Burning Rhythms | Chase x Skye Story

Chapter Seven: Comforting Zuma

Zuma returned to the hotel but was demoralized, unable to accept defeat, and began blaming himself for how he had underestimated his opponents.

Ryder and the pups felt sorry for him, but they knew they couldn't do much to help him because he had been eliminated from the League. The next day Zuma decided to stay at the Hotel, but since Ryder did not want him to be alone he asked the pups if one of them wanted to be together at Zuma.

Chase feeling sorry for Zuma decided to stay with him even though he knew he would miss the second day of qualifying and Skye showing off her wonderful dance moves. What made him laugh it's that Skye would destroy his opponents.

"Are you sure Chase?" Ryder asked Chase.

"Yes Ryder, I'm sure." He said in a sad tone but knew he had to comfort Zuma.

"Alright Chase, but If you need me, call me."

"Yes Ryder, now go or you're gonna be late."

Chase after saying goodbye to Ryder and the rest of the pups went to Zuma's room, when he opened the door he found Labrador lying on the ground thinking about yesterday's race.

"Hello Zuma," Chase said sitting next to the Labrador.

"Hello Chase." He said with a sad tone.

"Are you good today?"

"Do you think I'm okay?! I was eliminated from the League and now I can never realize my dream of winning the most coveted cup of all those who play Pup Pup Boogie!" Zuma yelled at Chase.

"I'm sorry for that Zuma, it's happened, but you've proven you can compete with players stronger than you."

"Not true Chase, I'm not strong at Pup Pup Boogie, I was beaten by real professionals, I shouldn't even have come here!" Zuma said starting to whine.

Chase couldn't accept that Zuma thought so, he and Skye were the best players he knew. 
"No Zuma, now look me in the eyes," Chase said very seriously.

Zuma lifted her wet head from the tears he shed and looked at Chase. 
"Zuma you are a great player, I saw you at work and even I would not be able to replicate such moves, and then while you've come this far it's a success because there are so many dogs out there who would have liked your place," Chase said.

"So don't take it as a defeat, but take it as a life lesson as next year you might even win this League." Concluded Chase.

The words of the German Shepherd made Zuma think, he understood that he should not take it as a defeat and that he could train and maybe win next year.

"Y-you have right Chase, I'll try and win next year," Zuma said wiping away tears.

"I'm glad to see you've regained the confidence in yourself," Chase said hugging him.

"Well, it was because of you," Zuma said enjoying the hug. 

After helping Zuma, Chase became sad because he couldn't see the competition.

"What's up, Chase?" Zuma asked worried for him.

"As I chose to stay here in the Hotel with you, I won't be able to see the competition, and Skye." He said. 

"Don't worry buddy, I know how we're gonna see your 'girlfriend' win every game," Zuma said jocking.

"S-Skye is not my girlfriend," Chase affirmed embarrassed.

"I know you like it, it's so obvious now. But as many have already told you, you will have to come out soon." Zuma said giving a friendly punch on Chase's shoulder.