Hi everyone. Welcome to the third chapter.

Read and enjoy.

Ryder and Rocky sat at the examination table in the Lookout's workshop. Ryder on his chair and Rocky on a stool. In the last hour, they did different tests on the collected samples, using all the equipment at their disposal, but nothing came out from the results. Chase and Skye's reports didn't help clarifye things either. The two pups were currently on their way back.

"Well, this isn't working," Ryder said, frowning as he put down the sheet of papers containing the lastest results.

He wasn't the kind to become annoyed or angered easily. It had rarely happened and never in front of his pups. Yet, this morning had certainly been challenging. At least, nothing indicated the samples were dangerous. Just burned in an unexplainable way.

"Maybe we'll have better luck with the tablet Skye is bringing back. I mean, objects don't just randomly appear in the middle of mysterious marks," Rocky said, trying to stay cheerful.

Ryder smiled. "Let's hope so. I wonder if the pup Chase encountered is connected to this."

Ryder got off his chair and walked out of the workshop followed by Rocky.

"I don't understand why someone would run away from one of us. It never happened before," Rocky said.

"I don't know. Maybe she isn't from here and doesn't know us. In any case, I hope she's all right and not alone."

They entered the lobby where the other pups were sitting on the puff bags, waiting to be called by Ryder. Marshall was sleeping while Zuma and Rubble were reading an Apollo the Super-Pup comic book together. When they saw them arrive, they stood up.

"Hey dudes. You're done with your scientific…euh…work thingy," Zuma asked.

His question woke up Marshall.

"You mean analysis?" Rocky responded a bit annoyed. "Yes, we're done, but it didn't tell us anything."

Ryder then told the three pups about Chase and Skye's reports. As they were talking, they heard vehicles approaching and went outside. It was Chase and Skye. Both parked their vehicles at their designated spots and turned them back to pup houses. Ryder and the other pups walked up to them.

"Hey Ryder," Skye was the first one to speak. "I have the tablet in my cockpit."

"Great job Skye," the boy said as he scratched her behind her ear which she, like every dog, loved. "Let's take a look."

He took out the tablet from the cockpit and held it at arm's length so the pups could see it too.

"Whoa. That thing seems old, but still in good shape," Rubble said.

"Why does it have a spike and strange symbols on it," Zume asked.

"I think it's because it is a sundial Zuma," Ryder explained as he examined it closely. "An object used by ancient civilisations to measure time before mechanical clocks and electric devices were invented. That one would fit well in a museum."

"I wonder if it still works. And how did it end up where Skye found it," Rocky added.

Another vehicle entered the Lookout's parking lot. It was Everest's Snowmobile. The husky parked it in front of the tower door like she usually did. Ryder and the pups were surprised to see her, but nonetheless happy.

"Hey guys, mind if I join you," she asked while jumping off her vehicle.

"Not at all, but what about yours and Jake's vacation," Ryder answered as she walked toward them.

"Well, I couldn't stop thinking about the strange mark we discovered and we've been hiking for three days, so we decided to head back home. Jake is still there, watching TV." She noticed the sundial in the boy's hands. "What have you got here Ryder?"

"A sundial apparently," Marshall answered. "Skye found it in another burned zone as we call them. I can fill you in on everything if you want."

"During this time, Rocky and I will take a closer look at this sundial. It's the only lead we have left. The rest of you don't need to stay on standby, but keep your equipment for now," Ryder said.

As he was about to leave, Chase called him. "Ryder, can I talk to you?"

"Of course. Rocky, you go ahead."

"No problem. (Bark) Claws."

Rocky pup pack opened and a mechanical arm with a claw at the end came out of it. He used it to take the sundial and went to Ryder's workshop. Rubble, Zuma and Skye sat with Marshall and Everest as the dalmatian recounted the events of the morning for the husky. Ryder kneeled down in front of Chase.

"What is it buddy?"

Chase sat with his eyes and ears down. "I just wanted to say. I'm sorry for failing you and the team. If I hadn't lost the trail from the garden or that pup, we would be closer to solving the case."

"It's alright, Chase. You didn't fail anyone. You're still the best police-spy pup in town."

Chase frowned as he looked up. "I'm the only police-spy pup in town. Same for the others"

"Right," Ryder said, a bit embarrassed. "What I meant is, it happens sometimes. No one is perfect. You did the best you could and that's all I ask. So don't beat yourself up because of this. Okay?"

"Yes sir."

Ryder patted Chase's, smiling, head before leaving for his workshop. Skye, who had heard the conversation, sat in front of the German Shepherd.

