The next morning Chase was walking his rounds as usual when Ryder walked up.

"Morning Ryder, sir." said Chase.

"So, let me guess," said Ryder "You caught Katie leaving yesterday morning."

"I wouldn't say caught," said Chase grinning. "You know I love you both and have expected you two to get together from the beginning. Why don't you two just get married already?"

"I wish it was that easy," said Ryder, "I'm sure Katie wants a big wedding."

"I think you'd be surprised," said Chase. "You'll have to ask her though."

"Did she say something?" asked Ryder

"I can neither confirm nor deny anything," smiled Chase

"How should I do it?" asked Ryder. "How'd you ask Skye?"

"I mounted her in the backyard, and bit her scruff," said Chase

"YOU What!" said Ryder.

"Ryder, I'm kidding," laughed Chase. "I finally asked her if she would be my mate for life. She said yes. It's good to be a dog. No formalities."

"I like your first idea better," laughed Ryder.

"Have at it," laughed Chase "We won't judge you. But seriously, I think you two are more than accepted by the community. I think if you had a simple service like Farmer Al and Farmer Yumi did, it would be perfect. Don't ask Zuma or you'll be on the beach. I think either here or town hall would be best. Katie's shop is just too small, you know everyone will be there."

"Thanks Chase," said Ryder "I'll go see her later and ask."

"Ryder, you already did the hard part when you proposed in front of everyone," said Chase. "The rest is just cake."

Toby, Lin, Rocky, and Rubble had met early for breakfast and so Rocky and Rubble could show Lin the plans and explain what was completed already. Sunny came in after Zuma had left for the day. She explained the financials and showed Lin the tracking software Rocky had designed.

"Wow, Rocky, you created this database?" said Lin. "You are a genius."

Rocky started to explain the software development process, rubble whined and held his paws to his ears.

"Stop it Rocky," said Rubble, "you're going to make my brain bleed."

Rocky laughed, "Sorry, I do get excited when I talk computers. I'm sure I give everyone headaches."

"It's ok Rocky," said Lin. "I understand computers better than the average monk, but I'm ok knowing someone as smart as you made it work and can dumb it down enough to explain where the start button is."

Everyone laughed at that. Lin had some suggestions based on other retreats he had been to over the years.

"Toby, would you like to return to the retreat and have a time of meditation this morning?" asked Lin

"I would love that," said Toby. "I'll call Yeshe or her back up."

"Let me guess, Everest?" laughed Kang

"Why yes, is there something wrong with that?" asked Toby.

"Absolutely not," said Kang. "I would hate to take her on. I think she could take a bear without breaking a sweat."

"I think she has," laughed Rocky.

They laughed.

"I'll call her," said Rocky. "I need to go to the retreat and check with the electrical contractors. They were going to run the data wire for me."

"Thank you, Rocky," said Toby.

"Would you prefer to walk?" asked Lin.

Toby hung his head, "I probably should, but I admit, I have grown accustomed to catching a ride. If you feel we would be better served I will gladly walk."

"Toby, there is no shame in using the resources the almighty has provided," said Lin. "I simply did not want to inconvenience anyone."

"I will ask Jake if he minds coming and picking us up." said Toby, "I guess I really need to learn to drive. If Yeshe can, then I guess I can."

"Wait, Yeshe can drive?" said Kang.

"Oh, she can drive every vehicle we have, with the exception of Skye's helicopter," said Rocky, proudly. "And that is only because she hasn't been taught to fly yet. Give her time. She even drives Zuma's hovercraft out on the bay."

"I guess I really need to go on a mission or two with you guys," said Kang. "I keep hearing stories, but some of this I'm just going to have to see."

"Hang around long enough," laughed Rocky, "Ryder will figure out how to put you on the team."

"That would be fun to watch," said Lin "You could be the first Snoring Pup for the Paw Patrol."

"I'll bite you," laughed Kang.

"You my friend make snoring a superpower," laughed Lin.

They laughed as they got ready. Jake told them he was coming to town for supplies anyway.

Little did the pups know a group had moved into town and was planning to stop the retreat. The 'Protect the Earth' foundation was convinced that any encroachment into the wilderness was a threat and had to be eliminated.

