They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Betrayal

The pups stood in shock, staring at James. They never imagined he could be working with Orion—it was unbelievable.

Chase: "How could you, James? We thought you were one of the good guys!"

James: "Oh, I am good. You just wouldn't understand."

Zuma: "Then why trap us?"

James: "Business, that's all. I'm here to get paid, and it looks like I will. Hehe."

Everest: "What? Don't you realize all the animals are in danger? That includes Parker—your dog!"

James: "Parker? Pssh, please. He's gone anyway."

Marshall: "What do you mean he's gone?"

James: "I mean he bolted before I got here. Whatever you think, he's not here anymore."

Chase growled in anger but quickly composed himself.

James: "Don't get feisty with me, dumb mutt."

Chase bristled at the insult, barely holding back.

Chase: "Dumb mutt? Dumb mutt?! Who do you think you're talking to? I've done more for my team than you could ever dream of. You're the pathetic one—siding with the wrong people, all for money. You'll be taken down, and so will Orion."

James: "You mean Mr. Baker. That's his name, by the way. Show some respect."

Rocky: "You don't deserve respect!"

James: "True. But I do deserve money, and after this, I'm gonna be rich. Hehe. Now, while you pups cry about your failure, I'll leave for the outhouse. Don't worry—you won't be lonely. Mr. Baker will be here soon. Goodbye, Paw Patrol. This is the end of the line."

James sauntered off, whistling as he disappeared down the hallway. The pups sat in silence, dejected and disappointed.

Chase: "Come on, guys, we need to come up with a plan."

Liberty: "We can try, but it's not looking good, just saying."

Zuma: "Don't be so negative, Liberty. There's gotta be something we can do!"

As they brainstormed, a silhouette of a dog appeared in the distance.

Chase: "Hold up, I think I see someone."

The pups squinted at the shadowy figure until recognition hit them—it was Parker!

Parker: "Oi, you lot got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, huh?"

Chase: "Parker! We thought you'd left!"

Parker: "What? You think I'm a bloody bludger? Nah, I left James after I found out about his dodgy schemes. He's been a real cactus to me ever since. Let's see if I can get you out. Reminds me of my old rescuin' days. Heh."

The pups were stunned—they had no idea Parker used to be a rescuer.

Rubble: "I like you even more now."

Parker: "Cheers, mate. I may be old and beat, but I ain't weak."

Parker worked on the lock, using his nails to pick it.

Parker: "Good thing I didn't get me nails trimmed. I'm glad y'all are okay. That Baker bloke's a proper mongrel to animals."

With a click, the cage opened, and the pups rushed out.

Chase: "Thanks, Parker."

Parker: "No worries, mate. But you should find your buddy Ryder. I saw a bunch of goons heading his way."

Tracker: "¡Ay, Dios mío! (Oh my god!) Is Carlos okay?"

Parker: "Dunno, but I reckon he's with Ryder. It'd be risky to go after them, but I believe in you lot."

Chase: "Come with us, Parker. We could use your help."

Parker: "Eh, I'd just slow you down. I'll find my own way."

Chase: "No, we need you. Orion's dangerous, and an extra paw could make all the difference."

Parker: "Alright, fine. Could be a trip down memory lane. Heh."

Parker joined the pups as they made their way through the lab. Eventually, they reached a staircase leading to a massive machine at the top of the temple.

Rubble: "I say we destroy it—it looks dangerous."

Parker: "Crikey! It's aimed right at Adventure Bay. That's not good at all. Turn it off!"

Chase nodded at Rocky.

Chase: "Rocky, see what you can do."

Rocky: "Arf! Hammer!"

Rocky's hammer extended from his pup pack, and he struck the machine repeatedly, but nothing happened. The machine began to whir louder.

Marshall: "Ruff! Water cannon!"

Marshall sprayed the machine, which sparked violently and powered down. A clicking noise followed.

Chase: "Run! It's gonna blow!"

The pups sprinted away just as the machine exploded. From a safe distance, they watched as it became a pile of smoldering scrap. Skye suddenly pointed.

Skye: "Guys, look!"

The pups followed her gaze to see Ryder and Carlos being dragged into a van with barred windows.

Chase: "Ryder!"

Tracker: "Carlos!"

Parker: "That's definitely not good. You better get after that van."

Chase: "Come on, pups! We have to save them!"

The pups rushed to the parking lot, where they found their empty vehicles. They quickly jumped in and sped off after the convoy.

*****

Back in the lab...

James returned, whistling casually, but stopped short when he saw the empty cage.

James: "Well, looks li—"

He stared at the unlocked gate in disbelief.

James: "Damn. So he's not gone. Hmm."