Disclaimer: So, yeah. One hell of a revelation in the last chapter, am I right? Whoever thought Charm's sadistic tendencies would've created from demon blood? I'll admit that I wasn't planning this for that long, I only came up with it soon after season three began, but I'm still satisfied with the reveal. Let's hope I can make what comes after it worthwhile too.

Also, I don't own Paw Patrol.

Paw Patrol X

Demon Defense arc Episode nine: The Aftermath of Charm's Infiltration

In Chase and Skye's room at the motel hut, Chase was looking over an investigation board he set up soon after arriving in Wolfland. There were two investigations he was doing at the moment, one for the reason behind the Wolfland attacks, and the other to find the truth about Charm. He was deadset on figuring out them both, thinking to himself about how crushed he would be if he failed. 'So many are counting on you Chase. You can't let them down. Prove to them they can depend on you.'

Skye came into the room with Chase's breakfast, hoping he would at least be willing to eat. "I brought your breakfast for you Chase." She set it down on the bed as she made a request to Chase from her heart. "Just promise me you'll eat it, okay? You won't be able to do anything without proper fuel."

"I'm well aware of that baby. I was the biggest eater on the team before Flare and Marshall moved in with us." Chase reminded Skye, still knowing how important it was to eat.

Skye sighed and walked over to him while expressing how worried she was about him. "Did Charm stealing Slash's journal really affect you that much?"

"Of course it did. That was our best chance at stopping the demon attacks." Chase reminded Skye, looking at the knowledge he had on demons. The last one he had was what he wrote down from Dr. Cramden's journal. Even with that, he didn't feel like he had enough. "I'm doing two investigations at once here Skye. If I'm gonna solve both of them, then I have to be as proactive as possible." Skye put a paw on Chase's shoulder, which caught his attention. He started to feel bad when he saw how worried she was. "I'm sorry Skye. I wasn't trying to ignore you."

"I know that silly." Skye assured Chase, caring more about his mental health than anything else. "I just don't know if this is worth learning the truth for Rocky over. Charm did so many awful things, and we may not be able to find an answer for that. And even if we do, and Charm DOES come to our side, it's not like we'll all magically forgive him."

Chase started to get upset, but not angry, trying his best to stay calm so he didn't hurt Skye. "I know that Skye. But does that mean I should just stop the investigation?"

"No, of course not! It's just that... I'm worried about you more than anything." Skye revealed, hoping there was a solution that kept everyone happy in the end. "I don't want this to end up being a waste of time." Chase saw how genuine Skye was being about this. He hoped the investigation wasn't making her stressed out or anything. "If there's a reason for Charm being like this, then I hope we learn about it someday."

Chase took Skye's paws and smiled to her, assuring her that he would have her back. "If you ever wanna talk more about how you're feeling about this, either before your air patrols, or after dinner, or whenever we're together... just let me know."

Skye couldn't help giggling a bit at the irony of Chase being the one to ask that question. "Thanks Chase, but sometimes, I feel like I should be giving YOU that offer."

"Says the girl who said she'd be ready to help me if I had a nightmare." Chase reminded Skye, who giggled again at the smirk her boyfriend was giving her. She then started to hope there was a way she could help out with the investigation herself. Maybe her air patrols would give her a good direction to go in.

Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble were heading over to Tracker's house with Rocky unsure about taking another day off. After Charm's infiltration last night, he felt he should be more active in the investigations. "I don't know about this Zuma. Should we really be relaxing after what happened last night?"

"In your case, yes." Zuma insisted, taking Rocky's paw and assuring him that this was good for him. "You can't stwess about Chawm and Slash too much. And the best way to keep your mental health in check is a welaxing day with your boyfwiend."

Rocky couldn't help laughing as he asked this next question. "Since when were YOU the one studying psychology?" Zuma shrugged in response, and Rocky decided to play along and see how far Zuma would go with this. "Okay then Dr. Zuma. What's the best medicine for happiness?"

"Cuddles!" Zuma exclaimed as he hugged Rocky's arm tightly and started snuggling it. Rocky happily embraced this and put his paw on Zuma's to give him affection as well.