Their leader, Rodger, had heard about the retreat. He had decided that they had to show up and stop this new eyesore.

"Rodger, do you think we should have researched the area a little more before we planned the attack?" asked Jeff.

"Rodger said it was run by monks," said Bobby "How tough could they be?"

"Have you seen Shaolin Monk martial arts?" asked Jeff.

"Well even kung fu won't stop bullets," laughed Rodger. "I will not stand Idly by and allow anyone to threaten the forest."

"You're the leader," said Jeff. "I'll follow your lead, but I never agreed to kill anyone."

"Don't worry cupcake," said Bobby "That's why he invited me and the boys to come help."

They began planning to hit the Retreat in a few days. A little surveillance would be necessary.

Toby and Lin were meditatings when they both suddenly became aware of confusion and disharmony.

"Did you feel that?" asked Toby.

"I did," said Lin, "What could that be?"

They looked up to see that both Yeshe and Kang were bristled up and alert.

"Master," said Kang, "I felt that as well. There is a disturbance coming."

"It could be a storm," said Yeshe, "But I've felt snow storms and thunderstorms before. This definitely feels stronger and very different."

"Yeshe, you stay here and guard them," said Kang. "I do a perimeter sweep and recon the area."

"Let me call Everest," said Yeshe.

"Why?" asked Kang, "I'm no puppy. There's nothing I can't handle."

"I don't doubt that," said Yeshe, "but she knows this mountain better than anyone. She can point out possible threats and hiding spots."

"Ok, ok," said Kang, "good call. I'll wait until she gets here."

Yeshe pressed her tag and called Everest. Everest agreed to come over, she happened to be a Jake's and it wouldn't take long. Everest called Marshall to let me know and to have him alert Ryder that something might be up.

Ryder decided rather than sending the pups to something unknown he would wait with everyone on Stand By.

"I'm so nervous," whimpered Marshall.

"You know Everest can handle just about anything," assured Chase. "And if not, I think Kang would destroy anything he decided was a threat without breaking a sweat."

"What about Yeshe?" said Rocky "Should we at least send her some back up?"

"Rocky?" asked Ryder, "would you feel better if I send Chase to at least backup Yeshe?"

"Please," said Rocky.

"Ok Chase, head that way," said Ryder. "Don't use your sirens. You might spook off anyone in the area."

"These Paws Uphold the Laws," yelled Chase as he headed for the slide.

Everest had brought a map of the entire mountain. She explained where the danger areas were. Where there were caves that could hide someone or something. She showed Kang the trails and explained the Ski Slopes were fairly rocky and steep without snow on them.

Kang thanked her and was about to head out.

"Hey, let me come help you," said Everest.

"I can handle anything this mountain can throw at me," said Kang.

"I'm sure you can," said Everest. "But how would Mudita feel if you got hurt and had no one to call for help. Humor me, let me go watch how a professional works."

"Oh, a professional huh," said Kang, puffing himself up. "I guess you can come watch."

"Thank you," whispered Yeshe.

"Boys," snickered Everest. "They are all the same. Puff um up and lead them where you want them to go."

Yeshe high pawed Everst as she turned to go.

Kang and Everest covered the mountain quickly starting by circling the retreat, then the Lodge and cabins. They had been running nonstop for over two hours.

"You getting tired pup?" asked Kang, obviously breathing hard.

"Nope, I'm just getting warmed up," laughed Everest, "You can't out-distance a husky, we live to run." Everest noticed Kang obviously would continue to push himself even tired. "But every good trainer will tell you to pace yourself, so maybe I should rest for a bit. We can stop and look at the map. Make sure we haven't missed anything."

"Yeah, that's a good idea," said Kang, Sitting on his hunches trying to not show any weakness. "You're something else Everest. I truly think the Monasteries should look into supplementing the ranks with Huskies. To be honest, I think I'm slowing you down. You could cover ground much faster."

"True, I can cover distance quickly," said Everest,"but to be equally honest. I didn't even hesitate to offer to help you. You could handle anything that we happened to find."

Everest was about to continue when she stopped, "Uh, Kang do you smell that?"

Kang took a deep whiff, "Sweat, and uh leather. There's someone here or was."

