Hey, hey, hey, everyone! I'm BACK. With another epic story for y'all. The weather's warming up, so that's good. Also, the NBA playoffs are gonna start. Can't wait for that. The Aaron Rodgers situation is so weird and scary to me as a Packer fan- I hope he comes back this year. Expect a few short stories over the next few months. Some are, well, more adult than others. Anyways, enjoy the story. Lots of love was put into it. - Mitch :)
author's note
I wanted to say something about why I made this project. It's because of my love for music. Music is what makes the world go round to me, and without it, life doesn't have much meaning. I have a great imagination for PAW Patrol, and I wanted to do a sequel for "Working in Harmony" (if you haven't read it yet, please take a gander at it before you read this. They're very similar) for a while. I have new ideas and new takes for this formula that I've already made. Like adding costumes for the visual pleasure of your reading imagination, all the pups getting their own musical act, so to speak. I also thought heavily about what each of the pups' musical tastes would be, because almost everybody's different in their own special way. Also, personality plays a HUGE role. And, well, it's SO FUN to imagine these kinds of scenarios playing out. I was in choir for 6 years, counting high school. Music is a gift. And I wanna share it in my own special way. My heart is oozing with happiness as I write this intro. Be the light in someone's life today. Sing a song today. To yourself. If you're bold, do it for a friend. It's an amazing gift and I don't wanna waste it.
Wake up, live your life, and sing the melody of your soul- 7clouds
paw patrol: all grown up #14: top of the pops
Written May 5th through May 17th, 2021
chapter 1: opening the door...to feeling the vibration
Just days after that beautiful night up in Jake's Mountain, Marshall and Everest decided to tell the other pups and Ryder their new idea: perform another karaoke talent show, with a twist: they would all have to perform an act by themselves. No duets. At all. This intrigued the other pups and Ryder, and they all agreed on the proposition. They all decided to leave the opening act the way it was: all the pups would perform a song together to start the show. They rehearsed for the big show for three weeks on their own time, and to make the show even more glamorous, the pups all decided to use costumes for each of their respective acts to give off a more artistic feel. Katie and Ms. Marjorie helped design and knit them, making the show less expensive for Ryder (he told the pups that he was NOT gonna pay hundreds of dollars for clothes for one night). Once everyone in town heard of another show, they couldn't help but get excited. Those three weeks went excessively fast, and before everyone in Adventure Bay knew it, the night finally came. The night was warm, the crowd was large and the large stage in the park was standing. All the pups now stood backstage, dressed up and well-rehearsed for the opening act as Ryder walked onto the stage, lights shining on him as the large crowd of just under 2,000 people applauded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the second PAW Patrol Karaoke Talent Show! This show is called 'Top Of the Pops.' It was Rocky's idea." Ryder spoke as a few laughs were heard from the audience. "But anyway, the pups have a GREAT show planned for us tonight, and they promised that this performance would be better than the last! The pups also told me that they would all be performing individual acts, so there are no duets this time. Without further ado, for our opening act to start things off, we have the pups going with a '70s look to sing a song that will make you leave the door open tonight! And here they are!" Ryder proclaimed, as all seven pups began walking onto the stage. The crowd roared with cheers as the canines took their places. The pups, like Ryder said, all had dressed themselves in an early 1970s-themed look, all wearing brown turtleneck sweaters and brown sunglasses. Rubble and Marshall stood together in the middle, while Chase, Rocky and Zuma stood next to the dalmatian on the right side. Skye and Everest stood next to the bulldog.
The instrumental started seconds later, as the canines posed to start the song. The crowd loved it, as the drums kicked in. Rubble was set to start the song off, while Chase, Rocky and Zuma provided the back-up for him. The three started singing a little falsetto, mainly because their singing voices were simply not that high. Rubble had no problem hitting high notes, as he was a natural tenor.
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Said baby, said baby, said baby
Rubble: Whatcha doin?
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Whatcha doin?
Rubble: Where you at?
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Where you at?
Rubble: Oh, you got plans
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: You got plans?
Rubble: Don't say that
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Shut your trap
Rubble: I'm sippin wine
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Sip, Sip
Rubble: In a robe
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Drip, drip
Rubble: I look too good
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Look too good
Rubble: To be alone
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: To be alone, woo hoo
All the pups were swaying side to side as the instrumental rhythm of the retro R&B song took them all, and they all enjoyed themselves. Marshall smiled, ready for his turn while Rubble continued to shine.
