Paw Patrol X: The Melody Rescue Arc

Paw Patrol X

Melody Rescue arc Episode Two: My Tie To Cut Part Two

Zuma was just waking up an hour after the knockout gas attack. Wave and the others got word of what happened from HQ, so they rushed down immediately to clear it out. Wave, Marshall, and Claw were all close to him. Wave was the first to notice him waking him. "Guys, he's waking up!" Zuma rubbed his head with Wave gesturing the others to step back. "Come closer, but not TOO close. He needs room to breathe."

Once Zuma was awake enough, he looked around and started to panic. He noticed that Melody wasn't there and became horrified. "Melody?" He ran over to his parents to make sure one of them wasn't on top of her. "Whewe's Melody!?" Rocky woke up just before Zuma did. He went over to him with Charm to console him. "Melody!?"

"Zuma." Rocky put his paw on Zuma's shoulder. He looked at him when he explained what happened. "I saw what happened. But just by a moment."

Zuma grabbed Rocky's arms upon turning to him. "Tell me Wocky! Please tell me! What did you see?"

Rocky knew Zuma would hate hearing what happened next. But even if it wasn't urgent, which it was, he could never lie to him. "The ice cream woman... she captured her."

The horror in Zuma's eyes was unfathomable. He couldn't believe it. Melody was in the clutches of some psychopath. It was at that moment he started recalling the gas attack used to knock him out. "The gas fwom the twuck. That Eskimo had to have known who we were." He tried to think about how the Eskimo would've known about the Paw Patrol. "But why would she twick us? Unless maybe-" Zuma remembered the talk he had with Bloodfreak earlier. The one that should've told him to head home. "Wait a minute."

Snow, who was close to Celeste and Gabe, caught them waking up and helped them stand. "Are you two okay?"

"Yeah, we're okay. Thanks Snow." Celeste answered, and that's when they realized Melody was gone too. They became just as horrified as Zuma. "Where's Melody!?"

Zuma looked towards his parents, who were relieved he was okay. As scared as they were for Melody, at least they knew he was unharmed. "Zuma!" Gabe shared this when they went to hug Zuma. "Do you feel okay?"

Zuma clenched his fists, which Rocky instantly noticed. Wave did too when walking over to them. He breathed in through his nose and out from with his mouth. It was easy to see how distressed he was. "Physically... yes."

Celeste and Gabe let Zuma pull away, sensing something was wrong. Claw showed concern for his longtime friend. "What's wrong Zuma?"

Ryder was also in the area, and he'd just returned as Zuma got ready to share his past. "Thewe's something I need to tell you all." Zuma turned to the others, knowing there were others who needed to hear this. "Let's fine Evewest, Wubble, Libewty, and Awwby and get back to the HQ. This is something all of you need to know. Some of you alweady do."

Back at the HQ, Zuma was telling everyone about his past with Bloodfreak. "Duwing my time alone... I came acwoss a gang that took me in. Their leadew was a Bowder Collie named Bloodfweak." Rubble, Claw, Liberty, and Arrby were all shocked to hear that Zuma used to be a gang member. As were Celeste and Gabe, who never could've seen that from him. The others had heard about it before, so they were more worried than anything. Zuma started to regret not telling the others for a variety of reasons. "As you can imagine... I did shady things then."

Zuma tried to contain himself as he got to the point. "Bloodfweak came to Adventuwe City. I saw him at the edge of the pawk, and he stopped me to talk aftew my call with Awwby. He wanted me to come back to his gang. Obviously I said no." Zuma looked at his parents, feeling especially horrible that he didn't tell them. "I think he was acquainted with the Eskimo who took Melody. They must be using her to get me to come to them and fowce my wetuwn."

Liberty couldn't help but express shock. Since Zuma's gang life was never made public, she never could've imagined he'd ever live like that. "Okay, hold up for a second. You were in a gang!? And you were... alone before?"

Zuma nodded his head yes, sharing this news with Liberty. "I won't go into all the details now, but some cowwupt cops awwested my pawents once. It led to me ending up at an owphanage." Zuma looked at Claw, feeling bad for not telling him either. After all, he knew him longer than almost everyone else here. "That's how I met Claw."

"So this gang life is what you did after you ran away?" Claw asked, and Zuma nodded his head yes. Claw was hurt that Zuma never told him. But then again, when would a good time to share it be? He kept those feelings to himself for now. "I always wondered what you did after you left. I thought the Paw Patrol just found you right after you left Coastal Current."

Zuma nodded his head no, and Celeste was the first to express her sympathies to Zuma for those hard times. When they came up to hug him of course. "We're sorry we weren't there for you Zuma."

