Hello all! Here we are with the next chapter! I am nearing the end, guys! Really!

Please enjoy! I (sadly) own nothing PAW Patrol.


Chapter 23- Finally Letting Go

Ryder sighed; this conversation with Cynthia was not one he wanted to have. She was so irritating! Although, she also meant well... sort of.

Kind of.

Maybe; he wasn't sure.

He settled into his desk chair, feeling like he aged roughly sixty years. The sooner this was done, the sooner he can take the pups to see Alek, and the sooner he could finally close this chapter of his past and look forward to his future.

"Okay, well...um, Ryder." Cynthia sounded like she didn't know where to start. She knawed her lip in thought before letting out a heavy sigh.

"Alright. I know this is the last conversation you want to be having. I'm going to try and be quick, but I'm going to start by saying- I'm confused. You are in charge of a bunch of young puppies who can talk?"

Ryder shrugged nonchantly. He gotten that quiiiiiite a lot from her since he first woke in the hospital. "Yes. We're the PAW Patrol- when someone needs help, we rescue them. And yes, the talking bit throws off a lot of people who don't know who we are."

Cynthia noted that and hummed as she flipped a few pages in his chart. "Got it, and noted. They were the ones who were with you at the hospital, I remember. They're rather intelligent for such young pups. Especially the Dalmatian- I think his name was Marshall? Quite medically advanced, I must say."

"I trained them to be prepared for any situation." Ryder didn't like how she made it seem like his pups were supposed to be almost idiotic- but he had to remember, Cynthia isn't from Adventure Bay.

"Except for you getting sick, it seems." she quickly shot back. "It doesn't seem like you were prepared for that, either."

Ryder frowned but couldn't retort. Okay, she was right about that... unforentunely.

"As for those results... ah, okay." Cythina was relieved as she read the attachement Ryder sent to her. "Your lab results came back normal. Nothing indicating anything serious. I can't speak on what exactly got you so ill- but Marshall did explain you had been working yourself a lot more than normal lately. If it was something like a cold, the flu-"

"I could have just worn my immune system down and got sick. I suppose that's possible..." Ryder quickly dismissed that thought. "But something else had to be wrong with me. I got so sick I wound up in the hospital. What about my blood work? Anything unusal?"

Cythina shrugged. "I'm not seeing anything here... but I think you'd better come in for a follow up visit in a few days. I'm not seeing anything alarming but it might be best to check and make sure nothing else is hiding here." She sent Ryder a contact number for Adventure Bay Clinic's front office. Ryder sighed, but decided to go. 'Marshall will kill me if she tells him I refused...'

"Okay. I'll make the appointment." Ryder saved the number. "Was there anything else we needed to discuss?"

"... oh. Ryder, um... there's a death certificate in here." Cythina had been reading through more files containing Ryder- files Ryder didn't know Mayor Goodway had kept since he lived in Adventure Bay.

"Alekzander Dassault... you had a sibling? And... he passed when he was 11? Ryder, how old are you?"

"Yes, I had a sibling. And I am currently 10 years old." He answered flatly, trying to keep emotion clear from his tone of voice. "He passed when I was about seven years old. I've been on my own ever since."

"Your parents-"

"I don't want to talk about them." Ryder angrily and abruptly cut her off. "They're nothing to me."

Cynthia could tell she hit a sore spot with that but she had no choice- in her eyes, and the eyes of the law- Ryder and the pups were miniors living on their own, not to mention taking on adult level careers! How did the mayor of that town not see what was clearly wrong with their living situation?!

"I'm sorry Ryder. But I have to ask some questions. This isn't something a ten year old should be doing. Nothing about what you all are doing seems practical, and clearly it isn't safe considering what happened to you."

Ryder bit down on his lip. "What is there to ask? They got divorced, left me a letter and some cash and abandoned me and Chase after Alek died." He spat bitterly. "I hate them and there isn't much else to say about it. Why not go after them? They techincally committed an ACTUAL. CRIME. I'm far safer here than I've ever been with people who wished they never had me, don't you think!?"

