"Where are we going?" Marshall trembled, holding his paws around his owner as tight as he could. "Hush, Marshall. Save your strength," Ryder cooed, taking careful steps to ensure nothing may happen to his pup as he cradles him in his arms. His boots crunched the snow below with ease, slowly taking the two to a place with a different light, a flashlight in the hand of the teenager.

They both emerged out of the forest and onto a pathway, seeing a bonfire and receiving numerous smiles from pups wearing their gears on the side of the trail. "Marshall!" The group called, excited to see that their missing friend was with them again. Vehicles, including Marshall's, were all lined up on the path. "H-hey, pups," the Dally nervously greeted back, not even giving a glance. "What's wrong?" Everest questioned, the boy gently setting Marshall on the snow near the lasting flames where he remained speechless. "I found him deep in the forest," Ryder spoke, the pups refusing to avert their gaze away from their firefighter. They stayed there, listening to whatever Marshall would say to them even though he wouldn't even take a peek. "W-what?" He asked, knowing he hasn't even answered the Husky's question.

They were still in a chilly environment, bits of snow falling lightly from the sky. Any plans on returning would be beneficial for them all, and so Zuma made the decision. He sat down beside the pup, pondering on what to say, and so he started, "Mawshall." In a slow movement, he placed a paw on the side of Marshall's laying body, a bad shiver coming up which resulted in Marshall scooting away a bit from the touch. "Oh, I'm—"

"It's fine, it's just... I was just so scared and..." The now warm pup stopped, shaking his head. "I used to find comfort in the lonely darkness; the chilly night. That place." He pointed towards the edge of the cliff where he sat down earlier, continuing, "It calls me. It never did until..." He was cut off again due to his emotions overtaking him. A long, tired sigh became the substitute for the unfinished sentence. He lacked the energy and enthusiasm of his real self, and everyone was aware of it. Even Rubble, the most innocent of the bunch. The change was too drastic to not be noticed, and it has greatly affected the team.

"It's only us now. Ryder, me, Zuma, Ro—" Marshall raised his head in realization, gasping. "Rocky!" He jumped up, wincing from the bodily pain but he didn't let it falter him. "Rocky's here and he's being chased by a bear!" He continued, receiving shocked expressions. "We gotta go help him," Skye pleaded towards Ryder, who nodded immediately. "We can track his pup-tag but we got to be careful. Bears are known to sneak up on their prey, and they have better vision in the dark than humans." The boy informed with a brave figure, kneeling towards Marshall. "You stay here with Zuma and Skye. We'll be back soon," he reassured before having a look at his pup-pad in his pocket. "Come on, pups." He motioned his arms for Rubble and Everest, who padded beside him as they dive back into the forest with no time to rest. Skye and Zuma faced each other before turning to Marshall, who was staring at the fading figure of their friends. "Do you think they'll be okay?" the Labrador asked, receiving a shrug from the Cockapoo and silence from the Dalmatian. To him though, there was a force that he was feeling which spoke the worst, inevitable occurrence that may happen in his troubled mind. "I got a bad feeling about this."

Their heavy steps on the thickening layers of snow echoed in their ears in repeat, not even the hoot of owls seeming to be heard anymore. The silence could make one faint and the limited view to their front forced them to stay high alert. "Come on, pups. We gotta keep moving," Ryder commanded in a hush, his senses telling him they weren't alone. "Shouldn't b-bears be hibernating?" Rubble leaned closer to the human, his mind starting to imagine horrible thoughts. "Supposedly, yes," the boy answered, shining his tool of artificial vision forward to scare the darkness.