"Still feeling down," she asked.

"A bit. Ryder may accept my mistake, but I don't. We're the Paw Patrol for pup treats' sake."

"Come on Chase. I admire your devotion, but don't let it drag you down."

Chase blinked as he looked at her. "You…admire my devotion?"

Skye giggled, amused by his reaction. "Of course. You're so passionate about your work." She put her paw on Chase's torso. "And you always take care of those around you, even if you don't care about them." Chase looked briefly at Skye's paw before looking back at her face. Both were smiling. Skye's eyes became serious again. "But sometimes, you don't know where to stop. This is why you should listen to what Ryder just told you." She withdrew her paw to Chase's dismay though he didn't show it. "Also, if you believe that runaway pup has something to do with the burned zones, I'll help you look for her."

"Really?" Chase's tail was now wagging as he stood up. "I mean. I do believe it. Thanks for your help," he added with his professional voice he used when he wanted to act tough.

Skye rolled her eyes and left to go talk to Everest. Marshall took her place and saw his best friend looking at the cockapoo with a dumb smile which made him laugh.

"Watch out Chase. You have your Skye's smile."

"Uh…My what?" the German Shepherd asked, looking at the Dalmatian.

"Your Skye's smile. You know, the big dummy smile you make each time you two spend time together alone. It's funny because you don't do that with anyone else. Not even Ryder."

This remark automatically made Chase feel embarrassed, especially since he knew it was true even though he won't admit it to anyone. So he became defensive.

"You're one to talk. Do I need to remind you of a certain husky?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Each time we see Everest, your tail begins to wag faster than normal. Like super fast. The only other thing that makes you do that is Mr. Porter mystery snacks you love so much." Chase smirked internally, convinced he had turned the table.

"What can I say? She's an awesome pup and Mr. Porter mystery snacks are the best thing ever invented. But I don't see what that has to do with Skye." Marshall's answer was obviously genuine and angered Chase.

"Ugh. Just drop it," Chase retorted angrily.

Seeing Marshall's shocked expression at his outburst, he immediately felt bad for the way he just acted.

"I'm sorry Marshall. I shouldn't have said that. I…I don't know what came over me."

"It's okay. I didn't mean to upset you."

Marshall cuddled Chase to show him he wasn't mad. Chase happily returned the gesture, glad he didn't hurt his best friend's feelings. Ryder and Rocky then came out of the building running with the Mixed Breed still carrying the sundial.

"Pups. We have an emergency at the construction site of the movie theater. I need Rocky and Rubble. You too Chase. Go change into your police uniform."

The mentioned pups obeyed. While Chase ran into the Lookout to change his uniform, Rocky and Rubble turned their pup houses in vehicles and jumped in their drivers seats.

"Euh…Rocky," Everest called him from where she stood with Skye and Zuma. "Do you know you still have the sundial?"

"Oh, right." Rocky opened his truck boot and put the sundial inside in a secured place. "That should do it."

Chase came back dressed in his police uniform and turned his pup house into his police truck. The three pups and their owner left the tower with their sirens on and took the path across the bridge. The new movie theater, the first of Adventure Bay, was being built next to the sports field that is behind Katie's pet parlor. It wasn't too far, so they reached it in less than ten minutes. The cars they encountered moving out of their way when necessary like always. On the site, there were construction trucks, a crane, scaffoldings and lots of various pieces and materials surrounding a circular building with two floors and almost as long as City Hall. The supporting walls of the two floors and roof were done. Or at least they had been. The building looked like it had collapsed on itself. A dozen workers were in front of it, either running or trying to move away debris. Ryder, followed by his pups, left his vehicle and ran toward the worker in charge, called Evan and recognizable by his red colored jacket, who was just finishing giving orders to two of his men. It was him who had called him. Even if they weren't from Adventure Bay, their company is the one most often called by the inhabitants, so they knew the town and the Paw Patrol.

"Evan, what happened," Ryder asked him.

"Ah Ryder, thank goodness you're here," Evan said. "To answer your question, I don't know. We were working as usual when suddenly all our equipment stopped working. Because of that, the crane dropped the heavy piece it was carrying directly on the building which caused a collapse. My men were able to run out in time, except for Marvic. He's stuck inside, still alive. You must save him."

"We will. In the meantime, you and your men need to evacuate the site until we can secure it."

Evan obviously didn't like leaving his man behind, but he knew what the Paw Patrol was capable of so he didn't argue. While he left to give the order, Ryder turned toward his pups.