Cynthia felt the bitterness, anger and hatred through the phone, and part of her wanted to end the call and rush over to him personally to comfort him. She also knew Ryder was right- both his parents should have been apprehended for child abondonment when he showed up alone in Adventure Bay. Again, she made a mental note to have a chat with that mayor when she got a chance.

But this was about Ryder and those pups. She knew Ryder was just as ready to end the conversation but it needed to be had. So she continued.

"What about your family dynamic, before Alekander's death? Was it normal?"

Ryder chuckled darkly. Oh well, she asked for it.

"Define normal, Miss Cynthia. I mean, I had a normal childhood ONLY thanks to Alek. My parents only wanted one son, but somewhere along the way, they had their mistake. Me. There wasn't much happy times to tell, if you couldn't figure that part out. Eventually I was left with Chase, my parents split up and I moved on."

Cynthia sighed. She wasn't going to get anywhere like this. Then she remembered what Mayor Goodway had given her.

"The Mayor- Mayor Goodway, I believe- she gave me something. Hold on... one moment..." Ryder could hear paper rustling in the background, and wondered what she was doing. He slouched in his seat, briefly wondering what his 'parents' wanted with him now.

That quickly died down once she stopped rustling and sighed happily, having retrived whatever she was looking for. "So it appears your parents have been writing to you for the past three, four years. This letter is from your mother. It's recent."

"...I know." Ryder admitted quietly. He turned the speaker on and set his PupPad down, crossing his arms and looking off at the wall. "I've been told they've been sending me letters for awhile. I don't care. I told her to burn them and to never tell them anything about me. As far as I'm concerned, they're dead to me."

Cynthia opened a letter and scanned the contents. Then her face softened. "Can I at least read you this one? It was sent just last week."

Ryder let out an exasparted sigh, tired of this conversation. "Why?! Why do you keep trying to get me to listen to anything they have to say?! I don't want to hear from people who would abandon their own child!" he yelled. Ryder never realized how much anger he had still rooted in his heart. It hurt, espically since she was so determined to make him face up to it.

"Cynthia, I have tried to live for my brother, for myself, for the past four years- I made him a promise that I would be kind and strong to everyone, to smile even when feel like crying... and to take care of Chase..."

He wiped his eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling heavily. "I finally moved on... I have six young puppies who went through just as much trauma, as much pain, as I have, and we're finally happy and living a life none of us ever thought of! We finally, FINALLY move on and now you want to just... just mess everything up?!"

Cynthia was silent as Ryder panted, trying to catch his breath. She needed to think about what he said. 'So it's not just Ryder who has truma, but his pups, too? What kind of family is this...?'

"...Ryder... I promise you, that's not my plan nor my goal." Cynthia finally spoke up. She sat back in her chair and fingered the corner of Ryder's file. "I can assure you, I only want what's best for you, and for your pups. But you almost died, and that is something serious."

Ryder was silent on the other line, staring out in space. Then he said:

"I know that. But I'm not changing my mind."

Cythina finished the letter. "Ryder, please. I know you don't want to hear anything about it, but this letter... I get the feeling your mother learned her lesson. Can I please read it to you? Just a little of it?"

Ryder grunted in response, now a bit curious as to why Cynthia wanted to read it so badly. Cynthia didn't delve into too many things. She started at the midpoint, where she strongly beleived Ryder needed to hear most.

'... Ryder, I know after all these years, you don't want anything to do with me, or your father.

I know we basically left you and that little puppy- Chase, was it?- to fend for yourselves. I blamed you for something that was never your fault, and your father was no better. We behaved like monsters to a child who never asked for it.

I know by now, you still miss your brother. We do, too. And... I guess for me, I'd hoped I'd hear from you with these letters. But after writing to Marietta and Horatio, and hearing what you had to say, I realized that I was far too late.