They continued to search for many minutes, eyes darting for any figures that may resemble a canine, most preferably with the ability to talk and interact. "Another dead end," Everest spoke in disappointment, a large ravine forming in front of them. "I don't get it. The pup-tag shows that Rocky's nearby." Ryder knelt down the edge, searching for the tracking device. "R-Ryder," Everest uttered with a trembling voice, catching the boy's attention with a questioning hum right before she pointed towards a direction. Ryder turned his head to look, his heart suddenly sinking as he saw the hanging pup-tag of his pup down the middle of a log that acted as a bridge. They rushed over to it, red smeared on the badge itself. "No, no, no." Ryder was in denial, turning his head to the other side of the ravine, his breathing turning shallow. "Rocky! Come here, boy!" he called in desperation, his two pups whimpering from the sight of the partially cracked pup-tag. "Ryder," Rubble called quietly, pulling the human by his pants.

"It's okay, Rocky! It's me, Ryder!" he tried again, and like before, no response, feeling only another light pull on his pants.

"Ryder."

"Let's go home, bud!" he yelled, tears starting to form as his voice was becoming hoarse.

"Ryder?"

"Just three more days before Christmas. Let's celebrate it together!" he cried out, hands starting to shake from anxiousness.

"R-Ryder?"

"What?!" he snapped, catching sight of two terrified pups. "Run!" they both uttered. Ryder turned to the opposite direction to see a black bear, eyes locked on them. They all screamed, narrowly dodging the charge as they rolled to the side. The creature almost fell off the ravine, only being able to grab onto the ground with its strong paws, saving itself.

"Come on!" Ryder commanded his pups to get up and sprint along with him, knowing how fast the bear could come after them. He turned his head to the side after they leaped across a bush, seeing the menacingly wild creature with razor-sharp claws that could tear anything. That is if the weight of the beast wouldn't already crush its victim. "Keep running!" Rubble was crying when he spoke, the intense fear taking over them all.

Everest shrieked as the bear has suddenly gained on them, it's mouth opening for a chomp. "AHH!" The bite missed her tail by an inch, the three remaining fleet-footed in the middle of nowhere. Ryder took out his gadget and pressed a button. "Skye, do you copy?" he tried to establish contact. To his unluckiness, his gloves lost grip on the device as a branch popped out of nowhere, the pup-pad slipping down onto the snow. He needed not to turn back when he heard a loud crunch behind them, imagining the destroyed electronic by now.

"I can't... Run anymore," Everest informed, her speed decreasing gradually and her heart pounding in her ears. The minutes of searching in the deep darkness and undying cold were enough to exhaust the group already. It was an unfortunate result when the bear threw the female to the side with its muzzle, causing her to yelp as she crashes on a tree. She opened her eyes with a hurt body, looking up to see the horrific sight just inches away from her.

"Hey, over here!" Ryder's voice called to provoke, but it was proven to be ineffective for the mammal remained on its primary target. It sniffed her, eyes showing nothing but black and an action which struck dread. It raised a paw into the sky, forcing Everest to curl into a ball, Rubble and Ryder shouting, "NO!"

It swung down, slashing at the pup in front of it. The young leader's eyes widened as a tear rolled out, Everest feeling the sudden pain in her chest before the thud on the snow, the figure falling still. "M-Marshall?" she questioned the existence of her savior, who has now fallen to her side with crimson leaking onto the puffy snow.

"MARSHALL!" Ryder lost it, charging forwards and hopping onto the creature's back, strangling it with the use of his arms. "Ruff! Shovel!" Rubble's pup-pack extended out a tool of his which he used to trip the beast onto the ground. "How dare you." Ryder was furious as he locks his limbs around the bear's neck which, in return, tried to throw the pest off of it, the volcanic rage unending. "HOW DARE YOU!"

With a violent movement, the boy was thrown away, rolling onto the ground as a roar erupted. He felt his world shake for a moment, getting up to face the threat once more. "Ryder, look out!" Rubble warned, the bear charging in on him. Anger took over the teen, and so he stood his ground. "Come on!" He provoked in pure hatred, not giving a care on what will happen next. Before the clash, a stream of water disrupted the occurrence, splashing onto the face of the predator. The angered bear turned to see the pale Dally with his cannon aimed at him. Irritation took place as he turned to Marshall, growling. It rushed to him but it was cut short by a small Cockapoo that kicked him right in the nose, a sensitive organ for the animal. "Get away from us you big bully!" She demanded as she lands, Zuma hopping over her and barking at the mammal. The bear tried to bite but Rubble came in barking as well, and so did Skye herself. Momentarily, a shadow stepped in. Ryder, now swinging a large branch in his hands, came over to try aiding his pups.

