They each followed distinct routes that guided them to their respective rendezvous points. Patch's path led them through a dark and foggy forest near Foggy Bottom, where the trees seemed to close in on them. While Chase and Patch conversed, Patch observed Ella walking alongside Zuma but didn't pay much attention. His mind was preoccupied with how to rescue Ryder without alerting Cruella.
"Guys, I have a plan," Patch began, raising his voice as Zuma and Ella continued through the forest without hearing him.
"Oh, sorry, where were we?" Zuma asked, guilt in his eyes and a slight blush on his face.
"I was telling you about my plan," Patch replied, slightly annoyed that they hadn't been paying attention. It was essential for Ryder's rescue.
"And...?" Chase prompted, keen to hear Patch's thoughts. The two had more in common than they realized.
"We need to breach the wall..."
"Wait a minute, a wall?" Ella interjected.
"Yes, we need to break through the wall silently," Patch emphasized, underscoring the importance of stealth in their mission.
Patch let out an exasperated sigh, and they continued their journey, with Zuma and Ella now close and Patch brainstorming ideas with Chase. Night fell, and they unpacked their backpacks, which contained their pup tags, a meteor piece, tents, or, in the case of Chase and Patch, a tent section to create a larger space for planning, sleeping, and eating. After a while, Chase and Patch retired to rest for the night.
Inside Ella's tent, she sought comfort in reading, a familiar activity when sleep evaded her. To further ease her mind, she played music from her pup tag, doubling as a smartphone.
Lost in her book, Ella reminisced about the day's events, recalling walking closely with Zuma and their conversation.
At the break of dawn, Chase left his post to awaken Patch, Zuma, and eventually Ella. Aware of Zuma's long-standing crush on Ella, Chase sensed reciprocal feelings from her.
"Let's continue north and then head west at the lake. But oh boy, it's quite a trek to get to Cruella's hideout," Patch remarked, examining the newly drawn map.
"How much farther?" Chase inquired anxiously.
"About... hmm... I'd say another month, plus an additional... yes, another month," Patch replied distractedly, thinking of alerting the others.
"Ella," Zuma spoke up after Patch's departure, "can we talk?"
"Sure, where?" Ella asked.
"Over there, by those trees," Zuma suggested, uncertain if Ella would agree.
Before Zuma could finish his thought, Patch excitedly interrupted, "Guys! I contacted a friend who agreed to take us on her boat, shortening our trip by about two weeks."
"So, just one month of travel," Zuma remarked, a tinge of disappointment at being interrupted but also anticipation.
Approaching the Advocate Pier in New Scotland, Patch started singing "We'll Meet Again" as they drew closer.
They approached the dock, and a Battleship was stationed at the deepest part of the port. A female Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever adorned in a captain's uniform awaited their arrival.
"Good Afternoon!" She stood up, saluting Chase. "I see you brought friends."
"Yes, this is Ella, Zuma, and this is Chase," said Patch, gesturing to each in turn.
"Welcome to the HMCS Pawers. We're thrilled to welcome you aboard and wish you a pleasant stay on its deck," she greeted warmly.
"Thank you," replied Chase.
"Patch, you know the signs, please teach Chase," she ordered, donning her captain's cap. "Ella, come with me, and I'll teach you how to steer the lifeboat."
As they approached the boat, an alarm began to ring.
"Oh, shoot! I'm late for the Sun high Rollcall. Come on, we better hurry," Abby exclaimed.
They climbed aboard the lifeboat and swiftly reached the battleship's deck, where Abby conducted the roll call and gave instructions.
Once the roll call concluded, Abby led them to their rooms and took Patch to the bridge.
"I think those two need some time alone," Abby remarked as they departed, pointing at Zuma and Ella.
"Why?" asked Patch, puzzled.
Abby sighed and explained that the two harbored feelings for each other. Patch's confusion turned into understanding.
"So that's why they seemed so distracted during the trip," Patch mused, comprehending finally and signaling Chase to leave the two alone.
"What took you so long?" Abby nudged Patch affectionately on the shoulder.
"I was contemplating how to rescue Ryder," he protested.
"By the way," said Abby playfully, "Why didn't you take an airplane?"
"Oh boy," Patch realized his mistake. "Well, no changing decisions now. We're leaving the docks as we're on a tight schedule."
Meanwhile, in the bedrooms, Zuma finished unpacking and went to assist Ella, who had also completed her unpacking.
"Ella, can we talk again?" Zuma inquired, half expecting an interruption.
"Yes," she replied, taking a seat.
"I've been thinking of asking..."
"Attention all Crew and Passengers, we're about to leave the dock. Please report on deck. I repeat, please report on deck," an interphone in the hall interrupted Zuma just as he was about to ask Ella out.
"Oh," sighed Ella, sounding disappointed. "Maybe we can talk after?"
"Yeah, later," Zuma sighed in response.
Patch noticed the sadness in both Zuma's and Ella's expressions. He whispered to Abby, "Can you cheer up Ella? Chase and I will try to cheer up Zuma."
"Zuma!" Patch called out, approaching him. "Can we talk?"
"Not now," Zuma replied despondently. "I'm not in the mood."
"What about helping me raise the flag?" Patch suggested, knowing Zuma wouldn't decline a duty on an unfamiliar boat.
"Fine," Zuma sighed, following them.
They lowered the two flags indicating they were docked but about to set sail. Replacing them with flags signaling their departure and change of course, they moved away from the dock. Once they left the port, they lowered the 'Altering Course to Starboard' flag, signifying the job was done. Afterward, they headed to an elevator to watch a movie, joined by Ella and Abby.
Upon reaching the floor to watch the movie, a sudden "Watch out!" was heard before they were struck by a large cart...