They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Next In Line

Ryder called all the pups to the observation deck, and they rushed to be briefed. As the pups lined up as usual, they quickly noticed Liberty was missing.

"Where did she go?" someone murmured.

Moments later, Liberty walked into the observation deck, with Zuma trailing behind her.

Rocky: "Zuma! You're back on your feet!"

Rocky ran over and hugged Zuma tightly. Rocky had always had a soft spot for Zuma—he was like a little brother to him. Soon, all the pups surrounded Zuma, each taking turns giving him a hug.

Zuma: "Thanks, you guys. I'm still a bit messed up, but it's not too bad. I can hang low with you all."

Ryder: "I'm glad to see you up and about, Zuma. And you're in luck because we're heading back to Adventure Bay."

Chase: "But what about Orion?"

Chase's worry was evident. He feared Orion might escape or, worse, make another move against the Paw Patrol. The villain had already proven he wouldn't hesitate to end the Paw Patrol... permanently.

Ryder: "I get your concern, Chase, but trust me—we're heading back to Adventure Bay to deal with him. Or, more specifically, his weapon. I've detected high-energy readings coming from the jungle. My hope is that with Tracker and Carlos' help, we can take down that machine you and Skye learned about. We're going back for a good reason, I promise."

Chase: "If that's the case, then the Paw Patrol is ready for action, Ryder, sir!"

Ryder: "Good. We make land tomorrow. Get some rest, all of you. I need every pup at their best."

Ryder walked off, and the pups dispersed, heading to their quarters to rest for the night. As they walked, Chase turned to Rocky.

Chase: "Rocky, I heard you and Marshall were working on my car. How's it coming along?"

Rocky: "It's going great, Chase, no worries. We added a new intake and a turbocharger. Your car should have more power now, but I'm still planning to add a few more upgrades."

Chase: "That's awesome. Thanks, Rocky. And... I'm sorry if I was a bit harsh before. Skye gave me a reality check."

Chase glanced at Skye, who smiled warmly back at him. Both seemed to share an unspoken understanding.

Rocky: "You're good with me, but you might want to talk to Marshall. He's the one who was the most worried."

Chase: "Alright. Thanks, Rocky."

Chase headed toward Marshall's room. Inside, Marshall was sprawled on his bed, tongue sticking out as he intently played a racing game on his pup phone.

Chase: "Hey, Marshall?"

Marshall: "Oh, yeah? What's up, Chase?"

Chase: "Walk with me."

Marshall: "Okie dokie!"

Marshall hopped off his bed and followed Chase out into the steel hallways of the ship.

Marshall: "So, what's up? You're not usually one for walks, surprisingly. What's on your mind?"

Chase: "I wanted to apologize. I've been... mean, I guess. I wasn't thinking straight."

Marshall: "Oh, you're fine, Chase. We all have our moments. I'm just glad you snapped out of it quickly. Honestly, I expected you to hold onto it longer. What changed?"

Chase: "Skye gave me a reality check."

Marshall smirked knowingly.

Marshall: "Ah, got hit by that lady's charm, huh?"

Chase chuckled, appreciating Marshall's humor more than he let on.

Chase: "Something like that."

Marshall: "By the way, since you're turning nine in two months... that means only one more year before retirement, huh?"

Chase: "Yeah, it's hard to believe we're growing up so fast."

Marshall: "Rocky mentioned something. Since I'm your closest pup right now—unless there's someone else, hehe..."

Chase rolled his eyes playfully, knowing Marshall was alluding to Skye.

Chase: "Stop it."

Marshall: "What? I know you're catching feelings. I'm your best friend—how could I not know?"

Chase blushed slightly.

Chase: "Whatever. Just continue."

Marshall: "Well, Rocky said I might be next in line to lead. Is that true?"

Chase stopped and turned to face Marshall.

Chase: "Listen, Marshall, it's true. I plan on passing the lead to you when the time comes. You're the second oldest, and I think you'd make a great leader. But don't stress about it now. We've still got two years ahead of us. When the time's right, I'll prepare you, okay? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to visit Skye. Stay safe, and keep those fires under control, hehe."

Marshall: playfully gasping "I knew it! Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

Chase: chuckling "And I won't say a word about Everest, hehe."

Marshall's jaw dropped.

Marshall: "Hey! How'd you know?"

Chase: "I'm your best friend! I know your ways. See ya!"

Marshall shook his head with a smile. Chase was one funny pup, and undeniably his best friend. But the idea of leading the Paw Patrol someday... how would he handle it? He decided to put the thought away for now—there was still time. As Chase walked toward Skye's room, his thoughts drifted to the conversation they'd had about wanting a family someday. He was nearing retirement and needed to prepare for what came next. But being a dad? Could he really handle that responsibility? He pushed the thought aside as he approached Skye's door, thinking to himself, She'd be an amazing mother.