A Recycling Pup and a Flying Pup

Chap. 4 : A Heart Divided

Rocky stands silently, watching as Skye and Everest disappear into the distance. The pink wheeled walker he crafted especially for her, with little butterflies painted on the sides because he remembered Skye's love for them, had made her so happy for a moment. But now, that joy has been overshadowed by her rush to see Chase. He looks down, feeling the emptiness gnaw at him.

Ryder gives him a gentle pat on the head. "Don't let it get to you, Rocky. You did a wonderful thing for her. She'll remember it."

Rocky nods half-heartedly, trying to believe Ryder's words. But doubt creeps in, how much longer can he hide his feelings? Before he can say anything, Ryder's Puppad buzzes.

"Rocky, I just got a call from Jake. Everest needs some supplies for an upcoming mission, so I'll need to handle that. Can you check on the Lookout and keep things running until I get back?"

"Of course, Ryder. I'll take care of everything," Rocky replies, forcing himself to focus on the task.

As Ryder heads off, Rocky finds himself alone, wandering back toward the others. Rubble and Zuma are finishing up their game, panting with excitement and grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey, Wocky!" Zuma waves him over, his eyes sparkling. "Did Skye like the walker? I heard she gave you a hug!"

"Yeah... she liked it," Rocky murmurs, trying to keep his voice steady. "But she went off with Everest to check on Chase."

Zuma tilts his head, noticing the hint of sadness in his friend's voice. "You know, dude, sometimes feelings take time. I bet Skye just needs to see what she really wants."

Rocky nods, though he's not entirely convinced. "Maybe. But what if it's too late by then?"

Zuma nudges him with a paw. "Look, Rocky, I've got your back, and we can figure this out together. If Skye's meant to be with you, it'll happen. You just need to be yourself, and don't let anyone make you feel like you're not good enough."

Rocky manages a small smile. Zuma's unwavering confidence has a way of lifting his spirits, even in moments like this. "Thanks, Zuma. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Anytime, buddy! How about we grab some tools and brainstorm? Maybe there's a way we can show Skye just how awesome you really are."

Together, they head back toward the Lookout, Rocky's mind buzzing with ideas. Maybe, just maybe, there's a way to show Skye how much he cares.

Meanwhile, at Chase's puphouse, Skye and Everest approach quietly. Chase is lying with his head on his paws, his eyes closed, but his ears perk up as he hears their soft footsteps.

"Hey, Chase," Skye says gently, nudging him with her nose. "I wanted to check on you. I heard about everything that happened... I'm so sorry."

Chase opens his eyes and blinks, surprised to see Skye and Everest standing beside him. He gives Skye a small smile but doesn't look directly into her eyes. "Thanks, Skye. I've just... I've been a little off lately, I guess."

Everest sits down, eyeing him carefully. "Maybe all this tension isn't helping either. You know, between you and Rocky."

Chase's face hardens. "Rocky's been getting in the way... and it's like he doesn't care. I thought he'd understand by now."

Skye's heart twists as she listens, but she feels torn between her compassion for Chase and her own complicated feelings. "Chase, Rocky's a good friend to us all. I'm sure he never meant to hurt you."

"Yeah, but it still feels like he's always there, trying to get closer to you," Chase replies, his voice barely a whisper.

Everest steps forward, her voice calm and steady. "Chase, I think Skye's right. Rocky would never do anything to hurt anyone. Maybe... maybe it would help if you just talked things out with him, without getting mad."

Chase sighs, looking away. "I don't know, Everest. It's hard to keep calm when I feel like everything I want is slipping away."

Skye hesitates, feeling the weight of Chase's words. Her mind races, guilt mixing with the complicated feelings she's been trying to keep hidden. "Chase, no matter what, I want us all to be close. You're important to me... but so is Rocky."

Chase's expression softens as he hears her words, but a shadow still lingers in his eyes. He nods, though the tension remains unbroken. "I just... I just don't know how to let go."

Everest watches them both, sensing the unspoken words hanging in the air. She gives Skye a gentle nudge. "Come on, Skye. Let's give Chase some time to rest. We can catch up later."

Skye gives Chase one last, lingering look before following Everest, her heart feeling heavier than ever. She knows she has a decision to make, one that will impact everyone she cares about.

Back at the Lookout, Rocky and Zuma are deep in thought, sprawled out with spare parts and blueprints scattered around them. They're planning a new gadget, something special that might impress Skye.

"Maybe it could be a gadget that lets Skye fly higher than ever before?" Rocky suggests, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

Zuma chuckles. "Or something that helps her on missions, like a paw-activated camewa or a communicatow. Something to show her how much you care about her safety."

Rocky smiles, encouraged by the ideas. "Yeah... something unique, just for her."

As they work, Marshall strolls over, a slight smirk on his face as he watches them. "What are you two up to?"

Rocky glances up, hiding his nervousness. "Oh, just... planning something-."

Marshall's eyes narrow slightly. "Just remember, Rocky, Chase isn't going to be happy if you keep getting close to her."

Zuma steps forward protectively, a calm but firm expression on his face. "Marshall, Rocky's only being himself. Skye deserves to know how much Rocky cares, just as much as Chase does."

Marshall scoffs, but says nothing more, trotting off with a flick of his tail.

Rocky sighs, grateful for Zuma's support but unsure how to handle the growing tension. He knows the challenges ahead won't be easy, but with Zuma by his side, he feels ready to try. And for the first time, hope flickers in his heart.