Skye and Chase played a game of Pup Pup Boogie while other pups watched and danced along. Ryder enjoyed watching as well. Radar came in a moment later stretching out his bones.
"So, what have we here?" Radar asked.
"They're playing Pup Pup Boogie," Marshall replied.
"Mm, good game. Not my cup 'o tea though," Radar chuckled, "Who's winning?"
"Skye, as usual," Rocky sighed.
Radar chuckled and clicked his tongue, "Well, these things happen. I prefer puptropolis."
"What's that?" Marshall asked.
Radar thought a moment and replied, "It's like this except with a keyboard. It's a fast paced and relies on memory and reaction time. The game is a lot more difficult than this."
Marshall nodded, "Oh, okay. What other games do you play on your computer?"
"There's a lot to go through. I'll show you later," Radar replied.
"And! Tail spin!" Skye stood on her tail and twisted her whole body.
The two spun on their tales and accidentally bumped into each other. Everyone laughed.
"Are you okay?" Chase asked.
"Yea, I'm good," Skye flipped to prove her excellent condition.
"Well, I'd love to watch all you guys play a game, athletic as it is, but I think I've fried my brain quite enough, if you catch my drift. I'm going to the park, anyone want to join me?"
"I'll go!" Marshall said in a chipper mood.
"Ooh, me too me too," Everest called.
The others agreed as well.
"Ryder?"
"No, sorry pups. I'm going to take a load off today," Ryder smiled, "But I might come by later when I'm ready."
They nodded and ran off to the park to have some fun outside. Ryder lounged and started to play a game. He didn't even notice a man come in and begin to admire the inside of their building.
"Uh, hello?" A voice asked.
Ryder stopped and looked around, "Huh? Who was that?"
"Sorry, I didn't want to scare you," The man apologized, "Are you Ryder?"
"That's me," Ryder smiled, "Glad to meet your acquaintance…"
"D'markus," He replied, "My mother wanted to give me a modern name. She hoped I would grow to live in a better place. She never realized I didn't want better. I come from a village south of here. You may not have heard of it, but I've come to plead your help."
"Of course, any emergency is the PAW Patrol's specialty. No job is too big; no pup is too small."
"Yes yes, I had hoped as much," He laughed, "When my people heard of you of believed them to be gods incarnated to protect those who call for them."
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Ryder laughed.
"Neither would I," D'markus laughed, "Anyway, a few days ago, I heard of something dreadful going to happen."
"What is it?" Ryder asked.
"I hope you don't mind listening to the history of my people," He smiled.
"Go on," Ryder nodded.
X
"Contest!" Rocky yelled, "Okay, Marshall, I'm challenging you."
"Oh yea?" Marshall bent low, "What kind of contest huh? I'm ready for ya."
Rocky smiled, "A talent test. We challenge each other to do a trick and we both do it. Then whoever does it the best wins that round."
"Alright," Marshall smirked in a challenging way, name you trick, "I'll beat ya."
Rocky smiled, he thought it would be best at going with something a little more difficult for Marshall to do. He would probably need the boost.
"Hind leg stand."
Marshall's confidence sunk like a rock in the ocean, "Oh. Uh, okay."
Radar chuckled and called, "Ladies and gentlemen, a challenger approaches! It is Rocky versus Marshall, I don't' know about you but I am psyched to see the winner of this weeks challenge. The terms!? Talent! Rocky goes for the first jab and challenges on the hind leg stand! Whoever falls first will be the loser, but should one keep their feet, I mean, paaaws…"
The pups laughed.
"…under them, they'll win! Who will it be? Let's find out! Judges! The rules!"
Rader suddenly went next to Everest, Skye and Chase. They noticed this and descussed amongst themselves.
"No pushing , shoving, or cracking jokes," Skye recited.
"They have spoken! Now on your mark… get seeet. Squirrel!"
The pups looked at the woodland creature and fawned.
"Uh, I mean, go!"
The two stood up and waited. Marshall wobbled.
"Ooh, I don't know folks. It looks like Rocky's met his match here. Or vise versa. Judge Skye, who do you think has the advantage here? Don't be humble, give the bias, we want to hear it," Radar said humorously.
She giggled and replied, "I don't know, Radar, they seem pretty close here."
"Oohm, close indeed, judge Skye, thanks you for stating the obvious-anyway!"
The pups laughed, "Judge chase you look thrilled! Tell us, what do you see? Even? Tomato? Tomoto? What is it? Don't hold us in suspense!"
"I have to be honest, It looks like Rocky," Chase replied, "Ooh, wait, he's wobbling. No, he's okay."
"Yes, your right, perhaps we were not mistaken. Can Marshall hold long? Will collapse like London Bridge? Is it over for him?"
Marshall held and began to sweat. This took muscle. Muscle he didn't really work.
"What say you Judge Everest? Have you any faith in Marshall and his… 'stand'? Or do you say he's going to crumble like a pick to a stone?"
"I think Marshall can do this," Everest replied, "Come on Marshall!"
"Eh! Doc! Everest wants to say you're cute!" Radar blurted out hilariously.
Zuma and rubble rolled around laughing.
"What? That's not what I said!" She yelled.
Marshall collapsed, "You win."
"Ooh and how about that. Marshall throws the white flag and admits defeat. So sad for Everest's faith. But! There is still hope! Marshall, you may have lost this round, but you can rebuddle! What talent do you possess that you know Rocky can't do?"
Marshall thought long and hard and smiled, "Begging."
"Begging? I mean: begging! How about that folks? A battle of cuteness and sorrow bundled in one! How could such an irony be made? Better yet, how will such a humiliating and lowly skill, help Marshall climb up to the top?"
"Your good at this," Skye giggled.
"Practice, darling, years of practice," He said in a fashion designer's voice before switching, "Gentlemen, start you desperation! Oh, and winner gets a treat for this one."
The two pups were invigorated by the bribe. Radar had pulled a treat out to prove that there was a reward.
"Okay, since Rocky won the last one, he's up first."
