Requested by Nyzier on Wattpad

Even though the Mighty Pups were well known for their abilities and powers, one of the core favorites of any dog was being able to fly. It was liberating to not be bound to the floor, to break the rules of mortality and soar above the heads of onlookers. Even with their Mighty Powers, the Paw Patrol was still chained to the ground and lacked the ability to truly fly. That didn't stop the humans, however, as they compensated for their lack of magical power by producing the next best thing:

Planes.

"Ugh, I look awful," Tuck grumbled as he stared into his mirror, "Rex deserves better." The Golden Retriever was standing in the middle of the room, a first-class suite that Chase was able to buy him. In truth, Tuck hated planes in every sense of the word. He didn't trust stepping onto a massive soaring cylinder where one mistake could mean the death of every passenger aboard. He hated finding out he had to ride one, he hated entering the plane, and he hated having to brace himself when they lifted off into the sky. Once he got used to the pressure change and found his balance, it was easier to breathe.

One would consider it a luxury to hitch a ride on a private plane, with all the luxurious food and comfort right at one's fingertips. Although Tuck wasn't traveling anywhere, he was on a personal mission with the Paw Patrol. It was an escort mission, a task of protecting a VIP during their travels. This important person in question was one of Tuck's closest relationships: Rex, the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Scanning himself up and down in the mirror, the Retriever regretted his outfit, but he wasn't able to wear anything else. He was told to don his Mighty Pup uniform, his signature red, blue, and silver costume that showed his title as a hero.

A knock came from the door of his cabin. Assuming it was Rex, he took a deep breath and walked over to it. Pulling a smile on his face, he pushed the door open, then frowned when he saw a Dalmation, "oh, it's you."

"Were you expecting someone else?" Marshall tilted his head, "look, are you ready? Because the meeting starts in five minutes."

"Yeah yeah, I'm here," Tuck walked out of his cabin, shutting the door behind him. The hallway of the plane consisted of gold carpet, velvety red curtains lined the inner walls. Despite being so high up in the sky, it was comfortably warm in the plane. Food carts lay dormant beside the walls, each one carrying a dignified snack or drink. One could choose from either ripe collections of treats, platters of crackers and cheese, or entire bottles of wine. Tuck personally didn't have anything to drink during the flight, but he did enjoy a good shower in the paradise-like bathroom in his cabin.

"Trying to look good for Rex?" The Dalmation grinned, already well aware of what was going on, "I'm pretty sure he'll just be happy to see you."

Tuck bristled under his outfit, blushing slightly, "shut up, I'm trying to keep a straight face here." Shaking his head, he walked with Marshall as they traveled up the plane, the gentle hum of the engines in the distance, "I just don't understand why he wants all this security."

"He's a public figure now," the firefighter shrugged, "advocating for both animal and civil rights, not to mention the dinosaurs. I wouldn't be surprised if he needs someone to protect him whenever he goes out."

"And instead of hiring bodyguards, he hires the Paw Patrol, classic."

"He wanted to hire you, Tuck," Marshall pointed out, "the others had to come along for added security, but he mostly just wanted you."

Those words brought silent joy within the Retriever, and he had to turn his head from Marshall to hide the blush that flooded his face. He hadn't seen Rex in months, but given how they left things, Tuck was eager to reunite with him. The Bernese dog was special to him, more so than anyone else he had ever known. "Of course he did."

"And don't worry, I hate flying too," his spotted friend laughed, "well, mostly heights, but planes count."

They traveled up a metal staircase, entering a brightly lit room that led into the meeting area. A flight attendant, a Labrador, turned to them as they approached. She carried a platter on her back that held a variety of chicken bites. She smiled and said a greeting, but Tuck didn't look at her, his attention was instead captivated by another dog in the room. He didn't realize he was staring until his crush turned around.

"Afternoon," Rex said warmly, approaching Tuck and hugging him with one arm, "it's so nice to see you again!"

"Uh-" Tuck stuttered, then shook the anxiety from his head, "yeah, yeah! It… um,"

The mountain dog giggled at his friend's flustered state, "you're still the same," he said with an endearing expression.

Rex was a researcher in nature and dinosaurs, he only recently became somewhat of a political figure after he gained funding for future projects. With all his aspirations, he found great limitations in one major thing that held him back: his disability. Rex was paralyzed in the lower waist, requiring a walker to help wheel around his legs. Hasslers of his work found him an easy target to belittle, forcing the puppy to endure painful internet campaigns. Legs or no legs, Rex never let it slow him down, and he was especially happy today being before his favorite Mighty Pup: Tuck.

"So," the researcher continued, "it's been months since we've talked. How's your sister?"

Tuck shuffled his sweating paws, "she's… fine. We've mostly been exploring Adventure City, it's nice to walk around it in the winter." He chuckled, cracking a joke, "there's no snow in here, that's a given."

"Snow's beautiful," Rex gushed, brightening up. If his tail could move, it'd be wagging, "we should go for walks someday."

"I'd… love that," Tuck didn't mean to use that L-word, but his mouth was on autopilot.

The Bernese only smiled even wider, his eyes sparkling, "well, when the meeting's over, we can talk some more, maybe make plans?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!" The Retriever wagged his tail, "what's the meeting about anyway?"

"Eh, two investors I'm trying to impress," Rex shrugged, "I could really use more money to get the campaign farther out."

The conversation was interrupted as a German Shepherd opened a door at the end of the room, leaning his head through, "hey Rex, we're starting in sixty seconds."

