The princess was not one to shy away from festivities suddenly, but this was an urgent matter. Her cousin had provided her with some very concerning news. Claw had been spotted on the premises. Worst of all, Sweetie had allegedly let him in. She couldn't believe it herself. Had Sweetie tricked her? Was this whole worry about the pirate pup Arrby some sort of ruse to distract her? She's hadn't seen her since the beginning of the gala and that worried her greatly. She ordered the royal guard to patrol every section of the castle, keeping the situation under wraps for the time being. No need to alarm the other guests or the Paw Patrol for that matter. The princess personally hurried to Sweetie's pup house. Not finding her there. She had checked the kitchen and the parlor as well but didn't find her there either.
"Oh Sweetie, Please don't let it be so..." She said somberly. Walking side by side with the Earl.
"Do not fret Princess. We shall find her and that troublesome mongrel." He reassured her.
"Please let the other guests know I will be down soon. I just need a few moments to myself."
"Of course Princess."
If the Earl was good at one thing, It was keeping the calm and maintaining order when she wasn't around. She needed a breather and there wasn't a better place to go than her personal quarters.
The moment she entered her bedroom though, she spotted something on her night stand. Next to her favorite book, sat a vase, adored with a beautiful rose, One so pristine, so elegant. It was a marvel to behold.
"Oh my!"
Now her curiosity was peaked. Could one of her invited guests left this for her? She blushed at the idea of Ryder doing something so romantic. Even if a little invasive. It was her bedroom after all. A tiny mechanical whirling caught her attention. She walked over and observed a familiar robotic frog toy that tried to hide himself behind the vase.
"Busby, What you doing here? And...what's on your head?"
The robotic knight gave a squeak, the letter that adorned his head waving slightly. The princess pulled it off him. Recognizing the crest of her royal family adorned in front of it. She flipped the letter over, a few words were written out in pink ink. With the stamp of a paw print just below them. A signature the princess recognized well. She sat by her bedside, Busby hopping into her lap as she read the words aloud.
"The Duke lies. Claw is innocent. Things are...complicated. I'll explain when I return with my dachshund. Let this rose show my loyalty to you. My most cherished friend- Sweetie."
The princess held her breath and struggled to keep herself composed. This was a confession. A real one, no malicious intent behind it. Busby pressed into her. Reassuring her that Sweetie was truly being being honest. The gift that came included with the letter was more than enough to prove it. She leaned into the rose, it radiated scents from the most wild and exotic jungles. It was one of a kind, just like her pup. She would need to call off the guards as soon as she could. She also had half a mind to run down and question her cousin. In either case, She had to put faith in her pup that things will be situated. She lifted the rose out of it's vase, Holding it up to the moonlight that draped her bedroom. It glowed magnificently.
"Take care my precious Sweetie. Follow your heart."
--
Claw held perfectly still, he dared not make a noise. Letting his dedicated training and discipline at being a cunning knight keep him steady. He stood in one of the many elaborate corridors inside the castle. He was lined perfectly next to a number of similar looking dog statues. All roughly the same size and shape of himself. He was happy to not have his armor on for once, it allowed him blend perfectly with the figures. At least he hoped it would. To his surprise, The royal guards including that annoying Duke completely missed him and strutted on by. He giggled to himself, but remained on guard.
This wasn't at all how things were suppose to go. He had just wanted to confess himself to his closest friend. Now he was being pursued by the royal guard. Well, no matter now. All that does matter is that Arrby was found and safe. Even if he had to rely on Sweetie of all pups to find him.
Once he was sure he was in the clear, he crept down from his post. He kept low to the ground. Keeping an ear out for anyone near by. He had to weight his options. Staying inside the castle was out of the question. He would have to make a long trek back to the Dragon highlands. The guard would be too afraid to look there. Shame, he had grown to like being inside the castle for once but he suppose it couldn't have lasted forever. The thought of being by himself in his cave again did little to make him happy.
"If only I could have....AAH!"
He was blindsided as someone jumped him from behind. He felt himself being lifted by the scruff of his neck. Meeting face to face with the Duke of Flappington who sneered evilly at him.
"Hah! Nice try! I thought that statue seemed too fluffy."
"Unhand me you jerk! or I'lll..."
