A/N: hello readers! How many months since I left this thing hanging? Haha, sorry for the long wait! Thanks for sticking around with me though! Just to be sure, I have to remind you that I'm not dead and I'm not changing accounts ;D
And again, I need to thank all of you for your kind and supporting reviews! It really pumps me up! No matter how simple or how short it is! (thanks for the reviewers who were a bit mean too). Thank you so much!
I'm pretty busy with things here and I am having a terrible headache right now. But after I publish this, I will feel better. Yes, this is the last chapter - Act 3. I hope you like it and forgive me for not updating sooner!
Enjoy!
Act 3
.
.
.
All the audiences sat patiently on their chairs, clutching their popcorns tight. It's finally the time, and they are very excited. After a long break, the bright red curtains open widely, showing the famous narrator we all know. Cap'n Turbot does his usual throat clearing before a spotlight flashed above him. "After that night, the castle is full of puzzlement, the king who is trying desperately to enliven his pup."
"Chase, please just stop." Ryder demanded, sighing at the German Shepherd. But to no avail, Chase kept marching in circles with a perplex look.
"Why did she leave?" he asked to himself. "I mean, is there a problem?"
The prince turns towards the king. "I can't help myself to feel worried, Ryder."
"I'm sure she's fine," Ryder smile convincingly. "Maybe there's something important she had to do that night."
"What kind of important thing does she need to do at midnight?"
"Maybe she's tired?" Ryder suggested with a shrug. Though, the answer is not enough to please the young pup.
"But the look on her face was so different. She was panicking. And then she just disappeared!" Chase sighed. "All I have left is one of her glass slippers." He glanced at the shoe, lying on a soft, red cushion, protected by a glass box.
"What do you want to do, Chase?"
Chase hummed for awhile to think of a plan. After a while, as if a light bulb turned on above his head he declared with a grin, Mr. Porter, spread the news that every female pups in this kingdom shall have a chance to wear this slipper."
"But Chase, there are many pups in this kingdom. It will be a hard search." Ryder countered.
"No, there are not. We even tried to put Francois in a puppy costume because of our lack of actors," Chase mumbled, but audible enough for the audiences to hear.
"That's a production secret! We made a vow, Chase!" Rocky yelled angrily, popping his head out from the curtains.
"I can't help it, Rocky." Chase said with an apologetic smile.
"But, sire. The king is right. There are too many – "
"Then keep trying! Find that pup!" Chase ordered.
Mr. Porter faced the king to have further orders or an objection, but Ryder gave out sigh before nodding in confirmation.
"I'll do it right away, my prince." Mr. Porter bowed.
After Mr. Porter left to send the news, Chase stares mindlessly at the view from the balcony.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ryder asked.
"You want me to find a pup at that party, and I did." Chase replied calmly. "And I want to meet her again."
.
.
.
The sun rise higher and higher by the minute but a certain house is still in peace and quiet. Its rays illuminate the house's clean white wall, reflecting to the glass windows. The bright light went through the attic window, brightening the dark room.
Feeling the warm sunlight hit her face, Skye flickers her eyes open. She yawned as she rose from her bed. Her pinkish eyes scanned the room trying to collect memories of what happened last night. "Was it just a dream?" she asked to herself. At the same time her ears caught a small squeak. She turned and eyed the window which is opening slowly. A small figure then appears through the gap, hopping happily inside after seeing the Cockapoo. It leaped onto the bed followed by a couple more.
"Well, good morning to you too." Skye smiled sweetly at the rabbits. She patted their heads while sighing softly, "You know, I had a wonderful dream."
The rabbits gave her an interested look.
Skye chuckled before continuing, "It seems so real though. There was a Fairy Godmother, and a pumpkin that suddenly transformed into a carriage, I was wearing this gorgeous gown, and then I went to the ball!" she exclaimed gleefully. "And then I met a pup there. He looks really important… I didn't even ask his name."
Her beaming smile slowly saddened as she falters her eyes. Seeing that, the rabbits move forward to nuzzle her, which Skye accepts. She quickly shook her head while waving her paw around, giving a best smile. "Just forget it. It was only a dream."
The rabbits back away. It was silent for a few moments before one of the rabbits starts to jump around something. Skye tilted her head in confusion, "what's wrong, buddy?"