"Chase, secure the perimeter. Rocky, use Rubble's bulldozer to open a way into the building, Rubble, you and I are going inside to get Marvic. Go, go, go."

The three pups obeyed. Since Rocky recently began to help Ryder with the maintenance of the vehicles, he knew how to drive all of them, with the exception of Skye's helicopter since he wasn't a pilot. The Mixed Breed used the bulldozer crane to lift and move away a large beam that blocked the entrance. There was a path between the debris, just high enough for Ryder to pass under while leaning. Trying to widen it could cause another collapse, so Ryder told Rocky to stop and went in, followed by Rubble. The inside of the building was a mess and full of dust.

"(Cough). I can barely breathe in here," Ryder said.

"Me too."

The boy and the bulldog pushed forward, avoiding the debris the best they could and calling Marvic name. After a few minutes, they heard him.

"HELP. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!"

"Marvic. We're here. Keep screaming so we can find you," Ryder answered.

When they found him, the man was stuck under three huge pipes and could barely move. He was so scared he was crying. "Ryder? Help me (Cough). I can't move."

"Don't panic, we're gonna get you out of here. Are you hurt?"

"I think my right leg is broken, but otherwise I'm okay. Please hurry."

"Hold on. Rubble, use your shovel to move the pipes so I can pull him."

"(Cough) Rubble on the double. (Bark) Shovel."

The shovel on top of Rubble's pup pack deployed. He began by moving the pipe on top which rolled away easily. He then dug until there was enough space for him to pass the shovel under the remaining pipes. Using it as a lever, he removed one pipe and lifted the other enough for Ryder to pull Marvic. The man groaned in pain, but the pipes hadn't injured him too much except for his leg like he had said. Ryder passed Marvic's arm around his shoulders to help him walk, but the difference in size made it difficult. Rubble helped by positioning himself on the other side and offering his shovel as a crutch. The trio advanced like that, slowly, toward the exit.

On the outside, Chase and Rocky were anxiously waiting next to the opening. Chase had finished blocking the access to the site with cones and Rocky had driven the bulldozer a bit farther from the building but still close enough should they need it. Both were waiting for further instructions, but were also worried. With the state the building was in, another collapse could easily happen. Time seemed to slow down until…

"I see them," Chase almost yelled when he saw three forms approaching.

"Yeah, they did it," Rocky exclaimed happily.

Ryder, Rubble and Marvic had reached the opening. However, it wasn't high enough for Marvic to pass and he couldn't bend down because of his injury. So Ryder laid down and told him to crawl. Rocky deployed his mechanical claw and, once Marvic caught it, pulled him away from the building. Chase helped him as soon as he could grab the man's clothes with his teeth. During this time, Rubble and Ryder got out of the building. Right at this moment, they heard something break inside it.

Crack

Everyone looked up. Pieces of the top of the wall behind Ryder and Rubble fell down right on them. They quickly jumped to avoid them. The bulldog managed to get away, but Ryder got stuck between the fallen pieces and the wall which continued to break down. He stood up to run away, but was blocked by more fallen debris.

"RYDER," the pups screamed.

Chase and Rocky ran toward him while Rubble stood up. Sadly, none of them had the time to think or do anything to save Ryder as new bigger pieces of the wall fell this time directly on the boy who was still blocked by the other debris around him. Before the pups could scream again, another voice was heard.

"Wouf. Magnetic hook."

A circular hook connected to some kind of energy beam appeared from nowhere and stuck itself to the crane of Rubble's vehicle who had been spared by the debris. Using it to pull herself, a pup in an orange uniform flew above the rescue pups. She deactivated it at the right moment and landed on Ryder, sending them both on the ground just before the debris hit him. Both disappeared under the deafening din and a cloud of blinding dust as the rest of the wall collapsed.

So, I want to clarify something here about the romance. While the showrunners said the pups aren't in any way in love with each other, there are some moments in the show that could suggest the contrary. In this story, Chase and Skye does have a crush on each other. Same for Marshall and Everest. But since they are only pups (from six to eight years old), they aren't aware of it. They know they like to spend time together, but that's it.
Chase is shy when it comes to this, so when Marshall friendly confronted him, he reacted a bit harshly. Marshall, on the other hand (or paw), is oblivious to the whole situation, so he doesn't act differently.
As for the girls, Skye and Everest are more confident and may talk about this with each other, but it doesn't lead anywhere.

There was a bit of action and danger at the end. I hope you liked it. What happened to Ryder? Where did that pup (Race) came from? Stay tuned for more chapters.

Take care. Until next time.