I was too late to mend our relationship as mother and son. And I am so, so sorry I ever made you feel like less.

You were right. Alek was right. We should have accepted the fact we were blessed with two wonderful, intelligent, gifted boys. You and Alek never fought- Alek would give everything for you. And in a way, he did. I know he had no regrets about saving your life. I suppose that's what made this all even harder to cope with.

Alek did what we never did as your parents. He raised you, raised Chase. He showed you the world, how to build, how to love and care for others, how to be leaders. Chase... I don't know much, but I know living with you, that pup has become one fine policedog.

We understand your reason for never wanting to see or speak to us again. We know that what we did, it hurt you, far, FAR more than we could ever hope to realize. And even with your success as the new heroes of Adventure Bay, you are still a child who needed parents to guide him.

You needed us. But we failed and we can never begin to apologize enough for what we've done.

Your father and I know right now, you can't forgive us. You might never want to trust us, to see us, and... I know its a mercy that you even gave us a response last time. But... I can only hold out hope as you grow that one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive us and let us talk to you in person.

We've had to learn that we lost both our children, our ONLY children, and it was so easily avaoided had we only cared more as parents. Had we simply loved you both the way you deserved to be loved. But I did

I miss you, Ryder. But I know you have a town, a family, to raise now. You've been forced to grow into an adult far before your time because of us. But you're far better than us. You took care of Chase, and now, you take care of everyone.

I hope you can forgive me, Ryder. And I truly do want to talk with you one day soon.

Until then, my only son, please take care.

Love,

Rebecca'

Ryder was silent as he took in the words. He didn't really know what to think of them. He never really did after that day... and now, hearing the letter, he was forced to face the fact that his parents wanted a relationship with him. With his pups.

She sounded sincere... but they still did what they did. And he didn't think he could risk letting them back in his life as it was right now.

"Miss Cythina..." Ryder decided maybe this letter wouldn't be so bad to have.

Just this one.

"Yes, Ryder?"

"Can you mail a copy of that letter? Just that one?" Ryder was still confused on his current mindset but he figured that was just one more thing to worry about later. "I don't want to communicate with them so don't tell them I got it. But... I want to read the whole letter."

Cynthia wanted to ask more, but hearing Ryder's voice made it clear that pushing wasn't going to help her any. She agreed and once she got the Lookout's mailing address, prepared to send it to him.

"Okay, so back to you. How have you been feeling?" Cythina moved on fast, Ryder thought in shock.

"You never returned to the hosiptal so I'm assuming your, um... your pups are taking care of you?" Then she paused, and rubbed her temples in confusion.

"I'm sorry, but I'm still finding it hard to believe DOGS are caring for a CHILD. How long has this been going on exactly, Ryder?"

Ryder shrugged. "I don't have an exact number. So I'd say... pretty much since my parent abandoned me and Chase. I found them- or they found me, I guess. And it's always just been our dynamic. To answer your previous question, I've been fine. Marshall limits my activities so nothing strenuous until I go back for a wellness check."

"Chase...?" Cythina never took the time to learn all the pups names that day, but she had a hunch she knew exactly who Ryder was referring to. "Wait... that pup you were squeezing to death the day you came around? The German Shepard?" Ryder made an afferative sound.

"How long has he been with you? I've heard his name come up quite a bit so I'm guessing a long time?"

"Again, since my parents abandonded me. Well, actually, a little longer than that. Alek was the one who saved him from his own family issues and got him to live with us. And after he passed, Chase and me were all we had."

"... do all those dogs talk?" Cynthia randomly asked.

"Yeeeeeeep." Ryder chuckled. "And before you ask, I don't know how it happened. Chase was always able to talk, but only to me and Alek. I still don't know how, seeing none of his family could talk. Same for the others."

Cythia couldn't believe what she was hearing but could only jot it down. "Ryder, the real issue at hand. You're a minor living alone with six puppies who, by all accounts, shouldn't even be able to talk, let alone do what you're saying they do!"

