The sun hung low over the cliffs as two figures stood overlooking Oddwind's abandoned half - its empty buildings standing like forgotten sentinels.

"Look over there!" Martin pointed. "This must be it!"

They made their way down the slope, passing empty homes and tattered missing posters fluttering in the breeze.

"...What happened here?" Martin whispered.

Steban's voice tightened. "No... It can't be."

Martin glanced back nervously. "How far was Everdust again?"

A small shadow darted past.

"Hey!" Steban gave chase.

"Wait!" Martin called after him. "We don't know what we could be getting into!"

They found the shadow - a black Border Collie pup sitting alone, his ears drooping with quiet sadness. Steban froze as recognition flashed across his face.

"Wait... you're Marsha's little brother?" The pup looked up with glistening eyes as Steban carefully gathered him close. "Phew, you run pretty fast! You alright?" He hugged the trembling pup. "It's alright, I'm not letting anything bad happen to you."

Martin scanned the deserted street. "You can't be alone out here... Is there anybody else around?"

In the distance, warm lights glowed - the real Oddwind.

"It's here!" Steban's tail wagged wildly. "Oddwind is still here! I thought it was gone for good!"

"Let go of me, you twerp!" Martin squirmed from the sudden hug. "I thought you hated this place!"

Steban swept a paw toward the town. "Behold, the weirdest little town you'll ever set a paw on! Oddwind!"

As they walked through the streets, Steban pointed around. "It's got everything you need! There's a general store, doctor... even a sheriff! Besides, folks are lovely around here."

Nearby dogs responded with low growls.

Steban's ears flicked back nervously. "...such gentle souls..."

Looking down at the quiet pup in his arms, he adjusted his hold. "Aight mate. Let's get you home. Wanna show us the way?"

Martin eyed the silent pup. "Erm... I don't think he'll be talking anytime soon..."