*A camera turned on to a set with a split setting; one half being based on a kingdom, and the other a bay-side city. Walking along the border between the two was the gray Editor himself, done up in an outfit similar to Candyman, minus the right handed hook of course.*
Shox: Reality is a very fragile line. Sometimes easy to break, other times, harder to bend. In the X-verse, it can bridge both gaps. Which is where the Double Life's come into play. *sigh, whispering to the side* Xictor, are you sure this is necessary to do this "Twilight Zone" or "Candyman" reference?
Xictor: *offscreen, whispering* Just roll with it, dude. It looks cool.
*Shox rolled his eyes slightly, whispering a bit.*
Shox: I know that one of my hands is naturally hook shaped, and I appreciate a good ref every now and then, but I'm only doing this cause it's October.
Xictor: Just continue please.
*The Editor rolled his eyes once more, clearing his throat before resuming the act.*
Shox: Double Life's are a special case. Two individual entities combined into one body, but only one can exist at a time, taking their traits, colors, and such to the body, and they're completely unaware of the other's presence. Well, except for maybe Arron X and Darrin X, but that's beside the point, and they're not who we're talking about today. Now just give me a moment to find their book. *He started looking for it as he can, eventually pulling out a two-toned book; one half was green with the initials PB X while the other half was blue with the initials BX. In the center was a little dial arrow.*
Shox: Today, we'll be looking at either Princess Blimperella X, or Balloona X. I'll be spinning the dial, but I have high hopes on one side in particular.
Xictor: I'm still questioning why the book needs to have 2 separate story sides though.
Shox: Because they both have their own perspective to the story. Plus, they both can't see the same thing. It's almost like resetting a hard drive to a computer, even though it's been going for five years. And also, When Daniel X set up the new Double Life X fursona system, he needed to put them in a safety program just in case...
Xictor: So, whichever side that little arrow lands on, no going back until we're finished?
Shox: Yep, now let’s see which X we will read today. *He spun the arrow, having it go around both sides.* I feel like we don't even need it though, it's gonna land on Princess Blimperel- *The arrow stopped, only on Balloona X's side.*
Xictor: You were saying? You did say...
Shox: Shut up, Xictor *He shook his head, as he began opening the book to the page marked BX page one.* Well, looks like we're doing Balloona X today then, so let's begin. *Shox then walked to the bay half of the set, going near a forest setting.* Our story begins on Earth, in the forest... before you all ask, "Why are we starting in the forest", I'll show you... *Shox pulled down a bit of a chart.* If we were doing Princess Blimperella X, it'd make the answer clear, but I'll do a cliff notes for you. You see, in order for a Double Life to exist, they must take a bite out of a Double Calories apple. Before she bit the apple, she was her own X. But after biting it, she ended up creating Balloona X to make her a Double Life. Got all that? Don't worry, it'll make more sense later. *He started to hear some kind of yawning with a yelp abit.*
Shox: Well, I could go further into the depth with the Double Life's, but we've got ourselves a half to do. Anyway, where was I? Oh right... forest on Earth. Anyway, it begins mere moments after PBX took a bite of that apple... and well... *He hid in the bushes and opened them up to see what looked like a slightly bloated Border Collie with some blue fur parts on her normal fur who started to wake up.* Let’s watch and learn about her.
*The collie woke up, a bit groggy and lost, unknown to her surroundings.*
BX: Ohhh... I really need to take it easy with the kibble next time... *Then she realizes something.* Wait, what is kibble? *She then looked around and see she was in a forest.* And where am I? *The lost pup started to trot about, looking for a way out of the woods and maybe some answers.* Maybe I can get out of these woods, find a place to rest for a while, and maybe get some answers to what this place is...