"...yeah..." Ryder didn't really see where she was going with this. "Well, we've been doing just fine, so I can assure you, nothing will change. These pups are my family and I trust them with my life. So do the resisdents here at Adventure Bay- otherwise we wouldn't have so many calls every day!"

"And you've been doing a wonderful job, espically from what the mayor told me about you all. But... I don't know, don't you think you should have at least one adult there with you? You're still a child..."

"So what? Adults are fine and all, but I like my life now. The only adults that SHOULD have been there for me, well, they failed!" Ryder was geting fed up at this whole talk.

"And the only other person whom I would have wanted to be here isn't! So I don't want to uproot my life and my pups' life just because you cant wrap your head around how this works!"

Cythina was quiet for a moment. She had to admit, she was rather... pushy about the whole thing. "I'm sorry, Ryder." she apologized. "I'm just concerned, that's all."

Ryder was starting to become a bit of a jerk, and his face softened. "I'm sorry. Really. And I understand why you're saying what you're saying, but... " he stood up and stretched.

"Miss Cythina, I do thank you for helping take care of me. But you're not a social worker, or a miracle worker." Ryder sighed. "I've been living on my own this long, and it's thanks to my pups that I can keep waking up and doing what I do. We keep each other safe, and I understand the severity of what happened to me. But my pups still took care of me, and kept my safe. So I can assure you, I will be okay."

"But-"

"And yes, I'm fully aware that each of my pups are doing an adult's career. They're four legged creatures with wagging tails and they can talk and work harder than most adults. They're children, like me. And I worry for all of them for various reasons, just like they worry for me. At the end of the day, no matter what, we always have each other's back. And that's how it's going to stay."

Ryder walked over to his window and watched his six pups- all were talking about something, and they seemed rather excited about it. "I appricate your worry, but we've beeen okay this long. I think we'll continue be okay." Ryder smiled.

Cythina could hear the sincerity in Ryder's voice, and had to smile herself. 'I guess for him, it's like being a parent to children. Ryder may be young, and he lives with talking puppies, but they have been taking care of each other for so long. That young German Shepard had a streak of protection the day Ryder woke up, one I never saw in any human before. Perhaps I've been thinking about this all wrong...'

There was silence on both ends. Then Cynthia rubbed her temple sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Alright, Ryder. If that's how you feel about this, I won't talk to the social worker or to the police. But-"

"I know, I know. You're still worried about us." Ryder chuckled. "How about you come do a wellness visit sometime? Maybe once a month? Just so you can see how we work and see we're okay. And I will still be making that appointment."

Cythina smiled and agreed, jotting down some of their conversation. She and Ryder finished up more administrative last minute details before finally ending the call.

Ryder was relieved beyond belief that was finally over. He walked back to his room, dropping himself and his pad on the bed. Staring at the ceiling, he mulled over what he'd learned.

"Am I really ready to move on...? I know Chase was worried about me for years." He frowned.

"Alek... what should I do...?"


The pups continued to chatter away, unaware of the phone call that just happened. They finalized the details of the party and were now going to decide on supplies and other party favors. Ryder was still unaware about the whole event, even as he approached them with a relieved smile on his face.

The pups all stopped chatter on the party and surrounded him, happily barking and licking at his face. Ryder laughed and sat down with them all, Chase resting on his lap.

"So what were you all up to, pups?" Ryder asked. The pups were prepared for that question and answered without batting an eye.

"Just planning some games to play with you today, that's all." Marshall said, before he realized he wasn't being too considerate of Ryder's delicate mental condition. "Uh, uh, but only if you're, you know... up for it?"

Ryder had thought about it. He honestly wanted to finally get back to normal and move on with his life, but he knew there was one thing stopping him from moving forward. The pups could see the thought in his eyes and looked at one another before Zuma stepped closer and placed a paw on his thigh.

"What do you think, Wyder? You weady to see him?" he asked softly. Ryder blinked, lost in thought, before he sighed and nodded once. He needed to do this, so he and his family could have closure and allow life to return back to how it needed to be.