The rabbit kept hopping. It looks like it's trying to show something. Skye sighed and place her paw on the bed. Feeling a strange object underneath her paw, she furrowed her eyebrows and she patted the blanket. "What?" she raised a brow as she uncovered the white sheet with wide eyes.
On her bed, lays a glass slipper with shades of pink – just like the one in her dream. Her eyes instantly lights up and her lips stretched into a curved line.
"It wasn't a dream…" she said with a questioning tone. "It wasn't a dream!" she flipped happily. Her joy delighted the rabbits who hopped along with her.
"I can't believe it," she said in wonderment. "I did go to the ball last night!"
Skye jumped out from her bed ecstatically, quickly wears her apron (with the help of the rabbits) and make her way out through the doggy door. She opens the curtains, allowing the bright sun light to burst inside the shadowy house. Hearing the door behind her starting open, she turned around to greet her owner.
"Good morning, ma'am!" she said joyously.
"Well you're unexpectedly very cheerful today, Skyerella." Mayor Goodway replied in confusion. How could this pup be happy after all she did to her last night? This is one strange pup.
"Yes, I am! Would you like a cup of tea after this, ma'am?" she asked. Her owner can only eye the Cockapoo with an almost gaped mouth before nodding slowly. "Uh, yes. Yes, that would be great."
Skye gave a nod before trotting towards the kitchen, leaving Mayor Goodway completely baffled with what just happened. Crossing her arms she sighed to herself. "I think I ate too much at the party."
.
.
.
"Skyerella went to the kitchen, doing her usual routine of tea making. She paced forward on her hind legs, pushing the trolley on the way to the main room. Her owners and Everest are probably been expecting her." Cap'n Turbot appears again as Skye does everything the Cap'n said.
"And somehow, this time it was really easy. This is probably the easiest thing she ever done. Maybe because her happiness conceals the hardship in everything she does! She can do this with no problem."
And yes, Skye felt exactly the same way as the narrator interpreted her. Walking towards the living room, she can see her 'customers' waiting – surprisingly – patiently on a couch. She marched forward with a confident grin, smiling brightly. "Good morning."
As usual, no one replied to her welcome. All three of them are staring on an envelope, looking really stunned. Skye decided to ignore them, pushing the trolley slowly to the table.
"They're really coming?" Everest asked, looking over at the paper and her owners repetitively. Katie nodded at the husky, "Yeah…"
"They're looking for that pup." Mayor Goodway mutters, reading thoroughly. "That pup from the party." What she said caught Skye's attention.
She tried to divert herself from their conversation, fearing to be accused for eavesdropping. "The pup left a slipper at the castle, and they're giving a chance for every female pup in the land to try it on." Skye can't help herself to flex her eyes at them, hearing carefully for everything they said. In result, she barely even places her paw on the teacup yet.
"It's because that pup danced with the prince last night."
PRANG!
"Skyerella, what are you thinking?!" Mayor Goodway bawled at the young Cockapoo, directing her finger at the scattered pieces of teacup on the floor.
"Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am!" Skye apologized quickly, getting down from her legs. "I'll clean it up right away!"
Good thing the cup was empty. She only needed to pick up the ceramic remains. But she suddenly went back straight to her trance.
"The butler is coming this afternoon with the slipper!" Katie cried. "Aren't you excited, Everest?"
Everest gave a vigorous nod, "Yes!"
As they jumped in circles while screaming happily, the maid-looking pup can only stare absent-mindedly, trying her best to hold back her smile. Practically, her cheeks are aching.
A monotonous voice broke her daze. "Are you going to clean that up or what?" Everest darted her eyes on the pup who jumped back skittishly in surprise.
"Oh yes," Skye's small smile grew slowly. "I will."
.
.
.
"This is no longer a feeling of happiness Skyerella is feeling. It's more than excitement. She feels super happy, too happy she can even scream so the world can hear. However she also feels that she should keep it inside her heart, letting it bloom into a beautiful flower." Cap'n Turbot said, placing his palm on his chest and his free hand on his forehead. The audience awed at once. "Ho, ho, ho, yes, isn't that right, Skye?"
Cap'n Turbot look around to face Skye… who made a face. "What? Too descriptive?"
"Um, yes."
"Well, the point is," Cap'n Turbot went back to his melodramatic pose as the spotlight glow on him, backing away bit by bit. "She can't wait for the butler's arrival."