"Poor Claw, You look even more sad without your armor on. What do you even have left at this point? Just give it up!"
Claw squirmed in his grasp. He could nip at the Dukes hand to make him drop him but what good would that do? He'd just get sent to the dungeon regardless. It seems he might have been truly caught this time. He decided not to fight it. There wasn't anything further he could do but speak his mind.
"I have...my friend. He's more of a proper and loyal friend than you ever were!"
He blew raspberry directly at his face. The Duke wilted in disgust before staring daggers towards the pup.
"Perhaps I don't have to tell the guards anything. Maybe I stood take you to the highest tower of the castle and....."
Claw and Duke suddenly felt weightless, The floor they stood on dropping beneath them. The Duke hugged Claw for the briefest of moments before they fell on to a steel slide. They spun round and round till the slide split two ways. Claw pulled in one direction while the Duke was pulled somewhere else. The Doberman couldn't make heads or tails where he was going, his path slowly coming to end at a stone wall. He was picking up momentum and Claw braced himself, thinking he was going to slam straight into it. At the last moment, The wall began to part and Claw went airborne once more. He realized he was at the entrance to the castle. Before falling straight into a purple and pink colored roadster. Landing right in the back seat.
"How's that for an escape plan?!"
"Sweetie!"
Claw marveled at the terrier. She sat in the front seat, dress in her pink jump suit, The fur on top of her head slicked back in devious intention.
"You...saved me."
"You seriously think I'd leave you behind? What kind of queen do you take me for?"
"What about the Duke?"
"Oh he will be fine."
On que, The pups heard the wail of the Duke as he was spat out from one side of the castle and dropped directly into the moat. He splashed about in the dirt laden water, With both pup laughing aloud at his misfortune. It might have been one of the first times Sweetie and Claw shared in pleasure of someone being humiliated that wasn't each other. The Doberman noticed something shimmer from just below his seat.
"My armor!"
"Thought you could use that as well."
"Sweetie...Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet! Come on. We got a pirate to find!
She leaned forward and slammed on the throttle. The roadster sped off as the devious pups made their way out of the castle grounds. Sweetie flicked a switch on her console. The roaster quickly transforming into a chopper that took off into the sky. The Duke stewed in anger as he watched the pups get away.
"No no no!"
He stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly. Before gagging at the taste of the mud tinged water. In seconds, Jean Claude flew over him. The Duke shouting a few expletives in words only an eagle could understand. Something along the lines of.
"After those meddlesome mutts! Now! KAW KAW KAWWWWW!"
--
"So you're in love with both Sweetie...and Claw?"
"Yeah..."
"And I take they took that news pretty well?
"As well as a root canal."
"Ouch, that bad huh?"
"Yeah. Kissing them both probably didn't help either."
Moby staggered a quiet gasp before digging his upper canine teeth against his lower lip.
"You kissed them...both?"
"Not at the same time but...yeah. I liked it too."
He didn't want to over react but hearing that from Arrby flared some jealousy deep inside him. This behavior was not really his style though and he quickly pushed those feelings away. Responding the only way he knew how.
"Bow wow wee."
Moby couldn't help but sound a little sarcastic but regardless, Arrby and his feelings were his priority right now. He had finally reached the shore of Seal Island. Carefully parking his sub along with Arrby's dinghy which he towed just behind them. As the boy stepped out of the sub, The pirate pup took a moment to ensure the rope tying his vessel was secure. While he was distracted, Moby used the few seconds he had to flail his paws towards McSquidly from the entrance of the cove. Advising him to abort the mission. The squid quickly got the memo and rushed inside the cavern. The sounds of crashing and breaking glass made Moby grind his teeth in annoyance. He had just gotten that place organized too.
"What was that?!" Arrby asked.
"Uh. Nothing!" Moby quickly stepped in front of him. Trying to keep his attention, plus he was genuinely curious at what happened next.
"So, that's when Sid showed up?"
"Yeah. He found all that stuff I had hid from him and then just dragged me back towards the boat. Didn't even let me say bye."
Arrby let out another sad whine and leaned his head into Moby's chest. The water pup froze.
"At that point, I lost it. Told him how he cared more about his stuff than he cares about me. I'm honestly not sure where we stand after that outburst. I basically betrayed his trust. Maybe I shouldn't have..."