When the three dogs arrived at Bonita's house, Rubble rang the doorbell in the hopes that Bonita would answer quickly. "Come on, I wanna see Tracker!"

Rocky and Zuma laughed a bit at Rubble's impatience, being quite familiar with whenever a pup was in a rush. Rocky also let him know that it wouldn't change anything. "You'll be seeing Tracker soon Rubble. Just try to be patient."

Rubble didn't have time to respond to Rocky's lesson for him, because Bonita answered the door and happily greeted the three canines. "Ah; Rocky, Zuma, Rubble! Welcome!"

"Thanks Bonita! Is Tracker up yet?" Rubble asked, being excited to start playing with him. "If not, I can wake him up for you."

Rocky signaled Bonita not to let Rubble do that. The Chihuahua then giggled a bit before Tracker slid in from the living room. "Senor Rubble!" Bonita managed to avoid the water covered puppy, who then started asking about what he would wanna do that day. "What should we do first? Should we wrestle again? Or dig? Or go fishing again? Or go exploring? Or read my dad's adventure books?"

Bonita already had a towel for Tracker, which she dried him off with as she suggested the adventure books. "That last one could be a good chance to tell them about your father."

"Si, you're right!" Tracker got excited and hugged his mother, who wrapped her arms around him before he ran off. "I love you mama!" Rubble went on after Rubble, and Rocky and Zuma went in as Bonita allowed them to. She then headed off to work, glad she had someone there to watch over her son for her. And that they were all friendly faces like Paleclaw was.

Flare, Marshall, and Chase were currently working on their investigation, which was at a demon sight Ryder and Richie were at last night. Chase found some scratch marks on a tree and took a picture of them on his Pup-Phone. After he did, Flare went up to him and asked about what they were doing outside of Wolfland. "Not that I'm not enjoying the sights outside of Wolfland Chase, but why are we out here today?"

"Well there isn't much for us to find inside Wolfland right now Flare." Chase explained, letting him in on some more details on why they were out here. "Also, I asked Ryder, and he said we could look at any demon sightings he and Richie found last night. We can get a better idea for what demons are like out here."

Flare felt that made sense, and then Marshall was heard shouting as he rolled down a tree he was climbing and into another tree. Despite hitting his head and getting dizzy for a bit, he quickly shook his head and declared his status when Flare and Chase went to help him up. "I'm okay!"

After he and Chase helped Marshall up, Flare was quick to ask what Marshall was doing up there. "Did you see something we could use in the tree?"

"I thought I did." Marshall admitted as he laughed a bit, revealing what he actually saw up there once he pointed up. "For some reason, I thought I saw a patch of demon skin that got ripped off during a nighttime patrol. But it turns out it was just a leaf that kinda matched the red of a demon's skin."

Chase then got an idea after remembering something Rocky told him and the others that morning. "Hang on. Didn't Rocky say that Charm was attacked by a demon last night during his escape? Maybe we can get an answer or two from him if we can find his base."

"Maybe. But we'd have to be pretty crazy to go there by ourselves." Flare reminded Chase, knowing just how serious the threat Charm held was. "How would we find the base anyway?" Chase pointed to his German Shepherd nose, making Flare laugh as he remembered his keen sense of smell. "Oh right."

"Maybe we can't get any answers out of Charm directly, but if we find his base, then we'll at least be able to track him down if he DOES attack Wolfland." Chase pointed out, feeling that there was a benefit to this mission no matter what happened, so long as no one got hurt. "It's a win win so long as we go in with the right mindset."

Marshall didn't feel they should do this without help though, since this was Charm they were talking about. Luckily, Chase already had his Pup-Phone out from the picture he took. "Are you calling Ryder to come and help us?"

"Sure am. Any help from Ryder is worth taking. Especially for something like this." Chase confirmed, and when Ryder answered the call, Chase spoke up. "Ryder sir? We have an idea, but it's pretty risky. We're gonna need your help to execute it."

Back at Tracker's house, Tracker was looking in his room for the first book about his dad's adventures that he wanted to show Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble. Luckily, Bonita kept all of his books in their room, so it was pretty easy to find the first one. He took out a red book that said 'The First Adventure of Aaron Break', which had a picture of a wolf wearing explorer gear on it. He ran out into the kitchen and set the book down on the table, where the other three dogs were sitting. "Found it!"

Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble got a good look at the book and were surprised to find that Tracker's dad was also a wolf. Rocky especially, since Tracker didn't seem to take after him at all. "Your father was a wolf too?"

"Si! I take after my mom's breed of dog, but I've always been a lot more like my dad." Tracker explained, and then he spoke up about how busy his dad usually was. "My dad goes on a lot of expeditions, so we don't usually get a lot of time together. He says he hopes one day, he can take me on one of his adventures."

Rubble started to wonder more about that, not seeing how Tracker and his dad could make any sort of bond. "How can you and Aaron bond if he's barely around?"

"That's easy. We spend time together when he IS here by reenacting his adventures, talking about the artifacts he's found, or finding something fun to do in Wolfland." Tracker then started talking about his father's first adventure, opening up the book to discuss it. "This was the adventure he met my mom on. He went to Mexico in the hopes of finding this Golden Tlaptizalti." Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble kept listening to what Tracker had to say, since it was clear he was enjoying talking about his father. "That's kind of like a Spanish version of the flute."

Flare and the others were making their way to Charm's base with Chase sniffing out what he could of the trail he had on him last night from the fur piece Rocky had of him. He was able to find a consistent trail that Charm went on last night, assuring the others once his scent grew stronger. "We're getting close guys. We gotta keep going this way."

Chase continued moving forward with Marshall looking to Ryder to see what he thought about this. "Be honest with me Ryder. Do you think Rocky believing Slash did something to Charm to make him the way he is makes sense?"

Ryder didn't have much to work off of outside of what Rocky told him and the others. However, that didn't mean he had nothing to back up Rocky's thoughts. "After Slash slapped him last week, I'm starting to believe the possibility a little more. Still, as much as Rocky wants to save him, Charm has a lot of blood on his paws." Flare showed a look of concern regarding the topic as Ryder finished what he had to say. "I know some of the pups won't be able to trust or forgive him right away."

Being the endlessly caring pup that he was, Flare wanted to believe that if Charm was turned evil by Slash, that there was a chance he could be good. "I could help him with that." Marshall and Ryder looked at Flare, who then elaborated on what he was saying. "I know we don't know for sure yet if Slash really is responsible for Charm being this way. I just mean that if Slash DID do something to Charm that made him this way, and he wants to overcome that and connect with his humanity again, then I can help him atone. I know it won't be easy, but not every redemption is."

Ryder knew this was coming from the kindness in Flare's heart, but he didn't want him to get carried away. "Just be careful Flare. Not everyone is capable of change."

"I know. And it's really sad." Flare stated, knowing fully well that there were some out there who were beyond help. "But if they want to change, then I want to at least give them a chance to try."

Despite having his own thoughts about this whole thing, which he made clear when rubbing his arm, Marshall smiled genuinely at the sight of Flare's kindness. And he was aware of the possibility of Charm being beyond redemption too, which helped his case greatly. "That's assuming someone of his reputation is capable of wanting that." Flare was well aware of that too, nodding to Marshall before getting back to the mission with Ryder. Chase continued sniffing to make sure he stayed on the trail.

Tracker was showing Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble a picture of Aaron holding the Golden Talptizalti along with Bonita. "When they found it, they brought it to my mami's house before my papi was set to leave. And right before papi left, mami came to him with the Talptizalti and said she wanted to continue going on adventures with him. She said it gave her a feeling she never felt before, and she wanted to experience it again."

Rubble wasn't sure why Bonita settled down in Wolfland after hearing that. This felt like something that would keep her happy. "Then why did she stop?"

"She said it was because she and papi had me." Tracker explained, but then he brought up that it wasn't as bad as that sentence alone would make it seem. "But she also said that having me was the best experience she and papi could've ever had; and that even though papi still went on the adventures for the journey, and to support us, the one thing they would never change is having me in their lives to keep them happy."

Rubble started to feel a bit of envy as he thought about how happy Tracker's family was, which Rocky quickly caught onto. "Are you okay Rubble?"