Rubble: My house clean
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: House clean
Rubble: My pool warm
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Pool warm
Rubble: Just shaved,
Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Smooth like a newborn
Rubble: We should be dancin', romancin'
In the east wing and the west wing
Of this mansion, what's happenin'?
Rubble stepped to the side along with the other guys, as Marshall took a few steps forward. His singing voice, along with Rubble's, made massive improvement over their teenage years. The dally was still the most talented singer by far out of all the pups, almost at tenor range for his voice, and he let it be known as he took over the pre-chorus. All the pups had large smiles on their faces.
Marshall: I ain't playin' no games
Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart
Rubble, Chase, Rocky and Zuma: So if you tryna lay in these arms
Marshall: I'ma leave the door open
Rubble, Chase, Rocky and Zuma: I'ma leave the door open
Marshall: I'ma leave the door open, girl
Rubble, Chase, Rocky and Zuma: I'ma leave the door open, hopin'
The epic, retro rhythm of the song took them all over once again, as the pups all danced while Marshall led the vocals.
Marshall: That you feel the way I feel
And you want me like I want you tonight, baby
Rubble, Chase, Rocky and Zuma: Tell me that you're coming through
As the second verse came around, the shepherd, mix and lab stepped aside as two new, higher pitched voices decided to a little backup of their own. The crowd cheered as the girls started to sing.
Rubble: Ooh, you're so sweet
Skye and Everest: So sweet
Rubble: So tight
Skye and Everest: So tight
Rubble: I won't bite
Skye and Everest: Ah-ah
Rubble: Unless you like
Skye and Everest: Unless you like
Rubble: If you smoke,
Skye and Everest: What'cha smoke
Rubble: I got the haze
Skye and Everest: Purple haze
Rubble: And if you're hungry, girl, I got filets
Skye and Everest: Woo hoo
Rubble: Ooh, baby don't keep me
Skye and Everest: Waitin'
Rubble: There's so much love we could be makin'
Skye and Everest: Shamone
Rubble: We're talkin' kissin, cuddlin,
Rose petals in the bathtub,
Girl, let's jump in, it's bubblin'
The pups were having an amazing time together vibing to the tune, and the crowd loved every second. Marshall joined back in, providing a lot of soulful tone in his voice, with his signature innocent, child-like grin.
Marshall: I ain't playing no games, every word that I say is coming straight from the heart
Skye and Everest combined with the dalmatian to provide a sweet, harmonic line.
Marshall, Skye and Everest: So if you're tryna lay in these arms
Marshall: I'ma leave the door open
Skye and Everest: I'ma leave the door open
Marshall: I'ma leave the door open, girl
Skye and Everest: I'ma leave the door open, hopin'
Marshall: That you feel the way I feel and you want me like I want you tonight, baby
Skye and Everest: Tell me that you're coming through
Marshall knew that this part was gonna be a little hard on his voice, but he knew that he could do it. He took a deep breath as all the other guys got ready to perform backup. The lights were bright, only focusing on the pups shining directly on them.
Marshall: Come on girl, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Chase, Rubble, Rocky and Zuma: I need you, baby
Marshall: La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Skye and Everest: I gotta see you, baby
Marshall: La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Everyone except Marshall: Girl, I'm trying to give you this, ah
Marshall took a few steps forward, and took a giant breath. This part coming up was his favorite part, and he didn't wanna mess it up. It was also the hardest, and provided a great example of how vocally talented he was. The part was also a little high for him.
Marshall: Hey, hey, I'ma leave my door open
The dally tilted his head back and let his soul shine bright. The crowd exploded with applause as his vocal cords showed its raw power at the end of the line, but he wasn't even done.
Everyone except Marshall: I'ma leave the door open
Marshall: I'ma leave, I'ma leave my door open, girl
Everyone except Marshall: I'ma leave the door open, hopin'
Marshall: And I'm hopin', hopin' that you feel the way I feel and you want me like I want you tonight, baby
Everyone: Tell me that you're coming through
All the pups were enjoying themselves, performing at their very best. The crowd applauded and even the normally stoic Ryder enjoyed it himself, snapping his fingers to the rhythm. Rubble and Marshall, the two lead singers, walked a few steps forward, standing beside each other to help lead the outro. The dally singed in falsetto this time, with the bulldog performing in his natural tenor sound.