*As BX walked through the woods to leave, Shox popped out of the bushes.*
Shox: Before you say it... no, she doesn’t have amnesia, Double Life X Fursona 2nd half’s need to find their purpose in order to gain their own memories... Normal X or 1st half of the Double Life X already have their memories to begin with. Also, these woods may look a bit familiar, but it will make sense a bit later, since the date is... *He pulled out a little pocket watch.* September 23rd, 2017. A bit back in time, but you'll see why soon enough. *He hid in a different set of bushes so he can follow her.*
*Balloona X kept walking, till she came to a road.*
BX: What have I found now? Some kind of... I have no clue what it is, but it must be important. *After the collie put a paw on the road, a car whizzed by right in front of her as she pulled her paw back in fright.* Ok, not crossing that! But what was that? *Her head followed the tail lights of the car as it passed a sign with a familiar name.* Huh? Adventure Bay? It almost sounds familiar, but how? *She walked by the sign as she saw see a town near a beach area.* Whoa!
*Shox pops out of another set of bushes.*
Shox: If it's not ringing a bell to you yet, I don't know what rock you've been under. Basically, if the name of the city sounds familiar, it's because it's from the popular kids show, Paw Patrol. This Double Life X's 2nd half was made for this world, but without her own X and her purpose, she has no memory about this... but for now, let's continue watching *Shox ducked back into the bush as the collie strolled around the town.*
BX: I must say, looks pretty friendly around here. *She looked around the town, taking in some of the familiar sights on the town's strip.* I think I can call this place home, but I don't know if I should be here for now. I think I'll take a look around, get to know the place, then head back to those dense trees to rest. *She suddenly started to feel sleepy and was soon ready to collapse into sleep right then and there.*
*Shox was disguised as a nearby streetlight as his face appeared near the bottom of the pole.*
Shox: The reason why she's getting tired was something I pointed out a bit earlier, but now I can go into better depth. It's kind of like vampire or werewolf rules in a sense. When one half starts to get really tired, the other half is ready to awaken, causing the switch. So, that means our time for this day's about up, and we'll be jumping forward a bit. I wish we can read about Princess Blimperella X on her side but, you know the rules now, so let see what time we will jump to next.
*BX happened to pass out on a nearby bench, causing a time jump in the story to two days later.*
Shox: Well, the date is September 25th now, two days after Balloona X was "born." Let's see how she's been holding up when Katie found her. *He looked through the window of the Pet Parlor as BX started to wake up.*
BX: Mmm... how long was I out for? *She then looked around.* And where am I? Last time I remember, I was outside, not inside.
???: Well, you were, till I found you.
BX: Huh who's there? *She looked around until she saw a girl behind her.* Yikes! *She jumped in surprise.*
???: Relax girl, I'm just making sure you're alright after looking like you were lost.
BX: Who are you?
???: I'm Katie, and you're in my Pet Parlor.
BX: Pet Parlor? Sounds familiar...
Katie: Well, it's essentially where I clean up and care for various pets that happened to be around here.
BX: Pets? *She looks over herself in a nearby mirror as she sees herself and walks to the mirror, starting to feel something in her.*
Katie: Something up?
BX: Balloona X...
Katie: What?
BX: That's my name, Balloona X...
Katie: Huh. That's a very odd name, but I do see it a tiny bit.
BX: What do you mean?
Katie: Well... how do I put it exactly? You do kind of look a bit... balloony in a sense.
BX: Huh? *She looked at the mirror again.*
Katie: I mean, you look a tiny bit like a balloon in a way. Do you see it as a possibility?
BX: I guess so...
Katie: Almost reminds me of a similar incident one of my friend's pups had a while back.
BX: Really?
Katie: Yeah. It was a bit silly, but you probably would've gotten a bit of a laugh out of it.
BX: Can you tell me exactly...
Katie: Well, let me see... I can only go off from what I've heard, so it may not be fully detailed.
BX: Ok *She sits down.*
Katie: Let’s see... It was back when we were setting up for the parade. Alex did provide some help with some extra balloons for my float... a few too many though.
BX: Alex?
Katie: Alex Porter, grandson to Mr. Porter. Brown hair, blue eyes, orange shirt with green khakis. He does like to try and help out, but sometimes... it's a bit too much.
BX: Ok, continue please.
Katie: Well, anyway... he had quite a few extra pink balloons, which did make sense a bit since my float was based on a bubble bath for pets. Unfortunately, there were one too many put on and let's just say... the float took to its name a bit too literally.
