Please don't kill me I'm trying to work on this story and I know it's been a while and I haven't updated and I suck for that and I wish I had gotten this out sooner so please don't be mad I really did try but it's here and you can read it and that makes everything fine so there's no hard feelings and we're still friends right?!
*SHARP INHALE OF BREATH*
Hi everyone! I live, and I have just created another chapter for this story... maybe a month or two or five late. *Nervous chuckle*
Anyway, what's new for you? I joined a soccer club and that's cool. I just watched the Mighty Movie yesterday at a friend's house. It was meh in my opinion. Humdinger was hilarious as always, but I wish that the movie had a little more, oh I don't know, Skase hints?! I mean, have they forgotten about everything in seasons 1-3?!
The little puffballs were nice, I guess, and some of the improvements to the pups' powers were neat. Skye seemed a little too reckless for her character, but I guess her traumatizing backstory was driving her to do foolish things. Also, the meteor crystal thing was interesting, y'know, as I kinda have that same thing in this story, soooo...
Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. I do not own Paw Patrol or any of the characters within. I still wish I did, because in my arrogant opinion, I can redeem it. Have fun!
3:30 PM, Somewhere over the Western United States.
"Are we there yet?" Tomissen asked lethargically, rolling across the floor of the jet with a long, drawn-out sigh.
"No," replied several voices, all exasperated.
Tomissen continued his roll, front paws outstretched. "How about now?" He ended up bumping into a very annoyed looking Border Collie.
Captain rolled his eyes so high, Chase worried his irises would disappear into his head. "Yes."
"Really?"
"Does it in any way appear so to your eyes?" Captain spat, gesturing out the front windows at the vast sky and the mainland United States stretching out as far as the eye could see. "At all?"
"Captain," Chase chastised lightly from his seat, speaking softly as not to disturb the napping cockapoo against his chest. "We're all nervous, we just deal with it in different ways."
"I know that, but his incessant whining will drive me troppo!" He retorted, pushing the beagle away who continued rolling, impacting a bench row in slow motion, groaning the whole way.
Rocky yawned, having just finished his fortieth paw wrestling match with Zuma. "I wish we could just, y'know, hold down Y and skip straight to the action." Most of the pups made low sounds of agreement as yawns, nervous looks, stretches, and restlessness abounded.
Ryder turned his head back, eyes holding trace amounts of sympathy. The perceptive eye could identify the faint lines under the boy's eyes from lack of sleep. "We're all anxious. I suggest you all just rest while you can."
"Forget rest," Tomissen exclaimed in frustration, hopping to his paws. "I need something to do. Aussie ain't the only one going nuts." The beagle hopped onto the left bench beside Tanya, who scooted away with her parrot on her head and scowled in annoyance. Tomissen clambered onto the seat's backing, straining to reach the overhead storage.
"What are you doing?" Arrby asked in concern, cocking his head.
"Looking... around," Tomissen replied, sticking out a tongue in concentration as he pawed the latch on one of the sections. "Who knows what evil little goodies Harold might have in here..." He stretched, flicking it with a metal click.
Captain rolled his eyes, about to say something when the storage unit flipped open. Tomissen's shout of success was drowned out by a female shout of protest. Pups startled as a white pup plummeted to the floor, landing with a roll and popping up to her paws with the poise of an acrobat.
"Sweetie?!" Marshall exclaimed, blinking in surprise from dozing on his seat.
The princess pup smiled bashfully as Busby fell out as well, landing with an angry squeak. Sweetie wore the uniform and pup pack that she usually did when up to trouble around Barkingburg, though her fur was in its normal, bang-like style. "Greetings all! I hope that my dropping in is not too disruptive." Tomissen fell off the chair and landed with an ungraceful thump.
"What are you doing here?" Rocky asked in shock, though he wasn't displeased. "I thought that you-"
"You really didn't think that I would submit that easily, did you?" She asked it with a sound approaching haughtiness, but more in a humorous sound. "When have I ever changed my mind so quickly?"
"She's got a point there," Everest said ruefully, settling back into her seat after the initial surprise. "I take it you don't have permission to be here, huh?"
Sweetie gave the Husky a condescending look. "Permission is really just a formality, love."
"How in the world did you even sneak onboard?" Rubble asked in amazement.
Sweetie grinned impishly. "That you'll never know. What you do is that there's no sending me back, so I'm part of this adventure 'til the end."
Everyone looked towards the cockpit as Ryder began laughing, shaking his head. "I guess so, welcome aboard Sweetie. I'll be keeping you out of harm's way, though."
She snorted imperiously. "As long as I get to help. No one, and I mean no one, leaves me behind."