Rocky walked up to the line of judges.
"Whenever you're ready," Chase smirked.
Rocky put on his begging face and the three fawned.
"Now the judges will whisper their scores, from one to ten, to me. Gotta keep the suspense," Radar smiled.
He leaned in and listened to each of them and nodded.
"And the final score for Rocky is… seventeen!"
"Yes!" Rocky jumped in excitement.
"Doc is, uh Marshall, is up next! Is he any more adorable, does he have the spirit wrenching stare to make even the pups feel for him? Let's find out!"
Marshall looked to see if they were ready and put on his face. The three judges froze and fawned even louder.
"Look at him; you have to give the poor thing a treat, aw…"Skye accidentally let out, "Oh, oops."
"Judges, what do you think?" Radar asked, but before he could lean in they all replied quickly.
"Ten!"
"Oh, well, we know who won that one. Here you… Where did I put it?"
Hey looked around and saw Rubble watching and snacking away at it.
"Rubble," They all laughed.
"What? You snooze you lose," He laughed back.
Rocky and Marshall whined.
"Its fine, but we're at a tie, it seems," Radar hummed, "Judges! A tie breaker, please."
The three discussed it and Chase called, "Playing dead."
"Oh pft, I could do that one in my sleep," Marshall laughed.
"You don't say," Radar chuckled, "Well, let's see you prove this useful and owner-terrifying trick to us pups who, may I add, aren't easily convinced."
"Ready?" Everest asked, "One two three, go!"
The two suddenly choked and fell over. The Judges stared at them. They were pretty convincing.
"Hmm, the judges and the audience stare and watch the two contestants as they battle to the fake death. Who is the most dead then the other? Can the judges decide?"
The three examined the two pups. Were they even breathing!
"Wow, Marshall's holding his breath," Everest said in amazement.
"But so is Rocky," Chase added.
"They're really limp," Skye pocked, "And there not reacting to their ticklish spots."
"Hmm, a strange development this is. Both challengers are completely stoned! Not a movement nor a breath! Perhaps we should let them stop and decide from there," Radar hummed.
"That's a good idea, wouldn't want them to die in real life," Everest smiled, "Come on, you two, get up."
No movement, from the both of them.
"Uh, guys, come on now," Chase said nervously.
Zuma and Rubble looked at each other worriedly.
"I think they took the act too seriously. Oh no!"
None of the pups noticed Rocky or Marshall looking at each other and wink.
Radar checked for their pulses, "Oh my dog, did they really die?"
Finally the two had to take deep breaths and laugh, "Hah! We fooled you!"
All the pups jumped at the sudden outburst form the two. They rolled and laughed at all the pups.
"Okay, that was a tie too," Radar said with a recovering breath, "Doc, how the hey did you manage that? I couldn't even feel your pulse."
"Heh, that's my secret," Marshall winked.
Their collars suddenly lit up, "Pups, to the look out."
"Ryder's calling!" The pups called.
They raced to the Lookout.
"I'm gonna make it!" Marshall said with hope.
He stopped to make sure he wouldn't slip on the floor and hurt himself somehow. He proudly walked into the elevator only to get slid into by all the pups. He may have been carful but they weren't. He flew up and out of the elevator landing safely on Radar.
"Oof!"
"Oops, sorry Radar," Marshall chuckled nervously, "I guess you could say I was up to something."
The pups laughed and the two made it into the elevator. They went up and saluted Ryder.
"Ready action, Ryder, sir," Chase called.
"Good timing everyone. This mission is going to be a little different, more dangerous, and a lot longer. Radar, research and artifact called Mokono Miungu'."
"Sounds like… Swahili. Ah ha! Found it! It's called the Gods' Hand. It's an artifact that was made six thousand years ago to keep this tribe's gods from becoming wrathful. It was said to have worked since incidentally it stopped a volcano from erupting. Ever since, the volcano has not erupted. But the temple that guards it is under higher security than the richest and most successful bank. Why do we need to know this?"
"A man from the local village, close to the temple that holds this artifact has called for help. All paws are on deck. PAW Patrol, were going to the jungle."
"Ooh," The PAW Patrol pups celebrated the exciting new mission.
An hour later and the PAW Patrol were aboard a new mobile headquarters. Something that Radar and Ryder worked on the first day he joined. Technically, Ryder was making it alone but Radar soon joined when his skills in technical and mechanical features were found. It was also a good time for Ryder to get close to Radar like he was with the other pups. It was a plane that had the same construction like the PAW Patroller but with wings and a rounder build. The engines were also pretty big and powerful, equaling that of an Airbus A380. A touch that Radar added himself. The fuel was efficient, thus able to fly for a good six days. However refueling took forever and landing was rough. Fortunately, it was equipped with a hovering setting so they could land straight up and down. But that system was yet to be tested. And, of course, the piolet was none other than Robo-dog. That was a feature that Ryder had equipped.
"Alright pups. Since we're going to the jungle new gear is going to be required. The Village is close to the temple but not that close. We will need as much help as we can get. To start off, Radar and I have made new gear. Before continuing, Radar will introduce to you what you will be using. Radar, take it away," Ryder smiled.
Radar stepped up and cleared his throat, "Each pup will be equipped with their own personal gear but with upgrades, or special modifications. I call them, Commando Pup Packs. These packs have multiple tools specially meant for the jungle. You will each be equipped with a flashlight slash hard helmet, buzz saws for branches and ropes, and grappling hooks. They will only reach up to twenty five feet so be careful. Marshall, Chase, you two will take the lead in the temple since your better equipped. Marshall, your X-ray can now be used as a threat detector for traps and such. Chase, your net has a lock on and homing system; use wisely. Your flashlight is also more energy efficient and brighter. Oh, and I had to replace your megaphone with an animal caller. It will help with talking with them should we need to get them out of the way. Zuma, Sky, you have propellers instead of jets. It will be safer for you that way. Jets may also cause the temple to topple. Rubble Rocky, you have twice the tools you originally had. Look over that manual and make sure you know how to use each of them. Everest, your grapple is a lot longer than everyone else's. Be sure to make use of your ice picks as well. They can help you climb up the temple walls should there be any need. Good news, by the way. I have modified my pack so that you don't have to call me to patch you through anyone. As long as your within five hundred feet of me, you should have top notch communication. That would be the little antenna I have here. Technology sure is sweet. Oh, and Ryder, I fitted your pup pad with a hard case so it won't break this time."
