They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Espionage

Tracker and the Paw Patrol make their way closer to the temple. As they approach, the strange noises grow louder, and they hear distant chatter. They park their ATVs, hunker down, and sneak closer to the temple. When they get close enough, they finally see the source of the lights. At the top of the temple, under a gazebo-like structure, is a large, futuristic object emitting the strange lights and noises. Maintenance buildings are scattered around the base of the temple. What kind of machine—or place—is this?

Tracker: "¡Ay Dios mío! (Oh my god!) That's a big temple. What should we do, Ryder?"

Ryder reflects for a moment, formulating a plan.

Ryder: "Okay, pups, I have a plan. Chase, I need you to use your super spy drone and scout the area first."

Chase: "You got it, Ryder, sir." barks quietly and whispers "Drone!"

At Chase's command, a drone emerges from his pup pack. Using his pup pad, he pilots the drone to scout the area. As it hovers above, Chase notices several personnel and overhears two goons talking. Deciding to eavesdrop, he listens closely.

Goon 1: "Do you know when this thing goes off? I'm not trying to be anywhere near it when it does."

Goon 2: "Come on, man. You didn't pay attention during the briefing? Typical. This thing stays inactive until we catch that dumb Paw Patrol—or whatever they're called. The boss has a major vendetta against them. Something about them killing his wife or something. I don't know."

Chase gasps, shocked by what he hears. The Paw Patrol? Killing someone? That's impossible. Ryder, overhearing through Chase's earpiece, speaks up.

Ryder: "What? We haven't killed anyone. We never would. What are they talking about? Keep listening, Chase. I need to know more."

Chase nods and continues eavesdropping.

Goon 1: "Seriously? A bunch of dumb mutts killed his wife? Dang, they must be pretty good then. Hehe."

Goon 2: "Hehe, you're so stupid, you know that."

The goons walk off, and Chase resumes scouting the area. He finds the main entrance to the temple but notices it's heavily guarded. Searching for another way in, he discovers a small hole on the temple's side, guarded by only one person. He relays this information to Ryder.

Chase: "The main entrance is blocked, but there's a hole on the side. Only one person is guarding it, but it looks too small for you or Carlos to fit through. Only we could."

Ryder: "Shoot. Well, we don't have a choice. I want you pups to enter, okay? Carlos and I will stay out here to keep watch. Let's move."

The pups nod and make their way closer to the side entrance. As they approach, they hear the guard complaining.

Goon 3: "Ugh, so many bugs around here. 'You gotta guard the hole in the wall.' Blah, blah, blah. So stupid. No one can fit through this dumb hole anyway, but they've got me guarding it. Pssh, waste of my time."

Ryder: "Alright, Skye, I need you to take the guard out—and quickly. I know we're not fighters, but Adventure Bay is in danger. We have to do this."

Skye: "No worries, Ryder. This pup's gotta fly."

Ryder smiles and nods as Skye moves into position. She sneaks around to the guard's left side, then rushes him and delivers a quick kick to the head, knocking him out cold. Chase, watching from a distance, smiles. He didn't know Skye had it in her—and he's impressed. Skye returns to the group.

Skye: "I got him, Ryder. What's next?"

Ryder: "Alright, it's your time to shine, pups. I need all of you to enter the temple. Be prepared to fight, but only if you have to. I don't want any of you getting hurt. Am I clear?"

The pups nod, though some sigh nervously. As they prepare to move, Rubble turns back to Ryder and Carlos.

Rubble: "What about you guys? We can't just leave you here."

Ryder: "Don't worry, Rubble. We'll be fine. We'll stay right here and keep watch. We can't fit through the hole, so this is the best way we can help. You're old enough to do this now. Go."

Carlos: "Yeah, don't worry about us, amigo. We'll be fine. Paw Patrol is always on a roll, hehe."

Rubble hesitates for a moment but then nods, confidence returning to his face. He joins the other pups, who are waiting for him by the entrance. Ryder and Carlos hunker down, keeping an eye out for any lone guards who might approach. They know the stakes are high—Adventure Bay and the Paw Patrol's legacy are both on the line.

*****

Rubble joins the group at the entrance, and Chase steps forward to address the team.

Chase: "Alright, guys, we stay together in there, okay? No splitting up. Teamwork makes the dream work. The temple could be dangerous, so we face it together. Paws in."

Chase places his paw in the center, and the others join him. Together, they count to three and quietly shout, "Paw Patrol!" They move inside, but Tracker lingers at the back, visibly nervous. He's afraid of the dark, but he takes a deep breath to steady himself.

Tracker (to himself): "You got this, rastreador (Tracker). You got it."

The pups venture deeper into the temple.