"See wh- oh." Chase sat down and tilted his head. It had been a LONG while since they'd been to Alek's resting place. "Are you sure about this, Ryder?"

"...honestly, pups. I don't think I'll ever be ready. But if I don't do this, I don't think I'll ever get it out of my head. And I think after this whole getting sick thing, I need to get it off my chest. So we can all finally move on." Ryder was allowing himself to be vulerable and he needed it. The pups snuggled closer, offering their support to him in their own way.

"PAW Patrol... let's go see Alek." Ryder finally decided. It was time to put an end to this. Chase agreed.

'Once he's done, he's gonna want to rest for awhile. I can't imagine having to see someone you loved in such a way to be easy. At least I had time to grieve my family, thanks to Ryder. But he needs this. He deserves this. And I hope I can be there the same way he was for me.'


The ride to Alek's resting place wasn't long, about an hour away from the Lookout. The whole ride was silent save for Chase's sirens clearing out the road to get them through traffic slightly quicker. Mayor Goodway still forbade them to actively participate in any rescues until Ryder was 1000 percent ready, something he could never thank her enough for.

Once the group reached the burial spot, Ryder turned off his ATV and took his helmet off. He hadn't set his eyes on the graveyard in years, and being back wasn't bringing the warm and fuzzies for him. "We're here, pups."

None of the young puips had actually seen a graveyard up close, and Rubble was freaked out already- for obvious reasons. Looking around with a nervous stare, he stammered, "A-Are there a-any ghosts around h-here?"

Ryder chuckled and hopped off his ATV. "No, none that I recall, Rubble. Come on, pups. Let's get going." The others nodded anf followed behind him.

The walk was silent, the pups either looking around in curious fear, or watching Ryder as he trekked on.

'I'm shocked I remember where you've been after all these years, Alek. I don't know that I'm ready, but... I need to be. I need to be better for my pups, for my home. For myself.' Ryder told himself as he began to slow his steps. After another minute or two, he stopped in front of a rather pristine looking tombstone, surrounded by fresh flowers.

"Well, pups... this is him." Ryder let out a shaky breath and knelt in front of the tombstone. The others surrounded him, reading the name etched on the stone.

'Aleksander Dassault'

Beloved in life and in death. My your memory remain strong.

09/22/2005- 04/13/2015'

The stone was simple and clean, the flowers' scent sweet and gentle, even under the evening time sky. Chase sat down and watched Ryder carefully, his own emotions well conceled. Marshall and Rubble were huddled close together, both scared of the graveyard and worried for Ryder. Skye leaned on Rocky for support, neither hiding the fact they were crying.

Zuma calmly approached the stone first, placing a paw on the base of the tombstone. "Hey, Alek dude. I'm Zuma. I'm sowwy we had to meet like... well, this." he said quietly with a small grin.

"Wyder is weady. It's been hard for him, and for all of us, too. But I think he needs this more than ever. He needs to move on."

"Thanks, Zuma. Uh..." Ryder sat on his bottom and crossed his legs, trying to sort his thoughts. The pups moved closer to him and for a short beat, there was the sounds of leaves rustling from the nearby trees.

"I-I'm sorry. Pups, that's Alek. I..." Ryder couldn't speak. The lump in his throat grew hard to talk around, and his normally organized thoughts were all over the place. "I thought I knew what to say, but I'm actually here and I don't- I don't know what to say anymore-"

Chase and Zuma curled up next to him, and soon the others followered suit. They all had something to say but this was Ryder's moment. They wanted to give him some time to process everything.

Hastily wiping his eyes, Ryder was about to stammer out an apology but Chase shook his head. "Ryder, its just us here." Chase's voice cracked a bit as he spoke. "Take your time, please. We're all here for you."

Ryder knew Chase was right, but he still felt guilty- why did he drag his poor pups down here? They didn't need to see him falling apart again like this!