~~~
"Tch, drama queen." Marshall scoffed before laughing. "I think he should be an actor next time."
But Rocky didn't quite get the joke. "You gotta be kidding me."
Once she finished her breakfast (which she ate separately from her family) and washed the dishes, she sighed in relief and moves her eyes at the clock. "I wonder when will the butler gets here," she murmured with a smile.
Hopping down from the crate she used to as a stool to stand on, she skipped towards her bedroom in delight. At the way she would meet her owners and Everest, who were too puzzled to even question her strange attitude.
Skye pay no attention to their expressions, all she cared about is telling her friends the good news and the butler who will help her to see the prince again.
She started recalling the event that happened last night. She still can't believe she danced (and compete) with the prince. She went there to see him, she did, and she didn't even realize it! Skye wonders how confused he must be after Skye's sudden departure.
And he's looking for her.
Her dreams will come true.
She will finally have her happily ever after.
Being distracted with the thought, she bumped on the attic door. Snapping out, she jumped inside the doggy door and sees a group of bunnies sitting on her messy bed.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tidy up." She giggled, walking nearer the rabbits.
She pulled the blanket down on the floor and glances at the rabbits. "I have very wonderful news!"
The rabbits jumped in response.
"Remember last night? I danced with a pup, who happened to be the prince! And he's looking for me!" Skye's eyes gleam in anticipation. "I just can't wait!"
She gave a full back flip, yipping happily. "I still remember that catchy song from last night."
She hums the tune, dancing in her place with paws folding and patting the colorless blanket. It's like the world is all to her and that moving beat, unaware that 3 pair of eyes are staring at her.
"So, she went to the party last night?" Katie whispered with incredulity.
"But we ruined her dress right? And we left shortly after that!" Everest said, looking aghast. "That song is the exact same one played at the party."
"That's why she looked so happy."
"How did she do it?" Mayor Goodway crumpled her eyebrows skeptically. Her hand then balled into a fist, her eyes burning of rage. "Either way, we couldn't let her try on that slipper!"
They left the pup to herself. Mayor Goodway went to the basement and came back up while Katie and Everest went to the stairs near Skye's window. And the pup didn't even know.
After a few minutes, suddenly, Mayor Goodway opened the door widely, a golden key in her hand. "Well, well, well."
Skye froze at the voice. She turned around slowly to see her owner staring down at her with an intimidating gaze. "M-Ma'am?" she stammered, feeling daunted by her composure.
"You were the pup from last night, the pup the prince been looking for?" Mayor Goodway asked, her voice demanding an answer.
"I…" Skye wasn't able to answer. She rubs the surface of the floor, switching her eyes from it and her owner numerous times.
She tugged her head up hearing a small chuckle.
"You're not going anywhere, Skyerella." She emphasizes the name, slamming the door shut hard. The floor rumbles at the impact. The lamp from Skye's night stand falls into pieces. Skye even trembled at the sudden quake.
She can feel her heart drop hearing a clink at the door. She immediately sped towards it fearing the worse. More sounds join in. A sound of something metallic pierced against the door. She heard something loud that lasted for a few seconds.
"That'll keep her in."
Skye slammed her small body at the doggy door repeatedly and it won't budge. Did they seriously nailed the doggy door?! She stood up, twisting the door knob with all her might. "No," she muttered as tears welled up in her eyes. "Please! Let me out!"
The Cockapoo bang the door desperately, pleading at her owners. "Please, ma'am! Let me out! Please!"
"Miss Katie?"
"Everest?"
"Please!" she cried hopeless pleads. Instead of a reply, she heard copious thumps getting lower and softer by the minute, until she can't hear a thing. It's so quiet. It's like she's alone. She's trapped inside her room, with nowhere to escape. All she can hear is her sobs, not believing that this is happening. Paddling her paws to the window, she stood up, looking down. The ladder already plummeted to the ground, out of her reach. "What should I do now?" she tried to relax her tense body, faltering her eyes. Her lips quivered as she let her body dropped to the wooden floor.
With paws covering her eyes, tears started to rain down on her cheeks. "Why?"
"The rabbits who have been watching the whole scene can't bear to let their friend cry. They hopped down the bed and jumped on the window. Quickly but carefully they tried climb down with the support of the roof. They reach the ground safely and hopped to the main door," Cap'n Turbot said as the rabbit disappeared in the curtains. The audiences sniffed while hugging their popcorn tight.
