its finest; it can hurt, but not as much as a steel bat.

          Right before he could give her an answer, Rubble came to call them to check something out. Immediately, they went to where he was, not because it solely was based on concern, but for their curiosity as well.

          Along the way there, they had conversed of its endless possibilities, lining them with pins and threads as they draw nearer to a definite conclusion. What ended of their discussion was probably of an interesting mineral, something one of a kind.

           "Over here!" He calls out once he found them like lost ducklings. Finally finding him, they went nearer and craned their necks to the place he was looking at. Rubble picked it up and appears to be—

          "A paper?" She asks, clearly baffled on what's interesting with it if it's probably a coupon or a brochure of some sort. The chance of it being a paper bill though are slim and impossible, as the other face of it is painted in a white matte color.

          "Not just any paper though," He replies in seeming shock and concern. Chase and Skye could only look at him as he had a wart growing out of his head.

           But once the other face of the photo is faced to them, waves of questions and mystery washed over them — having a disconcerting feeling at the sight of it all. Printed on that paper, is a black and white photo of young Marshall.