"I-I'm sorry, pups, I-" he laughed through his tears. "I can't... god, I can't do this..."

Skye smiled a little. "Tell Alek exactly what's on your heart, Ryder. Just like you did with us before."

"I-I'm trying, Skye, but... god..." Ryder stuffed his fist to his mouth to stifle his oncoming sobs. The pressure was overwhelming the young leader and he was certain he'd fall to pieces. He bit down on his hand, his eyes shut tight, but still felt the tears rolling down his cheeks.

"I can't do this... I can't..." he finally let out in shaky sobs. "I'm sorry..."

The pups all sat by him, each silently offering strength in their own right. They all felt the emotion Ryder was struggling to let go of, and they knew how hard it could be. They wouldn't rush him- this was why he brought them.

Ryder knew he'd need their support.

Ryder's young shoulders trembled as he tried to sort his feelings out. Eventually, after he calmed down, he tried again, taking a deep breath to steady his voice and keep his thoughts somewhat together.

"...I'm sorry, Alek. I'm sorry I haven't been here in awhile. Its just... its been hard- it's been so hard..." Ryder struggled to keep going but soon he found his words.

"I never stopped thinking about you, big brother. Honestly. I miss you. I miss you every day. But I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with you. For everything you showed me... for making me stay strong despite those people who gave birth to us."

He paused before he glanced down at Chase with a tiny smile. "I brought my family with me. My real family. You'd love them. My pups. I know you saw something special in Chase the day we got him. You'd say the same thing about the others."

He sighed heavily- the words were flowing easier now. "We're in Adventure Bay, just about three hours from the city. It's a nice town- I figured me and Chase would have a good life there. And I was right. We all kind of... found each other there. We all have trauma that kind of made us... well, us." Ryder chuckled as Chase sat on his lap.

"Chase has always been with me since day one. He's such a wonderful policepup, and the best second in command I could've asked for. I-"

Chase nodded, urging him to go on. Ryder nodded. "I got sick a little while back. I think it was like before I... I lost you. I still don't know what made me sick, but... it was thanks to these six pups that I'm alive. Just like you got me to the hospital in time to save me back then. Chase kept everyone together... and I know it was hard on him. But he did a great job- you'd be proud."

Ryer patted Marshall's head, giggling at his poor dally's wide eyed expression. Poor pup was not a huge fan of the graveyard.

"This is Marshall, out EMT and firepup. He may be silly, but he's one of the best in his fields. He made sure I took care of myself with everything- even if I am a stubborn patient." Ryder lightly bopped Marshall's nose, distracting him with a small laugh.

"He is also a certified goofball- I swear you would love him. Even if he HAS to wipe out at least once a day!"

Skye was next; she was still leaning on Rocky, wiping her eyes as Ryder spread out his arm to make space for her. "This is Skye, our aviator. She's who got me into using the skills build their puphouses and our home... and everything, really. I still have the picture of that plane you made, by the way. Her copter was based off that- although, I had to put it in storage because of... people..."

Skye rolled her eyes in annoyance at the mention- she knew exactly who Ryder meant. 'Mayor Humdinger... that man is a menace!'

Rocky bumped his head into Ryder's arm and grinned when Ryder's arms made room for him. However, Rubble was still mostly concered about the supernatural elements and didn't waste time hiding in Ryder's jacket instead, whimpering in fear.

"And this is Rocky, our expert recycling pup and junk addict." he added with a amused chuckle when Rocky cut him a side eye.

"Hey, look- you can never say you don't have something when you need it!" he defended with a pout. Ryder laughed, and the pups were glad to see he was starting to feel a little, little better.

"That's true, although you'd probably be wondering the same thing we all do every time he opens his truck- how in the WORLD does he fit all that in there?!'"

Looking at Rubble, Ryder rolled his eyes and playfully tugged on his vest. "And this little scardey cat is Rubble, our 'rough and tough' construction pup. Although when it comes to ghosts, that... is another thing altogether." They laughed as Rubble tried to make an excuse for himself before he gave up and hid his face out of emabrassment.