"How could you, Mayor Goodway!" Alex yelled again, throwing a piece of popcorn at Mayor Goodway's direction. Luckily, she dodged it quick enough to send a glare. "THIS IS JUST A PLAY!" she stomped towards the exit followed by Everest and Katie.
Skye stayed on the floor for awhile before she heard a carriage parking in the front porch. She ran back to the window and saw the royal carriage right in front of the house. A man came out with a scroll folded in his arms. He adjusted his hat and pressed the doorbell. She recognizes this man. It was the butler from before! And then came out another man. The horseman followed down. He was the same one as last night. He reached out his arms inside the carriage and pulled out a glass box.
He raised it steadily from the passenger seat with a really anxious look. "Careful, Jake, that thing is very fragile," Mr. Porter reminded glancing over the young man.
Jake gave out a nervous chuckle. "Haha, don't worry, sir. I think I can handle it," Jake stepped backwards. Skye leans forward to see what's inside the glass box. And what do you know. Those people are the ones she had been waiting for.
A glass slipper lays there inside safe and sound. She took a glimpse of the other slipper she has in possession. It's the same.
"Hello!" she cried waving her paw. "Over here!"
She waved her paw more frantically, hoping that it can catch their attention. The distance is too far for her screams to be heard. The door opens and Mayor Goodway walks out, welcoming the guest. She has to tell them. "Hello! I'm over here!" she called loudly waving her paw quicker.
"I'm – whoa!" the pup clumsily slipped on her paw and thank goodness that she can balance herself before she toppled over to the ground. She looks up again at the guest but they were gone. They didn't hear her calling. She pressed her ear on the floor. Voices chattering underneath can be heard by her faintly.
.
.
.
"I am very pleased to have guest from the castle in my humble home," Mayor Goodway smiled as she opens the main door widely. Mr. Porter stepped inside the house, followed by Jake who is having a hard time to keep the glass box steady in his arms.
Mr. Porter spun around revealing the scroll. Clearing his throat, he began to read it. "The prince of Adventure Bay has sent us to –"
"Yes, yes, we know you're purpose! So can we let my pup try the slipper?" Mayor Goodway fumed impatiently.
"Oh, uh, yes, I guess," Mr. Porter said. He placed the scroll back inside his satchel.
"Great!" Mayor Goodway sang as she close the door. Before the gap closes four rabbits leaped inside. They quickly hide under the table watching Mayor Goodway leaves the door. Their eyes are locked on the key poking from her pocket.
Katie and Everest then came forth to bow at the butler. "This is my daughter Katie and our pup, Everest."
"Nice to meet you, sir," Everest greeted.
The rabbits made their move. They skillfully sprinted towards the Mayor. With much stealth, they jumped over her pocket. Still, with their small sizes, it's impossible to get it quickly.
"Well, let's just get on with it."
Mr. Porter glanced around his surroundings. He gives them a skeptical look and pondered in deep thoughts. "Are you sure that she is the only puppy here?" he asked unconvinced.
"I'm pretty sure there were more puppies when I came last night," Jake added.
"Erm," Mayor Goodway coughed, trying to find the right answer. She threaded her fingers together and forced out a cheeky smile. "You must be confused with another house."
"Oh...," Jake shrugged his shoulders sluggishly. "I thought this was the same house."
"Okay, then," Mr. Porter clarified still unconvinced.
"Meanwhile, the rabbits are still doing their best efforts to reach the metal key. And for once they thought it will be easy, a monstrous feline creature just had to come in their way." The Cap'n groaned.
"Cali is not a monstrous cat, Cap'n Turbot!" Katie countered. "You just have to know her better!"
"Well excuse me, Miss Katie for just kindly reading my script without dishonesty of my tone!" Cap'n Turbot replied, crossing his arms.
"Well you should know that Cali is a great assistant!" Katie retorted, patting Cali who grunted while raising her head up high, an agitated look on her face.
"She can't talk, can't she? Hmm?" Cap'n Turbot quickly said, not giving up with the debate. He narrows his eyes, leaning forward looking self-satisfied.
"Wally can't talk either!"
Cap'n Turbot dramatically gasped, giving Katie a look of annoyance. "How dare you bring up my best comrade's name into this discussion!" he said, waving his arms in the air.
