Behind The Mask

Someone Familiar

     After Chase left the Lookout, he called Ryder to let him know and he agreed of course. Chase always asked the pups if he wanted to come but always noticed that they weren't too thrilled at the idea and now he was confused on why they were asking him the same question. They can act all worried they want, but I'm not gonna play their game. Chase thought with some anger and decided to breath in and out and spotted Porters Café ahead.

"Maybe I'll get something to eat." Chase sighed and walked inside as he saw a few other people eating and Mr. Porter making food, Mr. Porter noticed the door opening and looked at who opened it and his eyes widened when he saw Chase, casually standing there with a cool smile.

"Yo." He simply said and he walked up towards the counter. As surprised as he was, Mr. Porter smiled at the pup.

"Wow, Chase. You're looking brand new." Mr. Porter pointed out and Chase chuckled.

"Yeah, I know. I'm just trying something different." Chase explained and Mr. Porter laughed.

"Well, I like the new look so far." Mr. Porter said and turned his attention back to cooking.

"Thanks."

"Anyways, what will it be today?" Mr. Porter asked as he turned around to get back to cooking.

"Uh, I don't really know. You decide." Chase said with a grin, and once again, Porter was surprised by didn't complain as he began to cook something up for the police pup.

With Ryder

"Another one?"

Ryder was talking with Mayor Goodway again this time, he's gotten a news report about another building being taken down so suddenly.

Mayor Goodway nodded on the screen and opened her mouth to talk:

"Yes, and they still aren't able to figure out what's causing these disasters." Mayor Goodway added and Ryder brought up Photos on the screen.

"Wonder what's causing all of these buildings to fall. Could it be a construction failure or can a person be doing this?" Ryder asked.

"I find it really impossible for one or even a group to get away with something like this. They'd be caught by now." Mayor Goodway spoke her thoughts and Ryder didn't respond back because she did have a point. With a couple or few buildings collapsing in Adventure City, it would be difficult for the person to get away with it since the case is huge and lots of police and detectives are on the move.

"I guess so, but I have a feeling this wouldn't be done without someone behind it." Ryder said and Mayor Goodway gave Ryder a confusing look.

"But on the other hand, you do have a point. I'll look into it a little more, thanks for reminding me." Ryder said and ended the call, that's when Marshall walked up to him.

"Hey Ryder!" Marshall said with a cheerful grin.

"Hey Marshall." Ryder laughed and petted the Dalmatian.

"Is there something you need?" He asked, knowing that he wouldn't come up here for a reason.

"Yeah, I was wondering If Chase is okay." Marshall said and Ryder seemed a little surprised by the question.

"Uh, I'm pretty sure he is. Why wouldn't he be? Is something wrong?" Ryder asked the pup as he kneeled down to him.

"It's just, he's been acting a little bit different today, don't you think?" Marshall asked sadly, not even bothering to look at Ryder and he noticed the sad look on the fire pups face. Ryder frowned as he guessed what he was talking about. Ryder put his hand under the Dalmatian's chin and lifted his head to face Ryder.

"It's gonna be okay, Marshall. Chase probably just wasn't feeling the best today. Things like this happen all the time, but don't worry, tomorrow everything will be normal." Ryder said with a warm smile and Marshall smiled back, giving Ryder a lick on his cheek.

"Thanks Ryder." Marshall said as he hugged his owner and Ryder hugged back.

"Alright, now go and play with the other pups, I'll be down in a minute." Ryder said and Marshall cheered as he ran down to the other pups.

Ryder only frowned a little bit as he looked at the view of Adventure Bay, now he was thinking about Chase. Ryder was now wondering if Chase's past is coming back to him now.

"No, I made a promise to him that we'll all be there for him. And that's not about to change now. " Ryder said. After learning about the German Shepherds past, Ryder made a promise to him that he'll always be there and so will the other pups.

With Chase

Chase was still waiting on his food and while Mr. Porter was cooking up, Chase decided to start a conversation because the silence was beginning to be awkward.

"So, where's Alex?" Chase asked, once again, noticing that Alex wasn't around.

"Oh, he's playing with Julius and Julia right now." Mr. Porter said.

"Ugh. Those three together, are bound to get into trouble." Chase groaned and Mr. Porter laughed in agreement.

"True, but at least he won't be bothering me in the kitchen." Mr. Porter said.

"Heh, you say that now until they burn down a building." Chase said, quietly enough so Mr. Porter won't hear him.

"So, what's with the sudden change?" Mr. Porter asked in an interested and playful tone. Of course, Chase couldn't tell him the actual reason.

"Well, like I said, I'm just trying different things out, that's all." Chase lied.

Then, Chase heard the door open, but didn't turn around to see who it was cause he didn't really care. He felt the person walk up and sit right next to Chase.

"Oh! What can I get you today?" Mr. Porter asked.

"I'll have what he's gonna have."

Chase's eyes widened as he recognized the voice. Chase looked to his left and realized that it wasn't a person that sat down next to him, but it was a German Shepherd, the same age as him. This German Shepherd resembled Chase a lot, but has grayish-blue fur color and has purple eyes. She's one of Chase's competitors in the Adventure Bay Sheep Herding Competition.

She looked over to Chase and smiled at him.

"Sylvia?"