BX: Yikes, what happened then?
Katie: It's sort of one of those weird things with science and such. So many helium balloons can practically lift anything off the ground. Make it practically weightless. Anyway... Mayor Goodway called up Ryder to gather the pups for a mission briefing. This is where that fun part to the story comes in.
BX: What fun part?
Katie: Well, one of them, Marshall... he's a great pup, but he's prone to being a bit... clumsy at points.
BX: Marshall...
Katie: That name ring a bell to you?
BX: Uh, a little… but continue...
Katie: Sure. Where'd I leave off?
BX: You were talking about Marshall.
Katie: Right, right. He's a rather unique dalmatian though. You'll recognize him by his smoke styled spots on his body, and some of his fun little antics. But... what happened that day was unique. When the team was summoned, Marshall was inflating the last balloon with a helium tank, roughly around to the size you are Balloona. Unfortunately, he couldn't tie the knot in time and it got caught in the zipper of his vest, transferring it from the balloon into his suit.
BX: Hehehehe, that’s funny. So it’s like... he... inflated...
Katie: Yeah, in a way. What was funnier was when the rest of the pups were asking where he was, he ended up bouncing into the lift, looking almost like his body was a natural yoga ball, only floating due to the helium. Of course, when he unzipped his zipper, you can imagine a bit of a deflating balloon going around that area. Of course, the one-liner he had afterwards, priceless.
BX: Huh... oh right, hey Katie... this may sound weird but I... *She then started to feel sleepy again.*
Katie: Something up Balloona? A bit tired? Balloona X then collapsed as she fell asleep.* Balloona X!?
*The scene panned back out to Shox, reading a newspaper while standing by the window. After a few seconds, he looked up.*
Shox: Oh, time already huh? Well, anyway... that's how Balloona X got some memories. After hearing some stories and such, her memories slowly start building. But she only knows about her name and something that is connected to her name *He peeked inside a bit, pulling out his watch.* Looks like we'll be doing another time skip, but thankfully, it won't be that far this time. About... a day and half perhaps... Why you ask, I'll show you. *The story then jumped a bit ahead once more, going back to a more spacious part of the forest, near where Balloona X was first created.*
Shox: Welcome to the dawn of September 27th. I did say one and a half days because it was the night on the 25th, we skipped the 26th, so it's the morning of the 27th. Now you might be wondering why are we back in the forest since Balloona X is at the Pet Parlor... Sometimes, discovering more about yourself can work from the initial place you came from. A bit of a memory jogger, in a way. *He hid in the bushes as he saw Katie and Balloona X walking in the forest.*
Katie: So this is the place you just woke up?
BX: Yep, it just feels weird why I started here.
Katie: Odd place to wake up in. Especially since these woods have had some history to them here and there.
BX: I don't know why I ended up here, or why my memory said I needed to be here though.
Katie: Yeah, it's bizarre indeed, Balloona.
BX: Anyway, you remember when I was gonna say something that will sound weird?
Katie: Yeah, what were you going to say?
BX: Well this will explain why my name is Balloona X, I suggest you step back about… 5 ft away though.
*Katie tilted her head a bit in confusion as she was setting down her bag.*
Katie: I'm sorry, what?
BX: I said "this will explain why my name is Balloona X, I suggest you step back about… 5 ft away though."
Katie: I heard, I'm just curious to what you're doing.
*Katie backed away a bit to give the collie some space.*
BX: Just don't get weirded out about this... *She sighed a bit, then she started to inhale some air inside her as she inflated like a balloon until she stopped at the same height as Katie, leaving the blonde haired girl absolutely baffled.*
Katie: What?! How did you...
BX: It’s hard to explain since my memory showed me this...
Katie: Your... memory showed you this?
BX: Yes, it's still weird but... *She then deflated by exhaling the air out, but then she started to feel sleepy again.*
Katie: Oh boy, this day just got weird...