"Thanks, Chase," he turned back to his friend, "sorry Tuck, but it's business time. Come take your place in the room, maybe I can have you for good luck."

Rex turned to the door, which was difficult as he had wheels for back legs, he never showed any sign of being bothered though. Following behind him, Tuck was ready to defend the apple of his eye from any danger in the world that came his way. The meeting room was a vast, open area with darkened walls. A large, sleek black table was in the center, surrounded by leather chairs the occupants could sit in. At the end of a room, a bright white door stood like a gateway to reveal something mythical behind it. Rex took his place at the end of the table, taking a deep breath as he prepared himself.

In each of the four corners of the room, there was a guard to watch over the VIPs. Tuck had taken his place already in the bottom left corner, wanting to come off as professional to Rex. The remaining three spots were soon filled by Chase, Rocky, and Marshall, all standing guard to protect Rex. Tuck wanted to offer a quick slew of encouraging words, but the white door began to click open, and the four guards quickly stood to attention.

The door opened, and a Bulldog emerged first. He had greyish fur, with splotches of white along his head and left ear. He came off as dignified, as he was dressed up in a fancy tuxedo and tie. His face was expressionless like stone, and for a moment Rex felt slightly intimidated. The second dog to come in wasn't a dog at all, much to the surprise of everyone in the room. It was a cat, an orange tabby in a black coat and fedora, walking in with a sense of great pride. Chase accidentally stirred for a moment, slightly reacting to the presence of the cat, but he was here to guard and not kill.

"Xavier, Falon," Rex addressed each investor politely, "I'm honored to meet you, there is much I would like to discuss."

The cat and Bulldog each took their seats, sitting across from the Bernese Mountain Dog and awaiting what he had to say.

"Indeed we do," the cat put his paws together, "what do you hope to prove with dinosaurs? Aren't they dangerous?"

"Animals are only dangerous when mistreated and abused, Falon," Rex said flatly, "I plan to build safe havens for not just the dinosaurs, but all endangered species we've been at risk of losing."

"Okay," Xavier chipped in, "what endangered species are we talking about here? Because a lot of them are already extinct, where do you plan to acquire these animals? I'm pretty it's illegal to even get ten feet close to them."

"The goal of my campaign is multiple things. First of all, I'd like to prove to you that I understand the handling of these special animals," Rex opened a briefcase with his paw and pulled out some papers, "of course I'm not just gonna tear into the forest and grab one." His professional standpoint instantly caught Tuck's admiration, the Bernese really was a wonder. "Secondly, I'm trying to pass a bill that advocates for Civil Rights for all."

"We already… have Civil Rights, though," Xavier raised an eyebrow.

"Not all of us," Rex shook his head, "many animals don't, like ferrets, birds, and especially the dinosaurs. If my bill is passed, it'll become illegal to abuse and mistreat them, we're all animals, we all deserve rights."

Listening intently, Tuck prayed his partner would find success. He loved nothing more than seeing him happy, it even went on to produce a little joy in Tuck's own heart. He simply had to talk with him after the meeting was over. Marshall and Rocky were listening to them, they were on the job and stood still on alert. Chase likely wasn't listening at all, his over-dedication to the job leaving him as still as a statue. Skye was on the plane too, but she was stationed in the pilot's cockpit elsewhere on the plane.

"We didn't say you didn't," Falon meowed, eyeing the paper as it was slid over to him, "you have all these plans and aspirations, but do you have anything to sho-"

The cat was interrupted midsentence as loud snapping noises popped in the distance, making everyone jump. They were loud and sharp, a sound that automatically cut Tuck's ear and forced him to attention. Rex froze and picked his head up, while the investors across from him jolted and turned in the direction of the sound.

"What was that?" Marshall looked around in alarm.

"Those were gunshots!" Chase suddenly went on high alert, gripping his collar and speaking into the radio, "Skye! What's going on up there?!"

Tuck blinked, almost not believing his own ears. He had never heard gunfire in his life, at least not from the TV, and his head was already struggling to convince him he was merely things.

Then it happened again.

Even more gunfire sounded from presumably near the front of the plane, Falon and Xavier jumped from their chairs and backed away from the door in fear. Rex visibly paled, flinching from the sound, while Marshall and Rocky stood paralyzed in overwhelming confusion. His heart rate increased, Tuck instinctively went to Rex's side, and the researcher was breathing heavily as panic rose within him.

"Damn it, Skye, talk to me!" Chase backed away from the door.

The cockapoo's panicked voice suddenly came through on the radio, "hijackers are taking the plane! They've already gotten in the cockpit!"

The Shepherd whipped around, carrying an expression of true fear, "shit! Everyone get down!" He backed up to the end of the table, a handgun extending out of his pup pack.

"Is this-" Rex stuttered, "is this really happening?" He stumbled back as his breathing began to shake, Tuck quickly catching him.

"Okay, calm down-" the Retriever tried to reassure his friend, although he was frantically snapping his gaze around as if he believed something was about to come through the wall. "Just… just stay with me," he wrapped his paws around the terrified Bernese and held him close, cradling him as tightly as he could.

Tuck tried calming his partner with gentle words, when the plane suddenly tilted to the left in an aggressive manner, causing every dog in the room to stumble and fall. Objects fell from overhead compartments, and papers and mugs slid off the table and crashed. The plane returned to normal elevation, and Chase picked himself up. "Skye can you get back control of the plane?!" Massive amounts of gunfire could be heard in the distance.

