Ryder thinks hard and comes to a solution.
Ryder: "...Um... well... sure."
The pups are in shock that Ryder said yes. Why does he want the Ruff Ruff Pack to join them? They were just bad, and now all of a sudden, they're good. It doesn't add up.
Chase: "But, Ryder, we don't know if we can trust them. They've caused so much trouble in the past and never stopped. Don't you think it's fishy how they've suddenly changed?"
Ryder: "Look, pups, I know you guys dislike the Ruff Ruff Pack, but everyone deserves a second chance, no matter what they've done. If they mess up again, it'll be over, and I'll make sure they're gone for good. Let's just hear them out this once. If they mess up again, that's it."
Ryder turns to face the Ruff Ruff Pack.
Ryder: "That goes for you as well. If you mess up, you won't get another chance. I'm putting my foot down. You have one shot—don't blow it."
The Ruff Ruff Pack all nod in agreement.
Gasket: "Um, well, I guess we can start right now. Once we finish up what we have to do here, we'll be at our old diner. If you guys could help us turn it into a bike shop, we'd be really grateful. In return, we'll make bikes for each of you. Sound good?"
The pups think about it. Having their own bikes would be cool, with gadgets and tools that could help during rescues and missions. After a moment, they all nod their heads in agreement. This causes the Ruff Ruff Pack to light up with happiness. They really seem to have changed for the better.
Ryder: "Then it's a deal. We'll help you build the bike shop, and you'll give us bikes."
Dwayne: "Yup!"
Ryder: "Alright, great. I think we're done here. Pups, let's head back."
The pups are happy to leave, as the obedience school has always been an uneasy place for any dog to visit. Ryder takes something from his pocket and turns to the Ruff Ruff Pack.
Ryder: "Alright. Here. This will be our way of communicating from now on. Take care of it—there won't be another one. This is the first step for us to fully trust you, okay? Don't screw it up."
Ryder hands a Pup Pad to Gasket.
Gasket: "You got it, Ryder. No mistakes. No problems. We'll see you soon. I'm glad we could come to an agreement and start over."
Ryder: "Me too. But don't make us regret it. Pups, let's go."
The pups leave the obedience school and enter the Paw Patroller, still parked outside. Robo Dog barks happily and wags his tail. Ryder sits down and begins to speak with the pups.
Ryder: "Okay, pups, I know this is going to be hard to come to terms with. I need you to be on board. As you've grown up, you've made mistakes—we all have, me included. I know each of you has wished for a second chance at some point, and sometimes you got one. I know how it feels to get redemption for your actions. Let's see where this goes, okay? Be ready. We'll be leaving again soon after we get back."
Ryder looks back at Robo Dog.
Ryder: "To the Lookout, Robo Dog."
Robo Dog barks happily and starts driving back to the Lookout. The pups sit silently, thinking about what's to come. They're unsure if they can trust the Ruff Ruff Pack, but they know Ryder usually knows what's best. Rubble sits next to Rocky and decides to ask a question.
Rubble: "So, Rocky, I noticed you were smiling at Gasket. Got something to tell me?"
Rocky gets nervous. He doesn't know how to answer. He feels a slight connection with Gasket, but not in the way Rubble is thinking—not yet, at least.
Rocky: "No, not really. I think it's just a mechanic connection since we both work on vehicles and use tools. Plus, her puns are kind of funny, hehe."
Rubble: "Hmm. Okay."
Rubble thinks deeply. Could Rocky be catching feelings? It would be funny if he did, but the thought makes him wonder about himself. What about him? Would he find a connection someday? He's still young, but he's starting to mature and doesn't have an answer yet. He saves the thought for later. Meanwhile, Everest sits in Marshall's lap with her paws up. They've made their love for each other known and don't plan on stopping. They're that outgoing couple who don't care what others think, one of the reasons they match so well. Everest brings up a question.
Everest: "So, Marshy, do you like Gasket?"
Marshall is surprised by the question. Him, unfaithful? That's not him.
Marshall: "What? Of course not, Everest."
He caresses Everest's stomach with his paw.
Marshall: "You're the only one for me. Nothing can change that, okay?"
Everest feels happy with his answer but even happier at how his paw feels on her stomach. She relaxes and smirks. Something is sparking, though she doesn't know what it is.
Everest: "Hehe. Really? Yeah, you're right. I don't know why I thought that. I guess I'm scared of losing you. Hehe."
Marshall smiles and blushes.
Marshall: "Hehe. You won't."
*****
After a while, the Paw Patrol arrives back at the Lookout. Ryder steps out of the Paw Patroller and speaks.
Ryder: "Okay, pups. You're free to do whatever until we get a call from the Ruff Ruff Pack. If you want to play, play. If you want to relax, relax. Just be prepared at a moment's notice, okay?"
The pups all nod and go their separate ways.
                                      
                                          
                                   
                                              YOU ARE READING
They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)
AdventureThe pups are getting older, and they're going through changes they don't understand, especially emotionally, that keep becoming more prevalent than ever before. Will they adapt to it and learn to grow up, or will they not grow up and suffer the cons...
 
                                           
                                               
                                                  