BX: *sleepy* Make sure... I'm back here... in... 9 dayyyy... *She collapsed as she slept.*
*Katie looked a bit baffled, trying to piece it together as Shox watched on from another bush. The time then went forward the nine days, Shox casually watching from a tree.*
Shox: Welcome to the 6th everyone. Perfect time with Autumn's crisp air starting to settle in. *Then he can see Katie walking back in the forest while carrying Balloona X as she can.* Looks like our fair dog is about to get all the answers she needs to fulfill her second half's memories and purpose. *He hid in the bushes and saw Katie putting Balloona X down on the ground as she started to wake up*
BX: Mmm... another good rest. I see you brought me back to the forest like I requested Katie.
Katie: Yea, but it’s still weird that you fell asleep for 9 days.
BX: I just don't know why exactly though.
Katie: It's almost like you were under some kind of spell or something. I know magic's not a fully real thing at points, but it seems like it was a magic spell.
BX: Maybe... but I thought I remembered the forest... *She look around for a bit.* white?
Katie: White? You mean like snowy?
BX: Yes, "snowy"...
Katie: Hmm... you may have had some kind of image of Jake's Mountain. It's basically the areas local snowboarding/skiing area.
BX: Oh dear, my memory didn't show me it right!
Katie: I mean, I could get you up there, but it'll take a lot longer than expected. Let me think for a bit here. Hmm... I could always call Ryder and see if he can give you a lift, but who knows if he's on another mission or not now?
BX: Try it...
Katie: Alright. Give me a few seconds. *She pulled out her phone and proceeded to call Ryder. After a few seconds, he finally picked up.*
Ryder: Katie, what can I do for you?
Katie: I need you to come to the forest for a bit. I got someone who needs to be on Jake's Mountain, please.
Ryder: We're a bit away, I can either have Chase double back and pick this being up, or I can have Skye fly them in.
Katie: Let's have Skye do it.
Ryder: Sure thing, I'll call her in and pick them up at... where are you?
Katie: The forest near the edge of town. Just be careful when she picks up my friend here.
Ryder: Skye will handle it, Katie. She'll be there shortly. *He ended the call.*
Katie: Skye will be here soon.
BX: I do hope this goes well though...
Katie: Trust me, Balloona X. Skye's a great pilot anyway, you're in good hands... er, paws rather. *After a minute or two, the sound of a helicopter's rotor could be heard.* And here she is now.
BX: Cool.
Katie: Skye's a pretty fast flyer too at points, I may add.
*The helicopter hovered for a bit as the blonde cockapoo lowered own the harness.*
Skye: Harness is on its way down Katie! Who's the friend of yours anyway?
BX: My name is Balloona X.
Skye: Interesting name, that's for sure. Get strapped in and I'll fly you to Jake's! We've got a bit of a polar bear sculpture stuck in a crevasse.
BX: Oh dear. *Balloona X managed to get settled in with Skye as the two took off.*
Skye: Y'know, I actually have a question for you Balloona X.
BX: Ask away then.
Skye: Well, maybe a few, but the major one is why do you need to be at Jake's Mountain around this time?
BX: It's hard to say, it's just... my memory is all messed up.
Skye: A bit of amnesia by the sound of it.
BX: I suppose you can say that... but I just need to be in the mountain area.
Skye: Alright then. Just out of curiosity, why do they call you Balloona X?
BX: You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Skye: Considering how myself and the rest of my team got turned into Merpups, I'd believe almost anything nowadays.
BX: Uh... I'll show you later. My memory said that I will use my "skill" for something important.
Skye: I'll just take your word for it, we're coming up to the mountain now, and I should... hold on a second. *She extended the lens portion of her goggles, only to see a sleeping bear on a sled.* Is that an actual bear?!
BX: Wait, bear?! *She then started to remember something again only this time, it has the bear in it coming at Balloona X, she snapped out of it as she gasped.* I know why I need to be here! Skye, get me down there, please and quick!
Skye: I'll see what I can do! Hang tight though. *Skye piloted her helicopter over to a snowy half pipe area, lowering the harness and setting Balloona X back on the ground.* Be careful down there!