"We know it must have been hard for you to have to resort to that lifestyle." Gabe shared, knowing that he and Celeste understood how hard gang life was. It's why they were arrested after all.

Rubble made an attempt to help Zuma feel better by sharing his thoughts. "Well... if it helps Zuma, I think that's pretty cool! I'm really friends with a former gang member!"

Zuma gave a deadpan expression before Rocky chuckled, correcting Rubble's response. "It's fine to think that Rubble. But now's not the time to share it."

Marshall remembered when he and the others met Bloodfreak. "We all met Bloodfreak during my first year on the team." Charm knew the moment Marshall was talking about. Looking back on it made him wince. "Charm was still evil back then, and he brought the gang here to-"

Marshall then remembered that Charm was in the room with them. Charm assured him he wasn't upset by the mention. "It's okay Marshall. I wasn't exactly burning all the evidence." Charm looked at Zuma and walked up to him upon remembering it. "Actually, that reminds me. I never properly apologized for what I did then. And on your birthday no less."

Zuma held his paw out, allowing Charm to shake it. "I don't need it. Not anymowe." Charm looked at Zuma, who expressed why he didn't need Charm to apologize. "Because you'we a diffewent Chawm now. One who helps us in our pwotection of evewyone." Charm smiled, appreciative that Zuma saw it that way. "Fouw yeaws in July."

Zuma ended the paw shake as Ryder addressed the danger at hand. "We're all here for you now Zuma. If Bloodfreak really is the one who took Melody, then we'll find out where his base is and get her back."

Arrby remembered something he saw from before that might be helpful to Zuma. "You said he was a Border Collie?"

"Yeah, that's wight." Zuma confirmed, only to then realize what Arrby could mean. He ran up to him in a hurry. "Did you see him Awwby!? Please tell me you did!"

"I think so. He was in a speedboat." Arrby shared, and a flashback came to when he saw him in the middle seat. "I only saw after the boat took off. But I think I saw a brown puppy in the back."

The flashback ended with Zuma piecing together what he knew. "He left on a speedboat. And the one who who wescued them said theiw base was located somewhere that... reminded him of me."

Celeste and Gabe were catching on as well. And when Zuma shared it, they were in fact correct. "He's set up in Coastal Current!"

Liberty looked to Wave, since she didn't know what Coastal Current was. "Coastal Current is Zuma's hometown. Bloodfreak must have stationed their latest base there to make Zuma more willing to join."

"I hope he doesn't actually think he will after this." Snow chimed in, knowing that if anything, Bloodfreak deserved the beatdown of a life time. "Capturing Melody, getting her involved at all." Her paw started shaking as she remembered when Charm captured Everest. "He's lucky I'm not with him right now to rip his-"

Wave started rubbing Snow's paw after grabbing it. She knew that now wasn't the time to lose their cool. "We're gonna find him Snowflake. And when we do, you can punch him to your heart's content!" Wave gave a light hearted chuckle before looking at Zuma. "Once Zuma's done of course."

Everest put a paw on Snow's shoulder to help her stay calm. When she did, she looked to Zuma to confirm she would back him up. "I know what it's like to be separated from your sibling Zuma. I'm right here if you need my support."

"Thanks Evewest. I'll get back to you on that." Zuma assured Everest, glad he had the support. "Wight now, I have to go and save Melody." Zuma made it clear he wasn't going to wait for one second. "I'm getting into my hovewcwaft wight now and waiding that base!"

"Whoa; slow down Zuma!" Ryder requested, knowing that rushing in wouldn't help. "We know you wanna get Melody back. But we can't rush in without a plan."

"What!? We don't have time to plan!" Zuma spoke back in frustration. "Melody's being taken somewhewe she knows nothing about by my fowmer gang leadew!"

"And if all he wants is to bring you back," Ryder began, speaking calmly but firmly to show he understood Zuma's frustrations. "then he won't risk jeopardizing that by hurting Melody in any way."

"We don't know that Wyder! That's why I have to huwwy!" Zuma protested.

Zuma's choice of words was caught by some of the others. Particularly his use of 'I' over 'We'. Ryder was one of the ones who noticed. "And if you're outnumbered? Your powers might not be enough." Zuma eased his guard, but Rocky could sense it right away. Zuma wasn't backing down to listen. "I promise we'll go as soon as we have a plan. But it's getting late, and we have to go into this with a clear head. It's the best chance we have at saving her."

Zuma sighed, feigning the idea that he was caving to Ryder's request. "Okay. Fine. I'll wait. But only until tomowwow."