"What do you think I'm doing?!" She shouted into her radio, "they have assault rifles, me and the security team are fighting them but bullets are really flying!"

"You're trained, you can do it!" Rocky chipped in, "we have Rex and the investors in the meeting room!" The mix backed up against the wall, and Marshall mirrored him on the opposite side of the room.

"Mayday mayday!" Chase held up his gun at the door as he radioed emergency communication, "we have a code red, I repeat, code re-"

A deafening explosion cut Chase off, as a detonating charge was placed behind the door and set off, smashing debris and glass into the room. The Shepherd was launched backward from the blast, hitting the edge of the table and knocking off it to the ground. All heads instantly ducked down as a cloud of dust blinded their vision. Tuck threw himself over Rex, bringing him to the floor out of an instinct to protect. Marshall fell backward, but Rocky braced himself and held his gun.

Two dogs came in through the breached wall, wearing masks and brandishing automatic rifles. Rocky was quick to fire at them, the snapping pop of his gun breaking into Tuck's ears. The hijackers were taken out quickly, falling to the floor with bullet wounds in their chests. Now alarmed by the presence of armed security, two more invaders gathered at the edge of the entryway, leaning out the side and aiming into the room. Chase acted fast, grabbing the barrel of the closest gunman and yanking him to the floor, quickly shooting him twice. The second gunman fled, running back down the hallway.

"Tuck, take Rex into the saferoom downstairs!" Chase shouted, "Rocky take care of Falon and Xavier, Marshall, on me!" The three dogs hurried forward as they moved through the blown open wall, seeking to retake the plane.

Rex was shaking, every few seconds he tried to say something but his voice had broken over, fear had split his focus into all directions.

"Rex, look at me," Tuck gently held the Bernese's face, trying to ignore his own terror, "you're going to be okay, everything's-" he was cut off as more gunfire popped in the distance, Rex noticeably flinching.

"Okay uhh-" he frantically looked around, "come on!" He swiftly turned Rex around, beginning to lead him through the other door. They had to hide, or maybe just Rex, as his partner was willing to expose himself if it meant his dearest would survive. They practically flew down the stairs as they ran, quickly rounding a corner and speeding past the bedrooms.

The Bernese seemed to get ahold of himself, "why are they here?!" He cried, "why are they attacking me?!"

"Chase is on it, we just need to get you safe!" Tuck pulled him along.

"We're seeing heavy resistance in the cockpit," gunfire could be heard over Skye's radio, "watch out! I think they're going to-"

The floor suddenly shook underneath them, Tuck and Rex were both violently launched into the wall as the plane jerked to the side. The dogs screamed in panic as gravity abandoned the plane, sending their bodies flying into the ceiling. They painfully bounced off its surface as the screeching of failed engines bled into their ears.

"They stalled the plane! We're falling!"

Suitcases flooded the air with papers and small items, bottles shattered into clouds of glass. Tuck could feel his heart rising up his throat as they plummeted down from the sky. Acting on instinct, Tuck blindly tried to reach for his partner as they floated in the air, trying to call out to him but his voice was drowned by the scream of terminal velocity. Rex's life was flashing before his eyes, flailing his arms around as he tried to find any possible footing. In a moment of what he thought was seconds from death, all Tuck could see was his truest partner, the lovable Bernese about to give his life for his work.

Their bodies quickly crashed to the floor as the plane restabilized, gravity returning to crash glass and debris around their heads.

"Aaahh!" Rex's frail body hit the carpet, now stained with overturned plates of food and wine. His walker was damaged but functional, although he landed overturned with no way to pick himself up, "Tuck, help!" He frantically wiggled in place.

The Retriever stumbled to his paws, his head spinning from being tossed around and the sudden zero gravity. His eyes focused as best they could, narrowing down on his helpless teammate.

"What the hell was that?!" Rocky's voice was staggered and pained, distorted as the radio in his collar was damaged, "Skye, take back control of the plane!"

No response could be heard from the Cockapoo, Tuck hobbled forward and somewhat fell forward onto Rex.

"Skye?!" Rocky repeated her name, "Skye are you there?!"

"Nng- come on!" Tuck grabbed the ends of Rex's walker and flipped it back to place, "we're almost at the saferoom!"

Rex coughed out dust, "are we gonna be safe anywhere? The plane almost fell!"

"Damn it!" Chase snapped, "Rocky, Marshall, on me! We're retaking the cockpit ourselves!"

The Dalmation and mix made quick replies, both making their way to the front of the plane in a desperate attempt to save them all.

"I'll stay with you," Tuck leaned in and held Rex's face, "I'll stay with you until there's no blood left in my body-"

The Bernese returned his partner's gaze, but with concern, "Tuck, I think you have a concussion…" he shook his head, tears flooding his eyes, "you're hurt!"

"Of course I am," a small laugh escaped his golden muzzle, "but that doesn't matter to me right now. I need to see you safe,"

Even as the constant banging of rifles and firearms popped in the background mixed with the hissing protest of the rapidly-failing plane engines, Tuck and Rex stared into each other. Even as the plane shook again, both dogs kept their footing as the noise was blocked out around them. Their collars were screaming with radio chatter, as Chase and the others put their lives on the line as they tore through the hijackers. If they didn't do everything perfectly, one bullet would be their end, and doom the plane and passengers aboard.

"Rex," Tuck tried to say, gazing into the Bernese's eyes, "I don't think we have long,"

The researcher was already shaking his head, knowing where his friend was going, "Tuck, no- don't say this."

