PAW Patrol Chronicles: Happy Pills

Sticks and Stones

Rocky looked out through the bars of the kennel he found himself confided in. He was exhausted after the long walk home with Chase, all the while dreading having to face Ryder, who had yet to talk to him.

Rain showered the lookout, thunder lighting up the sky with loud cracks, echoing in the small laundry room Rocky occupied.

This was the part Rocky hated the most, the waiting, waiting for Ryder to come in, waiting for him to yell and for Rocky's spirit to be broken, waiting for it to begin, so it could end.

The doorknob jiggled, every muscle tensed in his tired body. He looked on with fear as the door swung open, revealing a white dog with black spots; carrying a bowl of water in his mouth.

"Hwi Wocky." He tried, padding over to the cage and set the bowl down, he used his nose to unlock the door allowing Rocky to come out. He moved forward and lapped up the much needed drink.

Marshall sat down and watched him drink, trying to asses his state of well being without asking.

"You ok?" He asked looking him over with kind eyes. Marshall always had the heart for a medical pup, but he took extra care and consideration for his family, especially under the circumstances they found themselves in.

Rocky looked up from his now empty bowl at Marshall, wanting to tell him that everything was fine, that he was ok, that he was happy. But they both knew he was anything but ok.

"No Marshall, I'm not really doing so hot."

Without warning the dally embraced Rocky in his arms burying hid face into the crook of his neck.

"We love you Rocky....And we're here for you."

Rocky felt better after hearing this, Marshall was always the one to go to when you were feeling down, tonight was no different.

"I'll be ok Marshall, he can't kill me." He said laughing. Marshall giggled too and let go of him, looking him over with the same kind eyes that looked after every other pup on the team.

Neither one of them heard Ryder come in. He found himself watching the two exchanging kind words to eachother, under different circumstances he would be proud of them. But Rocky made a decision today, a wrong one; someone had to do this. Tell him that he screwed up. Ryder loathed this part of raising young pups: the days where they weren't good pups, and needed to be disciplined for their actions.

Rocky glanced to the side, freezing upon seeing the boy. Marshall noticed and quickly scampered outside, not wanting to be present for what was to come, what was going to happen. Rocky let out a low whine as Ryder shut the door behind him.

CLACK

went the lock.

Rocky sat down obediently infront of Ryder, glancing up from the floor to sneak a peak at his expression; Anger met his eyes everytime, back to the floor.

"R-Ryder I. . . I'm sorry." Rocky said.

Ryder's face was unchanged, if anything, it made him angrier as he stared daggers at the pup.

"Out of all the pups. . YOU go and do something as stupid...as IRRESPONSIBLE as this." Ryder said with an authoritative tone. He paced back and forth infront of the cowering pup now laying on the ground.

"Ryder I. . I just thought—"

"Thought!? You really expect me to believe you were thinking today Rocky? You broke the law." Ryder yelled, causing the pup to let out louder whimpers. Ryder had never yelled at Rocky before, and it was something Rocky never wanted to experience again in his life.

"You broke my trust today." Ryder said in a softer voice, pain bleeding through his words.

Ryder straightened up, hardened his heart, and faced the pup again.

"You have to face the consequences for your actions."

Rocky looked up at Ryder, knowing what was to come next.

"H-how long am I. . . grounded for?"

Ryder came closer to the pup and kneeled down to his level.

"Your not grounded." He said

Rocky was filled with relief, he let out a big breath, mentally counting his blessings. He thought for sure Ryder would have at least grounded him. Rocky smiled and began running around the small room, relieved that his nightmare was over.

"Thank you Ryder." He said moving in to kiss Ryder. The boy abruptly held his hand out, stopping Rocky in his tracks. Rocky looked up confused, but became even more so when he saw Ryder's face. He wasn't smiling like Rocky thought he was, not even angry, he was frowning. A tear rolled down Ryder's cheek as he looked upon Rocky. The boy snapped his finger and motioned Rocky to come. "Sit on my lap." He said, no emotion in his voice. Rocky hesitated, not sure of what to do. "R-Ryder? What do you m—"

"NOW."

Rocky hastily climbed onto the boy's lap. He looked up to Ryder for further instructions. None came.

SLAP

Rocky yowled in pain as Ryder cocked his hand back again.

"RYDER. . WHAT AR—"

SLAP

Rocky was in a fit of tears as his rear was struck again, burning like fire.

"IM SORRY RYDEREHERR!"

Again his hand came down as Rocky squirmed to break free, tears rushing down his muzzle.

Ryder felt his heart break with each hit, trying his best to tune out Rocky's cries for mercy.

"I'm sorry. . I'm sorryyy." Rocky blubbered out, pounding his paws on the floor, another blow came, worse than the last.

Rocky's voice was cut out, silently continuing to weep. Ryder stopped, he had learned his lesson. He picked up Rocky and placed him back into the kennel. He closed it and had his foot out the door when he looked back. Rocky was sniveling in his cage, mentally and physically drained. Ryder wanted to tell him how sorry he was, but it was too soon, they both needed time now. Time to heal, time to forgive, time to grow.