"Sweet!"
"Alright!"
"Yea! Arff arff!"
"Ahooo!"
"Cool!"
Each pup celebrated.
"Thanks, Radar. Pups, it's time I fill you into this mission," Ryder smiled, "As you know, we're going to one of the jungles in South America. But were doing this because the village wants us to protect the artifact. I know this will seem a bit confusing, but the job will be simpler when we do it."
"Why do we need to protect the artifact, sir?" Chase asked
"Radar, find a record of the thief named Jacques, Alex Jacques."
"All-lex Jac-ques. Whew, you got quite a bit of crime lined up. He's best known for stealing slash discriminating ancient ruins that countries declare are to never be traveled. He has no respect for the past. Or the dead. Boss, if it were my decision, I say go get him and not even worry about the artifact."
"Well, Radar, if I did know I would call the authorities and we could set a trap for him. Unfortunately, I don't, so we have to get the artifact before he does. We've been granted secret permission to enter the temple, brave the traps, get the artifact, and then we can take it to the government to protect it. If we can, we should try to get Jacques into prison."
The Pups nodded and each other in agreement.
"Alright, we'll take a while, but we'll get there. Once we hit the ground, we have to move on foot. Radar, can you locate the temple?"
"Well, a temple doesn't have any detectable technology, but according to rumor I can… pinpoint it."
Radar brought up a map and pined the location.
"How's that, Boss?"
"Perfect, we'll follow your map and find the temple in no time. Hopefully we shouldn't find it too difficult to get there."
A few hours and the Plain was able to land.
"Alright, let's hope these landing systems work. Do it, Robo-dog," Ryder pressed a button on his pad and Robo-dog barked.
The ship hovered and landed safely. Every pup sighed in relief.
"Tres Magnifique! Hah hah! I told you it was worth it, boss."
"Yea, guess you did," Ryder laughed petting his head, "Let's move out pups. I have a surprise for you."
X X X
Carlos waited as the plane landed. The Pups and Ryder stepped off the ramp and saw Carlos.
"Carlos!" The pups raced over and ran him over.
"Who's the guy, boss?"
"Carlos is a friend from a long while ago," Ryder replied, "Hey, Carlos."
"Hey, Ryder, long time no see," He grabbed Ryder's hand since he was knocked down by the attention."
"Where's Matea?" Ryder asked.
"She had to stay behind and take care of the baby," He shrugged, "So, who's the new pup?"
"Radar, this is Carlos, Carlos this is Radar."
"Pleasure," Carlos bent over.
Radar held out a paw as to shake his hand, "You too."
"So what do you specialize in?" Carlose shook his paw.
"Communication, surveillance, technical service… well, anything that has to do with a computer mostly. That and a satellite. Of course, as my name insinuates, I have a knack for radar transmissions. Weather, tracking, and mapping, you name it and I got it."
"That's cool," Carlos laughed, "Too bad I didn't find him before you, Ryder. He could really help out back home."
"I never said I had to be local," Radar smirked.
"What?" Carlos asked, "You mean, you could access any satellite at any moment from here?"
"Yep," Radar stood proudly, "It's my charm as a member."
"Remind me to ask him a favor later," Carlos whispered.
Ryder laughed, "Sure, Carlos. So, are you ready to get out there?"
"Oh, you bet," Carlos replied, "It's been a while since I've been on a jungle expedition elsewhere. I don't think I've ever done it with you guys though. This will be pretty fun."
"And you have all the information you need?" Ryder asked.
"Mm hmm, so let's get a move on before he gets there before we do," Carlos replied.
"Good idea," Ryder nodded, "Pups, let's move out! Did you get directions?"
"Yea, they said to start this way," Carlos motioned, "It's a few hours away. I hope you guys are dressed for the occasion."
"Thanks to Radar, yes," Ryder smiled.
Carlos looked back, "You make things too?"
"I know the science behind making things," Radar shrugged, "Boss is forgetting that he helped."
"'Boss' huh?" Carlos smirked.
Ryder chuckled, "It's a courtesy where he comes from. He calls Marshall 'doc' a lot. First thing he called him when we met."
"When was that?" Carlos smiled.
"A month," Chase replied, "He helped us out of a mine."
"He reprogrammed a reporter's satellite to map out the mine structure and find an alternate route out," Ryder explained.
"So, Chase, not a superspy this time?" Carlos asked.
"Nope," Chase shook his head, "Were all equipped with things for the jungle. You can call me Jungle Adventurer Chase."
Carlos laughed, "Does that go with everyone?"
"Yea!" They replied at once.
Ryder and Carlos laughed.
"Alright everyone, were beginning to get a bit deeper in. Stay in sight with each other, spread a bit, and yelp for help if you're in trouble."
"Don't forget your upgrades," Radar advised, "It might save your life."
"And be sure to keep an eye out or Jacques," Carlos added, "The best way to stop crime is from its source, right Chase?"
"Right Carlos."
The pups laughed as they continued their expedition, but were completely unaware of who was following them.
X X X
A device beeped.
"Oui?" Asked the stalker.
"Have you found the artifact yet?" Asked a pompous voice.
"No, your sources were wrong," He replied with a thick French accent, "But I think I found a more suitable source to follow."
"What do you mean?" Asked the voice.
"We shall see what I mean," He replied, "But if it is correct, than nothing will stand between me and that artifact."
"Don't fail, Jacques," The voice said sternly.
"I won't, don't forget my paycheck," He laughed.
Jacques continued to follow the PAW Patrol. Quietly and professionally. They may be a bunch of young lives, but Jacques took potential threats seriously.