"They barred the door shut!" Marshall could be heard, "we're locked out!"

"No we aren't," Rocky growled, "I got this, step back!"

They could hear the chaos emitting from their collars, it was disturbing to constantly have an ear to the massacre unfolding just down the plane. Tuck didn't want to admit it, but something was telling him no one was making it out alive. If it was true these were his final minutes on Earth, he'd spend them uttering his last words.

"Rex, I-" Tuck winced, staring into the Bernese's lovely brown eyes, "I…"

Shaking his head, Rex denied the end, "please don't," tears began to leak from his face.

"I love you," Tuck clenched his paws, draping his arms around Rex and hugging him close, "I love you and nothing will ever change that,"

"Wha-" his partner was caught completely off guard, as the sound of an explosion blasted from their tags.

"Cockpit retaken!" Chase sounded, "Skye, are you okay?! Can you talk?!"

"She needs medical attention," Marshall's voice was rushed and panicked, "we need to land this thing!"

"How?"

"Just get in the copilot's chair, I'll do everything I can!"

"Tuck… I," Rex breathed, as the plane around them began to rumble, "I love you too, but… I don't want this to be the end!" He flung his arms around the Retriever, sobbing as he knew death was imminent, "there's so much time we didn't spend together! So many things we didn't do, all the things I never got to say!" He cried into the Retrievers shoulder, "please, no!"

Their radios flickered, as communication among the plane was beginning to fail, "I'm gonna try to make an emergency landing in this forest!" Marshall fought against the massive vehicle, trying to control it steadily.

Tuck held Rex tightly, crying audibly as glass and broken metal flew around them.

"We're coming in too hot!" Chase recoiled in terror, then screamed his final words, "brace for impact!"

For a few seconds, the world seemed to go quiet, then it all was filled with screeching noise in an instant. The plane crashed into the ground at high speed, smashing through trees and bushes. Marshall had been able to tilt the plane upward just in time for it to land on its underside, instead of fully colliding in a nosedive. No one could hear anything except tearing and grinding metal as the plane scraped along the ground, its lethal speed slowly decreasing as it barrelled its way through the forest. The back half of the plane couldn't take the stress, as it began to suddenly crack open and wedge loose, completely breaking off and crashing into the side of a mountain. With now a gaping hole where the tail once was, bodies and debris began flying out, both hijackers and passengers as the interior fighting was interrupted. The rest of the plane finally skidded to a stop, nearly destroyed as the windows were shattered out and the hull beaten and worn. The engines on the wings caught fire from the damage, hissing in agony for seconds before detonating in a fiery explosion, shrouding the plane in smoke.

-.-.-.-

Tuck's eyes slowly creaked open, his fur warmed from a fire that raged nearby. He was lying on his side, slumped over a bent section of the floor. His body was in agony, yet he felt no serious damage had been done. Still, blood leaked from his nose, dripping out as he slowly pushed himself up. Trying to focus his vision, Tuck looked around and realized he was still in the plane, or what was left of it. The walls and ceiling were smashed inwards, even the floor jutted upward like a poorly made sidewalk. Smoke clouded the air around him, his surroundings gently lit by the embers emitted from the flames. He couldn't see outside, but due to the only light coming from the fire, he assumed it was night.

Coughing, he tried to walk forward, having to duck his head down to avoid a steel beam that had bent down. "Rex?!" He called into debris, then tapped his collar, "Chase, you read me?" No response, his collar quietly garbled in broken static. His line of communication was broken, putting him in the dark.

"All units," Chase's voice suddenly came through, wheezing as dust hit his lungs, "report in… state your status."

"Huh?" Tuck snapped in alarm, "Chase can you hear me?"

"I'm okay," Rocky responded, "I… I don't know where I am,"

"Hello?!" Tuck said again, a little louder, "can anyone hear me?"

"Look for survivors," the Shepherd replied quickly, seemingly unaware of Tuck's presence on the line, "find Tuck and Rex."

"I'm here!" The Retriever almost yelled, "I'm-" then he stopped, his voice quickly breaking off as he realized his collar was broken. The radio itself was functional, but his microphone was busted. He could listen in but was unable to communicate back, "great," he growled, shaking his head at the deliriousness. He had to find his lover, nothing else mattered to him at the moment. Rex was right next to him when they crashed, whether or not he was dead or alive, he had to be nearby. Tuck grimaced as the thought hit him, and he prayed he wouldn't find the Bernese's lifeless body. If he truly was dead, at least he was able to share his last words proclaiming his love.

"Rex?" He called a second time, stepping over an overturned cart. Blinking in the darkness, he tried to feel his way around. His paws dragged along the ragged carpet and soon dipped into an exposed path of soft grass. He wasn't yet outside the wreckage, still creeping along the destroyed hallway that closed over him. The fire illuminated a small piece of the broken wall which had a box latched to it, bearing the symbol for first aid. Jumping to action, Tuck raced over and wedged it open. A roll of bandages, a flashlight a flare rolled out, along with some other sealed packages. His Mighty Pup outfit was shredded, and he didn't have any pockets, so he was forced to take only one tool. He wanted the flare to signal their location, but it was visibly busted, likely activated prematurely in the crash and burned its fuze away.

"How did the hijackers get through in the first place?" Rocky's voice came in.

It was a few seconds before Chase responded, "they took out front security, and knew where the meeting room was. They must've had someone on the inside… I've already sent the SOS to anyone who can hear us, Marshall, check the wounded."