"I'm fine." Rubble lied, not wanting anyone to show him any sympathy over his loneliness. "I just... like that they love you more than they loved adventuring."

Rocky, Zuma, and Tracker could feel Rubble's emotion change upon the last thing Tracker said. Tracker started to feel bad, wondering if he should stop reading. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought out the book."

"No no no; you're good Twacker dude." Zuma assured Tracker, not wanting him to think this was a bad thing. "We should pwobably take a bweak for now though. What else can we do to pass the time?"

Tracker tried to think of something else to do, but then got distracted by something he saw outside. "Is that a bluebird!?" Tracker ran over to the window and saw that the bird was in fact, a bluebird. That helped Rubble take his mind off of things, which Rocky was happy to see. Maybe soon, Rubble would be comfortable with talking about what he was feeling in that moment. It felt like something he had to talk about.

Chase was still sniffing for Charm's base, and the trail got even stronger just as he turned his sniffing trail to the right. Once he felt he had the location, he instantly informed Flare, Marshall, and Ryder. "We're getting closer guys. Stay sharp." Chase continued to sniff as he moved forward, which was a trail that ended at a small hill, which Chase's nose started to go up. Chase managed to stop himself and climbed up the hill, reaching the top to get a better look.

"Be careful Chase." Ryder reminded Chase worryingly, wanting him to remember who they were dealing with here.

What Chase saw was in fact Charm's base, and it had the exact design that would be expected from Charm. It was the same color as a steel sword, and it had some stripes on it in the color of red blood. Ryder jumped up and climbed up the hill, which led to him and Chase helping up Flare and Marshall. Chase then let them know what he thought they were getting into. "Something tells me this base isn't much different from the one on Jake's Mountain."

Marshall hated the idea of going into another base like that. He quickly expressed relief over that not happening after shuddering. "Good thing staying far away is the most based idea in our eyes."

Chase playfully punched Marshall's arm for the pun with Ryder taking a picture of the base so they could keep it in memory for future events. Luckily, Charm was burning Trickery's body at this time, so he wasn't focusing on intruders right now. He then praised Flare, Marshall, and Chase for how smart of an idea they had of looking for the base. "Great idea looking for this base guys. Now we know where to look in case Charm starts attacking Wolfland for real."

"I'm sure we'll be ready for that." Flare stated confidently, feeling that he and the rest of the Paw Patrol would be able to take on anything. "No matter how hard things get, we can take on anything that gets thrown at us!" Chase, Marshall, and Ryder laughed wholesomely in response to Flare's optimism just before the four headed out. Whether it were Charm, Slash, or a new threat, any future attack would be one that Flare was ready to take on no matter the danger.

Good thing he was better at not rushing in blindly now.

Back at Tracker's house, Tracker was showing Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble some of the things he liked to do at home. One thing he loved to do was climb around on this jungle gym he had in his backyard. It was a big one too. So big in fact that Rocky and Zuma started to worry about Tracker as he reached the top of the climbing wall. Zuma was quick to call up to him when he did. "That's... weally impwessive Twacker! But you should pwobably come down now!"

"Okay!" Tracker jumped down from the top of the climbing wall, which was about forty five feet tall.

This scared the three canines with Zuma catching the laughing Chihuahua and sighing of relief when he did. "Note to self, next time, say to CLIMB down."

Rocky saw that Rubble felt the climbing wall looked like fun and encouraged him to give it a go. "Tracker brought us over here himself Rubble. If you wanna head up the climbing wall, then I say go for it."

Rubble had an idea in mind for something he could do and decided to get Rocky in on it. "Okay. But I'll need you to carry me to where I wanna start off."

"Okay, no problem." Rocky assured Rubble, picking him up and carrying him over to the climbing wall. "Just let me know when you wanna start climbing."

"You got it." Rubble looked down at his belly as Rocky started lifting him up slowly. Once he was high enough to reach Rocky's face while in two leg mode, he let Rocky know he could stop. "Okay, you're good!" Once Rocky let Rubble grab onto the climbing wall however, he was greeted with Rubble pointing his bubble butt out at him, and it was shown as Rubble grunted and ripped...