X
To pass time, Chase told Carlos the story of the mine and how they met Radar. He also told others where Radar was handy.
"…And the mine just caved in. We were trapped. But, we weren't willing to give up."
"Yea, but it was really scary," Rubble shivered briefly, "It was really cold in there, too!"
"Wow, sounds like quite an adventure," Carlos chuckled.
"Wait till you hear about Marshall. Go on, Chase," Everest smiled.
"Oh yea, Marshall's biggest job was to make sure everyone was okay. He even skipped out on sleep, which he never does."
"Wow, that's impressive, Marshall," Carlos complemented.
"Oh, it was nothing," Marshall chuckled nervously.
"Nothing? Marshall, you won a medal for that!" Chase exclaimed, "That was real PAW Patrol attitude! You were amazing in there!"
"Aw, gee, Chase, thanks," Marshall scratched his head.
"But that was when Radar steps in," Chase went on, "You see, Radar was outside with the other half of the group. When they were trying to get us out the rocks kept caving in, then he found a way. You know how he did that."
"Wow, nice one, Radar," Carlos scratched his head.
"Ooh, yea, right there," He found himself quivering.
"Hey, it looks like you found Radar's favorite spot," Ryder laughed.
"Wow, and all this time I didn't think you had one," Zuma laughed.
"So what else did you do on the team?" Carlos asked.
"He rescued me and Zuma," Rocky replied.
"Actually, Rocky, you guys rescued yourselves," Radar replied, "I only found your signal and enhanced it."
"Oh? What was that one all about?"
"They got stuck out in the ocean," Skye replied, "Rocky made a satellite that Radar could track."
"Wow, Rocky! Must pay to have eco skills," Carlos scratched his head.
"Oh, yea, right there," He huffed, "It… it was nothing."
"You guys need to learn not to say that," Chase shook his head.
"Well, Chase, maybe you guys are so used to doing incredible things that it feels like nothing to you."
The pups listened well to Carlos.
"You have saved people's lives countless times, and you do it on a daily basis. Every mission to you is just another mission, but in truth, you should realize that every mission is actually another life saved. Or in Marshall's case, another hundred lives saved."
"I had help!" Marshall exclaimed.
The pups laughed.
"But do you ever stop to think how well you did? It's encouraging to know that you're doing something right," Carlos smiled, "The one thing a hero does is downgrade his attributes. You should take pride in what you do once in a while."
"You are just doing your jobs," Ryder added, "And are all good pups."
The pups smiled at each other in a agreement. There was a beeping sound coming from Radar.
"What is that?" Ryder asked.
Radar pulled out his computer and let out his satellite. He hummed and smiled.
"Good news," Were almost there. Just a mile to go."
No one even realized how fast they were going. They were happy to hear their progress. After that mile, they were disappointed. There was no temple.
"And we should be… there! What?"
They looked around. Still tree after tree, and nothing to report but an open field
"That's odd, the map says its specifically here," Radar scratched, "I'll try something else."
He clicked his keys and shook his head, "Nope, every source says it's here."
"Hmm, something's not right here," Ryder scratched his chin.
There was a monkey staring at them from afar. Chase stared back at it. It made a funny face at him. He laughed and walked close to it.
"Hello there," He smiled warmly, "Do you know where the temple is?"
The monkey smiled wide and laughed at him. Skye noticed them and laughed.
Are you talking to that silly ol' monkey?" She asked.
"What?" Chase shrugged, "They've been here longer than we have! Maybe he would know."
"She," Carlos laughed.
"What?" Chase asked.
"It's a she, and it's a chimp... and I think it likes you Chase."
"Oh," The two of them nodded in understanding.
"Wait what?" Chase asked before the monkey hugged him.
The pup laughed as it dropped him and clapped and jumped.
"Hey, but since you're at it, Chase, use your new animal caller. See if it does know something," Ryder smiled.
"Yea sure," Chase coughed.
He let out something that looked like a megaphone and talked through it. The voice came out as chimpanzee sounds. The monkey seemed excited. It jumped up and smacked down at the ground a few times grunting and laughing at them.
"It looks like she does," Carlos smiled.
"Could you take us there?" Chase asked.
The chimpanzee jumped on top of him and smacked him like a horse. Naturally, he took off like one. The chimp laughed with the group as Chase was being ridden and suddenly directed to a rock. Chase stopped to a screeching halt but hit it anyway.
"Thanks for… nothing," Chase said under a dizzy spell.
"Chase are you alright?" Ryder asked.
"I'm okay," Chase shook his head, "And no thanks to that monkey."
"Chase, it was just a monkey, it didn't really know any better," Ryder smiled.
"Hey, look at her now," Marshall pointed.
She jumped on the rock and clapped. Screeching at them as if to get their attention, which she already had.
"What's she doing?" Zuma asked.
Chase growled at the chimp and asked, "What do you want, a banana?
The chimp then suddenly jumped down, picked him, up and lifted him on the rock.
"Whoa! Hey, there's something here!" He called.
"What is it?" Ryder asked.
Chase examined it and replied, "I don't know, it looks like it was carved out."
Carlos gasped and took out a golden plate from his backpack, "So that's why they gave this to me! Chase, catch!"
Chase tried but the chimp got it first. It admired it for a moment then placed it ever so carefully on the carved surface. Nothing happened.
"Is something supposed to happen?" Rocky asked.
"I don't know," Zuma shook his head.
"Hey look at the monkey," Skye pointed.
They watched her dance and point at the rock in another angle.
"Hmm," Carlose went over and smiled, "There's writing here. It's in ancient runes I can't read it."
Radar went over and examined it then used his computer.
"Okay, it's… some directions. It says the following, I'll read if phrase by phrase: Place the sun over the moon. Anyone know what that means?"
"Well, the carving up there looked like a moon and the plate looked like a sun," Chase said.
He looked beside him and the monkey was smiling at him and batting its eyebrows at him. He grumbled and tried to get away from it but it pulled him in.
