*Everest's POV*

"You sure you don't want me to come?" Marshall asked me for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Yes Marsh, I'll be ok." I tried to reassure him. "I'll be an hour tops and you can call me if you're worried." I gave him a peck on the cheek and made my way out into the snow, now confident enough to go out on my own.
"Hi Auntie Everest!" Blue came bounding over wrapped up in his hat and scarf. He never came outside without them since Chase and Skye told him off the last time.
"Hi Bluey." I smiled.
"Where are you going?"
"Just for a walk."
"Can I come? Please!" I giggled at him as he gave me those signature puppy eyes. How could I say no?
"Ok." I sighed. I called Chase on my pup tag so he knew where Blue was and we stared walking towards the snow covered hill in the distance.
"Auntie Everest. Can I ask you a question?" The pit bull pup broke the silence.
"Sure honey."
"Well, you know when we lived at Lexi's old house I asked Mama why pups were pulled away from me?"
Oh no! Anything but this!
"Yeah..." I Said, a little cautious.
"Why did they? Mama never answered me." He sounded sad. He never got the chance to play with other pups his age because people pulled them away after seeing Blue's breed. He's gonna find out at some point.
"Well. People think that because you're a pit bull, you're dangerous." I Said slowly.
"But why? I'm not a bad pup. Mama and dad told me so." He protested.
"And they're right. You're a very good pup but that's just how some people think. Your breed used to be trained to do bad things and people assume that is what all dogs of that breed do."
"But...I won't." He whimpered. "I just want to play with other pups."
"You can. You just have to show people how much of a good pup you are."
"But how?" I wasn't too sure myself.
"We'll think of something." I smiled down at him. "I promise."

When we reached the top of the hill, I saw a familiar grey pup sat next to a smooth rock. I gave a small smile at him. He often came here to sit and think or to talk to her. They only knew each other for a few weeks but family is family.
"Hi Rocky." I said, sitting next to him.
"Hi." He replied.
"Talking to her?"
"Yeah." I looked at the rock which had Aiyana's name painted on it. We didn't talk about her or her funeral much. It was a hard day for us all.
"You know what I find funny?" He asked
"Hmm?"
"She told me that her crystal gave her and Lexi strength, yet Lexi and now I, never get stronger." He chuckled weakly.
"Yes you do."
"No I don't Everest. Look at me, not an ounce of muscle." I giggled at the mix's confusion.
"Maybe not physically, but mentally and intellectually, this," I pointed to the crystal on his collar. "Has made you stronger."
"Ya think?"
"I know."
"Thanks Ev." He hugged me. I felt a small pup shaped object squeeze its way between us. We looked down to see Blue shivering in the cold.
"What?" He looked up at us. "It's cold out here." Me and Rocky laughed. I heard my pup tag beep and Marshall's voice came through clear as day.
"Ev where are you?"
"I'm at Aiyana's spot with Rocky and Blue. We're on our way back now."
"Ok babe see you soon." He chirped. I pulled Blue up onto my back so he wouldn't have to walk the whole way to the lookout.
"You know what?" I asked Rocky.
"What?"
"Lexi and Aiyana never once mentioned how they got their crystals."
"I know. I'm not even sure Lexi knows - Aiyana just gave her one some day. Maybe it's just one of life's mysteries?"
"Yeah. Maybe."

We soon returned to the lookout and had an evening full of fun, games and laughter. Just the way I like it.