"The winds blowing from uh, that way," said Everest taking off toward the scent.

Kang shook his head and followed.

They had run about a thousand yards when Everest came to a halt sniffing the ground. Kang walked toward where she was and told her to stop.

"Look Everest," pointed Kang. "Boot prints, I'd say about 65 kilos."

"What?" said Everest.

"Sorry, about 145 pounds," said Kang, smelling the print. "Um, male. Hasn't bathed in a day or so."

"Ok, wow," said Everest. "Are you making fun of me?"

"No, no, here look," said Kang. He explained the depth of the boot print based on the soil and how it would indicate the approximate weight of the individual.

"Cool, did you learn to track during your training?" asked Everest.

"Yes, I was to be a warrior," laughed Kang.

"What's so funny?" asked Everest.

"Warrior, bah!" laughed Kang. "There hasn't been a monk war in over a hundred years. It's more tradition than anything. But it has come in handy a time or two."

"Well, I'd go to war with you anytime," said Everest.

"Are you flirting with me," laughed Kang.

"No, we are both mated," laughed Everest, then she smirked. "Ok, maybe a little. Don't worry, you'll grow to like me."

Kang laughed, "Come on, this print is a couple hours old. They're gone now. But we have an idea what to look for. Let's go tell the others."

Kang and Everest came running back to the Retreat. It had been hours and everyone had grown restless and come to the Retreat.

"Oh, thank goodness," said Jake. "I was beginning to worry."

"Were you two riding in something," asked Lin.

"No we were running," said Everest "Why, did you hear a vehicle."

"No Ryder was tracking your collar," said Lin. "If you two were running, you were flying. You covered the entire mountain in under two hours before circling back to where you stopped before heading back. Did you find something?"

Kang explained the boot prints and how it was several hours old.

"So is it a threat to the Retreat," asked Chase

"Nothing indicated a threat," said Kang. "But it's a concern that someone was lurking and did not attempt to speak to anyone. I'll keep alert to their possible return."

"Are you two hungry?" asked Jake. "I made some burgers."

"I'm starving," said Everest.

"I was talking to Kang," laughed Jake. "I knew you were hungry. You're always hungry."

They all laughed and Kang and Everest began eating a pile of burgers left for them.

"The main building is almost completed," said Jeff. "I think they have dogs or something. I saw what might have been a bear also."

"A bear, It's nice to see that they haven't run off all the wildlife," said Rodger. "The mountains belong to them."

"So what do we do?" asked Jeff.

"Did you draw out the grounds like I asked?" said Bobby. "I need to find a good vantage point to shoot from."

"Do we really have to kill them?" asked Jeff.

"If we want them to take us seriously," said Rodger. "We have to make a statement to everyone that they have no right to tear down forests to build their motels and lodges. Ok two days, we'll hit them just after dark. I want everyone in this stupid little back woods town to see the fire."

The next day Kang had decided to hang out at the Lookout to try and go to some calls for help. So far he was not impressed with saving chickens and little mischievous boys. A call came from Mayor Goodway that someone had stolen a vase from the museum.

"The purple one?" asked Skye. "It was my favorite."

"Why yes," said the mayor. "Does that matter?"

"Purple huh," said Chase, "Humdinger."

"Is he a known thief?" asked Kang.

"He's a known idiot," laughed Chase. "Come on, this will be fun."

Chase and Kang slid down to Chase's unit. It was a tight fit for Kang but he made it work.

They arrived and began investigating. They quickly found a scent trail leaving the scene.

"Yep, Humdinger," said Chase. "I'd recognize that scent anywhere. Mayor, we'll be right back with your vase."

They quickly followed the trail and found Mayor Humdinger hiding a bush with the vase. Chase jumped in front of him and yelled, "caught ya!" Humdinger turned to run when Kang stepped out.

"AH!" screamed Mayor Humdinger. "Paw Patrol has a bear now? Here take it, I'm not stupid enough to fight a bear. He set the vase down and ran."

Kang looked over at Chase who was rolling on the ground having a fit of laughter.

"Oh, god," laughed Chase, "I'm gonna pee. I haven't laughed that hard ever."

"I think that guy did pee before he ran," laughed Kang. That just made Chase laugh harder.