"...Everest," a weak voice called for the Husky, who immediately answered, "I'm here, Marshy. The others are fine, don't worry about them," she assured yet it wasn't what the pup wanted to hear. "I messed up big time, hehe..." A cough was released, and a pained groan came right after as he holds his core. "Y-you're gonna be alright. Just hang on." Everest searched through the firefighter's pup-pack for bandage and medicine which led to none. The injury sustained needed immediate care, but without the proper equipment, all she could do now was pray. "It's okay, Everest. It's... Okay."

"Marshall?"

Marshall's vision was turning hazy. His once warm body was losing temperature, and his blue irises glided leisurely, landing on the Husky with a dullness. "I wish I could've enjoyed life with you earlier. I was such a coward," he proclaimed, short, quiet giggles coming out of the two along with a drop of tear from the Husky. "You clumsy pup, I was afraid myself," she responded, holding the Dalmatian's paw tightly. Sounds were nullified in their area, like the only realness in the entire world was them. Smiles were shown, and they weren't against the two's will. It was true to them. True to their beating hearts. And at long last, the curtains were opened, realizing what they wanted... no... what they needed from each other. "But..." Marshall struggled, extending a paw towards her cheek and creasing a slow smile. "Life is as short as the falling of snow."

A heartbeat resonated around the Husky's body, sensing the fade of life. "N-no, Marshall," Everest whispered, the Dally's eyes shutting and his paw dropping onto the powder with one final puff of air escaping his muzzle. "No, no, please." She kept on holding his stiff paw, pressing it against her cheek. In refusal to accept, she let desperation give her falseness before she cried her lungs out, calling for the one she loves.

Her orbs stared at the start of the falling of flakes, the white produce gliding downwards with side to side sways. Separated by a windowpane in a dark environment, Everest kept her muzzle shut as she observes the nature. The outside was quite visible despite the darkness of midnight, and the buildings of all were sending out the Christmas signal, their decorations and lightings perceived to be astonishing.

"Are you okay?" a voice of a small female asked from behind, the Husky remaining motionless. "Y-yeah, just a bit out of it." She continued to stare, watching the lights flicker around their giant holiday tree, a bright star stationed on top. She turned her head to the side, seeing the calendar. "The 25th day of December. How time flies," she uttered unenthusiastically, her eyes being lured towards the flooring. "Don't beat yourself up, Eve. It was... Suppose to happen, I guess." The Cockapoo tried, remaining behind the tall snow pup. "It's over now. Let's celebrate the day of gifts and blessings," she added before turning away, leaving the other canine alone.

"Don't worry, Everest. I will always keep you safe."

A sigh came out of the female's mouth, her eyes catching sight of a vehicle crossing the end of the bridge and stopping in front of their tower. Everest rotated and walked behind their couch with quiet steps, the lobby being kept dark as she encountered the bright brown eyes of a Bulldog and the shadowy figure of a human behind him. "He's here," she informed, taking a small peek around the corner of the furniture.

A small ding was heard, signaling the opening of automatic doors with the sound of a vehicle speeding away from outside. "Hello?" The light voice bounced back to the individual, echoing around the empty room, seeing nothing but black. "Are they asleep still?" They asked themselves, taking a few steps forward. "I guess they were tired from worrying all day. Got to apologize for that," they noted, dropping the bag that hung in their mouths into a near corner before a sudden blast of light startled the stranger.

"Suprise!" sets of voices greeted in unison, appearing from behind the pieces of furniture and even under the beanbags. "Welcome back, Marshall! And exactly at Christmas Day, no less." Skye spoke, coming down from the towering shelf she was in.