Moby slowly put a paw against his friend's back.
"Hey, You've been putting up with a lot crap from him for a while. About time he heard it first hand. You have nothing to feel bad about."
"But he's still my captain! And my friend. I don't want to loose him. I don't want to loose Sweetie or Claw either! Now I have to choose between the two of them!"
"It's a complicated issue. No doubt about that but if those two are going to let whatever decision you make keep them from staying friends with you, then they're insane. Any pup would be crazy to lose you as a friend."
The pirate lifted his head up, his soft nose pressing under Moby's chin.
"You think so?"
"I know so. After all, I am the smartest pup I know. So it's definitely true."
"Hahaha so you say."
Arrby felt his tail wag at that, and leaned his head back into Moby. It was nice being heard and understood for once. One of his floppy ear could make out the rapid thumping of former Merpup's heart.
"Hey...are you good?" Thinking his friend was on the verge of another panic attack. Moby didn't play it off too well.
"Yeah dude. I'm...uh."
Another crash that came from the cove and McSquidly leapt out of the entrance. His tentacles were covered with stones, shells and an assortment of other random tools. Including Moby's laptop. A set of string lights were wrapped around his large head and body, the remaining length of the cord being pulled right behind him. He tried his best to not look super suspicious. Inching his way along the sand As Arrby stared in confusion and Moby's eye twitched in embarrassment.
"Uhhh Is McSquidly doing some redecorating?"
"Sure! Let's say that."
The cephalopod chirped a swear towards him before motioning Moby to make a move. Moby shooed him off, less than subtlety asking for some privacy. The squid rolled his eyes and gave the two some space. Moby wasn't exactly sure where to go from here. He thought that his chances of Arrby reciprocating his feelings might be for nothing at this point. Still, he had suspicion that Arrby wasn't being a hundred percent honest with him.
"Is there something else keeping you from coming to a decision about Sweetie and Claw?"
Arrby bit his tongue. Looking back up at the pup.
"Well, there's this...other pup that...I might...like."
Moby kept his cool.
"Yeah?"
"Mmmm, Well I wouldn't say like because I'm...pretty sure it's more than that." Per usual, Arrby nudged his small paws together in nervous and adorable fashion.
"He came off kind of mean and scary when I met him."
"Sounds a jerk." He joked though he took note of Arrby saying "Him"
"Nah, he's just misunderstood. He's not very social but I think he's come a long way from what I can tell."
"Keep it cool." Moby thought to himself. "Keep it cool."
"He's a good pup."
"Is that right?" He tried keep his tail from wagging.
"Beautiful too."
Moby felt his fur stand on end, His snout contorting into a stupid smile. Excitement swelled in his chest while Arrby laughed at himself.
"Dog, Look at me. Do I just fall in love that easily? How could I be so sappy? He probably hasn't even noticed how I feel..."
"I LOVE YOU TOO!"
Arrby jumped at the outburst, With Moby's face going completely crimson at what he just said.
"Oh no. No No no! Too sudden! To fast! I'm...I'm...I'm....blowing this. Ughhh!"
He let his paws run drag down his snout in frustration. He took a breath and started over. Keeping that stern expression Arrby had come to love.
"Arrby...I don't like other people. No, it's not that I don't like them. It's that...I don't trust others. Other people don't like me. Merpups included and I don't really blame them. Some pups are different like Rocky and Coral but even then I find it really difficult to be so vulnerable with them. I thought it was easier to keep everything to myself, The good and bad feelings...mostly the bad."
Moby dug a paw into the sand, just letting everything spill out of him.
"You though, you come waltzing into my life like nothing and somehow make every bad feeling I have just go away. I don't how you do it. I had never considered being in a relationship before. Let alone who'd I'd want to be with but just having you in my life for the last month or so gave me enough perspective to know that...I want to be with you. I don't care if your land pup. Short or tall, Boy or girl or whatever. I just know...I'm crazy about you Arrby"
Moby was surprised how easy it was to say this.
"I... just made things more complicated? Didn't I?"
Arrby ran into the fluffy pup. Wrapping his shorter paws as as tight as he could around his back.
"It's not your fault. I fell for you hard." Arrby squeezed him. Letting his nose press into Moby's pup tag.
"But...that's why you couldn't give Sweetie or Claw an intimidate answer could ya? Because you like me too right?"