BX: I'll handle this *She started to do some breathing for what's coming for her. On the very far end, she could see very two faint dots enter the half pipe. Upon the scene moving closer, it happened to show the same bear Balloona X briefly just saw, eyes closed while standing upright on a toboggan. Behind him was a female husky pup, on top a custom snowboard with a little rocket on the back. Balloona X could see them going up and down both sides of the half pipe, getting closer to her.* Well, better get ready. They're coming in pretty fast. *She closed her eyes and continued her breathing.*
*Upon one trick sending the bear up off the sled, the husky happened to take control of the disowned sled and control it, but after the bear landed on it, the sled broke apart from the weight. The husky pup face planting in the snow, as she popped her head out; she can see Balloona X as the sleeping bear was going towards her.*
Everest: Whoa! You may want to get out of the way pup, cause that bear's heading your way!
BX: *she exhale for the last time* Now! *She started to inhale alot of air in her, causing her to inflate bigger than before. Her arms and legs sink in her body abit as she then stopped and she is twice the size of the bear’s size.* I hope it works! *She tried to put her paws out so she can try to push the bear down, leaving Everest to shake her head a bit, blinking twice.*
Everest: I think I need to lay off the liver treats, cause I'm not sure if I'm seeing things right or not...
*The bear contacted with the round, balloony dog and sank a bit into her belly. But after a few seconds and a bit of leaning, Balloona X leaned forward again and the bear was stopped and still asleep.*
BX: Huh... I did it?
*Everest came over cautiously, speaking in whispers.*
Everest: Yes, yes you did.
*Shortly after, a few others came up, including Skye, two other dogs, and two humans.*
Skye: Well, I now see why you're called Balloona X.
BX: *She exhaled all the air out of her, returning back to her normal size.* Yeah, I know it’s weird, but it’s what I saw in my memory.
Skye: Personally, I think it's great to have. Anyway, I think an introduction is in order.
BX: *She looked and saw the others.* Oh right... uh... hello, I'm Balloona X, I...
Chase: I think we can do introductions after we get this bear back to his den. Everest, do you know where his den is?
Everest: Yes, I do. Unfortunately, it's Spot's den.
BX: Who’s Spot?
Everest: The bear we've been chasing up and down the area... which you stopped with your body.
BX: Oh, that’s the bear's name, huh?
Everest: Yep... and when he gets woken up early, he can be quite cranky.
Ryder: We better get Spot back to his den before he wakes up then.
4 Pups: Right.
Rocky: I'll go check my truck to see if I have a new sled to load Spot onto. *He made his way back to his truck to start looking for a good replacement.* Let's see here... I know I have a sled somewhere in here. *he spot it* oh there it is *He returned to the group.* Alright, got the sled. Do we need anything else?
Everest: Probably some strong cables. I have a feeling we'll need them later.
BX: Is there anything I could do to help further? *Everest looked a bit to Chase then back at Balloona X.*
Everest: Uh... yeah.
Balloona X: Is there something wrong, Everest?
Everest: No. You'll just see what I mean when we get there.
BX: Why? What does that mean? *The scene then cut to Balloona X being inflated once more, with a cable tied around her waist outside the ridge to Spot's cave.* I see what you meant now...
Everest: Ready?
BX: As ready as I'll ever be.
Everest: Alright. Need me to discuss the plan for you before we begin?
BX: Yes...
Everest: Well, we do have the sled with Spot on it, and Rocky. Rocky did attach four hooks to each corner of the sled and ran some spare straps to a central ring. That, of course, runs to the pulley above the cave, and around your body. So... you're essentially the weight that'll be lifting them up to the cave.
BX: That explains why you asked me to drink a lot of water.
Everest: Yeah... sorry it was cold, not that much to do to heat it up in time.
BX: It’s ok, Everest.
Everest: Let's get it going before we wake up with a grumpy bear.
BX: Right.
Everest: Hang tight then. *The husky then hopped into her snow-cat, driving a bit away with a spare cable tied to the back, as well as a support holding the water ballooned collie. After a nice tug, the support came out and Balloona X dropped, pulling the sled up to the cave entrance. Balloona X hit a nice little, conveniently packed snow bank, but it didn't stop the water from causing some shaking inside her.
BX: Whoa, easy there please.
