Chapter 3: Farewell Ryder
Ryder's funeral was held on July 22, a week after his death. It was the worst week of all the pups' lives. Marshall just sat and cried every day, holding his teddy bear. Rubble hid in his puphouse and refused to eat until he couldn't put up with starvation any longer. Rocky played back videos of Ryder training all the pups when they joined. Zuma just sat at the beach every evening. Everest refused to eat Jake's liver treats. Tracker's ears stopped working as well as they did before. Chase contemplated quitting, but a smack across the face and a harsh word from Skye changed his mind.
Now Koda was a different story. He would recall back to when Ryder officially adopted him and saved him from the needle all those years ago. Koda felt that he owed Ryder his life. And despite not seeing Ryder often due to Ryder being so busy, Koda loved Ryder with all of his heart. He locked himself in Ryder's room, refusing to talk to anyone and sobbing himself to sleep every night.
The day before the funeral, Chase called all the pups together to write a eulogy for Ryder. Even Everest and Tracker, who didn't join the pups at the Lookout, shared their ideas over the phone. When the pups were satisfied with what they came up with, they all decided that Chase should read it. Chase agreed, but deep down, he felt he wouldn't be able to finish reading.
Ryder's funeral was the most popular event to occur in Adventure Bay ever since the terrorist attack a year ago on the Lookout when the President came to visit. So many familiar faces showed up. Mr. Porter comforted his weeping grandson. Captain Turbot and Francois had their hat and beret over their hearts, the latter holding the box of tissues to his "wuss of a cousin." The funeral took place down at the beach right by the Lookout, so Wally and Walinda could be there. Mayor Goodway, trying to hold back tears, hugged her niece and nephew, Julia and Julius. Jake was there to comfort Katie, whose eyes were red from crying. Farmers Yumi and Al held hands, the former using a tissue to wipe her tears.
Even Adventure Bay outsiders showed up. Raimundo and his circus dropped by. Carlos brought Tracker, Matea, and Mandy and her monkey family. Ace Sorenson was there. The Professor had a special spot in the first row. Mayor Humdinger and his kittens also had a reserved spot. Even Daring Danny X showed up, with his bike spray painted black for the occasion. And even President Jack Clifton along with his wife, Margaret, and their son, Jack Jr, were there.
"We're still waiting on three more guests," said Mayor Goodway into the microphone up on the podium. Everyone patiently waited. Finally, an airplane landed not far from the beach. Out stepped the Earl of Barkingburg, along with the Princess and Sweetie.
"Thank you for joining us," said Chase, leading the three to their seats. When everyone was ready, Mayor Goodway began.
"Ryder's sudden death on the night of July 15 stunned us all. We are gathered here today to honor him and to thank him for all that he's done for Adventure Bay. He's done everything big and small, whether that be fixing the water tower or the wind turbines, or even playing a basketball game. We will never forget Ryder. He will always have a special place in our hearts. I will now pass the podium to the PAW Patrol.
The pups walked up on stage, all wearing black suits with bow ties of their uniform color. Skye and Everest wore black funeral dresses with a pink and light blue shawl, respectively. For a while, no pup said anything. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity. Chase cleared his throat and walked up to the microphone.
"Before I begin, I'd like to thank you all for coming. Being here truly means a lot to us, a lot to Ryder." Chase sighed and tried to stop his tears. "If you could describe Ryder in one word, what word would you use? Me, I would use ambitious. Ryder would perform any mission, big or small, with high expectations for himself and us. I think the only time I showed more ambition than Ryder was the day my girlfriend, Skye, crashed in a snowstorm. I knew Ryder was as worried and determined to find her as I was. The only difference? I was scared silly while Ryder kept his cool." Chase felt the tears coming, but Skye placed her paw on his shoulder to help him relax. He sighed before continuing.
"That's another thing about Ryder. He can keep his cool in any scenario, good or bad. He showed no fear during rescues, and he was very humble. He never accepted awards and never thought about himself before others. All in all, Ryder was one of a kind. He was the owner that loved us all. The leader that never failed us. Most importantly, he was the best friend that stood by your side through it all. Even in his last days, he managed to keep a smile on his face. He's blessed not only me, but my comrades, in more ways than one. And for that we are eternally grateful. Thank you so much Ryder. We all love you and will do everything for you."
At this point, Chase was bawling. Skye gave him a hug, telling him that everything was going to be okay and that his speech was great. Rocky walked up to the microphone. "Uhh, we now pass the podium to Koda."
Koda, still not one hundred percent familiar to everyone, walked up to the microphone. He closed his eyes and sighed, tears dripping down his mug. He opened them and stole a glance at the pups, who all gave him a comforting smile. Turning to the crowd, he began.
"To be honest, I'd never thought I'd go from human orphan, to wolf pup in the pound, to adopted brother, to new leader of the PAW Patrol. That's right. On his deathbed, he decided to make me the new leader. And I personally think that job belongs to Chase. But I guess that's not how it is. But everything happens for a reason. And now we may not know the reason for Ryder's sudden and early passing, there still is a reason for it. I know things will never be the same again, but the world around us is constantly changing. It is our decision to accept the changes. The best thing for us to do, as a team, as a community, is to not forget Ryder, but to move on. We can't change the past, but we can shape our future. And I want to look forward to a bright future for all of us in Adventure Bay. So I proudly accept the role as the leader of the PAW Patrol, as I hope you all do to. I know I have big shoes to fill, but with the pups' help, I think we can still manage to get the job done. As Ryder would say, 'No job is too big, no pup is too small.' Thank you."
As Koda walked off, much to his surprise, everyone stood up and clapped for him. Some even let out a few cheers. He was soon bombarded by the other pups, who all joined in one big embrace.
