Different Horizons-A Paw Patrol Story

Chapter Thirty

The Paw Patrol struggled in the chains, unable to break free. The Copycat watched them try to escape and laughed. "You can't get out of those chains," he said. "Did you honestly think I would let you stroll here and reactivate the tower? And then what, the national army will help take me down? Was that your plan?"

They looked at each other in confusion. "How did you know about our plan?" Chase asked.

"If you ask if I have a mole inside your organization, I do not. Sadly, everyone in that resistance is loyal to their beliefs. That's why I needed this helmet. I want to control their minds so that they will be faithful to me. But to build something, you must destroy what is already there. Rubble, you know, as a construction worker. That's what this helmet does."

"It destroys your mind?" Rocky asked.

"Quite the opposite. It allows me to connect to your brain. To see the neurons and energy connecting your mind and your heart. That way, I can force my thoughts into your heads so that your thoughts and decisions are mine."

Chase noticed that he and the others were not all in a line around The Copycat but in two separate rows. Rubble, Chase, Rocky, and Skye were on the first row, while Everest, Marshall, and Zuma were under them in the second row. Marshall was directly under Rocky. Maybe he could melt through the chains. It was a risky plan, but it was the only one Chase had.

Chase waited until The Copycat turned around to pick up the helmet. The Copycat groaned as he noticed some ice crystals on it. While he used his superheat powers to melt it, Chase leaned over as much as he could toward Rocky.

"Rocky, do you still have the crystal?" Chase asked.

"What?"

"The crystal? Do you still have it?"

Rocky opened his palm, revealing the pink crystal. "I already tried to break the chains with it, but I can't."

"That's fine. I need you to drop it down to Marshall." Chase extended his foot as much he could and tapped the top of Marshall's head. Marshall looked up, and Chase signaled to Rocky.

"Marshall?" Rocky asked. "Why?"

"I got a plan, but I need Marshall to have the crystal for it to work."

Rocky was skeptical, but he dropped the crystal. Surprisingly, Marshall caught it on the first try. Marshall looked up at Chase, who held up his palm, implying he wanted Marshall to wait before he used it. Marshall understood and faced The Copycat.

The Copycat grabbed the helmet and put it on his head. "Okay," he said as he raised his hands. The Paw Patrol members got further away from each other. "Let's see your deepest, most hidden thoughts."

The Copycat flew towards the nearest member, which happened to be Skye. "Skye," he said as he got closer. Skye felt the energy from the helmet entering her mind, causing some pain as it searched for anything it wanted. She winced in pain. Chase struggled in his chains, but nothing came of it. "You're courageous and a skilled acrobat, but what lies beneath that." The Copycat closed his eyes and raised his hand towards Skye's forehead. "Well, of course," The Copycat said as he opened his eyes. "You think you are small and weak, unlike the others. Well, you know it's true, right?"

"Don't listen to him, Skye!" Chase yelled from afar. "He's trying to get into your head."

The Copycat looked up as if something revealed itself. "There is another feeling between you two, but I'll find out what it is. It wouldn't matter if what Chase said was true," The Copycat continued. "You know what I'm saying is right. Sure, you can fly and get stronger with the powers, but what about the rest of the time? Ryder never chooses you for the tougher missions other than for your helicopter. It doesn't matter how much effort you put into it. Your size and strength compared to the others won't change, ever." Skye looked away. The Copycat's words cut deep because they were Skye's thoughts. "Good chat."