A Paw Patrol Story

Divided Family

"Are you even sure he is still there?" I ask as we both begin crossing the big bridge that connects the town from the 'Paw Patrol' zone

Katie's vet had disappeared completely, there's only a big square of cement next to the dull grass, and the Lookout looks neglected

The painting looks old, bits of corroded metal all around the tower and the grass turned dry and dusty

Rocky, with a slight excitement, answers as we continue crossing the big bridge "Mhm! I mean, I've never seen him leave the place, so I guess he is still there"

I take a glance behind me. The fog has dissipated enough overnight to allow me to see the Now changed Adventure Bay.

Houses of people I knew and liked were gone, and the beauty of the town has dissipated just like the fog

I turn my head back forward, trying not to get too emotional, but the sudden sound of young laughter makes me quickly turn my head to my side

And I see Rocky, with his crooked ear and bright in his eyes, as well as a big smile on his face, jumping over my young self, who's lying down in the green perfectly cut grass.

"I got you!" My young self says with a smile, and the young Rocky chuckles

Then, without hesitation or awkwardness, they lean closer, but, right as they were about to kiss, I feel the real Rocky's paw on my shoulder

I quickly turn my head to him "Huh?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just- . . . I haven't seen you smile since . . . You know, a long time. What were you thinking about?" He asks as he himself gently smiles 

I turn my head back to my side, but the young Rocky and I had disappeared, the grass turned back to the light yellow colour and the ambience went silent as it was before "N-Nothing. . . "

He gently frowns. Knowing him, he wants to know what's happening so he can do whatever he can to help, but . . . I don't know . . . 

We finally stop right in front of the old metal door, which didn't immediately open how it used to, and I notice a crack on one side

The crack was wide enough to see through, but not to get through

"Hello!!?" Rocky quickly calls, his voice echoing around the dark tower, making me flinch as I turn to him

He lowers his look "Sorry. . ."

I turn back around and bang the metal a couple of times, the sound echoing back to us, as well as a piercing menace from the darkness inside

We stay a couple of seconds in silence, hoping to hear an answer or any type of sound coming from the shadows, but nothing

I quickly raise my paw to knock again, but the sound of a loud metal screech makes Rocky and I stay frozen in our place

Then, the slow pace of someone approaching the crack makes Rocky give a long shiver as he gives a step back

I wonder what Rocky is so afraid of. . . Did something happen between him and Chase after I left?

Rocky stutters, giving another step back "C-Chas-?"

"What are you doing here" the croaky voice quickly cuts Rocky

It's so dark inside I can't even see who's standing on the other side of the small crack

"W-Well, it has been some t-time now, and we've been-"