Tuck grabbed the flashlight in his mouth and clicked it, instantly a bright beam shot out, revealing the ceiling above him. "Perfect," he sighed, a small feeling of relief hitting him knowing it worked. The gentle creaking of settling metal echoed around him, a threat of the ceiling collapsing on top of him. He didn't even know where in the plane he was, everything was smashed and destroyed beyond recognition. Shining his light around, Tuck tried to make sense of the jagged, twisted shell of the vehicle he crashed in.

"Chase we have multiple vehicles coming in from the East side," Rocky reported in, "they don't look like emergency services…"

"Oh shit…" the Shepherd replied simply, knowing what was coming.

Tuck could hear it too, and his heart sank as he suddenly didn't feel all that safe anymore. If Chase issued an SOS broadcast for help, it was likely a third party could hear it as well. Whatever the hijackers wanted, they weren't going to give it up so easily. He weaved his way around the broken glass and overturned suitcases, walking like a simple misstep would collapse the entire tunnel. His flashlight did much to help him find his way, as it was increasingly difficult to navigate with a shredded floor and splitting headache.

He walked for a few minutes, finally coming to a section of the plane's shell that had been torn outward, allowing him to finally escape the wreckage. Tuck grunted as he tripped over the jutted metal, feeling the body hit the grass and cold air. The night had shrouded the plane crash in a cold temperature, not enough for snow, but cold enough that weary survivors were in even more danger of freezing.

"Rex?" He mouthed, voice muffled by the flashlight in his mouth. He pointed the flashlight around as he whined, letting it pass over tall trees and overgrown plants. Several chunks of debris had been thrown out of the plane, littering the forest ground with broken steel and aluminum. Putting his nose to the grass, the Retriever tried to sniff for him. If nothing else worked, he had only a dog's natural ability of gifted scent to rely on. The grass smelled of dew and smoke, stained with a metallic stench, he wouldn't get anything there. "Come on, please," he worried, fear hitting him as he wandered the crash site.

"Hostiles have hit the west side," Marshall sounded into his radio, large amounts of gunfire could be heard in the background, "team three is taking heavy fire, where the hell is our evacuation?!"

"Push them back, we need to buy time!" Tuck heard Chase running through trees and bushes.

"Ugh, come on," the Retriever shook his head, lifting up his nose to smell the air. Rex's scent hadn't hit him yet, and he was growing more desperate every second. Inhaling in the air, he caught the smell of burning trees and sulfur.

Then it hit him.

Rex's smell, it was faint but still there. Tuck stiffened in surprise, picking up his pace as he darted the flashlight in all directions. "Rex?!" He called into the night, hearing nothing but the flickering of flames. The abrasive snapping of gunfire sounded in the distance, signaling a massive firefight was currently ensuing. Slowly filling with panic, Tuck dove into the trees to follow the smell of his beloved.

He found Rex after several minutes of searching, the Bernese was pinned under a piece of landing gear, likely fractured off the plane from the brutal landing. It was haunting to see the small lump of fur crushed under the debris, a sight that sent Tuck into alarm.

"Rex!" He ran over, quickly wedging his muzzle under the broken metal and trying to wiggle it free. Audibly whimpering in panic, he snarled as his forehead was scratched and cut by the splintered debris. "Hnng!" With all the strength he had, he resisted the bleeding pain and forcibly shoved the wreckage off, releasing Rex from its pinning hold.

The Bernese was lying on his side, twitching a little as a groan leaked from his mouth. His fur was matted and stained with oil, spotted red as blood flowed from his injuries. His walker was completely gone, likely smashed to pieces, all that remained of it was a single axle clipped to his back. "Rex, can you hear me?!" Tuck wanted to hug the puppy, but feared touching him in case he had internal injuries.

The researcher winced as moving inflicted great pain, "Tuck…?"

"It's me," the Retriever said, letting a smile spread on his face to block out the pain, "you're alive."

"I…" Rex stirred, moving his front legs. Whines of panic met his voice, "I can't walk…"

Looking around fearfully, Tuck felt himself freeze up as the distant gunfire intensified. Taking a deep breath, he surveyed his options for the matter. Rex was helpless, his walker destroyed and not to mention possibly suffering head trauma. There was still an ongoing battle just a mile away, and they were sitting ducks if something undesirable happened to walk in their direction. Tuck was a Mighty Pup, and even though his limited power alone wouldn't save Rex, he still had an obligation to protect the one dog he truly loved.

"Here, I'll carry you," he said, already beginning to crouch down.

"Carry… me?"

Tuck was already wedging his muzzle underneath the Bernese, beginning to pick him up and sling him on his shoulders. "Don't worry, I'll get you out of here." Picking Rex up was slightly difficult, as the Retriever bit back a strained grunt as he hoisted the dog on his back, pushing against his legs to fully pick him up. He wasn't heavy, but slightly cumbersome, as Tuck hobbled a little as he fought to keep his balance. Rex laid on top like sagging trash, letting his arms fall at Tuck's sides. Even in his moment of pain and weakness, he rested his chin on Tuck's shoulder, smiling softly as he absorbed the affectionate warmth of the Golden Retriever. "Where are we going?" He asked, nuzzling into his carrier's fur.

"Rallying up with the others," Tuck quickly reclaimed his flashlight, "does your collar still work? We need to contact Chase, or anyone for that matter."

"I… think?" Rex stirred, aimlessly turning his gaze to the trees, watching as if he was searching for something. With his two working legs, he reached around his neck and pulled his collar off, "the radio should work still… I hope." With what remaining strength he had left, the Bernese draped the collar around Tuck's neck and then resumed his collapsed position, enjoying the feeling of being carried.