Chase was running out of breath, "Everest, Skye, someone… help me."
Everest giggled walked over and tapped the monkey, "Excuse me, but he can't breathe when you hug him like that."
The monkey tilted her head and let him go. She stared at Everest.
"Uh, she's staring at me," Everest swallowed.
"Everest, she's staring at your collar," Ryder pointed, "Try to keep her from it. Radar, the direction?"
"Uh, 'So that these words will be your boon.' That's self explanatory. ' Let the…" You're kidding."
"What is it?" Ryder asked.
"'Let the monkey lead the way, as long as it enjoys your stay'."
They looked at Chase.
"Well, she's enjoying it," He said trying to pull away from her again.
Skye and Everest were trying to help by pulling with him.
"Okay last stanza: Then follow the monkey as you pray, and wait after the light of day. Hmm, an A.A.B.B.B.B poem format. Someone was a writer," Radar smiled.
"Well, what do we do with the monkey?" Rubble asked.
Ryder walked to it and asked, "Can you take us to the temple?"
The monkey stopped hugging and clapped. She jumped and pointed a direction before taking off. The group took off with her.
"Where is she going?" Zuma asked.
"She's leading us to the temple," Carlos replied.
Eventually the group reached a dead end with nothing but a waterfall and a small pond.
Rocky sighed "What? I thought she was leading us to the…"
"Rocky, sh," Skye said as they stared at the chimp.
It jumped off and pointed at the waterfall then dived in.
"I-in the water!" Rocky groaned, "There has to be another way!"
Ryder laughed, "It's going to be okay, Rocky. Come on."
"Uh, can't I just stay here?" Rocky grinned, "You know, make sure no one is following?"
"No one, is following us," Chase said, "I would have smelled it by now. Now let's go."
Rocky groaned and watched as most of the pups have already made it past.
"Ryder, there's something back here!" Marshall called.
"Yea, come take a look!" Everest added.
"Come on, Rocky," Ryder smiled.
Rocky stared at the pool and grimaced. He didn't' notice radar come behind him and push him. Ryder looked at him.
"Hey, it was that or fight him for another five minutes, right?" Radar asked.
Ryder shook his head and dove in. Radar dove in after him. Chase thought her heard something and turned around. He sniffed the air to make sure. Nothing was seen or smelled so it must have been his imagination. He jumped in the water and came out the other side.
Chase climbed out and widened his eyes, "Wow."
The pups were spread out, looking at individual things. Radar however was scanning everything instead of admiring it.
"Mm hmm, granite, just what I thought, and this? Oh, it's just clay. Didn't think to find this behind a waterfall."
"Studying the ground?" Chase asked.
"Not particularly," Radar smiled, "It's just curiosity. Look, there's the temple. Hey over here!"
The group traveled over to their position.
"A temple underground," Zuma mused, "Wow."
"Hey, the door is wide open," Skye examined, "Did someone forget to close it? Huh! Do you think that Jacques beat us here!?"
Chase examined the stone and rubbed it, "Hmm, it feels familiar. Radar, scan the stone."
Radar obeyed and chuckled, "Yea, okay, I see where your headed, Chase. This is the same stone we found with that monkey. That's what the plate was for. Speaking of which, where did the little chimp go?"
Chase shrugged, "I don't know but… Ah!"
Radar jumped back and said something in another language.
The chimp had jumped on chases back and hugged him. He collapsed and growled.
"Come on! Really?"
"There she is," Rubble laughed, "You know, when you look at her after a while she looks cute."
"I wish I could share your optimism," Chase said leaning his head impatiently on a paw while tapping the other on the ground.
"Use your animal caller," Marshall smiled.
"Oh yea," Chase clicked.
He spoke through it and the chimp let go.
"Finally, thank you," Chase sighed.
His thanks was misplaced. The chimp had hugged him full on.
"Oof, aw not again."
"I think she likes you a bit too much," Carlos chuckled, "She really wants to stay with you."
"But I don't' want to stay with her!" Chase strained.
Skye shook her head and tried to pull them apart, "Sorry miss monkey, this pup is already… taken!"
She strained to pull Chase away.
"Come on…let…go!" Skye growled.
"Skye… stop…please," Chase groaned.
She let go and the chimp took him into a full embrace again.
Ryder scratched his head and messaged his chin, "I know!"
He pulled out a treat and waved it at her. She let go and looked at it suspiciously.
"I'll meet you guys inside, go on," Ryder smiled.
They ran to the temple, Chase being the fastest at this point.
"Whew, I thought I would never get away," Chase sighed.
"Don't worry," Carlos pet, "I'm sure that we would have figured out some way to get you away from her."
Ryder appeared and huffed, "Alright, that did it. Ready guys?"
"Uh Ryder," Radar clicked at his keyboard, "I'm not reading the artifact, and there are two paths."
"Does that mean the artifact was taken?" Ryder asked.
"No," Chase replied, "there are no footsteps and how could anyone get in without that plate. Radar might just be having a hard time finding it."
"Alright, we'll have to split up," Ryder said to Carlos, "You take that way and I'll take this way. Take four pups with you."
"Right," Carlos nodded, "I'll take, Marshall, Everest, Rocky, and Radar."
Ryder nodded, "Okay, Chase, Zuma, Sky, Rubble, let's go."
Chase ran to the left path with Ryder and his chosen pups. Chase sniffed around for the artifact and traps.
"Wait!" He suddenly called out.
"What is it Chase?" Asked Zuma.
"The floor, look," Chase pointed, "It's weak here. We need to be careful where we step."
"Nice job, Chase," Ryder smiled.
The pups and Ryder stared the floor as they took their steps. Rubble froze he felt a sneeze coming.
"Uh… uhh… achoo!"
He stepped on a bad tile and the they heard a loud click.
"Ah! Look out!" Rubble ducked and a blade singed his fur.
"Look out for the blades and run!" Ryder called.
"Ah! Help!" Skye screamed.
She was too scared to move.