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP

...a loud and ripe ten second fart that hit Rocky's face with a green cloud of spoiled meat that made the Bulldog's butt vibrate upon release. Rocky started coughing and gagging as he wafted the fart away with Zuma helping him after setting Tracker down. Rubble laughed at his prank before climbing up the wall himself. When he got to fifteen feet, the Bluebird from earlier fell to the ground. Tracker was surprised, but Rocky and Zuma already knew by now that Rubble was another potential gasbag for the group.

On the way back to Wolfland, Chase was telling Ryder about what he found around Wolfland to help with his investigations. "And if Slash's journal has more than demon knowledge in it like Rocky thinks it does, then we should be able to learn more than what we came here for. We may also be able to defend ourselves against anything the demons throw at us."

"That's perfect!" Ryder exclaimed, rubbing Chase's head as he praised him, Flare, and Marshall for their work. "You three have really been putting a lot of work into this."

"You bet we have Ryder!" Flare assured Ryder with passion, and he then quickly reminded him of the work he was doing himself. "You and Richie learning the routine of the demon attacks helped a lot with that too. Now if we wanted to, we could start watching the demons from afar."

"Exactly." Chase chimed in, knowing that would be more than beneficial to their mission. "Then we can get an in person perspective of the creatures and learn the best way to approach them ourselves." Flare smiled with a happy laugh, glad that all of the progress he and the others were making was paying off. Chase then noticed that Marshall was deep in thought, hoping he was okay. "You okay buddy?"

Flare had already noticed that Marshall was upset, and was shown to be holding his paw to show that he was there for him. "He's been thinking a lot about the Charm thing lately. I think Charm stealing Slash's journal brought those thoughts back again."

Flare felt it was best for Chase to have Marshall himself tell him about this in depth. Chase agreed, and asked if Marshall was up for talking about it. "You wanna talk about it when we get back to the hut?"

Marshall nodded his head yes, knowing that Chase would wanna listen to whatever was on his mind. "I'll just let you know now that it'll be personal."

"That won't stop us from talking it out." Chase assured Marshall. And both of them knew that their bond was still as strong as it was two and a half years ago.

Rocky and the others were still at Tracker's house, where they were now watching TV together. This was clearly a show that could keep Tracker entertained, as he was just laying on the floor there enjoying his relaxation. Rocky noticed that Rubble didn't seem that into it and hoped he was okay. "You okay Rubble?"

Rubble was surprised to get that question then and there, but still answered the best he could when he looked at Rocky. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about some stuff."

"Like Tracker's family?" Rocky asked, which caused Rubble to look down, confirming Rocky's concerns. He didn't want Rubble to feel like he was alone, so he offered his support to the young Bulldog. "It's okay to talk about it if you want Rubble. You're a friend to me, and the rest of the Paw Patrol."

Rubble appreciated that, but he still didn't feel comfortable talking about this. "Thanks Rocky, but I'm not really in the mood for talking right now." Rocky could tell just by how sad Rubble looked that this had something to do with him not having a family. "It's... kind of a heavy subject." That just made him worry even more.

Zuma overheard the conversation and felt it would be best to chime in with an idea of his own. "Maybe when we get back to the motel hut?" Rocky and Rubble looked at Zuma, who seemed confident that this idea would work. "If you want to I mean."

Rubble figured it was at least worth thinking over. It was clear that Rocky and Zuma cared about him. Then again, all of the Paw Patrol cared about him. "I'll think about it." Rocky and Zuma smiled, seeing that they were making some progress in helping Rubble open up. If only Rubble weren't so independent. Then maybe, he would be okay with talking about whatever was on his mind.

Back at the motel hut, Flare, Marshall, and Chase were in Chase and Skye's room so Marshall could tell Chase about what he's had on his mind lately. "Skye should still be out on her morning air patrol, so we have plenty of time to get this off your chest." Chase sat down on his bed with Marshall sitting down next to him, and then Flare sitting down next to Marshall. "I know she would understand too though."