"Wow! But-wha-I mean..." The Dally was shocked and happy from the suprise as he chokes on how he should respond. His left forepaw was being supported by an arm supporter and his torso had a large patch of cloth wrapped around, ranging down to his back and hind legs. His eyes gleamed with easiness and safety, seeing how his friends went into trouble just to give him a warm welcome. "You didn't have t—"

"Uh-uh-uh." Rubble stopped him with a paw. "Before you say anything else, we want to show you something."

They all turned to behind them, the elevator coming down and the spotted pup's jaw dropping. Not ever would he thought to see the existence of the individual, ankles wrapped in white dressings and a coat around him, ever again. "Rocky?" he asked himself in disbelief, seeing his missing friend in a healthy state. The doors of the mechanism opened and the sudden burst of contained emotions was unable to be endured any longer, the mixed charging out and opening his arms in a lunge with much need for physical touch. "I'm so happy to see you alive," he whispered, careful as to not hurt his friend as he nuzzles his neck.

"B-but how?"

Rocky separated himself from the Dally, beaming. "I was found by a patrol unit."

"When you were unconscious, we brought you to the nearest hospital in Adventure Bay," a voice cuts in, Ryder appearing beside the two, the other pups staying behind with smiles. All but one certain Husky, that is. "The bear was scared away, all thanks to you, pups." He turned his head and pointed behind him, a joyful grin creasing on his face. The proud pups cheered, Skye even flipping in her acknowledgment yet Everest remained still. "Anyway, when you were put on an emergency room bed, we were so worried. We waited for hours, and all the news we got was that you had a weak heartbeat. That's when a doctor came up to us and told us about another pup in the same hospital."

"You mean—"

"You guessed it," Ryder cuts the Dalmatian off, his eyes moving towards the mixed breed. "It was Rocky!"

"That's just... Wow! The coincidence of meeting hi—" Marshall purposely cut his sentence off, his eyes landing on the silent Husky. "Umm... Will you guys excuse us for a moment?" he asked the group, who all nodded before they parted and formed their own circle, still in the same room. "Hey, Everest. What's the matter?"

A small gap of silence appeared, yet, the female's voice was pretty much needed. After all, they lacked connection for days. "I'm sorry," she apologized, unable to face the male. "Uhh..." Marshall had an uncertain look on his face, seeing how she wasn't, in the least, smiling despite his return. "You told me you'd protect me."

"Yeah, I did. I promised you that, right?"

The reply caused a sudden jolt of uncertain emotions to rile up, the Husky having her eyebrows curved, anger absent in her voice as she spoke, "I thought you were kidding! You could've..." Unable to hold it in, she covered her face with her paws, shedding her bottled tears and gasping convulsively. "Everest..." Marshall moved closer to her, gently wrapping his arms around her and pulling gently. As he did, he felt Everest's muzzle on his chest as she continued to cry, embracing him in return. "There, there. I'm fine now, see?" He showed his chest with a large patch on it, continuing, "The wound wasn't deep enough, and the doctor told me I was gonna be okay." Marshall cooed, caressing the pup's crown gently like a loving mother to her child. The fault wasn't the Husky's at all, only framing her own self due to the infliction that Marshall caught during the attack. "Eve," Marshall called softly, raising her chin to stare at her regretful eyes, the fur on her face soaked. "It's Christmas. Make merry, shouldn't we?" he continued, wiping away her tears with the back of his paw.

"Hey, guys?" A voice above the two called. They tilted their head upwards, seeing Skye in her jetpack, a leathery-leaved plant in her paws which caused the pups under it to widen their eyes. "It's bad luck if you don't do it," Rubble's voice was heard with much eagerness when he chanted his statement, Marshall and Everest gulping in sync. "Pups, come on," the Husky remarked. "Don't be fooling around. Marshall's still-hmmph!"