"Looks like it," Zuma chuckled, hunkering down into the bench cushions. "Well, Princess dudette, get ready to see how the Paw Patrol handles the little doofus."
Sweetie scowled attractively at the Labrador. "First of all, call me that again and I will have Busby destroy you." The little frog somehow took on a menacing light, and Zuma's smile faltered. "Second, from my point of view, he handles you more than you do him, seeing as he tossed you all into my dungeon."
Zuma wrinkled his nose. "Yeesh. That's just us on, like, a bad day. We'll get to Foggybottom and stop him with time to spare at the beach and getting ice cream."
"Let's hope so," Chase mumbled, leaning into the bench. "Let's hope so."
3:42 PM, Foggybottom.
"All right, all right! Let's move it people!" Jake called, waving his hand towards the idling train, the steam slowly curling from its engines and across the platform, mixing with the light mist that had begun to encompass the town. The lines to the passenger cars moved too slowly in his opinion, but it was a lucky thing that the town was nearly entirely emptied. As it turned out, Mayor Humdinger's "contingency plan" worked like a charm, ferrying people out on waiting passenger ships and trains for Adventure Bay. A few airplanes also left, already prepared to leave weeks in advance. Foggybottom's police department had quickly issued an emergency alert, making sure the quasi-evacuation was carried out orderly and safely. With an army of Harold's goons on the way, Jake was surprised the nearest US battalion had not been alerted, but then again, who would believe that a short preteen with a prepubescent voice had organised an invasion of artificially manufactured death dogs from the harnessed power of a glowing space rock?
Nearby, Tundra sat in Chase's police cruiser, badge shining in the station lights. "That's it; stay calm and move in an orderly fashion."
"Mommy!" A little girl who held the hand of a young adult woman squealed, pointing excitedly at the husky. "Look! Police puppy!"
"Jake," Cinder addressed softly, catching the mountaineer's attention as she padded over. "Most of the citizens have been evacuated. Only two more trainloads remain."
"Good job, dudette," he replied, reaching down and giving her a pat on the head out of habit. Not that the Dalmatian minded, as her tail wagged positively from the contact. Jake missed his own pup, though. He had found sleeping or resting hard without knowing Everest was safe in her bed or curled on his lap. He really was hoping that Harold would come face to face with him, because he had a few totally radical ninja-moves to pull on him. "Make sure that-"
"Wait... what's that?" She interrupted softly, tilting her head and seeming to be listening. "I hear jet engines."
On cue, two large aircraft roared overhead, rattling Jake to the core. They were a purple and silver colour that he instantly associated with cats, moustached men, and idiotic adolescents with big heads, in a literal and figurative sense. They did not appear to be landing nearby as they continued onward without slowing, but they were descending steadily.
"Is that Harold?"
"Take a bet," Jake answered with a raised finger, indicating the purple and yellow feline icon on the steel-grey field of the undersides of the wings. The wings dipped and pivoted as they hung a sharp corner towards the centre of town. Jake's pups coalesced nearby, eyes on him. "Great. Looks like we're outta time."
"It's just two," Tuck observed, craning his neck to watch them go. "Can't be too many."
"Don't you remember what Ryder said? Infinite," Ella reminded her twin.
"Any is a lot for our little band," Jake said, dialing on his phone and bringing it to his ear. After a moment's wait, he breathed out in relief when the voice of Ryder picked up.
"Jake? Is that you?"
"Yeah, dude. Harold just arrived, and it looks like he's going towards midtown."
"We're almost there. Do what you can to stall them."
Jake twisted his lip in thought. "We'll do what we can, but you've gotta get here pronto."
"What can we do?" Tundra asked as Jake finished on the phone, tipping her hat back with a slight flick of her head. Her expression was one of unmasked worry. "Once Harold lands, he'll outnumber us by... a lot."
"We don't have time to block the roads," Cinder said with soft regret. "I wish we would've thought to build obstacles earlier."
"Ahem," Mayor Humdinger cleared his throat noisily as he sauntered over, hands behind his back. "I can't help but overhear your predicament."
Jake wrinkled his nose out of habit, regarding the man coolly. "I thought you had run off already?"
"And what? Leave the fate of my precious town to a bunch of mutts and a mountain man?" Humdinger scoffed snidely. Jake, tempted to retort rudely, bit his tongue instead, waiting for the man to finish. "Anyhow, I may have just what you're looking for."
"And that is...?" Jake prompted, more than a little impatient.
"Fireworks," the purple man proclaimed confidently. "And a truck full of super glue."
Tuck furrowed his brow. "A truck full of... why?"