"I know. I just figured talking to you about it would make more sense." Marshall admitted, feeling closer to Chase than anyone besides Flare and Everest. He then started talking as Flare put a paw on his shoulder to help him with it. It wasn't easy though. And his expression change made that clear. "After we started the investigation, I started thinking about when Charm gave Flare that scar. When Flare was tied up under his clutches... I was brought to my lowest point yet."

Chase remembered that day like an infinitely lasting memory in his mind. His favorite part about it came from that mission, surprisingly. "And I managed to bring you back up. Telling you about my past really helped."

Marshall nodded his head yes with Flare then showing that he still felt bad for putting Marshall through that. "I also, kind of, played a big part in Charm being able to give me that scar too."

Marshall wrapped his arm around Flare, reminding him of how much he's grown with what he said next. "You grew from that Flare. You're way more experienced now." Marshall then opened up about how the investigation was making him feel at times. "I've been having these conflicting thoughts during the investigation because of it though. Whenever we start looking into learning the truth behind his sadism... I start fearing that if things go wrong... he could kill Flare."

Flare instantly hugged Marshall to assure him that Charm wouldn't get to him. Chase started to beat himself up inside as he spoke up again. "I haven't been making you relive your trauma, have I?"

"Not directly, no." Marshall assured Chase, hoping he could word this in a way that made it clear he didn't blame him. "I just can't help thinking about it when we look into what could've led to Charm being the way he is." Chase was on the verge of having a self loathing fit and clenched his paws to contain himself. "I should probably tell this to Rocky too. I just hope he doesn't take it too hard."

"I think he'd understand. He'd know we still-" Flare started to say, but Chase couldn't stop what he did next.

"I'm so sorry." Chase interrupted, surprising Flare and Chase, and then worrying them as Chase's self loathing fit began. He stood up and started beating himself up out loud for what he was doing to Marshall. "I should've known this would be too much for you! Especially after Charm came to Wolfland and stole Slash's journal! That's why you didn't wanna do the investigation; it's because it would've made you confront something you weren't ready to take on yet!"

Flare let go of Marshall and let him go talk to Chase, standing behind him as he moved forward in case his comfort was needed. "It's not your fault Chase. I should've spoken up about it sooner."

"That doesn't excuse what I've been doing to you Marshall." Chase stated, feeling that he was to blame for the feelings Marshall's been having lately. He walked to a different part of the room, specifically to his investigation board. "If I didn't go to you with this investigation, you wouldn't be having these thoughts! I should've just done it myself! My burdens are my responsibility! It's not your job to help me find Rocky closure!" Chase was on the verge of tears, picking up his investigation board and throwing it at the wall as he did.

Flare and Marshall had gone over to Chase just as he threw the investigation board, and Marshall stepped closer to him upon Flare's encouragement. When he did, he put a paw on Chase's shoulder, attempting to help him out of his self loathing fit. He then did Flare's signature move and hugged Chase, since his body language indicated that it would be okay. Chase started to calm down, but was still having trouble coping with what he was thinking about. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"You didn't Chase. These thoughts didn't even last long until after Charm stole Slash's journal." Marshall assured Chase, knowing he wasn't to blame for any of this. "And I still wanna help with the investigation. We'll find the truth together."

Flare then stepped in after Chase calmed down some more, seeing that Marshall had handled the part he was needed for. "We all will." Chase looked at Flare and Marshall, the former of whom expressed further hope to what could happen with the investigation. "Even if it takes us a long time staying here to figure it out, I know we'll find it. Even if it's not something we can do anything about... I know Rocky will at least be happy to have closure."

Chase smiled in response to Flare and Marshall's support. He then looked over at his investigation board as he asked about the Charm investigation. "Are you sure you're okay with it Marshall? You can back out at anytime."

Marshall pulled Chase away and looked at him with a smile, showing that he was ready to help him and Flare find out what happened to Charm. "I'm sure." Chase nodded in understanding with Flare then hugging the both of them. This made the older Dalmatian and German Shepherd smile before wrapping their arms around Flare. It was as clear as could be. When it came to the investigations, and helping their friends, they were all in this together.

Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble were talking to Bonita after she got home from work as they discussed Rubble and Tracker's latest playdate. Rocky was quick to point out something Rubble did in the backyard that caught him off guard. "And I should've predicted that Rubble would've taken that climbing wall as an excuse to rip one right in my face."

