It's a new year, Marshall thought, staring out the window of the lookout. My, how things fly by. The Dally couldn't help but think of all things that has happened this year.

First, they had gotten a new teammate, a Chihuahua, named Tracker, and was helping out with Carlos in the jungle; then, as they went on more and more missions, Marshall was finally able to get rid of his fear of heights, and had no problem with flying out of an open plane. Mayor Humdinger had always kept them on their toes whenever he tried to pull a wool over their eyes, and lately, it seemed as though their world - The PAW Patrol's - was getting bigger, brighter, every moment. The Dalmatian knew that so long as they were together, there's going to be more adventures and more excitements waiting for them just around the corner.

Speaking of together, it seemed like all the pups were growing closer together. First had been Zuma and Rocky, having to spend time together for the last few months before deciding to come out to the team that they wanted to be mates. The Dally didn't think he was surprised, to be honest. He had seen the way Zuma looked at the mix-breed, as if he wanted to claim him as his own, and he was nothing but supportive when they revealed to the team that they were together. Next came Everest and her crush on a Collie Border, Bruno. It was during a winter festival that the Husky had came to town along with Jake and his girlfriend, Carla, and told them that she was ready to take the first step in their relationship. The Husky had been all but nervous, knowing she would either be rejected or accepted by the handsome Collie. Marshall had reassured her that Bruno wouldn't hurt her, and he was right; turns out, Bruno also had a crush on Everest and has been wanting to talk to her about it forever, it seemed. Marshall was happy that the two shy pups got together.

The next one came as a shocking, seeing how Marshall had always assumed she would've been with Chase; Skye and Rubble. Of course, Marshall couldn't help but wince when he remembered the devastated look on Chase's face, but, unlike most of their teammates, Marshall wasn't going to reprimand her for choosing who she'd loved. When Skye came to him one late night with tears in her pink eyes, hurt and not understanding why the rest of the team acted so coldly towards her, Marshall knew he couldn't hate her for choosing Rubble. In fact, it was because of this that Marshall began acting like a big brother towards her, and pretty much grilled anyone that was giving her a hard time. Eventually, they all came to accept it, and Chase, as hurt as he was, decided to let go. Not only would it hurt his friendship with Skye, but also with Marshall. He didn't want that since they were best friends.

In addition, Ryder and Katie were getting along as well, but everyone had already seen it coming. The bright girl was over the lookout more often, and would sometimes sleep over. Marshall wondered if Ryder was planning on doing something with Katie, and when asked, the leader would turn bright pink, stutter over his words, before placing the pups in 'time out'. After that, nobody asked that question to Ryder again, though, there was suspicion. There was rumors about Carlos and Ace hooking up too, given the little bits and pieces Marshall was given whenever Ryder and Carlos was up for a chat. The Dalmatian thought it was adorable.

And finally, there was Chase. The blue-eyed Dally wasn't sure what was going through the Shepherd's head, at this present moment. Having lost the girl of his dreams to someone younger, it kind of changed Chase in a way that seemed destructive at most. He was more stricter than normal, more closed-off, and when bothered, you could see the storm in his eyes before he abruptly walked away, body tensed, and almost ready for a fight. It wouldn't exactly been new, to Marshall, but it was worrisome. He never seen Chase like this - so put off and scary-looking. Ryder has talked to him so many times, but nothing seemed to help. He was angrier, more abrasive, and would constantly get into fights with Zuma and Rubble - Zuma, for making his mate cry, and Rubble, for calling Skye all kind of nasty names. If he wasn't careful, Ryder would be forced to take him off the team.

Marshall swallowed roughly.

He couldn't allow Ryder to do that. He knew Chase needed help, but how could he? The Shepherd pushed everyone away. Alex was afraid of him, Mr. Porter hated him, Katie was hesitate, Mayor Goodway's the same, and Ryder was at his rope's end. None of the pups were willing to save him...except...

I'm his best friend, He thought, getting up. I can help. Whether he likes it or not, I can - WANT - to help. With that, Marshall walked out of the lookout and made his way to Chase's pup house. At first, he just stood there, uncertain, before shaking his head. Taking a deep breath, Marshall raised a paw to knock on the door.

"I know you're out there, Marshall, so just come in already," Growled out Chase, and already, Marshall was feeling unnerved. He was starting to get flashbacks to his childhood, back at the Park with the bullies, but he remained unmoved.

He's going to help Chase out of his darkness - one way or another.