"Oh, I'm sorry for being honest!" replied Katie angrily whilst they continue their quarrel.
The audiences can only watch them bicker speechlessly, moving their eyes from each side to another. Everest places her paw on her face as she shook it slightly, feeling embarrassed. Mayor Goodway slumped on a chair, waiting for the argument to end. Jake places the glass box on top of the fireplace, leaning one arm on it. As for Mr. Porter, he sat down on the floor.
The rabbits used this 'breaking-the-fourth-wall' moment to swipe the key and ran past Cali safely. While the narrator and the actress carry on the long-lasting fight, the rabbits hopped towards the chair Mayor Goodway is sitting on. She didn't seem to notice since she was paying attention to the debate with a bored look. One after another, they tried to catch the metal key inside Mayor Goodway's pocket. It's peeping out slightly and the rabbits are ever so desperate to reach it.
Cali, on the other hand, was stuck in Katie's arms. She meowed indolently, glancing on the ground. Her eyes met the group of rabbits jumping near the chair. Cali tried to release herself from her owner, but with Katie kept talking and squeezing her, she can't even move. After trying really hard, she pushed Katie's arms away and jumped off feeling that her grasp was loosen. As soon as she reached the solid ground, a sinister smirk started to form on her furry face. The purple cat staggered her way stealthily towards the rabbits.
She took a quick look behind her. Katie and Cap'n Turbot are still shouting comebacks but now their conversation is about the ticket sales of the play. The cat rolled her eyes, moving forward silently.
"You guys are the problem, not this play's ticket sales!" Rocky snapped furiously, walking out from the backstage. "Why are you making this story so out of character?!"
"Great! Now Rocky joined the party!" Mayor Goodway protested exasperatedly, raising both arms to the air.
Fortunately her move resulted for the key to drop down from her pocket. The rabbits smiled widely seeing the key is falling and then hits the ground. They carried it together with paws holding every side of the metallic yellow key. They raised it up above their heads and hopped in step, heading towards the stairs. No time to even rest after attempting to retrieve the key or even breath, Cali suddenly jumped at them with her claws pointing out. The unexpected pounce made them froze in place, frightened to even move seeing the feline creature looking down at them showing its sharp teeth. And without further ado they immediately made a run for it.
Hearing Cali meowing with frustration and some wild thrashing behind them Jake look over her shoulder to see the cat chasing a group of rabbits who are carrying a key. "Dudes," his voice somehow caught all of their attention. "Rabbits got the key."
They stayed on their exact position without anyone even knows what to do next. After a few minutes of awkward silence Rocky cleared his throat. "Okay, everybody, the rabbits already got the key so we're cutting the chit-chat and go straight to Everest wearing the slipper. Got it? Let's go!" he made his escape and before that he waved at the audience, "We are still new to this drama thing!" and quickly left.
Mr. Porter quickly takes the lead and smiled. "Uh, let's try it on!" all the audiences cheered loudly.
~~~
The moment Rocky stepped behind the curtains, every set of eyes fell on him. He raised his paw to stop anyone before they can lecture him about the uncoordinated scene that occurred a few minutes before. With a sigh he replied: "I am still a great producer."
Everyone else groans with an eye roll.
~~~
They almost made it, nearly. Just have to avoid the paws of the snarling cat behind them. The rabbit have to lose her somehow. The key is heavy enough and they are still struggling to breath. Every run they made somehow feels slower. In their mind, they have to help Skyerella with any ways. They kept paddling their little feet forth. Even though Cali is catching up to their tail, they have to keep going.
Finally, they can see the attic door in sight. It feels like forever. They can't possibly unlock or they will fumble at the attempt. Cali would catch them by then.
Sensing Cali is behind them, one of them pointed at the gap under the door. They have a small discussion with their own language but seeing Cali already in front of them, they have to try it. With a powerful push, they slide the golden key under the gap.
The key glided against the floor and before Cali can seize it, it went straight in.
.
.
.
She doesn't know what to do. Her mind is all fuzzy and her vision is blurry. Blinking it away didn't remove her tears. All she can think about is how close she was and how her owners took that chance away from her.
Skye observed the glass slipper lying on the bed. It looks so magical and fictitious but it feels so real and authentic. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she evoked the memory when she stepped inside the castle, meeting the prince.