"Better than nothing," the Retriever sighed, then tapped his paw on the metal tag, "Chase, can you hear me?"

A flicker of static escaped the tag, a symbol that it was damaged. Rocky's distorted voice came through, "we've beaten the terrorists back, still no idea who these guys are, though."

"Rocky, can you hear me?" Tuck asked, pleading for an answer.

"Help is on the way," Chase responded, "although watch the trees, hostiles may be moving through them to flank us."

"Ugh, damn it," the Retriever forcefully batted at the tag, frustration burning in him, "just work for once, please!"

The Shepherd's voice came again, "wha- Tuck is that you?"

"Ye- yes? Wait, yes yes!" Tuck quickly said in surprise, "you can hear me?"

"Barely,"

"I have Rex, he's okay…" the Retriever gently patted Rex's paw, "where are you, we're lost in the forest, and I can hear gunshots!"

"Here, I'll set off a flare at our location, but you need to be careful. Armed hostiles are prowling around, do you have a weapon?"

"No, not even close," Tuck growled, "I'm carrying Rex, he can't move on his own without his walker."

"He's incapacitated?"

The Retriever blinked in confusion, "I… don't know what that word means."

"Forget it. I'm setting off the flare now, head over as quickly as you can, but keep your head down and watch your surroundings."

"Alright," Tuck sighed, thankful someone could finally hear him, "thanks Rocky,"

"Stay frosty, Tuck."

The collar went quiet, meaning the line had been shut off. Tuck was antsy to lose connection so fast, but it was probably for the better given the circumstances. With danger crawling around, it was best there was no noise constantly emitting from him. "Okay Rex, I'm taking you to safety, just relax."

The two dogs huddled under a burned piece of the plane, sitting motionless as Tuck kept a lookout for Rocky's signal. Much to his relief, a piercing green light suddenly shot up from beyond the trees, bathing the landscape in its warm glow.

"There it is," Tuck said to his partner, shifting the dog on his back so he could carry him better, "just keep still and don't move."

The forest was eerily quiet, far from the usual comfort that silence would bring. Tuck crept slowly through the bushes and under the trees, moving in the direction of Rocky's flare. He made the difficult decision to leave the flashlight behind, as waving around a bright light would surely alert his location to an unfriendly faction. He stuck to the shadows, avoiding walking in the open as his mind began to play tricks on him. His surroundings were moving, the gentle dance of trees and bushes would perfectly obscure something hiding behind them.

"I'm scared," Rex shivered, slightly curling up a little,

His carrier stopped behind a rock, peeking out to check if the coast was clear, "I don't blame you, but I'll keep you safe, I promise." He moved a paw out to continue walking but quickly drew it back in as something caught his eye. "Wait a second," he whispered, narrowing his blue eyes. The path ahead was clear but his instincts were telling him otherwise, even Rex had picked his ears up slightly.

A beam of light suddenly shined out past the trees, passing over the bushes as it searched for an unknown target. It was likely a flashlight, gripped by an unseen figure a few feet away. Tuck drew back, squeezing himself further to the ground. It wasn't an ally that held the light, if Tuck strayed into its glow, his life would be over fast.

"They're here," he muttered to his companion,

Rex picked his head up a little, "who?"

"Quiet!"

Keeping still as a statue, Tuck watched the beam of light travel in all directions, grazing over trees and rocks. A shadow of a dog soon emerged, carrying a large assault rifle attached to his pup pack. The flashlight was attached to the barrel of his gun, illuminating his targets wherever the rifle was aimed. The terrorist walked slowly, darting its eyes around and keeping its head low. Only the sound of crunching grass could be heard as he walked, the rustling of trees somehow louder than ever.

He hadn't seen Tuck yet but was coming up on his rock slowly but surely. It was almost impossible to tell what kind of dog it was, as they wore a balaclava that its face and a tactical vest covered most of its fur. The only indicator of the terrorist's identity was the brown, bushy tail that hung from its rear.

The dog stopped, picking its head up for a moment. He was only a few feet away from where Tuck was hiding, and the Retriever debated in his head if jumping him was a good idea. He was unarmed, and the dog before him was carrying a full assault rifle, one squeeze of the trigger would end the lives of dozens. Sweat pooled at Tuck's paws as he lay still, his heartbeat increasing every inch closer the terrorist lingered.

The dog then muttered something, speaking in a language Tuck didn't recognize. He then turned and walked to the side, putting his back to Tuck as he aimlessly wandered in another direction. Still pointing his weapon, he continued using the mounted flashlight, still searching for something Tuck negated to find out.

It was time to move. Tuck slowly pushed himself up, his head slowly rising up from behind the rock. The masked dog was only a few feet away, but his back was turned briefly. Tuck only had mere seconds to make a decision, his heartbeat increasing even more as he took a silent step out. All the armed dog had to do was turn around, and Tuck would be helpless to defend himself. Holding his breath, the Retriever took a step, then another, and another, his body moving out from the cover as his eyes stayed glued to the oblivious terrorist. It was difficult carrying Rex, as the added weight threatened to stagger his steps, making noise that would alert his position. It was just a few steps through the clearing, and Tuck could take cover back in the trees.

Two steps.

The terrorist sniffed the ground.

Three steps.

Tuck grimaced as Rex stirred above him, the urge to sprint was painful.

Four steps.