Small screeches and giggles were heard, the wide-eyed snow pup left dumbfounded as warmness spread along her muzzle, heart beating like a revving engine as her tail wagged violently. She wanted to get away, and so she put her paws on the other's chest to separate. To her dismay, her body refused to listen. The longer she was in that moment, the more she melted. Her decline in the action vanished, and she softened up, giving in to the feeling.

"I love you!"

She returned the force when her mind spoke the three words of romance, the dreadful loathing towards herself vanishing in an instant. The Dally was more than a teammate; more than a friend. The rose bloomed even in the snowy darkness and the unforgettable past. The numbing of feelings were needed no more, the lock finally opening for good under the hovering mistletoe!

Cheers! Cheers! The group was jolly, faces plastered with smiles as laughter filled the atmosphere, the new couple finishing their sweetness. "Pups!" the teenager called, Christmas music floating in the cool air with a push of a button in his new pup-pad. "I think it's time to open up your presents."

The declaration made everyone yip and shout and howl heartily, all of them rushing in front of their television where the wrapped gifts were laying.

"What did you wish for, Zuma?" Rocky asked in wonder, the Labrador turning to him. "I wished for the biggest bone that we could all share!" he enthusiastically uttered with a small hop. "Well, I already got what I wished for." Rubble caught everyone's attention in his words as he turns towards the table of feast, laughing at himself for the silliness he carried. "We can all agree that Marshall should be the one to open his present first," Everest spoke, looking at a tag that had her partner's name written on it. Everyone agreed on the statement, turning their heads towards the Dalmatian.

Every sound faded when Marshall approached the big box wrapped in red, a yellow ribbon tying it's above. "If you don't mind me asking, what about you, Marshall?" the cheerful Bulldog asked with a single step forward, everyone listening keenly to the soft-smiling bundle of clumsiness, waiting for a response as a continuation of the question happened. "What did you wish for?" Marshall pulled the ribbon above to entangle, whispering audibly, "I wish Chase was here with us."

He opened up the present leisurely, immediately gasping loudly from the sight of the brown creature inside. "Suprised to see me, buddy?"

"Chase!"

Marshall tackled the pup despite his healing wounds, the last cracks in his heart finally mending into a whole again as the box toppled down with them. "I thought you were never coming back."

"Says who? I just went off to a two-month training, why would I ever leave my family?" the Sheperd replied, firmly moving his paw on top of his friend's head.

Rocky then came towards them with small steps, grinning. "Did I forgot to mention who saved me?"

"Yeah, bears are scarce, but they still lurk around here," the police pup informed before smiling at all the other pups, their jaws dropping out of denial as they too had no knowledge of his presence, except for a certain teenager. "Well, don't just sit there!" Every single pup barked as they charged forward, covering their co-leader with their furry bodies while leaving Marshall unharmed, Rocky also avoiding the rash contact.

With their bodies slammed onto a certain spot, someone called their attention. "...need ...air," a weak voice uttered, all the pups that were in the pile immediately hopping off. "Sorry, Chase," Skye apologized, scratching her nape. "It's—" a cough cut the Sheperd off, still smiling after to give reassurance. "It's okay, Skye. I missed your cute smile though." Skye squeaked from the sudden compliment, turning her head away as Chase rolled back on all fours with a giggle, turning to Rocky. "And that blue coat is way too familiar to me," he pointed, the mixed breed feeling a bit confused until a small chuckle came out from their dear friend, Marshall. "So you did intend on leaving it in my pup-house." He grinned, feeling the snuggle of Everest beside him as she beams with joy.

Chase raised his shoulder in response. "Thought you might miss me."

"You bonehead," Marshall playfully replied, trying to nudge Chase with a shoulder. As he did, he felt his foot lose balance, gravity plopping his chin on the red carpet and bringing the Husky along with him to stumble. Fits of laughter emerged from every single one of them after the scene, Ryder being the gladdest of the bunch for he has now seen the true beauty of Christmas. It's not the gifts, nor the food. It wasn't even about the decorations that filled the days and nights with life. It's about the love being poured into their hearts. With that, he shouted out his greetings.

"Merry Christmas, everybody!"