Her smile slowly fades away, burying her face behind her paws. She jerks her head back up hearing some strange noises. It's too muffled to be clear but she knows it is a sound of chaos. She moved closer at the door and presses her ear on it.
Meows and angry scowls can be heard by her from the other side. "Cali," she mumbled the name quietly, feeling disappointed. "What am I thinking? It's not like someone will save me –"
She widened her eyes as a key slithers smoothly inside her room. Confusion hits her. She crouches down and eyed from the keyhole. She saw Cali pouncing and attacking something. A mouse? No, she's chasing her friends!
"That can only mean…" she directed her eyes at the key beside her paw. She grabs the key with her jaw and stood up, trying her best to stick it inside the keyhole. As it went through, she struggles to twist it around. But then a small gasp and a growing smile appeared on her face when she heard a sound.
A click.
.
.
.
"Here is the slipper we discovered last night," Mr. Porter presented the glass slipper. The three was in awe looking at the light shines over its shiny surface.
"Let's try it on, Everest," Jake smiled, carefully taking the delicate item out of its only protector. He knelt down to the Husky's level and she reached out her paw as a response. She can't hold her anticipating smile before Mayor Goodway mouthed her to calm down.
Everest closes her eyes feeling a cold sensation on the edge of her paw. The smooth glass is right on her touch and a smile starting to form. Then it quickly left.
"Huh?" she opened her eyelids seeing Jake scratching his head with confusion.
"What's the matter?" Katie asked.
"Well, uh, it doesn't fit," Jake replied examining every part of the slipper. Mayor Goodway, Katie, and Everest were left shocked. Jake turns at Mr. Porter, "Are you sure this is the last house in Adventure Bay, Mr. Porter?"
Mr. Porter shared the same confused look. He reopens the scroll and check for a house that haven't been crossed. He then shook his head as he lower the scroll, "No. This is the last one."
The butler then gives Mayor Goodway a suspicious stare, "are you definite that she's the only pup here?"
Mayor Goodway gulped, brainstorming for an answer. She cannot let them know about Skyerella. "Well of course!" she replied, trying to be calm and convincing. "Besides, that slipper is really small! No pup can ever fit her paw in it!"
Mr. Porter frowns at the answer, but he was swayed by it. He gave out a long sigh, "I guess we have to inform the young prince."
"Maybe it's a pup from somewhere else!" Jake suggested the idea.
"Maybe, but let's inform the prince first," Mr. Porter opens the door ready to leave before –
"Wait!" a voice called. All of them look over the staircase straight away. There, a Cockapoo stands with a relief sigh. She hurriedly runs down, much to Mayor Goodway's dismay.
As she reached down, Skye bows, an excited smile still plastered on her face. "I… I haven't tried it on."
"She's just the maid here, there's no way it would fit on her." Mayor Goodway interrupted firmly.
Skye glanced at Mayor Goodway from the corner of her eye. Mayor Goodway knew she was the right pup, and she's not letting Skye try it on. Hearing that, Skye feels like she's shrinking under Mayor Goodway's exterior.
Will the butler listen to her?
"Well, ma'am, the order that was given to me and the letter that was sent to your own house clearly said, every female pup will get the chance," Mr. Porter smiled. "We will discuss why you lied about this pup's presence afterwards."
The smile reappeared again on Skye's muzzle; conversely Everest grimaced at the idea. Her 'family' are giving her icy glares but Mr. Porter gave her a warm smile. "Come on, dear." He gestured the pup to sit on the pillow in front of the fireplace.
Skye nodded and jogged over the pillow, avoiding eye contact from Everest and owners. But she could sense that Everest is complaining to Katie and Katie giving her mother a confounded look. Mr. Porter walks behind Skye and Jake following behind. The pup sat comfily on the red pillow, feeling her heart pumping in excitement. Even though he did it many times before, Jake still carries the glass box with anxiousness. Mayor Goodway noticed that as an idea sprung out inside her mind.
"Here is the slipper – whoa!" Jake felt his foot stumbled upon something causing the box to slip from his grasp. Everyone's eyes – except Mayor Goodway – grew wide seeing the box flew into the air. The casing opens in the air letting go the priceless glass slipper as it crashes into pieces.
Jake felt his voice hitch. He can't say a word. Slowly, he turned around from his position and saw Mayor Goodway's leg placed right where he fell. And all she did was smile foolishly and whispered, "Oops."