The sound of crickets snapped the armed dog's attention, as his ears sprang up through the holes in his mask. He turned his head to the side, and Tuck's life flashed before his eyes.

Five steps.

The trees were right there, just within arm's reach from Tuck. He wanted to run, he wanted to flee with his tail between his legs.

Six steps.

The terrorist looked up, a feeling coming over him as his instincts pricked his mind. Slowly, the gunman turned around, aiming his rifle behind him, but he saw nothing but empty trees. Tuck slipped away, pushing through the bushes at the last possible second. Exhaling sharply and giving thanks to whatever deity above had spared him, Tuck quickened his pace and carried Rex through the cold forest.

-.-.-.-

"Emergency services are en route," Marshall rushed over, his fur was matted and stained with dirt, "I've run out of medical supplies, but some of the injured were selfless enough to put others first." He approached where Chase was rummaging around pieces of the wreckage, searching for the flight recorder all planes carried.

Chase turned as he heard the news, "that's good at least," he flicked his collar on, "Rocky, how's it going out there?"

"Swimmingly," Rocky chuckled into his mic, "even though I ah… hate water. But things actually are going well. Me and what remained of the security teams were able to fight off the rest of the hijackers. A couple of injuries, but no casualties. Everything's quiet for now." The mix gave a long sigh, "hopefully it stays that way."

"You can't ever be that sure," Chase said sternly, "check your wounded, maybe we can-" the Shepherd quickly snapped his head up as he heard a noise. The sound of rustling bushes hit his left ear, and he quickly whipped around. "Marshall, get behind me," he flattened his ears and aimed down his pistol from his pup pack.

What came through the trees was not an attacker, but a Golden Retriever.

"Tuck!" Chase exclaimed, lowering his weapon, "you're okay!"

The golden dog staggered under his cargo, "ugh… barely," he winced as his exhaustion overtook him, and he finally fell forward and hit the ground. Rex slumped over on top of him, but his eyes lit up when he saw the Paw Patrol. Marshall quickly ran over to them, hurrying to Rex with a look of urgency.

"Are you hurt?" Marshall asked, placing a paw on the side of Rex's head and tilting his gaze over.

The Bernese, despite his pain and trauma, managed to sneak a laugh, "well, I can't feel my legs, so not really."

The Dalmation giggled at the joke, "glad to see you, Rex."

"Tuck did you-" Chase blinked, realizing the situation, "did you carry Rex through all that?"

"Something like that," the Retriever groaned, as he let his cargo slide off his back. It was relieving to have the weight lifted from his shoulders, and he could breathe a little easier.

"He saved my life," Rex smiled through his drowsy state, "I knew he would." He rolled himself over a little, coming aside Tuck. The Bernese used his front legs to push himself up a little, letting him reach up and lick Tuck's cheek. It was a simple gesture, yet the meaning of love behind it was indistinguishable. The golden dog froze in place, blushing a deep red.

"Sir?" A new voice came into the clearing, making all four dogs turn around. A new dog stood before them, a Labrador and Border Collie mix.

Chase recognized the leader of one of the security teams, "Ren, are the forests clear?"

The mix shuffled his black paws, "yes, but we've found something. You're gonna want to see this."

The Shepherd raised an eyebrow as Ren reached behind his back, gripping a piece of fabric in his teeth and showing it to Chase.

"What… what is this?" Chase looked at Ren weirdly.

The captain tapped the fabric after letting it drop on the ground, "it's a patch, we found it on one of the dead terrorists. It's an emblem, a logo of their organization."

"A logo?" Rex turned his head away from his blushing crush, "what does that matter?"

Curious, Chase approached the emblem and looked down at it, inspecting it. Immediately, his ears flattened, and a growl rumbled his throat. He instantly recognized the emblem, and his memory traced back to several certain events in the past. Much to the confusion of the surrounding dogs, the Shepherd looked up with pure malice in his eyes. "This wasn't just a hijacking," he snarled, flexing his claws, "this is something more."

"What do you mean?" Marshall tilted his head.

Chase turned around, and uttered the name he wanted to stick a knife through: "Aleksei."

-.-.-.-.-

Falon was disoriented. The cat blindly stumbled through the dark forest, breathing heavily as he ran in a direction he couldn't stabilize. Two security officers were with him, running behind him with damaged pup packs. Their weapons were gone, and their minds of cowardice took over as they fled with Falon.

The tabby cat looked around fearfully, when a helicopter suddenly zoomed overhead, making him flinch and brace himself.

"Look!" One of the officers pointed out, "help has arrived!"

Falon looked up, his tired eyes brightening with flickers of hope, "we're saved…"

Immediately, the cat and two dogs began to run, chasing after the helicopter as they sprinted through the trees. Determined to get the attention of the aircraft, the group charged out of the trees and ran out into an open field. With the cover of leaves and branches gone, they were completely exposed. Sure enough, the helicopter slowed to a stop, the pilot catching sight of the three survivors. Falon was overjoyed as he watched the aircraft begin to lower to the ground, the blades slowing as it powered down.

"Oh thank the heavens," the cat and his companions hurried over to the large doors on the vehicle, "we've been waiting, but now you're finally here!" He stood still as the sliding doors unlocked, and shifted open to reveal his savior.

It wasn't a paramedic.

Falon's smile died as he saw the dog standing before him. It was a Husky with cold amber eyes, dressed in a black tactical vest. A scar cut along his left cheek, and a ripped right ear added to the dog's damaged appearance.