"Was I so obvious?" Arrby laughed. "What if I was talking about a different grumpy pup?"
"Hah, Not likely. You're a terrible lair. Not that I mind."
Moby returned the affection twice as hard. Wrapping both his paws around the smaller pup before leaning his snout down. Resting his chin against his covered head.
"We...We could have the cove to ourselves ya know. Explore the ocean, build stuff together. Heck, I'd just love to sit next you for hours and do nothing. That's sounds pretty good right now."
"By dog it does." Arrby cooed.
.For the briefest of moments, Arrby thought about throwing all his cares away and settling with the formal merpup. It would be so easy, but as he clung close to a pup he loved, His fond memories of Claw and Sweetie swung right back into his mind. He felt himself loosen his grip on Moby. Who immediately pick up on Arrby's hesitation.
"But...It's not such an easy thing to do. Is it?"
"No...It's not." Arrby admitted sadly.
"Because you love them too."
"Yes" He said quietly.
Moby wanted nothing more than you hold on to the smaller pup for as long as he could. Ultimately, he was a rational type of dog and he had let Arrby come to a decision, a proper decision.
"I think you should go."
"What?" Arrby felt his heart sink while Moby quickly stammered out a reason.
"Not like leave. I meant...like...go some where by yourself. To really weight out your options about this. Between me, Sweetie, and Claw. If you stay here with me, I feel like I'd sway you...It wouldn't be fair for the other two."
He couldn't believe he was even considering the feelings of two pups he had yet to meet but he was just trying to play it fair. For Arrby's sake. The pirate looked at his paws in thought.
"Yeah, I suppose you have a point." He looked out to the ocean seeing his dinghy bob in place.
"Well, Guess a night time paddle wouldn't be so bad."
"Not a bad idea at all."
The Portuguese water pup walked towards his sub. Keeping his face stern as he untie the vessel and got it into position. Arrby quickly hopped on board as Moby began to push it out to sea.
"I'll be back soon."
"Not to soon. Take your time. I'll be right here waiting for you."
Moby kept his eyes to the sand below him as he used both of his tentacles to push Arrby. It was a good idea, a fair idea, yet Arrby couldn't help but worry about Moby's feelings.
"Hey, are you sure this the right..."
"We're doing the right thing. The smart thing."
"But..."
"No buts Arrby. This is the only way to settle this impasse."
He kept pushing him away. Letting his paws kick up water as he moved the dinghy out of shallow waters.
"Moby, Wait a sec..."
"Don't worry about me. Just..."
"But your upset. I can tell."
Moby shot his gaze up towards the pirate.
"I'm not!...Upset...."
Without even realizing it, a tear had run down his face. He wipe it off his snout quickly. Worried Arrby might have seen.
"Oh, That's weird. I guess I am...upset. So that's what that feels like."
Moby felt his chest begin to seize and his breathing tighten up. He knew what was coming and so did Arrby. The pup leaned forward and placed both his paws against his ears. He pressed his head against Moby's. Doing his best to keep him calm even as the tide pulled them further out to sea.
"Moby, it's okay."
"Why am I crying?...this is so stupid..."
"Because you are upset. It's okay to be upset."
"Why though?! Why do I feel this way? I'm giving you a chance to choose on your own terms! That's right thing to do right! I'm doing the right thing! Right?"
Arrby leaned in closer. Letting his paw brush against the pup's snout.
"You are but maybe part of you is afraid that...I won't pick you."
Moby bit his quivering lip and snorted loud. Trying not to dwell on that possibility. The small pirate moved a paw under his chin. Pulling his head up to look at him.
"I'll come to a proper decision. I promise."
"I..I..."
Moby felt more tears well up but he quickly batted them away. Letting that cocky smirk return to his face as he blurted the first thing he thought.
"I really really REALLY want to kiss you right now."
Arrby smiled, letting his snout press closer to Moby's nose.
"I mean...I did already kiss the other two. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't..."
Moby quickly closed the gap between them. Letting his lips seal tight against the pirates. Arrby leaned into the affection, moving both his paws rub the sides of his fluffy face as they kissed. The pair in pure bliss even as a massive wave crash into them. Soaking them both. Arrby spat out sea water and reposition himself in the boat. Mean while, Moby just let himself float back to the shore. Lost in afterglow of their first kiss.