"Oh, Stop, Please Stop!" laughed Chase. "I can't breathe."

After Chase finally regained his composure they returned the vase.

"Did Mayor Humdinger get away?" asked Mayor Goodway.

"He saw Kang and decided that he didn't want the vase that bad afterall," snickered Chase.

"Well thank you Kang," said Mayor Goodway. "We're lucky to have the Paw Patrol, but I can definitely see how helpful you would be." She stepped over and hugged Kang burying her face in his fur. "I've wanted to do that since I first met you," giggled the mayor.

The two returned to the Lookout and explained what happened to Ryder. Chase kept snickering as he explained that they probably wouldn't deal with Humdinger for a while now.

"I'll admit," said Kang, "that was fun. I hate thieves, if my size can help stop a few, I'm at your service."

"Thank you Kang," said Ryder. Here I made you a pup tag so you can call any of us. I'll give Lin a phone like I gave Toby. I also made a smaller one for Mudita so she can call you if she needs to."

Kang looked at the tag, it had a mountain with a snow capped peak and the smaller one of a small flower. "Thank you, Ryder. The mountain I get, but why a flower for Mudita. Flowers make Katie happy, I couldn't think of anything else and it's pretty like she is."

"Thanks," said Kang, a tear in his eye. "She'll love it."

Kang, Yeshe, and Everest had been taking turns patrolling the retreat grounds. Rocky had built a video surveillance system, but Kang insisted that someone on site would be more of a deterrent. Luckily it was the off season and Jake had offered Lin, Kang and Mutida cabins. Rocky and Marshall had been staying in the cabin that was being built for them.

It so happened it was Yeshe patrolling this evening. She had made several passes and was sitting near the entrance to the main hall. Rocky had brought her some dinner and they were talking.

Nearby the members of Protect the Earth moved through their intended target. Bobby had moved to a slight rise overlooking the main hall.

"There are two dogs but no sign of anyone else," reported Bobby.

"Ok get ready," said Rodger.

Yeshe stopped and stood ridgid, "Rocky call everyone, They're here."

Rocky bound to his feet and pressed the alert on his pup tag, it opened the channel to everyone.

"Red Alert!" yelled Rocky "Yeshe says there are people nearby."

"Everyone," said Ryder, "Get to the Retreat. Be careful, we still don't know what they are up to."

"Earth First!" yelled Rodger, leading the charge.

From the woods came a half dozen people all running with flaming bottles. One sailed through the air hitting the front doors of the retreat, it burst into flames.

"Ryder Fire!" yelled Rocky into his pup tag "They have Molotov Cocktails!"

"Marshall, That's your cue!" yelled Ryder.

"Way ahead of you Ryder" yelled Marshall bursting through the bushes in his fire truck. "Water cannons! Arf" barked Marshall. Immediately a stream of water was putting out the fire.

"Bobby! Take him!" yelled Rodger

A shot rang out hitting Marshall's fire truck barely missing Marshall's head.

"Whoa!" yelled Marshall

"Marshall, Get out of Here!" yelled Kang running to the scene.

Lin came running into the clearing, "Please be at peace!" he yelled toward the attackers.

"Have a peace of this," said Bobby, squeezing the trigger. Another shot rang out.

Yeshe suddenly leaped in front of Lin. The shot hitting her and rolling her over.

"YESHE!" screamed Rocky. "No, No, NO!"

"You Bastard, You die!" Yelled Kang. He turned and bound toward where the shoot came from.

Bobby didn't have time to react, he raised the rifle hoping to fire at the mass of muscle leaping at him.

"Die Bear!" a shot rang out. And then silence.

The others looked at each other and turned fleeing. All except Rodger.

"Stand and Fight you bastards!" yelled Rodger. As he turned back he was hit by a flash of gray fur. He screamed as teeth and claws ripped chunks out of his flesh. He covered his face with his hands and kept screaming. Suddenly the attack stopped but he quickly passed out due to blood loss.

Lin held the struggling pup, "Calm down Rocky, Calm down."

"I'll kill him! Put me down, he has to die," Screamed Rocky, growling and snarling.

"ROCKY!" yelled Ryder running over. "ROCKY! Stop! He's down, he's not going anywhere. Worry about Yeshe."