The cat blinked, "who are you-"

The Husky quickly drew a gun, a movement so fast Falon couldn't keep up. In seconds, gunshots were fired, and the two dogs he ran with now laid dead in the grass. Falon jumped in surprise, a wave of confusion and terror hitting him as his eyes rested on the lifeless bodies of his companions. "Wha-" he stuttered, backing up.

"Don't run," Aleksei growled.

Falon turned, only to see five terrorists had quickly surrounded him, all pointing their guns and daring him to make a move. "Wha-" the cat shuttered, "what's going on?"

The Husky stepped out of the aircraft, approaching Falon, "where is he."

"Where- …. Who?"

"The Bernese," Aleksei snarled, "the one you call Rex, yes? Where is he."

"I-" Falon whipped around to face the larger dog, sheer panic on his face, "I- I don't know! We were all separated in the crash!"

The Husky bared his teeth, staring down at the cat.

"Why… though," the cat shrunk down in fear, his tail shoved underneath him, "what do you want with him?"

Aleksei studied the cat up and down, "Rex's campaign can not be allowed to succeed."

The cat tilted his head "the dinosaurs? What do you have against dinosaurs?"

"I have no interest in those oversized lizards," Aleksei began to circle him, still holding his pistol in the pup pack's arm, "but he intends to pass a Civil Rights Act that extends basic rights toward lesser animals." He snarled, almost spitting the words, "if this 'act' continues any further, it will give rights to animals who do not deserve it, and there be an uprising."

"We all deserve rights though," Falon dared to stand, "we're… sentient. We're living beings, we're equal."

"Some… are more equal than others," Aleksei snarled in reply, "man and dog must always remain the dominant species, even if they must command over a mountain of dead bodies! Rex's little dinosaur fun threatens this… it will force us to give up our power for… measly pigs."

The cat before him shook his head, alarmed at the Husky's political view.

"Do I need to speak in your native language, cat?" He turned to him again, "meow?" He said mockingly, and the surrounding terrorists all howled with laughter. "Where is Rex."

"I… I don't know." Falon crept backward a little.

"Ah, well," Aleksei shrugged, "you are not useful after all." He walked forward, passing by the cat, "as all cats are." He wordlessly held out his gun, pointing it at the back of Falon's head. With the pull of the trigger, a gunshot tore into the air, and the cat's body fell into the grass.

-.-.-.-.-.-

"Hostile activity past the mountains," Rocky reported, looking up from his computer.

Chase shook his head, "no time! We don't have the resources to fight them off again!"

The paramedics had finally arrived, touching down several helicopters in a clearing of the forest. Instantly, those wounded in the crash were loaded in, while the Paw Patrol kept watching for anyone seeking to pick them off while they were vulnerable. Among the wounded was Skye, she had taken a beating during the attack, and was swiftly loaded onto one of the stretchers.

Tuck assisted a pilot in loading Rex into an aircraft. The Bernese was apologetic of his disability the whole time, but the Tuck reassured him that he would be alright, and in mere minutes they'd be out of this mess. Rex was quickly strapped into a stretcher, one of many that were wheeled into the aircraft, and Tuck stood by his side.

"See?" The Retriever smiled, "I told you we'd get out of this,"

Breathing softly, Rex smiled up at his rescuer, "my hero. I guess I owe you, huh?"

"Nah," he waved off, "I'm just glad you're alive." He lowered his head down, nuzzling his chin onto Rex's arm, "I'd really break if something happened to you, you know," he confessed, "what I said on the plane… I really meant it."

Rex faltered for a moment, studying his partner, "Tuck, you don't have to-"

"No," he said with gentle defiance, "I love you… Rex. I'd carry you through a hundred forests if I had to."

It was those simple words that made the Bernese beam, unable to contain his happiness as his face visibly brightened. If his tail could move, it would definitely be wagging right now. His heart nearly imploded at the sight of Tuck's eyes gazing into him, and despite only being able to move his top half, he shuffled forward on the stretcher. Tuck didn't move a muscle as Rex gently leaned in, passing his tongue up Tuck's lips and off his nose. The Retriever froze for a half second, then succumbed to the blushing endearment that hit his face, smiling as he leaned back to peck Rex on the nose.

"I love you too, my Mighty Pup," Rex said, all too happy to finally say the words.

When all the civilians and remaining security forces were loaded on the helicopters, Chase, Marshall, and Rocky were last to come aboard. Tuck stepped aside so Marshall could climb on, and Chase followed.

"Rocky, come on!" The Shepherd turned around to the mix, still standing in the clearing, "it's time to go!"

The mix was unsure, still worriedly glancing around the trees, but finally turned around and climbed aboard. Marshall held out his paw, assisting his friend and pulling him in.

"What are we going to do?" Rocky asked as the doors closed around them.

"I've already contacted Adventure Bay law enforcement," the Shepherd sighed, "they know Aleksei is back, but right now, there isn't anything we can do."

Tuck smiled, resting his head on his lover who was drifting to sleep, "I'm just happy to be out of this mess," he leaned down to whisper in Rex's ear, "and with you."

The sound of the helicopter's engines slowly came to life, whirring as they powered up and began spinning the blades. One by one, the multiple aircrafts began to lift up, rising out of the forest into freedom like a flock of birds. They took to the sky, the ruins of the plane now a distant memory. They were finally safe, en route back to Adventure Bay where everyone would be medically treated and accounted for. Best of all, Tuck could finally take Rex's paw and start a new life together. No matter what Rex had to do to get this campaign through, Tuck would never stop loving and supporting him.