"Bow wow...WOW"
He lifted his head up and watched Arrby drifted further into the bay who gave a reassuring wave to him. His heart swelled at the sight but he quickly pulled himself back together. Alright, His feelings were out in the open and Arrby felt the same way. Great! But so did Sweetie and Claw. What exactly was he to do now? A past version of him would have probably found a way to rid of those snooty pups. Trapped them in air bubble in Puplantis? Or get them chased off by a swarm of sharks? He had briefly considered it but that wasn't who he was anymore. Even if the idea seemed tempting. No, It was about time he confronted his competition face to face. Let them know their shared crush was making up his mind on who he wanted to be with.
"I bet those two have pup tags on the same frequency as Arrby's. I could track them easily."
He'd have to triangulate their position from where he was. He just needed to wrestle his laptop from McSquidly's grasp first.
--
Even as he slipped on his last piece of armor, Claw was enamored by the sight of Barkingburg. He had seen it countless times riding on the back of Sparks but he never got sick of it. The chopper suddenly pulled to the left, almost spilling Claw out of the back seat. He yipped and grumbled at Sweetie who snickered to herself. Clearly trying to scare him.
"I could have fallen out!"
"Oh hush, You have a seat belt on."
Sweetie clicked a few buttons on her console. She fussed with her collar as well. Biting her lip in frustration.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to contact Arrby through his pup tag! I can't reach him!"
She doubled tap her pup tag. Claws own tag glowed and reacting with the signal. A smaller screen on her chopper console lit up. Displaying Sweetie and Claws locations via their tags within a fifty mile radius. Sweetie gasped, not believing what she was looking at. Claw observed a smaller dot flashing slightly behind their chopper. His stomach twisting in unsettling realization.
"That can't be right! According to this, He's back at the castle?!"
Claw felt his ears lower.
"No he isn't..."
"How do you know?" She asked curiously.
"I might have left his pup tag....back at the garden."
"What?!""
"He couldn't wear it to the galal! It clashed with his suit!"
Sweetie thought back, realizing Arrby was in fact not wearing his collar the whole night. That truly complicated things.
"Look out!" Claw cried.
Sweetie turned back to look where she was flying, Only to come face to face with a familiar dark feathered eagle that flew passed her head. Shrieking loudly.
"Jean Claude!"
The eagle let out another roaring screech before flying back around. He soared over Claws head before leaning over to nip at Sweetie's ears. The royal pup struggled to maintain control, The chopper sputtered in the air. Turing every which way as the eagle toyed with her.
"Ahhh! Claw! Do something!"
The doberman growled towards the vicious bird. He unbuckled his belt and leaped towards Jean Claude who dodged his grasp. The bird swung back around to the left of Sweetie. Forcing her swing her chopper right. Claw felt himself lose his balance and fall backwards. He quickly caught himself on panel of the roadster. He swung dangerously over the edge of the vehicle. His back paws dangling over the open sky.
"AHHH! Sweetie!"
"One second!"
She hit the autopilot, Leaning over to pull Claw up. Jean Claude saw his opportunity, landing directly on his steering wheel. Forcing the chopper to flip over. Sweetie felt herself begin to slip out of her seat. The vehicle spun all the way around and the pups clung to each other as they fell out. Claw was convinced this was the end. He'd never see Arrby and Sparks again. He'd end up being splattered next to the a pup he loathed. Yet despite it all, she tried to save his life and he couldn't help but feel grateful. As they quickly fell towards the shore of Barkingburg, Sweetie barked loudly.
"Parachute!"
Her pup pack burst opened. Spilling all it's contents out. A lavish pink and white parachute opened up, Slowing their decent a little. Sweetie had saved his skin not once, but twice now.
"Sweetie...Thank..."
"Heavy! Too heavy!"
Claw realized what she meant. All though the parachute was slowing them down, it was designed for Sweetie. Not for him and his armor included. They were still falling fast. The pair braced themselves as the landed hard against the shore. They skipped and rolled along the sand before collapsing on top of each other. As they came too, they both squealed in embarrassment. Not looking at each other.
"Are...are you alright?" Sweetie finally asked.
"I'm fine. Are you..."