"Skye! I'm coming!" Chase called.
He braved the blades as Skye stood absolutely still. Chase finally got to her place and tok hold of her.
"Come on!"
"I can't," She cried, "I'll get hurt!"
"Not with me around," Chase promised, "Now just run when I tell you."
She gulped, shivered, and waited.
"Now!" Chase shouted.
She jumped on instinct.
"Okay, that's one, you're doing great," He smiled, "Next one… now!"
She jumped and this step repeated until she reached the other side. Ryder found a lever and pulled it. The traps stopped.
"Whew, are you okay, pups?" Ryder asked.
"Sorry, guys," Rubble apologized, "I didn't mean to do that."
"It's alright, Rubble," Zuma smiled, "Skye and Chase made it okay, so there no need to feel bad."
"Yea, were okay," Chase assured.
Ryder pet rubble, "Just try to be more careful, okay?"
Rubble smiled and saluted, "Rubble on the double looking for Trouble!"
Ryder laughed and motioned, "Let's keep going pups."
X
"It's seems the rumors were true, to a point of view," Jacques said to the person on his phone.
"I see, so it was hidden but in the same spot?" The client asked.
"Yes, I'm next to the temple now, but those brats and their little pups are in there too. What should I do?"
"Hmm, I think this might a moment of opportunity. You said the split up?"
"Yes, they did. What do you have in mind?"
"Follow the one with the jungle attire. I think I have a plan. You still have the animal tranquilizers?"
"I think I know what you're thinking," Jacques smiled.
X
Radar looked at him map and was suddenly stopped.
"Look out!"
Radar stared down the deep crevice.
"Thanks, Carlos," Radar chuckled nervously, "Great! This wasn't on the map, was it? I'd better check."
Everest examined the fall and looked at said, "We could jump. I'm sure the grappling hooks could catch us while we…"
"No, bad idea," Radar replied, "You need to make a more prosaic plan."
Everest tried to say something, but Radar went on a rant, not giving her time to speak. She noticed broken stares which gave her the notion there was ground below. She motioned the group as Radar still had his back turned.
"I can't believe this, there doesn't seem to be any way down. What kind of a temple does that?"
Marshall shrugged, nodded, and looked at Rocky. Rocky pulled out some rope and smiled. He handed it to Carlos who tied it to a sturdy torch and threw it down. Marshall shined his light and the floor was seeable. The rope was a perfect length too.
"Hmm, wait a sec; it seems that there is a passage down there though. I'll measure it, just give me some time."
"Sure," Rocky snickered, "We'll see you at the bottom."
"Yea, whatever, brother," Radar waved, let's see, a good few inches… wait what? Guys?"
Radar looked around; there were nowhere to be seen. He wasn't too alarmed but he was befuddled.
"Good grief, did they jump?" He looked over the edge and just then noticed the rope.
"Come on, what are you waiting for?" Carlos laughed, "It's safe don't worry."
"Tch, wow, guys," Radar shook his head.
He jumped and used his grappling hook to make a safe decent. The rock cracked making the group nervous.
"Was that me?" Radar asked.
"Yea, you might want to hurry," Rocky replied, "Come on!"
Radar just increased it to a full on drop but the rock broke anyway. Carlos ran over to him and caught him just in time.
"Whew, thanks, Carlos," Radar sighed.
"You okay?"
"Yea, I'm fine."
A sound came from the collars of all the pups.
"Hey, its Chase," Chase's voice come out, "We haven't found our artifact and we think were lost. Radar, do you have a map we can use."
"Woops, sorry, Chase, I forgot to send it to boss. Give me two seconds. Ta da da… and done. Have a good evening," Radar smiled.
"Thanks, Chase out," Chase smiled.
"Well let's see what's happening on the jolly ol' map," Radar pulled it out for himself, "Hey, were already there!"
"Really? Where?" Marshall asked excitedly.
"In that room. Carful though, use your threat detector," Radar warned.
"I am," Marshall said without looking.
"Well look at it and I'll believe you," Radar said quickly.
Marshall looked and saw a red line. He came to a scratching halt.
"Whew, heh heh, Sorry."
"Yea, that's what I was afraid of," Radar rolled his eyes, "let's see what it looks like. Ooh that's bad."
The line was covering the entire door. If they passed it it would trigger something. They had to find another way of getting past it.
"Hold on, I have an idea," Carlos smiled, "I disarmed one of these before. Rocky, flat tip please."
"Here you go, Carlos," Rocky smiled.
"Thank you," Carlos smiled back.
He carefully slipped the screwdriver under the tiles and fiddled with it till he was satisfied, "Perfect, that should do it."
Marshall took a careful step and smiled, "It worked! Let's go and get that artifact."
"Slowly Marshall, there might be another one," Everest giggled.
"Oh, yea, good idea," He said shyly.
They entered the other room and looked around it. It was wide open and rather empty except for a rope bridge and the artifact on the other side.
"Okay, one at a time," Carlos said, "We don't want to let it snap on us."
"Maybe I should go, I'll examine it to see if it's the right one," Radar revised.
"Okay, go ahead," Carlos agreed.
"Be careful, Radar," Rocky gulped.
"Don't move too much on that thing," Everest added.
"Yea, I wouldn't want to have to fix you up," Marshall smiled.
"I'll be cool," Radar insisted, "Just have a little faith. It'll hold."
He moved onto the bridge and whispered to the bridge, "You heard that right? Please hold."
He slowly crept across the old bridge. It creaked a few times and a board broke. Everest gasped and grabbed hold of Marshall's paw. He looked at her and blushed. She let go; the two pretended nothing happened.
"Are you alright, Radar?" Carlos asked.
Radar chuckled and replied, "I'm fine, just fine!"
He turned and whined to himself, taking off his façade, "I'm gonna die…"
He broke another board and laughed his way up and didn't even notice he was on the other side.
"I'm dead, I know it, I'm dead, I died!"
"Uh, Radar," Everest called.