"Oh, GOD, YESHE!" yelled Rocky. Lin set him down and he ran to Yeshe's side. Marshall had already begun assessing her. The shot struck her shoulder and it appeared to be separated.

"KATIE!," yelled Marshall into his tag. "I'm coming Marshall, talk to me, what are the injuries?"

Marshall explained what he was seeing.

"Oh God the PUPS!" Rocky cried out, he knew better than to get in Marshall's way. He just sat feeling so completely helpless. He dropped and cried.

Of the fleeing men two were immediately caught by Chase in a net. Two more slipped past him. They thought they were going to get away when Zuma burst through the brush in his hovercraft, he ran completely over them.

"Oops!" yelled Zuma. Chase ran up, rolled them over and placed handcuffs on them.

"Did I miss anyone?" said Zuma jumping down from the hovercraft.

Chase rolled his eyes, "Ok Porthos," laughed Chase. "No more Three Musketeers for you."

"You laughed," smirked Zuma.

"Yeah, I did," said Chase "And no, you wiped them out. How did you know it wouldn't hurt them to run over them with the hovercraft?"

"It did?" laughed Zuma "I had no idea."

Chase looked at him, eyes wide.

"I'm kidding, Rocky told me years ago," laughed Zuma. "I've always wanted to try though. I guess Rocky's right, again."

"I've got these guys," said Chase. "Go see if Kang needs any help with his."

Kang came walking back into the clearing.

"Did that bastard get away?" wept Rocky.

Kang spit out a chunk of something, "No, he seems to have decided to not shoot anyone ever again."

Rocky then noticed Kang's white fur was covered in blood. He wasn't sure but he felt it better not to ask just yet.

"Rocky, Come Here!" yelled Marshall.

"I-is she dying?" wept Rocky, running to her side.

Marshall grabbed Rocky by his shoulders. "Rocky, I don't have time to coddle you right now. I need you to hold her while I reset her shoulder. It's going to hurt her. I need you to be strong enough for you, her, and your pups."

"O-ok, are the pups going to be ok?" asked Rocky, trying hard to compose himself.

"The shot was nowhere near her belly, they should be fine," said Katie, she was bandaging the gun shot.

"Ok, here it comes," said Marshall, He lifted her paw and shoved it back into the socket. Yeshe Cried out. Rocky hugged her tight and kissed her on the head. "It's almost over my love. Why, Why did you have to do that?"

"It's what we're bred to do," said Kang walking up. "We protect the helpless, Master's first, always. It should have been me. He was my master. She was willing to sacrifice herself for my master. I am in her debt forever."

Rocky had tears in his eyes, "But why, why would anyone do this?"

"I guess we'll have to ask one of them," said Kang. "Chase!"

Chase ran over, "Yes, Kang, What do you need?"

"Did we get everyone?" asked Kang.

"Yes Sir, Kang Sir. All accounted for." said Chase. "The one that you uh, I left him up there. The one Rocky took out is over there. He can bleed to death for all I care, but he appears to be the leader. The others are all handcuffed and awaiting transport."

"The one I what?" said Rocky

"Uh, Rocky have you seen yourself?" asked Chase. "Do you remember attacking that guy?"

"I just heard the shot and saw, saw Yeshe fall," whimpered Rocky, holding Yeshe. "The next thing I knew Ryder was yelling at me to take care of Yeshe. I-I attacked someone?"

"WOW, uh Rocky, If Lin hadn't stopped you I think you might have literally eaten him." said Marshall putting a bandage on Yeshe's shoulder.

Rocky looked down at himself and saw the blood, he fainted.

"Ok, Kang," said Chase "Is that normal? I mean for a pup to not remember?"

"Yes, He's not a trained warrior," said Kang. "He reacted out of fear and anger. I agree with Marshall, though, if someone hadn't stopped him, he probably would have completely torn the guy apart. Not that I could blame him. But yeah, memory shutoff is normal for those not trained to expect or accept them."

"Did the shooter die?" asked Zuma.

"Uh, he tore his head off," said Chase, taking a deep breath as he said it.

