Vigilante PAW

Chapter Seventeen: Promise of Past

Marshall closed his eyes as Liz removed the bandages from around his head. She needed to check up on the wound he had received when fighting Hood. Rocky and Everest waited with baited breath. If Marshall's head was okay, that would mean that they were free to begin looking for the doppelganger Dalmatian again.

As Marshall's eyes opened, he couldn't help but to look down at the bandages left wrapped around his front legs. The mere sight of them made his heart beat faster. He was ready to start looking for him again, yes. But if Hood were to try and start another fight with him, would he be able to fight back? He wasn't much of a fighter if it didn't involve Pup-Fu, which he knew was all in good sport. He used to be PAW Patrol's medical pup, for crying out loud!

His eyes slowly moved up to look at his friends. The two pups stared back at him with supportive smiles on their faces. He wasn't alone anymore. He had friends this time around. If Hood were to try and fight him, then he was sure that the numbers advantage would deter the mysterious mutt so nobody would have to get hurt.

As the woman inspected Marshall's head, her eyebrows raised in what seemed to be intrigue. She hadn't expected to see something like this.

"Hm... Seems healed enough!" Liz exclaimed, "Strange, you're surprisingly resilient, Oreo."

"So, he's healed?" Rocky asked, waiting for her answer.

The redhead shook her head, "Not all the way, but way more healed than I expected him to be at this point."

"So...?" Everest raised an eyebrow.

"Marshall's allowed to leave the house!" She declared, much to the delight of the three pups.

"Whoo!" The Husky cheered, wrapping an arm around both Rocky and Marshall, "The Dream Team is back in action!"

As Marshall felt Everest's soft, fuzzy fur over his shoulder, the Dalmatian couldn't help but to smile nervously, a pink hue tinting his cheeks. His eyes frantically darted around the room as he tried to distract himself from the thoughts bubbling up in his mind.

Rocky laughed, "Dream Team, that's a dumb name..."

"Whatever, I don't care!" Everest laughed, letting go of the two, "This brings us a step closer to our ultimate goal! Prove Marshall's innocence for sure."

"Thanks again, you guys..." Marshall spoke faintly.

"We're in this together, always remember that," Everest gave him a grin.

Rocky soon pushed away from the two, chuckling, "Haven't we had enough heartfelt moments for the week? Come on, it's time to get ready. Sunset is almost around the corner.

The mixed breed began to walk, followed by Everest. Marshall went to follow behind his friends, but he suddenly felt a hand on his head. He recognized that hand anywhere.

"Yeah, Liz?"

"You stay safe. Watch after your friends, and yourself," She told him, "I don't need one of you coming home with blood covering your bodies, okay?"

"I'll try my best. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. Now go. Join your team."

The Dalmatian nodded, walking down the hall to join Rocky and Everest in the guest room, which had quickly transformed into a working area for the former recycling pup. Pieces of scrap, wires, and metal littered the room's floor. Marshall had a bit of trouble navigating the guest room, trying his best not to step on anything that looked important.

"Alright you two, I know you've been excited to test out your new gear—" The mixed breed began to explain, but was cut off by Marshall.

"I didn't get any gear, remember?"