Mission PAW

Chapter 1: Trouble in Barkingburg

Once upon time, in a faraway land, was the majestic kingdom of Barkingburg. A land where people, and pups of all kind lived in perfect harmony. Everyone was happy as they laughed, played and worked together to so the harmony would be in balance for all eternity. Or, so they thought.

At the end of this great land stood the royal castle, home to Barkingburg's beloved rulers, King Thomas the Wise, Queen Leah the Valiant and their beautiful daughter Princess Scarlett. Scarlett was well known by all her subjects as smart, kind and brave as well as the most gorgeous thing that ever existed. She spent most her days with Prince, her faithful Labrador pup whom she had known since he was born. Everyone loved Princess Scarlett, and everyone loved her.

One day, Barkingburg was busy at work, for Princess Scarlett 16th birthday was approaching fast. This not only meant a special age, but a special event, for it was the time Princess Scarlett would become Barkingburg's new ruler. Inside the castle, staff were busy preparing for the festivities. Balloons were being blown, ribbons were being tied, flowers were being arranged and food was being created.

The King and Queen gazed in wonder from their thrones in the ballroom.

"It's going to be perfect" said King Thomas

"Oh yes" replied Queen Leah, "Scarlett is going to love this party, and tomorrows coronation will go down in history".

The King and Queen were so filled with joy. As many of their subjects knew, they longed for a child for many years. Then, 16 years ago, as if by magic, they were blessed with a daughter. They named her Scarlett after the colour red because she sparkled like rubies. And now, she was about to become queen. Whilst observing the preparations, the King and Queen realised something.

"Where is Scarlett?" they said, looking confused.

In the village, the young princess and faithful pup were delivering invitations to her party. Everyone was invited, people and pups, for everyone was her friend. As she headed back home to the castle, she thought about tonight. She was so excited, but also a bit nervous.

"Do you think I'm ready to be queen Prince?" she asked her pampered pooch.

"Absolutely" Prince replied with his tail wagging at full speed. "Everyone in Barkingburg worships the ground you walk on; besides, you'll have your mum, dad and me to help you".

"I guess you're right, I mean, what could go wrong." said Scarlett, re-lifting her spirit.

Inside the castle, the preparations for Scarlett's birthday party were almost ready. There was just one thing to do. In Barkingburg history, it was tradition for the royal crown to be the centrepiece of the 16th birthday party before the coronation. The royal crown was extremely old and valuable, for it has been worn by the rulers of Barkingburg for countless generations. Other than for special occasions, the crown was heavily guarded inside the castle jewel room at the top of the highest tower. However, on this day, as the King and Queen headed for the jewel room to collect the crown, they were in for a nasty surprise.

As the approached the doors, they were shell-shocked to find their guards passed out on the floor. They hurried to the jewel room, only to have their greatest fear confirmed.

"THE ROYAL CROWN HAS BEEN TAKEN!" they screamed as they rushed into the ballroom.

"Oh no!" cried one of the maids.

"What a terrible thing to do" said the cook.

"It gets worse!" someone yelled as they ran into ballroom. It was Prince.

"What's wrong Prince?" asked Queen Leah. "Where's Scarlett, wasn't she with you?"

As Prince tried to catch her breath, he delivered some terrible news to the King and Queen.

"Me and Scarlett were on our way home, when some strange pup grabbed her by the dress, dragged her into a coach and ran off." said Prince, nearly in tears. "I tried to stop whoever it was, but they pushed me into the sticky mud. By the time I got out, they were already gone."

Horrified by the news, Queen Leah broke down in her husband's arms.

Fearing for their daughter's life, King Thomas ordered every guard to search every corner of Barkingburg. They searched day and night, high and low, to and fro, but even with the help of the citizens of Barkingburg, no one could find Princess Scarlett, or the royal crown.

As the King and Queen started to lose hope, Prince had a bright idea.

"What we need is the only team of top secret agents that can crack this case" she said.

"And who might that be?" asked King Thomas, looking puzzled.

"This team lives in a small town called Adventure Bay. They are well known throughout their town as its pride, and that if you're ever in trouble, just yelp for help!" explained Prince in a proud manner.

"Well we're definitely in trouble" said Queen Leah in a sarcastic tone.

"Of course, why didn't I think of them before" said King Thomas, realising who Prince was talking about, followed by Queen Leah.

Quickly, Sir Jackson, Captain of the Royal Guard, arrived after being summoned by the King.

"I have all my men searching your majesty, but still no sign of the princess, or the crown" he sighed.

"Change of plan" ordered King Thomas. "I want your men to keep searching, but I need you to send out a top secret transmission to send in the only team of top secret agents that can crack this case".

"Of course sire" replied Sir Jackson. "Who am I sending this transmission to?"

Then, altogether, the King, Queen and Prince cried out, "SEND IN THE PAW PATROL!".