Different Horizons-A Paw Patrol Story

Chapter Forty-One

Ryder and the others poured into the medical bay as Rubble, a human again, sat upright. "Good morning, Rubble," Ryder said.

"Ryder!" Rubble said. "You're here."

"Of course, Rubble," Ryder replied as he hugged Rubble. "I will always be here for you."

The others took turns hugging Rubble. Rocky was the last one to hug him. "Rubble, I'm so sorry about what happened. If I had listened to Chase, you wouldn't be hurt."

"It's okay, Rocky," Rubble said. "You didn't get me hurt intentionally. I don't blame you for what happened to me. We knew the risk. As long as we're still together, we're good, right?"

Rocky smiled. "Right."

Rubble looked at the team and noticed that they were all dressed. "Where are you guys going?"

"We found out that there are more crystals across the city. We are going in groups to retrieve them to help us against Harold and The Copycat."

"Sounds like a great idea," Rubble said. "Who am I going with?"

Ryder and Marshall looked at each other. "No one," Marshall replied. "Your leg is still healing. You need to stay here and let it get better."

"What?" Rubble asked. "But I wanna help."

"You can't help us much in your state," Ryder said. "It's better for you here. We can handle it. I'm sorry, Rubble, but it's how it is."

Rubble didn't like that he had to stay while the others went out on missions. He wanted to help out but didn't know how to do it with his broken leg. "Okay, Ryder," he said sadly.

A servant entered the room holding a plate of chilaquiles and orange juice. "Your breakfast, sir," the servant stated. He placed the food on the overbed table.

Rubble smelled the food, and his mouth got watery. He hasn't eaten since the previous morning. "You know what? Maybe I should stay here. You know, regain my strength and all that." The others laughed at Rubble's statement.

"We'll be back soon, Rubble," Ryder said. They all began leaving the room.

Rocky was the last one to leave. Before he exited, Rocky felt something heavy in his pocket. Rocky pulled out the glowing crystal and looked at it. He turned around and put it in Rubble's hand. "Here you go, Rubble," Rocky said.

Rubble looked at the crystal in his hand, then back at Rocky. "Won't you guys need it?"

Rocky shook his head. "We're about to go get some more. You hold onto that one."

Rubble closed his hands around the crystal. "Thanks, Rocky. I won't let it out of my sight."

Rocky exited the room. Ryder watched as Rocky joined the group. "So, you gave Rubble the crystal."

"Yeah," Rocky replied. "I figured that if anything goes wrong, we don't lose that crystal on the streets."

Ryder thought about it. "Makes sense," he decided. "Come on, let's go back to the dining room to strategize."

Rocky sighed in relief. He didn't want to tell Ryder that he left the crystal to show that he didn't need it. He also didn't trust himself yet after what happened with Rubble.

Ryder and the Paw Patrol moved over into the dining room. When they got there, Bruce, Dave, and Gabriel looked over the map and compared it to a map of their own.

"What's going on?" Ryder asked.

"We're comparing some points on our map," Gabriel said.

"While scouting, I came across certain groups that posed a possible threat to the city's peace," Bruce said. He laid his map down on the table. They all sat down in chairs around the map. "There were three groups that stood out from the others. One of them was a biker gang, The Phoenix Riders. They control the contraband and money in the top corner of the city. The second group is the Diamond Techs. They are a group of hackers, programmers, and tech-savvies that use their intelligence to scam and rob people electronically. Their base is in the center of the city. The third is the Night Furies (yes, I know). They are a group of thieves with a record that goes as far as Crystal Coast and dates back twenty years. They work out of the south dock."

"Let me guess," Ryder said. "The crystals are at their bases."

"Sadly, yes," Gabriel replied. "They each have two. We're unsure what they use them for, but it can't be good."

"Don't the police do anything about it?" Chase asked. "They're groups doing illegal activities."

"The cops haven't gotten any solid evidence to use against the Phoenix Riders. And as far as the other two, the police know about them but don't know where to find them."

"So, how did you find them?" Marshall asked.

"I have my ways," Bruce said with a smile.

"Well, that settles it. Rocky, Zuma, and I will go after the crystals with The Phoenix Riders"

"Everest and I can go after The Diamond Techs," Marshall stated.

"Skye and I will go after Night Furies," Chase added.

"Alright. We have a plan," Ryder said. "Six crystals, three teams, one shot. You know your teams. You know your missions. Get the crystals, get them back. Be careful. Look out for each other. Good luck."

"Dude, did you come up with that speech on the spot?" Zuma asked.

"I saw it in a movie," Ryder admitted. "Let's move."

"Before you go," Gabriel interrupted. You are all going to different parts of the city. Walking would take forever. Follow me." Gabriel led them down to the garage. He flicked the switch, and the lights turned on, revealing rows of luxury and sports cars. "Choose your vehicle."

They walked around, looking at the different cars. They passed cars, looking for one they wanted to take. Ryder, Rocky, and Zuma chose a black 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 since they needed three seats. Marshall and Everest chose a metallic silver 2020 Lamborghini Aventador.

Chase and Skye were still looking for a car to choose from when Bruce called them out. "Chase!" he yelled. "Take my Camaro." He tossed the keys at Chase, who caught them mid-air.

"Thanks, Bruce," Chase said. Chase looked at Ryder. "We're ready for action, Ryder, sir."