Radar looked around and laughed, "Hah! I made it. Okay let's check this bad boy."
At first glance He could notice something was wrong. He leaned in and glared at it.
"Wait a minute."
He used the scanner on his pup pack an groaned, "I should just not even try. Guys this is the wrong one!"
"Are you sure?" Carlos asked.
"The artifact is gold, this is pyrite," Radar called, "Fool's gold. That's just insulting. I'm contacting boss."
X
Chase followed Ryder until he stopped.
"Some one's calling," Ryder said to himself, "What, is it Radar?"
"Boss, hey, uh, good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?"
Ryder shrugged and chuckled, "Alright, Radar, what's the bad news?"
"I'm on the other side of the bridge o' death and stuck with the wrong artifact. That probably told you the good news."
"Ours is going to be real," Ryder smiled, "Don't worry Radar, just try not to look down and walk back through the bride, I'm sure your grapple will get you in time."
"Yea, I hope," Radar said looking at the bridge, "Wait for us over there. There might be a trap on the artifact. I'm sure Carlos will know how to disarm it if it is."
"Okay, we'll wait," Ryder smiled, "and Radar."
"Yea, boss?"
"It really will be okay, you got over the bridge the first time, you can get over it the second time."
"Absolutely," Radar said straightening his back.
Before hanging up, Ryder heard a quiet, "I'm dead."
He laughed and turned to his map, "Pups, were almost there. Fortunately, our artifact is real too."
"Really? Yes!" Skye flipped.
"Alright," Rubble chanted danced.
"I feel sorry for Radar, though," Zuma smiled.
Chase laughed and joked, "Marshall will fix him up."
They continued to the chamber and saw about the same set up. The artifact was on a bigger island though, and this one was against a giant wall with plenty of walk space.
"Wow," Zuma wandered, his words echoing.
"Hello!" Rubble listened for his to echo.
"Hello hello hello" The echo replied.
Rubble laughed.
"How are you?" He asked it.
It said the same.
"I'm…"
"That'll do, Rubble," Laughed Skye, "Come on."
Rubble chuckled and followed. They, one by one passed the bridge, Skye having flown a crossed instead, and waited next to the artifact.
"Alright, Carlos, and his group should be coming soon to make sure the artifact is safe to pick up."
"Ryder, what about Jacques? He hasn't shown up yet and there no knowing if he'll come here," Skye said worriedly.
"He might have not been able to find it, Skye. We'll have to hope he doesn't show up at all."
"Hope all you want, darling, but that won't do will it?" Jacques smiled into view.
"Carlos!" Skye screamed.
Carlos and the rest of the pups began to wake up.
"Ugh, what happened?" Marshall asked.
"Huh? Where are we?" Everest asked.
"Let them go!" Chase growled.
"Oh, if you insist," He smiled evilly and nearly dropped them off the edge.
There were all tied together, so if one went down, they all did.
"Whoa!" Carlos yelled finally waking up.
He saw the black below that he could be very well falling into.
"Now, I have a proposition," Jacques smiled, "If you give to me the little artifact, I'll give you your friends back. Don't worry, I'll untie them. And they'll make there marry way to you. What do you say, mm?"
Ryder looked at the artifact and replied, "I can't."
"Oh, that's too bad," Jacques let the group fall a little more.
"No! I meant I don't' know if I can. There might be a trap!" Ryder quickly added.
"Oh, no worries, there's no trap. If you read your history you'd know that real artifacts aren't trapped. What if someone was trying to clean it and they bumped it out of place? An accident that could have been avoided down the drain. So pick it up and bring it here."
Ryder slowly approached it and took it from its place. He exhaled seeing it wasn't trapped and walked across the bridge. He looked at the artifact one last time and gave it to Jacques.
"See, there was that so hard. Alright, a promise is a promise."
He pulled the pups and Carlos up and cut their rope.
"Now, back across dears, I want to have a chat with the man in charge."
They did so, on Ryder's orders. Chase readied himself; he felt like he knew exactly what was going to happen.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Oh nothing really, just… enjoy the fall!" Jacques cut the ropes.
"Ryder!" Chases instincts clicked in and fired his net.
He caught Ryder just in time. They pulled him in and watched as Jacques left them with the real artifact.
"Great, just great," Radar sighed, "Well, at least we saved you, boss."
"Radar, is there any other way?" Ryder asked.
"Nada, sorry, boss, I can't find anything. He already cut the death trap of a bridge and we don't have any other way of gettin' around it. I already measured the distance, its thirty-five dog gone feet."
Ryder sat down and sighed, "There's got to be another way. Surely they were thinking about this just in case it would happen."
"Maybe not," Carlos replied, "But there's always making a plan to the across from there. We still have the bridge."
"The bridge!" Ryder exclaimed, "Carlos, you're a genius! Marshall, get that rope over there!"
"Okay!" Marshall replied.
Marshall ran over but tripped over some of the stone on the ground, "Whoa!"
He ran straight into the platform with the extra rope and had a pot land straight on his head. Chase rolled his eyes and shook his head, going over to get the rope himself.
Marshall took off in a trot, "Ah! Who turned off the lights?"
"There are no lights," Chase replied.
"Oh, who blew out the torches?"
"There are no torches."
"Oh, why can't I see?"
"There's a pot on your head," Chase sighed.
The pups laughed at him as he ran straight into a wall, breaking the pot off his head. Something pushed in.
"Ah, that's better," He smiled, "I'm good."
Chase gave Ryder the rope but instead of Ryder's plan a passage way opened behind them.
"Look, there's an exit!" Rubble exclaimed.
"Let's go!" Carlos called.
The pups ran up the stairs and looked down the temple. Rocky spotted Jacques.
"There, Jacques is getting away!"
"I'll get him!" Marshall took off.
"No! Marshall! Wait!" Rocky called, "Oh boy."
He ran after him, the group tried to stop them but they were already ahead. They bolted after them.
Marshall hid and snuck up on Jacques.
"I have the artifact," Jacques said on his phone, "So, you promised my money."