"Oh no!" Mr. Porter shouted in panic. Skye was speechless and as for Katie and Everest, they quietly chuckled at the scene. Jake stood up from the floor, he glared at Mayor Goodway and before he could accuse her, Skye interrupted.
"Oh, I have another one," she smiled. At the same time, the rabbits slowly jump down from the staircase holding the exact same glass slipper on their paws. Behind them, Cali was lying down, gasping for breath with a bowl on her head.
"Cali!" Katie quickly ran over her cat and pulls her into a tight embrace. The rabbits didn't care. They have a victory look on their faces, clearly saying the have won the fight.
They placed the slipper gently near Skye and she fondled their soft fur as a reward. "Thanks guys."
"Oh my," Mr. Porter covered his mouth, feeling a smile starting to appear. "You're the pup."
Skye nodded. She looks over at Jake who sighed happily. On the other hand, Katie and Everest were stunned. As for Mayor Goodway, Skye can't tell if she was angry or surprise. But from her twitching eye, it's certain that she is infuriated.
Jake then walks towards the Cockapoo, kneeling down with the slipper on his hands. Skye gratefully extended her paw as Jake slid the slipper on it. A perfect fit.
"We found her!" Mr. Porter yelled joyfully even though it's obvious. He reached out for the pup and held her high in the air. Skye giggled as Mr. Porter twirl her around, laughing at the accomplishment. "To the castle!"
Mr. Porter puts the pup down and ran outside, bursting with joy. Jake soon followed doing the same thing.
Skye is already at the exit, she stopped her tracks. Her heart is indeed filling with joy and happiness. But she spared another glance for her family
"Thank you for taking care of me for all this years," she gave a genuine smile.
"They didn't reply. An Idea appeared inside her mind to let them come with her to the castle. However, it disappeared as Mayor Goodway snapped at her to leave and never come back. She gave her another glare before leaving the room. Katie and Everest left with her, not even looking at her. She felt heartbroken, but she did just like what Mayor Goodway wanted. She left. And she won't regret the decision." Cap'n Turbot said as the curtains behind him closes to change the scene.
The background was the castle's hall. A German shepherd walks in the stage along with Ryder the king. Ryder patted the pup's head gently and smiled, "Hey, they'll be here soon."
"I hope so," Chase mumbled with a smile. After a few minutes that felt like hours, the castle main door opens widely. Chase can feel himself smiling seeing Mr. Porter came inside with a satisfied expression. A trait Chase knew that means he had complete the mission.
"My king, and prince Chase," he began, holding back his excitement. "We have found the pup."
Skye walked inside, a glass slipper in her paw. She smiled kindly as she bowed down and spoke softly, "Your highnesses."
Actually, Ryder expected the pup to be a princess or a pup that came from a wealthy family but the pup that showed up looks like a maid. He can't say much or even dare to complain looking at Chase. But seeing the happy look on his pup's face, he decided to let it be. The German shepherd's tail swayed as he ambles towards her.
"You were the pup from last night," Chase said between his growing smile. Skye nodded in response sharing the gesture, "I'm sorry that I left without clear reason."
"It's okay, I'm happy that you're here!" he exclaimed. "Welcome to the castle! You'll be living here from now on! Well… If you want of course."
Skye's eyes lifted but her gaze stayed on the pup's brown eyes. She can't help but giggle in delight, "Yes!" she answered with enthusiasm. "Yes! Thank you!"
"Great! But hey, I never get the chance to know your name."
"My name is Skyerella," the Cockapoo beamed. "But you can call me Skye."
"They finally meet and Skyerella found her happily ever after. Though it was a long journey, she was content with the end. She can live in the castle with the prince, and after that –"
"ZE WEDDING!" Francois shouted eagerly, hopping out from the curtains.
"Wait, what wedding? I –" Cap'n Turbot pursed his lips together after Francois hand him a script. He skipped all around the stage, distributing scripts to all the actors and actresses. Everyone began to read the paper and nodded in understanding – leaving Skye and Chase completely dumbfounded.
Farmer Yumi then appeared with a spotlight shining above her. She sat in front a black grand piano, cracking her fingers. She then pressed every key playing the Wedding March.
"And the Fairy reappears!" Marshall slowly came down and pointed his wand at Skye. "Bibbity Bobbaty Boo!"
