A Paw Patrol Story 12: Forgiving Yourself

Chapter 1

It's only been a couple of weeks since the Paw Patrol little venture to Australia. Lucas was still getting used to his new life in Adventure Bay, though it seemed strange to be around a lot of people, he enjoyed the company of the pups and Matthew. It was a rather cloudy and cold morning, and not being used to the cold, Lucas stayed inside the Lookout where it was warmer. Meanwhile, Champ, Matthew, Grace, and the others were enjoying themselves. Grace then began to notice a rather sad look on Champ's face, seeing that he was looking down at Matthew, who seemed to not notice that the pup was looking at him.

Grace:Hey, you okay, Champ?

Champ instantly snapped back into reality and turned to look at the Rockruff. Hearing this caused Matthew to look up at the two.

Champ:Yeah, I'm fine.

Grace:You sure? You look miserable.

Champ:I'm fine, don't worry about me.

Feeling a little annoyed, Champ walked away from the two, leaving Matthew and Grace feeling very concerned for their friend. Matthew looked at Grace, who seemed upset.

Matthew:Hey... It's okay...

Grace looked at Matthew, lowered her head, allowing Matthew to rub her muzzle.

Matthew:You think...

Matthew then let out a small sigh.

Matthew:Never mind...

Grace carefully and gently nudged Matthew with a paw.

Grace:What is it, bud? You can tell me.

Matthew:You think that this has to do with what happened to me?

Grace:You mean when you two got into an argument about you having autism?

Matthew:Yeah...

Grace let out a sigh.

Grace:I wouldn't blame him for being upset about that, nor would I blame you for reacting the way you did.

Matthew:I don't want him to feel hurt and sad because of that.

Grace:How about you spend time with Chase and the others? I'll try talking with him.

Matthew:You sure?

Grace:You're the best friend, I'm technically the girlfriend, so yes, I'll be the one to talk to him.

Hearing this made Matthew chuckle a little, making Grace smile.

Grace:I'll be fine, bud, stay here. I got this...

Matthew stayed and watched as the other pups were playing. Grace quickly caught up with Champ, sitting down right next to him. "Something on your mind?" She asked, with a very worried tone in her voice. Champ turned to look at Grace, not sure of what to even say. Grace sighed, "This is about what happened to Matt, isn't it?" Champ then sighed as well, as he began to speak.

Champ:Yes... I was a fool, an idiot for keeping such a secret from him. I just didn't want him to doubt himself for being different.

Grace:Was keeping a secret like that wrong? Yes... But that's all in the past now, he forgives you for that, despite what happened, he's still your best friend, is he not?

Champ:To him, I am. But do I deserve to be his best friend after what happened?

Grace:I have a feeling that something else is worrying you.

Champ:Vaati, that creep Lucas and Matt fought. He kept talking about making Matthew his vessel. What if I can't protect him? What if Vaati takes his body? What if he kills Matthew?

Grace:You ask too much of yourself. You may be super strong physically, but emotionally and mentally, you're vulnerable. Not calling you weak, well, not physically anyway, but whenever I see you finally let your emotions out, it hurts me to just sit and watch. I bet Matt feels the same way.

Champ just looked away, not wanting to say anything. Grace frowned and began to walk away, but not before turning her head to say to Champ, "If you need some time alone, I understand. But don't make Matthew feel responsible for how you feel, just like how you felt when he was taken to Australia." Before Champ could respond, Grace had already left, making him feel more sad, and began questioning his own feelings. "Should I be feeling this way? Maybe I should, maybe I shouldn't be... I was a very cold and lonely pup before I came here, I never cared for people's pain or what they lost when the Calamity struck. But now, I have real friends, I finally have a family, but now, the feelings I once never cared about, I now feel them, and it hurts... It really hurts..." He said to himself, as a tear ran down his cheek.

Champ:(You may forgive me, Matt... But I don't forgive myself for what I did to you.)

Back at the Lookout, Matthew decided to head inside to check on Lucas, seeing that the African Wild Dog was just watching TV.

Matthew:Hey Lucas.

Lucas' ears perked up as he looked down to see the little human, with a smile on his face. "Hey buddy!" He said with a cheerful tone in his voice, his tail wagging rapidly. That smile then turned into a frown, noticing the sad look on Matthew's face. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked, giving Matthew a gentle nuzzle. "You can tell me."

Matthew:(Sighs) Just worried about Champ is all.

Lucas:What's wrong with him?

Matthew:Me and Grace think he's upset over what happened before and during my time in Australia.

Lucas:Can't say I blame him, but then again, it's been a few weeks now, so, I don't think he should be making himself feel miserable for a small mistake such as him not telling you that you have Autism.