"It'll be forwarded to you once we get the artifact and confirm its reality," The man on the phone replied.
"Understood," Jacques replied.
Marshall swiped the artifact and taunted, "Hah! Got it!"
He ran off with it leaving Jacques to boil his anger and run off at him, "Give that back you flea bag!"
He was catching up to him pretty quick.
"Marshall!" rocky called.
Marshall tossed the artifact to Rocky who took off at a different direction. Jacques turned to his knew target. Finally he got to taking his machete out.
"Ooh, you've done it this time."
The artifact landed with Marshall again. Marshall smiled and ran off to try and get it to Ryder but he didn't expect Jacques to be around the corner. He cut with his machete making Marshall fly to another direction with the artifact and tumble down a small hill. Marshall checked himself and laughed.
"I'm alive, yes," He said quietly.
His vest had taken the blow. It was time to put his talent to a use. Nearby were some red berries. He took them and plashed them all over his jacket and fur.
"Ooh, this is going to be good," He laughed at himself.
He choked himself and flopped as stiff as a possum. Then something he didn't' expect happened. Instead of Jacques, Everest came and found him.
"Huh! No…." She checked him.
He couldn't just stop; Jacques had his eyes on them.
"No no no no, Marshall, please, don't do this," She cried.
Jacques started towards them. Everest didn't seem to care at the moment. She leaned in and cried on him.
"But I didn't tell him yet," She sniffed
Tell him? Tell who what? Marshall had thought. Or maybe she was just helping with the act. Yea that was it, he already proved that he was good at it. Why would she think he was gone? He didn't let it stay in his head for very long when she looked to see Jacques right there behind them.
"Now, young lady, if you don't want to end up like your friend you'll give that to me," He grinned.
"No way!" She took it from Marshall's mouth and ran off.
"What? Grrr, you come back here!"
He passed Marshall up.
"Marshall, stop playing dead and help us lure Jacques to the town. We just called the police!" Rocky called.
"Okay," Marshall said getting up.
A chimpanzee appeared and startled them.
"Hey, it's you again!" Rocky exclaimed, "Look we need help. See that shiny thing?"
The chimp looked at it and began to be drawn to it form afar.
"We need your help. If you help us get it to the village we'll… uh… give you a banana," Rocky smiled.
The chimp took off.
"I don't know if it even listened to you, Rocky," Marshall laughed, "But I agree with the banana thing. That might have worked."
"Well, let's not wait around to find out, come on, let's go!" Rocky motioned.
Marshall got up and ran after him. Chase now had the artifact and was on the run. His speed was helping out but his stamina was about to give.
"Chase!" Carlos called.
Chase tossed it and rolled out of Jacques' sight. He looked around and took off at Carlos. Each pup and human was beginning to think if they could keep this up for very long. Carlos tripped and dropped the artifact. He covered his knee in pain. He had just done something to it.
Jacques picked it up and stared him down, "You shouldn't play with things that aren't yours."
Carlos opened his eyes wide but not at Jacques. A gorilla was right behind him. The gorilla dropped down and ran him over. The artifact flew in the air and the chimp grabbed it. She hugged it and brushed it off.
"Hey, give that back this instant!" Jacques shouted.
The gorilla landed in front of him and grunted. Jacques chuckled and even dropped his machete.
"Now now, I didn't mean any offense."
The gorilla roared and picked him up then started toward the village.
"Ah, help me!" He called.
Carlos sighed in relief. The chimp seemed to have disappeared too. Everest came to his aid.
"Are you alright, Carlos?" She asked.
He breathed in sharply and replied, "I'm fine, I just… I think I gouged it."
"If only Marshall was here," She began to tear up.
"Here I am," Marshall smiled.
Everest's eyes popped; she couldn't believe was she was seeing. Marshal checked the wound and nodded.
"Just a scrape, nothing serious. Here I have some Band-Aids."
"Your alive," Everest cried.
"Of course I'm… wait you actually thought I was… But… I thought you were just… Oh… sorry," Marshall apologized.
Everest hugged him and said, "Never do that again."
Marshall blushed and hugged back, "Okay."
Chase sighed in relief as He saw Marshall, Everest and Carlos. Everyone else was okay too. Everyone gathered and returned to the village. They were surprised to see Jacques being in cuffs.
"Aw, there's the PAW Patrol," Smiled D'Markus.
"D'Markus, you're a police officer?" Ryder asked.
"That I am," He replied, "And I saw you met my friends."
He motioned at the Gorilla and Chimpanzee siting together making sure Jacques didn't' make any sudden moves.
"I see you go the artifact too. My people are grateful. They will be glad to see it where it belongs: in a museum. We couldn't have done this without you."
Ryder smiled, "Just doing our duty, D'Markus. If you ever need any trouble, just yelp for help."
The chimp landed next to Chase and smiled. Chase smiled back this time.
"So that's why she liked me, she thought I was with you guys," Chase smiled.
"Of course," D'Markus smiled, "She likes anyone who wears the uniform. That's probably the only thing that got her to help you. I didn't inform her of your coming. It was an honor to meet you, Mr. Chase. If I could, I'd like a favor."
"Sure, what is it?" Chase smiled.
"Could we have a paw print from you? My son is large fan of yours," He smiled.
"Okay," Chase smiled, "How about we all do that?"
"That would be amazing," D'Markus smiled, "He would love that."
They each put a paw print on the peace of paper or in Ryder's case, a signature.
"Thank you," D'Markus bowed, "Now, we are going to throw a festival if you would like to stay for it.
"How about it pups?" Ryder asked.
"Yea!" They replied all at once.
"It sounds like fun," Ryder smiled.
The pups stayed for the festival and a whole night before leaving, saying good bye to Carlos and hello to home. It was a long mission, but it was fruitful.
X X X X
Special thanks to Havochound, may your reputation precede you as a legend and my you be blessed in every way. Thank you for your help.
P.S: I read this to the children for child care story time and they loved it! You really helped us out. Thanks again!
