Chereads / Phoenix Gang: Separate Ways / Chapter 8 - Flying Clouds

Chapter 8 - Flying Clouds

**WARNING** The following chapter might include suggestive content not suitable for younger audiences. Suggestive content in this chapter includes drinking and side effects. It is advised not to read it if you or a younger reader are against this type of content. You can either skip to the next chapter, exit out of the book, etc.. You've been warned!

Featured Character: Bliss Husky

Adventure City

GENERAL CHAPTER

Bliss Husky, the PAW Patrol's assistant aviator pup, stood on the tarmac of Adventure Bay's airfield, her tail wagging with anticipation. Today was the day she'd been waiting for—the day of her assessment. Skye, the seasoned aviator pup, had been her mentor, teaching her everything from aerodynamics to emergency landings. Bliss had studied hard, practiced tirelessly, and now it was time to prove herself.

Skye approached, her goggles perched on her head, and her wings spread wide. "Bliss," she said, her voice steady and encouraging, "you've come a long way. Are you ready for your flight assessment?"

Bliss nodded, her heart racing. "Absolutely, Skye! I've got this."

The assessment was rigorous. Bliss executed barrel rolls, simulated engine failures, and demonstrated precise landings. Skye watched from the control tower, her eyes sharp and critical. But Bliss soared through each challenge flawlessly. When she touched down after the final maneuver, Skye's proud smile told her everything she needed to know.

"You did it, Bliss!" Skye exclaimed, landing beside her. "Perfect score! You're officially an aviator pup."

Bliss couldn't contain her excitement. She barked happily, her tail spinning like a propeller. "Thank you, Skye! I can't wait to start my new career."

But before Bliss could catch her breath, Skye held up an envelope. "This arrived for you," she said. "An invitation to a local restaurant in Adventure City."

Bliss took the letter, her curiosity piqued. The paper was thick and embossed, the handwriting elegant. It read:

Dear Bliss,

It's been quite a while since I last heard of you. I am not sure if you remember me, but after reading the invitation, I'm sure as hell you'll be glad to know who I am. Meet me at "Adventurer's Loft" in Adventure City. Attached to this invitation letter is a map to help guide you to your destination. Let's catch up over dinner.

Love,

Candela 🐾

Bliss's heart skipped a beat. Candela was her best friend, a fellow cat she'd met during the Phoenix Gang era. They'd fought side by side in any emotional and physical struggle, shared many memories, and even hung out whenever Bliss had some free time. But after the Phoenix Gang disbanded, they'd lost touch. Now, this invitation felt like fate.

"I have to go," Bliss said, determination in her eyes. "Candela needs me."

Skye nodded. "I'll fly you there. Adventure City awaits."

And so, Bliss found herself soaring over the glittering lights of Adventure City, the wind rushing through her fur. Skye dropped her off near "Adventurer's Loft," a cozy restaurant nestled between skyscrapers.

"Let me know when it's over!" Skye smiled as she flew away, leaving Bliss behind to attend her needs with Candela.

"Will do, Skye!" Bliss yelped as she waved goodbye.

As soon as she left, Bliss entered the restaurant. The scent of roasted meat and warm bread greeted her as she stepped inside. Candela sat at a corner table, her flame-colored fur shining. She jumped up when she saw Bliss, and they embraced like long-lost sisters. The memories flooded back—the retreat, the laughter, the girls night parties and conversations.

"Bliss," Candela said, her eyes bright, "you look amazing! How have you been?"

Bliss grinned. "Better than ever. No more Phoenix Gang, no more chaos. Just peace and adventure with the PAW Patrol. I do miss the team though."

"I understand that feeling," Candela sympathized with Bliss. "Hard to move on from a team that influenced you a lot in a positive way."

"Heck yeah!" Bliss smiled. "They indeed helped me be confident and achieve my dreams."

After Bliss was done talking about what she accomplished so far, Candela's gaze turned serious. "I need your help, Bliss. A personal matter."

Bliss leaned in. "What is it?"

Candela hesitated, then whispered, "I'm investigating a mysterious fire in Adventure City. I'm currently interrogating the victims, and this is a long process, which could interfere with my work hours. Therefore... are you willing to occupy my night shift job until everything's resolved?"

Bliss's determination flared. "Of course, Candela. Anything for my good friend."

With that. Bliss adjusted her apron, the restaurant's dim lights casting a warm glow on the polished wooden tables. She'd accepted Candela's offer to substitute as the waitress during the night shifts, allowing Candela to focus on her investigation into the mysterious fires plaguing Adventure City. Bliss was determined to prove herself, just as she had during her aviator assessment.