"I know you didn't believe in those things, but, Rubble is the youngest... and most easily scared."

"HEY! I am NOT!" Rubble exclaimed only to whimper and hide right back in Ryder's jacket. Zuma patted Rubble on the back with an amused chuckle and said, "You so totally awe, Wubble."

"Awww, come onnnnn, Zuma! You're supposed to be on my side!" Rubble cried from within Ryder's jacket. After another moment of laughter, an oddly comfortable silence befell the little group. Rydeer glanced at his brother's resting place again.

"And you met Zuma, our water pup. I have no idea how he stays calm in some of his rescues, but... he kind of keeps us all calm when we're around him." Ryder finished. Zuma shrugged and said, "Ah, no biggie, Wyder."

Ryder chucked. "You'd definitely get along with Zuma, Alek. He's usually one of the pups telling me to take it easy-"

"Because he worked himself to death, Alek." Chase and Marshall said at the same time, cutting Ryder off. "Again."

A gentle breeze blew past them, causing some to shiver a little. Ryder smiled a little. 'I can already hear him- why do you keep working so hard, Ryder? Take a chill pill, relax!'

"The pups took care of everyone while I was out of commission. The town, the folks... and espically me. I know you'd be proud of them all." Ryder stopped, not knowing what else to say.

"I can't believe I didn't realize how bad I was. I should have noticed that, though... I'm supposed to be the leader!"

Chase whimpered; he didn't like how Ryder kept beating himself up about him falling sick. The pups understood; it was so easy to forget about yourself when caring for others around them.

"We don't blame him, Alek." Chase spoke. "We know Ryder's got a big heart and he cares about everyone in Adventure Bay. He'd do anything to protect them."

Ryder looked at Chase, who was staring back at him, calm and understanding. His eyes were wet with tears, something the others didn't often see with his usual professional air.

"We should have made him take it easy before, and he knows that." He placed a paw over Ryder's trembling hand. "But one thing is for sure- he's never lost that love for others, even after what he parents did. You'd be pretty darn proud of him, even if he can be hardheaded sometimes." he finished with a knowing grin.

The others all nodded in agreement and gave Ryder hugs and licks. Ryder grabbed them all and hugged them as much as his arms would allow. The smile slowly cracked and it wasn't long before the tears started flowing again.

"T-Thank you... all of you... for everything..." Ryder sobbed. The pups didn't say anything, feeling the dampness of the tears soaking into their fur. Some of them were shedding tears themselves.

They all felt honored that Ryder finally felt safe enough around them to let his guard down and his heart exposed. This wasn't easy for any of them, and they knew Ryder would never have come here alone, let alone let himself be vulerable like he was.

Around them, the breeze continued to kick up gently. It didn't feel as cold as it had been eariler, and even Rubble had to admit, the air around them didn't feel so scary.

Ryder and the pups lost track of how long they were there. Eventually, their tears subsided, but Ryder didn't know what else to say. He knew Alek heard everything and for once, he didn't feel that heavy burden he'd been carrying on his shoulders. 'I wonder if closure feels like this. Right now, I don't feel like my chest hurts everytime I think about you, Alek.'

Marshall glanced up at Ryder, seeing a new light in his eyes he hadn't seen in a little while. "You feel okay now, Ryder?" he asked. Ryder nodded.

"It's so strange, Marshall. I don't think my chest felt this light in a long time. I think... no. I know I'll be okay from now on." He squeezed them pups tight, knowing they were all worn out from all the excitement.

"Thank you pups, for coming with me. And for convincing me to come here." Ryder looked up- it had gotten late, and the sky was a beautiful shade of navy blues and purples.

"And thank you, Alek... for everything. I promise I'll make you proud and I'll live. I won't be sad anymore. And I won't overdo myself again. They'll make sure I take care of myself while I care for them. We have each other, and I'm grateful."