Marshall: La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Rubble: Tell me
Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Skye and Everest: Tell me that you're coming through
Rubble: Woo-woo-woo-woo, woo-woo-woo, woo-woo-woo
Woo-woo-woo-woo, woo-woo-woo, woo-woo
The two friends put each other's paws on their shoulders, singing together with innocent, happy gazes. The other pups walked over to the pair and stood strong as they were finishing their song.
Marshall and Rubble: La-la-la-la-la-la-la, tell me that you're coming through
Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Skye, Everest: Girl, I'm here just waiting for you, come on over, I'll adore you
Rubble: Oh, I gotta know!
Marshall: La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Rubble: I'm waiting, waiting, waiting for you
Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Skye, Everest: Girl, I'm here just waiting for you, come on over, I'll adore you
Everyone: La-la-la-la-la-la-la
The song faded out, as the audience cheered loudly with vigor and joy. The show had begun on a really high note, as the pups rushed off stage right. Zuma, on the other paw, took off stage left to get his costume ready for his act, which was taking place just a minute or two after the opening number. The other pups were sitting in their sweaters, tuckered out but congratulations themselves on a great start to the show. After a few seconds, Zuma approached them, simply wearing nothing but a backwards snapback hat and a large gold chain with the letter Z covered in fake gold. Daring Danny X was with the chocolate lab, sporting a backwards Detroit Tigers hat, black long sleeve and blue jeans, with basketball shoes to match. The redhead also had a large chain, showing three letters stuck together: DDX. The pups gasped in surprise as they saw the duo, completely decked out and ready to show Adventure Bay their stuff.
"Did I just go back to the '90s for a second? I mean...wow." Rocky acknowledged in shock.
"Guys, where did you get those racks at?" Skye asked, pointing to Zuma's golden necklace.
"Danny got it for us both for the show. I'm definitely gonna keep this." The water rescue pup grinned as he looked at his necklace with deep interest.
"So, you're gonna be performing with him again? Like last time?" Chase inquired the tall, redheaded daredevil of a teenager.
"Yeah. I rather prefer rock and roll, but hip-hop is alright, too. And we did so good last time, so it would be extremely cool to do it again." Danny spoke, flashing his famous X with his arms. Weeks before the show, the two were discussing what rap to do. Zuma was the stereotypical guy who loved current day rap (Drake, JuiceWRLD, Travis Scott, Lil Baby among others), but he also didn't mind retro hip-hop (Biggie, Tupac, Eminem, etc.). They couldn't find any song by them that would fit their act (mainly because many of those songs mentioned a certain derogatory word multiple times), so Zuma and Danny decided to go for a safer, yet fun route.
"Dude, remember when you come in. You're the guest DJ. Imma announce your name, and you do your stuff for a bit. I'll give you the signal to stop." Zuma whispered to his friend.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. Thanks, dude. I'll get my DJ set up there right away." The bulldog replied, and off he went to grab his set. At that moment, Ryder walked back up to the center stage. The cool part about this stage was that it had a runway in front for extra interaction with the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for our first real act of the night, Zuma and Daring Danny X have teamed up once again, and they want you to feel the vibration!" Ryder spoke as the crowd cheered with anticipation. The song started with an incredibly fast drum set. Zuma ran onto the stage with glee, feeling the hype from the crowd.
Yeah
Can you feel it, baby?
I can too
The canine sat and showed his gold chain proudly as he continued to rap, showing confidence with every word. Danny ran to his side, getting applause as he did so as he began to throw in some words as well.
Come on, swing it
Come on, swing it
Come on, swing it
Come on, swing it
The duo turned to each other, directing their gaze to one another as they hyped the crowd.
Both: 1-2-3, now we come for the pay off
The beat dropped, and the classic four-line hook sung by Loletta Holloway started. The two jumped up and down on stage to the beat as the crowd erupted with cheers.
It's such a good vibration
It's such a sweet sensation
It's such a good vibration
It's such a sweet sensation
Danny was hyping the crowd by himself, running along the sides of the stage jumping up and down, raising his arms. Meanwhile, Zuma ran onto the edge of the runway, as he began the first verse with determination in his veins.