"I'm sorry," said Kang, "I know I'm supposed to be more composed. When my master was in danger I was angry. When that lump of meat shot Yeshe, My mind decided it was battle time. His head happened to be the first thing I came in contact with."

"A-are monks not peaceful all the time," asked Rubble.

"When the world is in harmony," said Toby, "We are very peaceful. When needed, we are among the most fierce warriors in history. Shaolin Martial Arts are peaceful until it's time to not be."

Rocky sat there in the medical room with Yeshe. The machines softly beeping in the background.

"Oh, Yeshe," wept Rocky, "Please, please come back to me. I can't make it without you."

Rocky wouldn't sleep, everytime he closed his eyes the scene of Yeshe being shot replayed. Zuma had come by to sit with him.

They spoke for a while when Zuma stopped and looked at Rocky.

"What?" asked Rocky.

"Rocky?" said Zuma, "have I ever told you how jealous of you and Yeshe I am?"

"Jealous?" Rocky asked "of us? Why?"

"You two both fell in Love with your first loves," said Zuma "You both shared your first with each other and can remember it all together."

"I, uh," stammered Rocky, "I don't really understand what you mean. You've dated tons of girls. You were more outgoing than I could ever be."

"But who was your first kiss with?" Asked Zuma.

"Yeshe," said Rocky.

"Who was the first girl you fell in love with?" asked Zuma.

"We'll Yeshe, of course!" said Rocky

"Who was the first girl you opened yourself up to and told about your dreams and hopes?" asked Zuma.

"We'll Yeshe," said Rocky, "but why would that make you feel jealous?"

"Because I don't remember any of that," said Zuma. "Sunny was the girl I lost my virginity with, and I'm very glad I waited, but that is the only first other than the first girl I asked to be my mate."

"Oh, It's only because I could never be as outgoing as you were," said Rocky.

"But you two share memories like it was out of a storybook!" said Zuma. "In today's times, pups dream of having what you two do. Rocky, Yeshe will get better, I just know it. She will have the pups, you will be a great dad. And y'all will have the perfect family. I'm just a little jealous. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for you. You deserve it."

Zuma left to go home to Sunny. Rocky sat holding Yeshe's paw and stroking her head.

"Hey Rocky," said Chase, walking into the room. "Any change?"

"No, What if she doesn't wake up?" said Rocky. "Katie says the pups seem ok. And overall Yeshe is ok. Why won't she wake up?"

"Rocky, I really wish I had an answer for you," said Chase. "If it was Skye laying there, I'd be asking the same questions. Rocky, you have to be strong for your family right now. I know it sucks. I won't lie and say I understand, I don't. I can imagine and it scares the hell out of me. But we will be with you no matter what. I can't believe that Yeshe won't wake up. I think she was hurt and her body is allowing itself to catch up. I always figured it would be me that took a bullet for someone. But if anyone can survive this, it's Yeshe. You'll be running with her soon."

"Thanks Chase," whispered Rocky, "You and Zuma are always there for me. You're both the only family I ever had."

"I don't know if it will cheer you up or not," said Chase, "The guy was being stubborn but they let Kang speak with him and I'm not sure what he said but I don't think I've seen anyone literally crap themselves before. He suddenly wanted to confess to all sorts of things. He and his friends will be going away for a really long time. And they managed to get a DNA match on the shooter, he was some hired killer, the leader brought in to make a statement. He's in a special place in hell, hopefully he's headless there too."

"You were serious," said Rocky, looking up. "Kang really bit his head off?"

"Rocky," said Chase, "Kang, tore the guy to literal pieces. I personally think he deserved it. I hope he felt every bite. He hurt Yeshe. But Rocky you took quite a few pieces out of the leader. I don't think he'll ever look at a dog the same way. That's probably why Kang scared him so badly."

"So, they thought the retreat was a threat to nature?" asked Rocky "The monks are more intune with nature than anyone."

"Some people are just crazy," said Chase. "And sadly, there will always be weak minded people to follow them."

"R-rocky?" said Yeshe weakly, "Where, where am I?"

"Oh God! Yeshe, You're Awake!" cried Rocky.

Chase closed the door on the way out. He stopped and told Katie that Yeshe was waking up. He asked if Katie would give Rocky a moment, she of course agreed.