The first three nights were a whirlwind. Bliss stumbled over her words, mixing up orders and nearly spilling drinks. But she persevered. With each shift, she improved. The regulars—humans, dogs, and even a couple of chatty squirrels—gave her encouraging smiles. She was part of the team now, and she took her role seriously.

On the fourth night, Candela walked in, her flame-colored fur slightly singed from her latest fire investigation. She slid into a booth, exhaustion etched on her face. Bliss hurried over, her tail wagging.

"Candela!" Bliss said, "How's the case going?"

Candela sighed. "It's like chasing smoke," she replied. "But I'll figure it out."

Bliss nodded, her empathy for her friend growing. "You're doing great, Candela. And don't worry about the restaurant—I've got it covered."

Candela's eyes softened. "Thank you, Bliss. You're a lifesaver."

As the night wore on, the restaurant buzzed with activity. Bliss took orders, served steaming bowls of soup, and refilled coffee cups. She felt a sense of purpose, a rhythm to the chaos. But when the clock struck midnight, Candela leaned in.

"Bliss," she said, "you've been amazing. How about we celebrate? Just this once."

Bliss hesitated. She wasn't much of a drinker, but Candela's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Okay," Bliss agreed, "but just one drink."

Candela grinned. "Deal."

They sat at the bar, the wood worn and comforting. Candela ordered a flaming cocktail, the flames dancing atop the glass. Bliss opted for a fruity mocktail, her tail swishing with anticipation.

And then, the unexpected happened. Candela's two friends, Carson and Coy, swaggered in. Both were sleek black cats, their eyes gleaming with mischief. They'd been Candela's partners during city investigations, and their bond ran deep.

"Bliss!" Carson exclaimed, slapping her on the back. "It's nice to meet you in person! Candy Cat over here told us a lot about you."

Coy winked. "You're looking good for being a pup, Husky."

Bliss blushed. "Thanks. It's been a while."

Candela leaned in, her voice low. "We are quite the trio, and still are. Ain't that awesome?"

Bliss nodded. "Yeah. The team I was formerly part of kind of was like this, but not much."

Carson raised his glass. "To old times and new adventures, now joined by Candy Cat's friend Bliss!"

Bliss clinked her mocktail against their drinks. "To new friendships we cheer."

And then, the night blurred. The flames from Candela's cocktail reflected in Bliss's eyes. Carson and Coy kept refilling her glass, their laughter echoing. Bliss lost track of time, lost herself in the warmth of camaraderie. She passed out.

IN BLISS'S DREAM...

Bliss's eyelids fluttered as she drifted into a restless slumber. The warmth of the bar faded, replaced by an icy wind that cut through her fur. She stood on the edge of a cliff, the abyss yawning below. The sky was a swirling maelstrom of dark clouds, and the air smelled of burning fuel.

"Bliss," a voice echoed, and she turned to see Skye standing there, her wings spread wide. But this Skye was different—her eyes glinted with malice, and her smile held a wicked edge.

"You thought you'd passed the aviator test," Nightmare Skye said, her voice dripping with venom. "But I lied."

Bliss's heart pounded. "What? Why?"

"Because," Nightmare Skye sneered, "I didn't want another pup taking my spot as the PAW Patrol's aviator. So, here's your chance. Pass this test, and maybe I'll reconsider."

Bliss's wings trembled as she faced the challenge. The wind howled, and the cliff crumbled beneath her paws. She launched herself into the tempest, performing barrel rolls, loops, and spins. But each maneuver ended in failure. Nightmare Skye only laughed, her eyes glowing like embers.

"Pathetic," she taunted. "You'll never be good enough."

Bliss's panic grew. She couldn't fail. Not again. But the nightmare twisted further. Nightmare Skye proposed a fight—a brutal match in the stormy skies. She mocked Bliss for being "tougher" just because of their size difference.

Bliss's resolve hardened. She squared her shoulders. "Fine. I'll fight you."

And so, they clashed. Wings collided, claws slashed, and lightning crackled around them. Bliss fought with all her might, but Nightmare Skye was relentless. She dodged, weaved, and struck back. Bliss's vision blurred, her breath ragged.

"You're nothing," Nightmare Skye hissed. "A big tough pup in a wide world? Don't make me laugh. You can't even defeat even the smallest of your kind!"