From a distance, They heard the sound of Sweetie's roaster crashing into some trees near by. Followed by the satisfied cry of Jean Claude as he made his way back to his owner. Sweetie sneered at the sound of the aggressive creature.
"Foul beast! Hmmph!"
She quickly pulled her chute off before pressing her pup tag a few times. Growling loudly before kicking the sand in frustration.
"Blast it all!"
"I told you, His pup tag is at the..."
"This is all your fault!" She snarled at him.
Claw jumped backed.
"Me?!"
"Yes! If you had just grabbed the bird we wouldn't be..."
"Excuse me! I would have fallen off!"
"You did! And took me and my chopper with you!"
"I was trying to help you ungrateful snob!"
"Well, you....You...."
Sweetie growled and stammered in place in a blind rage. She had half a mind to just lob sand towards the Doberman. Instead, she collapsed. It was pointless to fight with Claw. So, she sat in place and began to openly weep. The sight made Claw deeply uncomfortable and a little confused.
"I...I don't want to do this right now." she sad sadly.
Through his irritation. Claw could see how overwhelmed the terrier was. It reminded him of how he was that night on the cliff. When a good friend brought supported him when he needed it. Now Sweetie needed that sort of support.
He sat in front of the pup, his anger all but quelled.
"Me..me neither. I'm...I'm sorry Sweetie. Truly I am."
Sweetie sniffled, not meeting his gaze.
"I'm...sorry too. It was that stupid bird."
"And that stupid duke."
"Yeah!" She snorted a little too loudly at that. Still not looking him in the eye.
"Back at the castle, when we were caught. You didn't have to take the fall for me..."
"I know" Claw said sternly. "But who would go after Arrby then? Plus...I did sort of owe you. I guess."
Sweetie was surprised. That sounded almost sincere. Even more surprising, the former knight had pulled out a napkin from his armored sleeve. Handing to Sweetie. It was a little grimy, covered in stains but she took it regardless. Wiping off her face.
"Thank you."
"No prob, Thanks for rescuing us by the way. That was quick thinking."
Sweetie wiped at her eye liner. Batting away her tears before snorting loudly in a mixture of disgust and amusement.
"Look at us, Apologizing and thanking one another."
Claw's ears twitched in amusement.
"Tell me about it. What on earth happened to us?"
"Arrby happened. That dumb, stupid, sweet little pirate." Sweetie grumbled in embarrassment.
"He's ruined us. It's all his fault. That caring and zealous wiener dog."
"I hope he's okay..."
Claw shook the sand off him. Sniffing the air a few times.
"Well, We're not going to find him just by standing here. We should keep going."
"And go where exactly, Claw?" Sweetie asked, sounding a little more annoyed than she had meant to.
"Well, If that foolish captain is near by. It's likely he's still trying to steal things he thinks he really really needs. He might still be near Barkingburg. We'll cut through the town and reach the docks. Search there first. Then we make our way to the dragon highlands and check there."
Sweetie stood up.
"That could take all night Claw."
He ran his tongue against his canines in frustration. Trying to keep calm.
"We do not have a lot of options Sweetie. The more time we waste, the less time we found out who he wants to be..."
Both pups paused at that. Not wanting to come to conclusions just yet.
"Let's just focus on finding Arrby."
"Agreed. Lets get going"
They only took a few steps before something massive leaped out of the water near them. The royal pair jumped. A dark blue and green sub bobbed out of the shore. The royal pups growled as two massive mechanical tentacles came out of the pod. Attached to them was a pup in a diving suit. He pressed the pup tag he wore. Sweetie's and Claws own tags glowing in response to it.
"Well well, You guys were super easy to find. Lucky me."
"Who...Who are you?"
The pup jumped onto the shore. Pulling off his helmet. Claw and Sweetie were met with a brown and white coated pup. A tinge of dark blue streaked on the tuff of fur on top his head. He flicked it back.
"My name is Moby and you two must be Sweetie and Claw. I think you should come with me. I know exactly where Arrby is and we need to be there for the decision he's going to make."
He offered a paw towards the pair but they didn't take it. A quiet look of awe conveyed on their faces.
"Oh my..." Sweetie mouthed.
"Bloody hell." Claw followed.
The pups didn't say it aloud but they were thinking the exact same thing.
"He's gorgeous!"