Rubble snickered a bit in response to that, and Zuma then assured Rocky that he had his back on that one. "Don't wowwy Wolfy. I'll get him back for that one someday."

Bonita was happy to hear that the visit went well after Rocky assured her that it did. "Other than that, Rubble and Tracker were great. Tracker even told us a bit about his dad."

"Oh, that's wonderful! He can never get enough of telling others about his father's adventures." Bonita exclaimed, glad the four canines all had a good time.

Rocky didn't want to rush anyone, but he knew they had to get home in time for their next meal. "Well anyway, we should be heading home now. Flare hates it whenever anyone goes without dinner, whether he cooks it or not."

"Of course; I understand." Bonita responded, knowing how important it was to eat. "I should get to cooking for Tracker myself as well. Goodbye you three; I'll see you again soon I hope!"

"You sure will." Zuma assured Bonita, holding Rocky's paw as he waved goodbye to Tracker and Bonita while walking off with him. "Later Twacker! Later Bonita!"

Rubble and Tracker waved goodbye to each other as Rocky did and said goodbye to them. "Goodbye you two!" Rubble then held Rocky's paw without even being asked to, much to his surprise. Could this mean Rubble was warming up to Rocky? It would certainly seem that way.

Later that night, Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble were back in their room at the motel hut with Rocky patting his belly from dinner. As always, the Paw Patrol ate a feast. Rubble hopped into his bed and let out a loud burp to prove that...

UUUUURRRRRP

...this led to Zuma laughing with Rocky pointing out how much Rubble ate that night. "You would react that way after three portions of food Rubble."

"What can I say? I'm built like a tank." Rubble responded, being completely satisfied with how much food he ate.

Rocky and Zuma laid down on their bed after Rubble started to tuck himself in. Rocky then thanked Zuma for convincing him to take another day off. "You were right Zuma. This day off was a phenomenal idea after the Charm infiltration.

"I told you. Thewe was no way I was gonna let you stwess about something like that too much." Zuma told Rocky with a playfully teasing tone in there. He was also glad that he was able to help Rocky out once again. "And if it's still on your mind, then you don't have to wowwy. Even if we have a long pewiod where we can't find any pwoof, I'll be weady to help you find the twuth.

"Thank you Zuma. I'll remember that." Rocky said gratefully, and then he thought about everything that's happened since the Paw Patrol arrived in Wolfland. "It wouldn't surprise me if we had more eventful weeks after this one though. And that's taking into account how much stuff happened to us after we first got here."

Zuma started to think about Paleclaw after that. He hoped they weren't stuck as a demon forever after last week. "Especially on the fiwst day. And we still don't know how to bwing Paleclaw back."

"We'll find a way to bring them back too." Rocky said assuredly, being as ready to help Zuma, as Zuma was to help him. "Maybe we can do what Chase is doing. Look for the truth on what happened to Charm when we can, and at the same time, we try to learn of a way we can bring Paleclaw back."

Zuma laughed a bit, knowing that would be next to impossible thanks to their lack of knowledge on the subject. "We'd have to leawn how to weverse a demon infection fiwst."

Rocky then embraced Zuma, who did the same as they looked lovingly into each other's eyes. "Then that's exactly what we'll set out to do." Rocky and Zuma then shared a passionate three second kiss as they pulled the blanket up to cover them. The two canines then fell asleep peacefully and lovingly in each others arms.

To be continued.

Rock music played as Rocky started speaking in regards to what was going to happen with specific moments from the next chapter being shown. "It's been a month since we got here, and we still haven't figured out how to stop the demon attacks. It doesn't help that we haven't had any since we arrived. Wait; it's a monthly occurrence? How are we supposed to make any progress then? As if I wasn't stressed enough already about not knowing what my dad did to Charm. And the thought of becoming like him.

Flare finished the announcement with the words Paw Patrol in all blue with red outlines surrounded with a white border with Flare on the right, and Marshall on the left. "Next time, When Goals Align! (Flare and Snow are shown speaking to Charm outside of Slash's office as he shows them a page from Slash's journal) Get ready for something you'd never expect!"