Smoke was released into the air, covering Skye completely. "Wait a minute-" the pup was interrupted with a cough and a pair of arms on her fur. Once the smoke vanishes Skye coughed a couple of times before the audiences started to natter in amazement.
The pup looks down to see herself back in her previous gown and 4 slippers entirety. "How did this…?" Katie, who appeared to be standing next to her the whole time, wiped her sweat and sighed in relief.
Before they can ask more, Farmer Yumi walks in and bowed. She sat behind a black piano and cracked her fingers. The woman pressed every key gently to form a melodious tune – the Wedding March. At the same time colorful confetti poured from below.
Ryder enters the stage in a severe manner with a book on his hand. He marched forward, followed by Jake who is holding a red cushion. On it, two royal crowns lay.
As the music gets louder and the audiences started screaming of the 'cutesy', Ryder clears his throat loudly to silence them and opens the book.
"Today we gather together for the marriage of prince Chase and Skyerella –"
"Wait, wait, what?" Chase gawked, a flabbergasted look on his face, staring at the 10 year old strangely. At the same time the piano stopped sharply with a displeasing note, making the audiences wince.
"You're getting married." Ryder answered simply.
"This was NOT in the script." Chase stated.
"It was," Rocky came out, pointing out the fact.
"But we erased it because you kept complaining about how awkward and embarrassing it will be. And now we have to do something to replace a scene because Katie and Cap'n Turbot fought. In result: cutting the entire scene. Francois then won't stop complaining about how useless he was and he created the wedding scene for the ending. Beside that we can improve this play's rating so stop talking and just roll with it." Rocky straightforwardly answered.
The music continues to play as Ryder cleared his throat to take off where he left. "Today we gather together for the marriage -"
"We can't get married!" the tune hastily stopped again but a bit more snappish than before, making the others wince again. The now red faced German shepherd then said, "T-That's just weird! We're still pups!"
A round of frustrated whines filled the place before Rocky broke it and replied, "It's just for the play, Chase."
"But -"
"I agree with Chase actually." Skye, who has been quiet the whole time, joined the conversation. She walked forward and continued, glancing at her side with a giggle. "That'll be totally awkward even though it's just a play."
There are disappointed looks on their faces and Skye added, "I think it's better if we stayed friends for now. Not… married." The Cockapoo gave out a small nervous laugh. "No matter how much I really love weddings."
"Yeah…" Chase agreed with a nod, he then turned to Ryder. The young buy took time to observe the situation and an idea pops up. He gave a sideway glance to Rocky who was pointing at his paw, signifying that the time is almost up.
Seeing that, he decided to get straight to the point. Clearing his throat yet again to catch the attention, Ryder opened the book in his hands. The audiences curiously stays put and view what will happen next. After a pause, he turned to the puppy prince and asked,
"Do you Chase take this pup to be your best friend? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to cherish her and to honor her all the days of your life?"
Hearing this, Chase grinned excitedly and wags his tail before settling down into a 'prince' like manner. Then, he turned to the pup in front of him and smiled, "I do."
The others who seemed to catch on finally returned smile excitedly while Farmer Yumi plays a song to adjust the scene. Glad that the play is resuming, Ryder then carried on to the next line.
"And do you Skyerella take this pup to be your best friend? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to cherish him and to honor him all the days of your life?"
Without hesitation, Skye quickly cheered, "I do!"
"I hereby announce you best friends!" Ryder announced loudly to raise the excitement. Fortunately, the audiences caught it and gave a round of applause. "You may now high-paw your best buddy!"
As the pups eagerly smack their paws together, the crowd became louder. They started to cheer and shout to congratulate the friends. Jake felt like this the right moment and stepped forth to present the crowns which Ryder took to place it in each pup's burst out from above with balloons and the audiences threw roses at the stage. All the actors are standing proudly with the widest smile they can muster.
The narrator, Cap'n Turbot, deciding that it's getting a bit late cuts in the noise with an arm dramatically rose up into the air.
"And so, Skyrella lives in the castle with the prince Chase as his best friend. She could finally leave her old family who never love her and is now accepted to a new one. Her dreams finally came true because she kept on believing and never lose hope. She and the prince live happily ever after."
After giving a gratified bow on stage, the Narrator finally finishes the act with the customary line.
"The end."
*the curtains closed to end the wonderful play*