Different Horizons-A Paw Patrol Story

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ryder and the others arrived at a street that led to the tower. Broken-down buildings lined the road. Some had plywood over their windows, while others had no windows whatsoever. Graffiti, dirt, no trespassing signs, and newspapers covered every building. Flickering light posts illuminated the dark road. A couple of cars were parked along the street. The team made their way to the center of the street.

They all wore new suits that Ryder made based on their Mighty Pups uniforms. They were a combination of lightweight silicon carbide armor pads connected with synthetic fabric to ensure they were durable, breathable, and flexible. Each suit was made specifically for each teammate; Marshall's suit was fire-resistant, Zuma's was waterproof, Everest's suit could withstand freezing temperatures, etc. Their masks wrapped around their heads with openings around their eyes and lower faces.

They had already gone through the plan and knew their roles. Gabriel and Ainsley were aware of the plan as well. "Okay, Rubble," Ryder announced.

Rubble nodded as he stretched. He ran forward and tucked into a roll. As he rolled, he transformed into a pup, allowing him to use him to become a wrecking ball. He rolled forward into a building. He made a hole in the wall and appeared as a human on the other side. To Gabriel and Ainsley, who were watching from afar, it never occurred to them that he transformed into a bulldog.

"Gabriel, come in," Ryder talked through a short-length radio. It was the only way they could converse since the tower was not transmitting. "Are you sure these buildings are empty?"

"Gabriel here," he responded through the radio, "and yes. I had some of my men ensure it. "Trust me, if you destroy the tower itself, it could jeopardize the mission. They will know something is wrong, and you must deal with their entire army. All the buildings on this street would get demolished to make room for newer ones. You're not trying to cause too much destruction, just enough to catch the soldier's attention without them knowing that's what we want."

"Okay," Ryder said. "Are there any alarms going off yet?"

"None yet," Gabriel said. "Try more."

"Got it," Ryder said as he hung up. "Rubble, come back. Everest, freeze that car."

Rubble gave the crystal to Everest. Everest stepped forward and opened her mouth, but nothing happened. "I'm not breathing any ice," Everest said. She looked at Ryder with a concerned face. "Ryder, what do I do?"

"I'm not sure," Ryder admitted. "You might have to sit this one out, okay?"

"Okay," she replied in a defeated voice. "Okay."

"Marshall, you're up," Ryder called out.

Everest slowly gave Marshall the crystal. "Sorry, Everest," Marshall whispered in her ear as he passed by. Marshall cupped his hands and created two fireballs. He tossed them at the light posts, causing them to warp from the heat. The grass around them burned, and the asphalt near them melted. Sparks flew, but nothing too crazy.

"This seems kind of weak for a distraction, in my opinion," Skye said. "No offense, Ryder."

"I agree with you," Ryder admitted. He felt as if they weren't doing a lot. They're used to small missions in Adventure City, and the team was still new to the human reality. They needed something more. He decided to risk it all with the one who seemed most comfortable being human.

"Chase, it's your turn," Ryder said. "I need you to cause as much damage as you can as quickly as possible."

"Are you sure?" Chase asked. He looked at the street uneasily. "Should Skye give it a go first? She hasn't gone yet."

"We need something controlled and big, which you can give us," Ryder explained. He turned to the blonde female. "I hope you're okay with that."

"Yeah, that's fine," Skye replied.