It didn't take long for word to spread. Soon, all of Adventure Bay had heard of Ryder's pending departure.
One day before it was time to leave, Ryder still wasn't sure about the Paw Patrol's future. He was still holding onto the hope that his mother would change her mind, but he saw it as unlikely. Either way, he needed to secure the future of the Paw Patrol. Or, at the very least, the future of the pups.
So here he was, in a meeting with the Mayor.
"So, Ryder," she said, "I can guess why you're here."
"Yes, Mayor Goodway. I need to know if the city can keep funding the Paw Patrol after I'm gone."
"I don't know how we can keep doing it when we never did it in the first place, Ryder. You know your mother is the one who funds the Paw Patrol."
"Yeah, I know, but can the city keep funding the patrol if my mom stops funding it? Because that is a real possibility."
"Oh…. I don't think so, Ryder. The city budget is already crunched."
Oh no. Ryder thought.
"Okay, Mayor, thanks."
The Mayor looked at him sadly. "No problem."
Ryder went back to the Lookout. He really doubted that his mom would keep funding the Paw Patrol without him there. The least he could do was chose a new leader.
He already knew who it would be. It was actually pretty easy to choose. Mayor Goodway had a kind heart, but she was in no way fit to lead the Paw Patrol. Especially when half of their emergencies came from her. Captain Turbot was, well, Captain Turbot. Mr. Porter was too old. Farmer Yumi wouldn't do it.
That left three candidates: Katie, Chase, and Jake.
Ryder respected Chase's leadership skills, but he knew that it would be too much for Chase to lead the team and do his job well.
He also thought Katie was completely capable, but he didn't want to put her in danger like he had been.
That left Jake. He was young, good with dogs, and friendly in general. He did have his resort, but that could be worked around.
So Ryder gave Jake a call, and he immediately accepted. It was bittersweet, at best.
*The next day*
Ten o'clock. That was when he was leaving.
Ryder took time to say goodbye to every pup.
"Goodbye, Chase." He said as he went down the line. "You've always been my right hand pup."
Chase looked at the ground. "Yeah, Ryder sir." He tried to smile when he looked up, but it looked more like he was about to cry. Which wasn't far from the truth.
Ryder gave him a hug.
"Marshall, you always know how to brighten someone's day. Keep smiling."
He tried.
"Rubble, your energy never runs out. You keep everyone going."
"I don't feel very energized right now, Ryder."
Ryder gave a sad smile and a hug.
"Skye, your pep is overwhelming, but it's impossible to not feel it. Don't let it fade."
"I won't, Ryder."
"Zuma, you can make anyone seem warm even in the coldest winter. You're a mobile beach. Don't let it flood."
"Sure, Ryder."
"Everest, I haven't known you for very long, but you make me feel like we've been friends forever."
"Thanks, Ryder."
"And Rocky, you're handiness and friendliness keep the team from falling apart. Don't let it come undone now."
"Don't worry, I won't."
"Good."
Then his mother arrived. There was one last piece of business to take care of.
Ryder approached Jake. "Jake, I, Zack Ryder Jr., hereby transfer the role of Leader of the Paw Patrol to you. You now have full control over everything involving the team."
"Thanks, Ryder."
Ryder then went over to Katie.
"Well, goodbye Katie."
Then, to Ryder's surprise, Katie gave him a hug.
"Goodbye, Ryder."
"Are you coming, Ryder?" His mother asked.
Ryder said his remaining goodbyes and headed towards the waiting limousine. He got in, closed the door, and the vehicle drove off.
After a few minutes, Jake approached Katie.
"Katie, I have no idea why Ryder thought that I was the best person to lead the Paw Patrol. You are clearly the better choice. Do you want the job?'
"What? I don't know, Jake. I'm sure Ryder had a good reason."
"Come on, Katie. I can't run the Paw Patrol. I have a resort to run."
"Then why'd you accept?"
"I couldn't say no, Katie. So, do you want to lead the Paw Patrol?"
"Sure, Jake."
"Great! So, uh, what was it that Ryder did? Oh, yeah. Katie, I hereby give you the job of Paw Patrol leader. Or something."
"Thanks, Jake."
(Ryder's POV)
Ryder looked out the window at Adventure Bay as it disappeared beyond the hills. When the last building was out of sight, Ryder couldn't help but shed a tear.
His mother said nothing.
(Chase's POV, later that night)
Chase couldn't help crying. He had a feeling that there wasn't a soul in or around the Lookout that hadn't shed a tear. Eventually, Skye came over and sat next to him. She said nothing.
Chase openly sobbed. His dignity, his pride, it was all meaningless right now. He just felt alone. Abandoned.
Eventually, Chase let a single, long howl into the night sky. Skye soon did the same, with the rest of the pups joining in to. All night, they mourned the loss of their leader.