Bliss's strength waned. She plummeted toward the churning sea below. But then, a surge of determination surged through her. She remembered her friends—the PAW Patrol, Candela, Adventure City, and even the Phoenix Gang. She couldn't give up.

With a final burst of energy, Bliss lunged at Nightmare Skye. Their collision sent shockwaves through the storm. Bliss's claws found their mark, tearing through Nightmare Skye's wing. The darkness shattered, and Bliss woke up.

BACK IN THE REAL WORLD...

Bliss's heart raced, and she gasped for air. The bar's familiar scent enveloped her. Skye sat nearby, concern etching her features. "Bliss, are you okay?"

Bliss pushed her away, her voice raw. "You lied! You never passed me on the aviator test!"

Skye's eyes widened. "What? Bliss, I—"

But Bliss didn't listen. Panic surged. She stumbled out of the bar, the city lights blurring. Skye tried to approach her anyways, worry etched on her face. Bliss's anger boiled over.

"You're a liar!" Bliss shouted. "I won't be your pawn!"

And then, she ran. Through Adventure City's winding streets, past neon signs and bustling crowds. She didn't know where she was going, only that she had to escape.

"What's gotten into her?" Skye worried until she spotted Candela slowly waking up, thus grabbing her tight by the neck, demanding for answers. "What did you do to her? What did you give her?!"

"She only drank just a couple..." Was all that Candela could say before passing out, leaving a determined Skye to find Bliss and try to talk to her.

"She's probably suffering from the side effects," Skye thought. "I better find her."

Skye soared through the night sky, her wings slicing through the cool air. The city lights blurred beneath her, and her heart raced. She had to find Bliss—her friend, her fellow aviator partner. The bar's neon sign flickered in the distance, and Skye angled toward it.

She landed near the alleyway, her eyes scanning the shadows. There, huddled against the brick wall, was Bliss. Her fur was disheveled, her eyes haunted. The side effects of the drinks still clung to her, dragging her down.

Bliss noticed Skye's approach. Her ears flattened, and she growled—a primal sound that echoed her pain. She lunged, tackling Skye to the ground. For a moment, Bliss was the toughest above the tiniest, pinning Skye with surprising strength.

"Bliss," Skye said, her voice steady, "stop."

But Bliss didn't listen. She mocked Skye, her words sharp as broken glass. "You lied about the aviator test. You never passed me."

Skye's heart ached. She knew Bliss's insecurities, the fear of failing. She'd heard Bliss mention it once—the sleepless nights, the worry that she'd never live up to her aviator role.

"Bliss," Skye began, "you hallucinated. The test was real, and you passed with flying colors."

Bliss's eyes widened. "What?"

"You're an aviator pup," Skye said. "You earned it."

But Bliss's anger didn't wane. She needed more than words. So Skye shared her own story—the mistakes she'd made during rescue flights, the times she'd misjudged wind currents or underestimated turbulence. She'd learned from each whoopsie, grown stronger.

"Bliss," Skye said, "we all stumble. But it's how we rise that matters."

Bliss's breath hitched. The side effects wore off, leaving her raw and vulnerable. She released Skye, collapsing beside her. Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I lashed out. I had so many. I don't even think I deserve to be an aviator pup after this..."

Skye smiled, forgiving. "We're a team, Bliss. And sometimes, even aviator pups need a little help. Besides, that right there is your whoopsie. You're still an aviator pup by heart, no matter the number of mistakes you make. Again, it's how we rise that matters."

Bliss hugged Skye, their fur mingling. "Thank you," she said. "For believing in me."

Skye wrapped her front paws around her in a hug. "Always."

The night air crackled with tension as Skye and Bliss stood outside the restaurant. Their laughter from earlier had faded, replaced by the urgency of the situation. Candela approached, her eyes wide with fear.

"Skye," she said, her voice trembling, "there's a fire inside. Clients are trapped on the top floor. The building might collapse."

Skye's wings snapped open. "We'll help," she declared. "Bliss, you're with me."

Bliss hesitated. Her aviator training had prepared her for many scenarios, but this was real—the heat, the smoke, the lives at stake. Doubts gnawed at her. Could she handle it?

Skye nudged her. "Your first aviator mission," she said. "You've got this."

Bliss nodded, her heart pounding. They burst into the restaurant, the flames roaring. The trapped clients huddled near the windows, their faces etched with terror. Skye led the way, guiding them to safety. Bliss followed, her paws slipping on the scorched floor.