Humdinger tilted his head, face portraying mischief to a degree that was malicious. "Well, I did plan on gluing up the entirety of Adventure Bay next Monday, but this appears more urgent."
Luka blinked. "Why would you cover a town in glue?"
"Purely for my amusement, of course!" Humdinger said. "That, and as payback for Goodway beating me at the Annual Mayor's goat race. I still say it should be cheating to field a crossbreed Boer-Toggenburg as the rules state that only milking goats may-"
"Okaaay," Jake interrupted, a plan formulating inside his brain, giving him that same excited tingle as when he was preparing to do an awesome boarding trick. "I have an idea, but I'm gonna need your help, dude."
"You need my help?" He laughed loudly. "Music to my ears!"
"Yeah, don't get used to it," the mountaineer grumbled, turning to his pups. "Luka, Tundra, and Tuck; go fetch the glue and get ready to move it on my say so. Cinder and Ella; go with that fruitloop and nab those rockets. I'm going to scout out the bad dudes and figure this out." He crouched down by the two latter mentioned female pups, scratching them and lowering his voice. "I don't trust this whack; he's got a bad track record with... anything, explosives and lasers especially. Keep your eyes open, ears up, and tails down."
"You can count on us," Cinder whispered back, and Ella nodded.
"Are you done whispering?" Humdinger said in a low, sarcastic voice. "Y'know it's pretty rude."
"You would know, wouldn't you?" Jake snapped, straightening. "Alright, I'mma recon the baddies and tell you where to put stuff."
Humdinger watched Jake dash off a jump into his truck, revving up the engine and roaring off around the well occupied train station. "Harrumph. Good riddance. Alright, dogs, you follow me to- hey!" He watched the pups begin off towards their borrowed Paw Patrol vehicles. "Hey! You have to wait for me! I'm leading you to the... wait up!"
3:48 PM, Foggybottom.
"W-We're above the town... sir," the pilot stumbled through his words, his unsteady tone betraying his fear. "Should I set down at the edge?"
"Of course not," Canis said in a surprisingly polite tone, examining his paws in disinterest as he sat near the rear of the jet, watching Harold toil over the Spawner out of the corner of his eye. "Land as close to the center as you can."
Harold, meanwhile, was sweating so much he thought he could fill a swimming pool. He wasn't exerting himself too much, as most of the heavy work was easily facilitated by his glowing, magic powers. At the moment, he could actually admit that he was truly terrified. Never had he considered the possibility that his goons would become more than that and turn on him. Where was their loyalty?!
His mind was racing as he felt the vertical thrusters activate and the craft began descending, making the cabin tremble. He had to stop Canis. Never did he mean to invade Foggybottom, just... invade and make his uncle respect him. Was that too much to ask for? Uncle Humdinger always looked down his nose at him and used him as a scapegoat when possible, blaming failed plans on Harold's youthful inexperience or technical oversights. If he could show that, just once, he could win, that he could be successful, the mayor of Foggybottom- Harold's uncle, might see him differently. Maybe congratulate him.
Not like that was happening anytime soon. Again, Harold had lost control of things. Why had he not made them dumber or chosen a different scheme? There was still the burrowing centipede mecha idea. But he had screwed it up again, failing like normal, and now someone he knew could get hurt. For all his meteor strengths and his intelligence, he was powerless.
"Where is everyone?" Lycan the four-armed freak said, peering out a window. "The town looks abandoned."
"Maybe they're all hiding," Feng rumbled, pacing impatiently. "Just means we get to drag 'em out."
Harold risked a glance out, seeing trees and instantly recognizing Humdinger Park which was only a few blocks from City Hall. He could also see that the streets were empty. No cars drove, no pedestrians walked, and all lights of any sort were off. That was weird. He could almost imagine cartoon tumble weeds blowing down the road. It was like everyone...
Skipped Town.
Harold quickly went back to work, trying to exhibit no change in demeanor or breathing as he continued working. If he was right, then his uncle had enacted their alien-assault contingency plan, which meant that the Paw Patrol was working to stop Canis (or Harold. They probably had no idea about the little rebellion that had happened mid-flight). There was still a chance Harold could stop his creations, but for that to happen, he would need help, and from Ryder of all people.
"Hey, boy," Feng shoved Harold from behind, making him hit his head on an open panel of the Spawner. "That done yet?"
Harold lifted a hand to his smarting forehead, biting back nasty replies, instead just grumbling his response. "I haven't fixed the range yet, but within city limits your force should be operational."