"We'll make sure he cares for himself too, Alek." Skye chipped in, licking Ryder's cheek. "Between him and Chase, if we don't force them to rest, they'll run themselves ragged!"

"And we can't let that happen!" Rubble chimed in. "We're a family, after all! That's just what we do- look out for each other!"

Rocky and Chase shared a knowing glace before they paw- bumped one another. "And we have to communicate how we feel." Rocky added on. "Like Rubble said, we're a family. And sure, we will disagree- and probably fight- about things we believe in."

"But we still have to be able to talk things out and reach an understanding. No secrets." Chase agreed. "Right, Ryder?"

Ryder realized his pups had matured somehow while he was down and out, and he was amazed. He smiled. "That's right. We're all we have... and I don't want us to ever feel like we can't come to one another. And that goes for me, too."

Ryder let them go and stood up to stretch his legs. He knew it was getting late and everyone needed to rest. The pups yawned and stretched as well.

"Ready to go, pups?" Ryder asked with a yawn as he hopped on his ATV. The pups howled in agreement and got into their respective vehicles.

"See you again soon, Alek. I'm glad I came. I love you, big brother." Ryder started his ATV, and the pups followed suit. Zuma was the last to leave, glancing over his shoulder one more time at the tombstone.

"Alek... you saved all of us. You never met us, but because you saved Wyder, saved Chase... you saved us. We all thought we'd just... dissappear. It's weally thanks to you that we have what we have."

Zuma adjusted his goggles, wiping his cheek before he smiled. "Thank you, Alek. Sewiously. Thank you for saving them. And for saving us. I promise you... we'll work hawd and take cawe of each other. See you again soon."

He giggled as a breeze tickled his nose before he fully kick started his hovercraft to catch up with the others.


It was just after 11pm when all seven of the PAW Patrol returned home. Despite not eating dinner, no one, not even Rubble, felt up to haivng dinner. The whole trip left them drained, but strangely, no one wanted to be alone.

After each member parked their vehicles, Ryder secured and locked up the Lookout, and a much needed bath (that even Rocky willingly took despite not wanting to actually get in the tub), they all piled into the common area to watch an Apollo the SuperPup movie marathon. Each pup brought their blankets with them, and Chase and Marshall brought their stuffed teddies as well. Ryder got his sleeping bag and blanket, more than willing and grateful to have a sleepover.

Mindless chatter filled the room, but not for long. As the marathon progressed, one after another, the pups fell asleep. By the third film, Ryder and Chase were the only ones still awake, but barely.

"Hey... Ryder...?"

"Hmm? Yeah, Chase?"

"I'm proud of you. What you did today... I know it was hard."

Ryder scratched behind Chase's ear, rubbing his eyes as he tried to focus on the TV. "Thanks, Chase. And...you're right. But it was time to let it go. That's why I got so sick in the first place."

He watched as the others slept on with a thoughtful expression. "You guys are my family and I meant what I said earlier. I need to learn to depend on you all more, especially when things like this happen. We're all we have, Chase. I can't lose another family."

Chase looked at the pups sleeping and yawned, curling as close to Ryder as possible. "Yeah... you're right."

They fell silent again while the movie finished and the credits ran. Soon, in the comfort of the dimly lit common area, all seven members were sound asleep, the stress and worry lifted off their young shoulders.

Outside, the breeze continued to blow, carrying fallen leaves throughout Adventure Bay Cemetery. It rustled the petals of Alek's flowers, sending them fluttering away in the stillness of the night.

'I love you, Ryder. I'm proud of who you've become, little brother. Don't worry... I won't leave you. I'll be here for you, for your family. I promise.'


I'm sorry for the delay, but here we are! Next chapter complete!

Side note: Marietta is Mayor Goodway's first name in my AU. I feel like it works for her.

Now that I got this one done, I have an idea of how the last one will go and I'll be glad (and sad) to say we will be offically done with this story. Please let me know what you think in the meantime!

Until next chapter!