Mayor Goodway took to the stage again. "Attention everyone. Before we begin the burial, we will have fifteen minutes if you want to come up to Ryder's casket."
Quite a few people came up to his casket to pay their respects. They also gave their condolences to the pups. Fifteen minutes later, the mayor announced that the burial would take place up at the Lookout, next to the giant oak tree.
Rubble and Chase went to get their pup pack and police cruiser. Rubble barked out his shovel and dug out a hole for Ryder's casket. Chase tied his winch around the casket and carefully lowered it into the ground. Rubble then filled the hole with dirt. Marshall placed flowers down and Rocky placed down the gravestone. It read, "Ryder. July 9, 2007 - July 15, 2017. Loving owner, leader, friend, son, boyfriend, and brother. Forever in our hearts. 'Whenever you're in trouble, just yelp for help.'"
When all was said and done, the funeral ended. After ten minutes, only the pups and Koda remained at the burial site. Zuma went inside for a moment and came back with a picture in his mouth. It was all the pups, Koda included, lying on the ground with Ryder, all with smiles on their faces. Zuma gently placed it against the gravestone.
For a while no one said a word. The silence was eventually broken by a long, sorrowful howl from Chase. It echoed through Adventure Bay for all to hear. Soon, Skye joined her boyfriend, followed by Marshall, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky, Everest, Tracker, and Koda. All howled in mourning for Ryder.
The next morning, Koda woke up to the puppad ringing. Walking inside the Lookout, he answered it.
"Hello? Koda here?"
"Koda, it's the Earl of Barkingburg. I know yesterday was Ryder's funeral and all, but we were wondering if you could send your best two pups on over to watch over the crown and throne for a few days while the Princess and I take a vacation."
"Sure thing, your earlness. They should arrive this evening."
"Thank you so much, Koda. This really means a lot."
"No problem. Happy to help."
Koda walked outside, to where the eight pups were sleeping.
"Hey, pups?" said Koda. The pups all woke up.
"What is it, Koda?" said Rubble.
"The Earl of Barkingburg requests the best two pups to go guard the throne and crown for a few days. Only problem is I don't know who'd qualify as the two best pups."
"Definitely Chase," said Tracker, earning a blush from the police pup.
"What about Skye?" said Zuma.
"Yeah, other than the fact that you two are dating, you two make a great team. With Chase's nose and your eyes, nothing stands against you." said Marshall.
"Yeah, I agree Marshall," said Rocky.
"Me too," said Everest.
"Looks like Chase and Skye are going to Barkingburg. Better get ready. The Earl wants you there by this evening."
"You got it, Koda sir," said Chase. "Gosh, it's going to be weird not being able to say, 'Ryder sir' anymore." He whimpered before setting off to get ready. Skye followed him, leaving the other pups at the grave site.
"Koda, maybe we can get someone to be a pilot and a police officer in Chase and Skye's absence," suggested Marshall.
"Good idea, Marshall. Who can we get to be the police officer?"
"How about Jake?"
"And the pilot?"
"Ace Sorenson."
"Alright, I'll give them a call. I really appreciate you pups helping me adjust to this role. It means a lot to me."
"Ryder would want this. We're all a family. We look out for each other," said Rocky.
Suddenly, the pup pad rang again.
"Hello? Koda here."
"Koda, it's Farmer Al. Our old barn is so run down, it needs an upgrade. I was wondering if the PAW Patrol would be willing or able to help build a new barn. If not, then it's okay. I know you're still coping with Ryder's passing."
"Yeah, we can help, Farmer Al. We're on our way." Koda turned to the others. "PAW Patrol to the Lookout."
"Koda needs us," the six other pups said in unison. They rushed to the Lookout, only for Marshall to plow them over.
"Some things never change," the dalmatian joked. The elevator ascended and the pups changed into their uniforms. Once topside, they jumped out, Tracker in Chase's spot and Everest in Skye's spot.
"PAW Patrol ready for action, Koda!" said Marshall.
"Pups, this is our first mission with me as leader," said Koda. "Farmer Al and Farmer Yumi want us to help build a new barn for them."
The pups "oohed" in excitement.
"Rubble, I'll need you and your shovel to dig holes for support beams."
"Rubble on the double."
"Rocky, your tools are perfect to help build the foundation."
"Green means go."
"Marshall, we can use your ladder to reach high places."
"I'm fired up."
"The rest of you pups can help too. But first, I need to call Jake and Ace."
Koda called Jake first.
"Jake, it's Koda. Chase and Skye have been requested in Barkingburg. So in their absence, I was wondering if you'd be willing to be a police officer?"
"Sure, anything to help the PAW Patrol. I don't have to worry about my chalet. It's summer; I won't be getting any skiers. Haha."
"Thanks, Jake. This means a lot."
"No problem. Where are we meeting?"
"Farmer Al's place. See you then!"
"See you guys there!"
Next was Ace. Koda called and waited for an answer.
"Hello, you've reached Ace. How may I help you?"
"Ace, it's Koda, new leader of the PAW Patrol. I have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"Chase and Skye were requested to be in Barkingburg to protect the crown and throne while the Princess and Earl go on vacation. In their absence, I was wondering if you could be our pilot? Our first mission is at Farmer Al's barn."
"Sounds wonderful. I'd be happy to help. Thing is, where is Farmer Al's barn?"
"Remember when we saved you when your plane crashed in the bay?" said Rocky.
"Yeah."
"The barn we were at is the place."
"Okay. Thank you pups. See you soon!"
"Okay," said Koda. "Now that that's settled, let's go build us a barn!"
The pups whooped and cheered and howled, the first time in a long time.
"PAW Patrol is on a roll!" shouted Koda as he went down the pole. The pups jumped down the slide, ready to get back into action.