"Should?" Feng growled, pinning the boy roughly against the metal device. Harold fought the urge to cover his face, instead meeting the cold eyes of the creature, its snarling snout pressed near his nose. "You're a useless-"
"Would you like to finish it?" Harold invited, staunchly defying the monster's glare. "I'm sure you are technologically capable."
Feng made a deep, feral noise in his throat, and Harold waited for the pain only to be released. "Stupid boy," the wolf muttered, stepping away as the jet landed with a final jolt. The ramp began to lower. "Your usefulness is only temporary. Now activate it."
Harold made no sign of acknowledgement, instead turning back to the machine and pressing a few buttons. It hummed with power, sounding like a hundred angry bees that had just woken up as yellow light bathed the occupants of the jet. Then it ceased buzzing and made a beeping noise. Large, canine creatures began to materialize out of thin air, growling, howling, and stalking forward out into Foggybottom.
"Excellent," Canis approved, looking to Lycan. "Our first destination is the town hall. Feng, you will stay here and guard the boy."
"What?!" The bulky creature spluttered in outrage. "But I-!"
Canis cast a deathly look at his subordinate, and Feng's jaw snapped shut, though the complaints were clearly reflected in his expression. "Do as ordered. And Harold, continue to prove your value. The alternative is less than pleasant."
Harold remained silent, continuing to work silently as the army was created.
3:56 PM, Several miles outside Foggybottom.
The pups busied themselves inside the jet, attaching parachute harnesses and checking their packs under the direction of Skye. With the exception of Tomissen, all the pups were familiar with the safety measures and usage of the equipment. Ryder and Sid were both suiting up similarly, in the event they needed to jump. They had gone over the plan several times already: Skye would lead the pups without mighty powers in a jump near the train station to add some extra security for the citizens. The rest of them would insert themselves between the station and Harold's forces.
Nerves were strung tight, and Captain's boisterous singing didn't help matters.
"'Is everybody happy?' cried the Sergeant looking up,
Our Hero meekly answered, 'Yes,' and then they stood him up
He leaped right out into the blast, his static line unhooked
And he ain't gonna jump no more
Gory, gory what a helluva way to die
Gory, gory what a helluva way to die
Gory, gory what a helluva way to die
And he ain't gonna jump no more"
Tomissen gulped, trembling as Captain shoved him playfully with only the slightest hint of vengeance in the twinkle in his eyes.
Skye scowled hard in his direction. "You might think that's funny, but it's not, Captain."
Instead of replying, he continued on:
"He counted loud, he counted long, he waited for the shock
He felt the wind, he felt the cold, he felt that awful drop
The silk from his reserves spilled out, and wrapped around his legs
And he ain't gonna jump no more
The risers wrapped around his neck, connectors cracked his dome
Suspension lines were tied in knots around his skinny bones
His canopy became a shroud as he hurtled to the ground
And he ain't gonna jump no more
The days he'd lived and loved and laughed kept running through his mind,
He thought about the girl back home; the one he left behind,
He thought about the medics, and wondered what they'd find,
And he ain't gonna jump no more."
"Don't pay him any mind," Tanya comforted the visibly distressed beagle. "I've jumped several times, and it's easy. Besides, Skye is a pro. She'll make sure you land well."
Tomissen smiled weakly, nodding. "Y-Yeah... nothing to worry about." He sounded like he was trying to convince himself of that. He was failing miserably though as the Collie continued on with pride.
"Pups, we're almost there," Ryder said, and the entire cabin fell silent. "Chase?"
The Policepup stepped up, tall, straight, and confident. "This is going to be tough. We won't know exactly how strong Harold's force is until we're on the ground, but we're the Paw Patrol. We make tough look like a stroll through the park. Despite the nature of this mission, we're still on the roll to a rescue. Foggybottom is depending on us, and we won't let them down. Paw Patrol?"
"Is on a roll!" The crew shouted and howled in determination.
In the meanwhile, Sid sidled up beside Ryder and spoke to him in a low voice. "Yer first mate has really filled the mold of leader well."
Ryder grinned proudly, hands on his hips. He watched Chase join Skye in inspecting parachutes one by one, offering words of encouragement. Skye kept glancing at the German Shepherd, smiling in admiration. "He's done well. The pups have always looked up to him as the oldest, and now they look up to him as a leader. He has them motivated." Ryder glanced at the pirate. "And he even has you following his lead."
Sid put on an offended face. "I 'ave no idea what yer talkin' 'bout. I'm here fer the chance of ill-gotten booty and vengeance against that blasted Humdinger, and naught else."
"If you say so," Ryder relented, shaking his head as the pirate sauntered away, whistling a sailor's tune. The boy turned to the front of the jet, watching as the outline of Foggybottom gradually became clearer.