Everest: Sorry about that. May've had you drink a bit too much water, but it did work. Rocky and Spot are at the cave's entrance.
BX: Ok then. *Rocky managed to get Spot back into his cave where he briefly opened his eyes, before closing them once more, remaining in his cave. Once the bear was off, Balloona X took a bit of breath before exhaling the water out of her, slowly bringing Rocky back down to the ground.* But what about me now...
Everest: Hang on, I got you.
*Everest fired off her grappling hook, getting it snagged in a loop within the cable around Balloona X, then proceeded to retract it, slowly pulling her back down.*
BX: Thank you.
Everest: No problem. *She then proceeded to undo the cable tied around her.* That oughta do it.
BX: Well, it's been a pleasure helping you guys out with your bear problem, but I should probably get going.
Ryder: Actually... I think I may have a better idea.
BX: What do you mean?
Ryder: Well, without you... who knows how long it could've taken us to get Spot back? You're a rather useful and special pup, Balloona X. How would you like to join the Paw Patrol?
BX: Wait, really? How can I be help when my "skill" is blowing up like a balloon?
Ryder: Considering what you were able to demonstrate today, I think your power has a lot more capabilities than you do realize.
BX: How?
Ryder: A lot of practice and training. What do you say though, want to join and help out?
BX: Sure thing, Balloona X at your service.
Ryder: Welcome aboard, Balloona X.
*The scene then cut to the Lookout where the rest of the team was assembled, waiting for their newest member to be suited up.*
Marshall: So Ryder, what kind of role she will be in?
Ryder: She'll be taking on the role as our High Pressure Support pup.
Chase: High Pressure Support?
Rocky: You mean like one of those ventilation systems?
BX: Actually Rocky... *She walked in with her new vest that is half green and half blue with a green X on the blue side & a pup tag that is a balloon with a X in it.* It’s when I can use my ability to do some extra helping way.... Like reinflate vehicle tires, being an airbag to stop runaway objects or cushion falls, clear blockades, or other stuff you can name.
Zuma: Whoa, that's totally rad to hear!
BX: And thanks to Ryder, my pup pack has some equipment for me to use on me, watch. *barks* Air Hose! *A gray, rubber hose came out of the left side of her pack.* I suggest you pups step back.
*The pups all took a few steps back.*
Marshall: I think I know where this is going.
BX: *barks* Hose, mouth.
Marshall: I thought as much.
Skye: Why? Did you think she'd slip it down the front of her vest?
*Marshall blushed a bit at Skye's comment, causing a bit of a giggle while the hose plugged into Balloona X's mouth.*
BX: *mumble bark* Inflate! *The hose began to pump a steady flow of air from the pack, into Balloona X's mouth, and down into her body. She began to inflate, growing to twice her normal size with her legs sunk in up to her paws. Mumble bark* Stop. *The air stopped pumping and the hose popped out of her mouth, and was shortly retracted back into her pack. She is abit bigger than Ryder, only half a size taller than him.*
Marshall: Wow, now that's impressive!
BX: Thank you Marshall. *She exhaled the air out to deflate back to her normal size.*
Marshall: When like that, you almost look like a ball to play with. *The two laugh at that as they go for a congratulatory belly bump, only Marshall managed to get sent flying a bit.*
*The rest of the team shared a laugh as Shox was back in his Candyman outfit on the far side of the bridge, looking back to the camera.*
Shox: And that's how Balloona X came to be. *As he was talking and walking, the area slowly turned back to the set in the X-verse.* I will admit, I did enjoy that a lot more than I first thought. Balloona X is quite fun and cute in the right perspective. Nevertheless, our tale of one half has ended, but another is due soon. *He placed the book back on the shelf, adjusting his cloak.* Now... I have a Halloween party to get to.
*As he left and the camera shut off, some pics that weren't shown in the story flashed a bit. Some included Balloona X having new outfits, abilities in each, and having her hang out with a new pup in a majority of them; a black and gray furred Labrahuahua, clad in a mechanic suit. Of course, one shot showed her as a balloon, while another showed him as one. One mystery completed can unlock so many more, that's for sure.*
The End