And then, disaster struck. A section of the ceiling collapsed, and a client plummeted toward the ground. Bliss's instincts kicked in. She launched herself, wings at max speed. The world blurred as she closed the gap, her muscles straining.

She caught the falling client just inches from the ground. His eyes widened, and he clung to her, gasping for air. The cheers erupted around them—firefighters, clients, friends, and even Skye. Bliss's chest swelled with pride. She'd done it. She'd saved a life.

Skye landed beside her, her eyes shining. "Bliss," she said, "you were incredible."

Bliss grinned, her doubts evaporating. "Thanks, Skye."

They celebrated their successful rescue with a big meal at the restaurant. The clients hugged them, tears in their eyes. Candela smirked and teased Bliss about drinking again.

"Wanna go for round two, bestie girl?" Candela suggested.

For a moment, Bliss's heart lightened.

"Again?" Bliss yelped. "Have you learned nothing?!"

But then Candela leaned in, her voice serious.

"Bliss," she said, "I was joking, of course. No more drinking sessions. We've had enough chaos, and I don't want to involve you in making these awful decisions. I'm sorry for pressuring you to that point."

Bliss smiled and simply nodded. "It's all right. You're still my best friend."

Hours later, Skye and Bliss returned to Adventure Bay. Bliss's twin brother, Blas, awaited her. His fur was ruffled, his eyes shining blue. He hugged her tightly. "I was worried," he whispered.

Bliss squeezed him back. "I'm okay, Blas."

Skye watched from a distance, her wings folded. She'd seen Bliss transform—from uncertain pup to hero. And in that moment, Skye knew they were a team, bound by wings and courage.

She smiled. "Welcome to the skies, Bliss."

TIKTOK TIME

TikTok Title: The Mirror Challenge

[Bliss Husky stood in front of the mirror, her tail wagging with excitement. Her twin brother, Blas, will be mirroring her every move. They were about to take on the ultimate TikTok challenge—the Mirror Challenge.]

Bliss: "Hey, TikTok! It's Bliss here, and today, I'm doing the Mirror Challenge with my awesome twin, Blas! Let's get started!"

[Bliss did a little shimmy, and Blas followed suit, wiggling his tail like a pro.]

Bliss: "Nice, Blas! Now let's add some jazz hands!"

[They both flailed their paws in the air, grinning at their synchronized silliness.]

Bliss: "Okay, next move—backflip!"

[Bliss leaped into the air, twisting gracefully. Blas attempted the same but ended up doing a clumsy somersault.]

Blas: "Ta-da! Nailed it!"

[Bliss pretended to check her reflection.]

Bliss: "Looking good, Bliss!"

Blas: "And Blas is looking fabulous!"

[But then, Bliss got mischievous.]

Bliss: "Blas stinks!"

Blas: "So does Bliss!"

[They burst into laughter, their tails wagging wildly. But then, Bliss playfully punched Blas on the shoulder.]

Bliss: "Gotcha!"

[Blas rubbed his shoulder, still grinning.]

Blas: "Fair enough. But you're still my favorite twin."

Bliss: "Likewise, Blas."

[They hugged, their sibling bond unbreakable.]

Made by @/sohuskybliss

SONG COVER REMIX

DJ Rubble - Side Effects by The Chainsmokers & Emily Warren (Song Cover Remix) ft. Bliss

[BLISS]

It's 4 A.M., I don't know where to go

Everywhere is closed, I should just go home, yeah

My feet are taking me to your front door

I know I shouldn't though, heaven only knows

That ooh, the side effect to my loneliness is you

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

This happens every time I try to mix

Decision making with one too many drinks

But ooh, if late night friends have consequences, cool, yeah

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

Oh, I think about it all the time

Make it happen in my mind, I'm telling you, yeah

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

Time should've taught me the lesson

Went looking for a sign but instead I got a message

I take off my pride every time we undressing

Draw the line, I'm outta line (yeah)

Time should've taught me the lesson

Went looking for a sign but instead I got a message

I take off my pride every time we undressing

Draw the line, I'm outta line

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight, yeah

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight, yeah

I, I think about it all the time

Make it happen in my mind, I'm telling you, yeah

Oh, you're all that I want

No good at giving you up

Come on and give me some love tonight

Time should've taught me the lesson

Went looking for a sign but instead I got a message

I take off my pride every time we undressing

Draw the line, I'm outta line, yeah

Time should've taught me the lesson

Went looking for a sign but instead I got a message

I take off my pride every time we undressing

Draw the line, I'm outta line, yeah

END OF CHAPTER