Yo! It's about time
To bring forth the rhythm and the rhyme
I'ma get mine, so get yours
I wanna see sweat comin' out your pores
On the house tip is how I'm swingin' this
Strictly hip hop boy I ain't singing this
Bringing this to the entire nation
Black, white, red, brown
Feel the vibration
Rubble was wheeling the DJ set onto the stage unseen by anyone, while Chase was backstage getting his, rather, unorthodox costume ready for his act. The other pups, who were watching from the back right side of the stage, were vibing along with the song.
Come on, come on
Feel it, feel it
Feel the vibration
The same hook from Halloway started playing once again, as the two started to dance together. Rubble had wheeled the DJ set onto the back center stage, completely unrecognized by the audience. There was only one spotlight on the whole stage, and it was directly on Zuma and Danny. The red-head teenager ran to the runway to perform a little rap of his own while the chocolate lab took a breather behind him.
Vibrations good like Sunkist
Many wanna know who done this
DDX, and I'm here to move you
Rhymes will groove you
And I'm here to prove to you
That we can party on the positive side
And pump positive vibes
And come along for the ride
Making you feel the rhythm is my occupation
So feel the vibration
The boy sat next to Zuma, both bopping their heads to the classic 1990s hip-hop tune as Danny kept his flaming tongue working the lyrics like milk from a cow.
Come on, come on
Feel it, feel it
Feel the vibration
The old Halloway solo bit played once more, with the two dancing around the stage once again. As the beat wrapped up, Rubble got onto the DJ set, wearing his old, traditional star-shaped sunglasses. The spotlight went to him as everyone in the vicinity turned their eyes to him.
"DJ Rubble, break it DOWN!" Zuma shouted. The bulldog did as he was told, working the DJ set like he always did: with class, elegance and lots of bumping rhythm. The crowd loved every second of it, and he knew that if he got enough attention, one of the record labels would notice. The show was actually being broadcast on TVs throughout the local area, so the bulldog (and Zuma) hoped to get any sort of record label to catch an eye. For thirty seconds, the beat pulsated the whole park, with Rubble finishing his set with a loud applause as the two rappers continued the song without him. They both ran to the runway and hit familiar rap poses as they preached.
Zuma: Daring Danny's on the backup
Drug free, so put the crack up
No time for speed
I'm anti d-r-u-g-g-i-e my
Body's healthy
And rhymes make me healthy
And the funky bunch helps me
To bring you a show with no intoxication
Come on, feel the vibration
Danny: Yeah
Feel it, baby
I can too
The hook by Holloway played yet another time, as the two ran the side of the stage, high-fiving everyone that was close to the edge. After that was done, it was time to finish up the song. They both sat together, side by side as they both started to rap at the same time, gathering much love by the crowd.
Now the time has come for you to get up
The rest had you fed up but yo I won't let up
On the rhythm and rhyme thats designed to
Make your behind move to what I'm inclined to
Pure hip hop no sell out
If you ain't in it to win it
Then get the hell out
I command you to dance
I wanna see motivation
Come on now feel the vibration
As the same hook played over and over again, Danny ran back stage to get an object, while Zuma distracted the audience doing tail-spins and the like.
It's such a good vibration
Such a sweet sensation
Finally, Danny ran back onto the stage with a small piano, and as the piano part of the instrumental played, the teenage redhead pretended to play the large instrument. This part of the instrumental went on for another minute before the song finally ended. The crowd cheered for the duo handily.
"Thanks, guys! You're lit!" The two shouted simultaneously as they left the stage. Zuma was immediately congratulated by his friends, while Danny walked out of the backstage to be back with the audience. Rubble walked deep backstage to get his costume ready, his act taking place directly after Chase's. DJ Diesel better watch his back. Because I'm gonna be goin' to Tommorowland and show him who's boss. If the record labels notice my skill. He thought as he walked.
Songs used in this chapter:
Group Intro: Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic (This song is such a good vibe that would have fit well back in the Motown era of popular music. Bruno Mars and absolutely milk this song. When I started writing this piece, this song was actually number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's number 2 now, but there's two another songs on the 100 that'll be featured in here as we go along)
Zuma ft. Daring Danny X: Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch ft. Loletta Halloway (This song is what 1990s hip-hop is all about. It's such a funky song. I could have done a Drake or other current day rap song for Zuma, but they use the n-word, so I was not even gonna try it. And, well, current-day rap is only a guilty pleasure thing for me)