"That's all I ask." Ryder said with a smile. However, Wave, who was next to them on the side of the couch, saw Zuma cross his fingers as soon as Ryder started making the plans on his Pup-Pad. Wave could tell Zuma wasn't about to wait.

Later that night, Zuma was getting up to head to Coastal Current. He noticed that Rocky wasn't beside him. He expected this to be the case. 'Guess he's still wowking.' Rocky told Zuma he had some late night work to do on his truck. That gave Zuma the time he needed to execute his plan. He pulled out one of his drawers and pulled out a note he hid underneath it. He took the note and put it on Rocky's pillow. He hated doing this to him, but he knew he'd insist on coming if he let him know about his plan. He didn't want him to die from his history.

Wave was leaving the bathroom after Zuma left his room and headed for the elevator. She noticed that he was in a hurry, and that he also tried to sneak around. She knew this had to be from when she saw him cross his fingers. She had a good idea on what he was doing. When Zuma got to the elevator, he pressed the button for the roof. The doors closed and allowed him to ascend. That was when Wave came out from the corner. She couldn't risk Zuma seeing her through the doors.

She got a good look at the open button and saw where Zuma was headed. She wasn't sure why he was headed to the roof, but she knew it had to involve saving Melody. Whatever Zuma's plan was, it involved him leaving before everyone else. Wave got worried Zuma was going to stage a solo rescue on Melody. She pressed the button to send the elevator down to stop him. She got in when it came down and pressed the roof button. She hoped she could stop Zuma from going into this battle alone. 'Zuma. Please let me talk you out of this."

Zuma was on the roof of the HQ and was headed over to the edge. Because Rocky was in the garage, he knew this would be his best bet at leaving discreetly. He walked over to the roof, looking around in case Robo-Dog was making a nighttime air patrol. He had to make sure no one would spot him. Once he was sure he was in the clear, he looked straight ahead. He sighed to himself, feeling bad about what he was doing. Just then, he was greeted with the sound of a dinging elevator. Knowing someone must have found out, he looked back to see who it was.

Wave left the elevator and started walking over to Zuma. She desperately tried to convince him to abort his plan. "Zuma, please don't do what I think you're doing!"

Zuma shot a water ball at a spot in front of Wave to tell her where to stand. She stopped instantly and looked back at Zuma, who explained why he was doing this. "I'm sowwy Wave. I can't let you guys get involved in this."

"We're your friends Zuma." Wave responded, failing to see why Zuma felt this way. "The way I see it, we're already involved."

"Then I'm wemoving your involvement!" Zuma shouted upon turning around. "This is my pwoblem. I'm not getting you guys huwt with it!" Zuma clenched his fists, showing Wave that he was trying to contain his anger for Bloodfreak. "I don't cawe if it's mowe difficult to go alone. If it saves you all, then I'm wisking it!"

Wave wasn't used to seeing Zuma like this. Seeing him act outside of his laid back, supportive self scared her. This must have been like how Liberty felt when Arrby left to save Sid. Wave was deeply concerned, and knew this was because of Zuma's desperation to save Melody. She just wished he knew why he felt that he had to do it alone. "We're a team Zuma. If someone you love is in danger, then we're all gonna band together and help you save them. We'll have a plan first thing in the morning, I pro-"

Zuma stomped his foot when shouting again. "That's not fast enough!" Wave flinched, but maintained her composure. She noticed Zuma giving her a battle ready glare when he expressed his feelings. "Melody's twapped with Bloodfweak and the west of his gang. She's being used as a hostage because of me. She's all alone in Bloodfweak's base. The gang I used to wun with!" Zuma started to spawn water from his paws, prompting Wave to brace herself further. "And if you can't accept my decision... then you'd better be weady to stawt swimming!"

Zuma launched several water balls at Wave, who dodged them all one by one as she dashed at him. She aimed a punch at Zuma, who aimed one at her, causing them to collide. The two collided several blows in paw to paw combat until Zuma attempted to low sweep Wave. She used this to land a jumping spin kick on Zuma, which sent him flying towards the right. Upon landing, Wave charged at Zuma, who regained his balance and started dodging her strikes with precision.

Zuma blocked Wave's last strike and landed a back-paw punch. Wave used this to spin around and punch Zuma in the face next. After the punch landed, Zuma grabbed Wave's arm and pulled her in. He kneed her in the gut before kicking her back. Wave tumbled a bit, but managed to regain her balance. As she did, Zuma launched several water balls and a water beam towards Wave. She dodged the water beam and ran away from each water ball, causing them to narrowly miss and hit the ground. That was when she reached Zuma and prepared her strike.

Zuma freed both of his paws and caught Wave's punch, only for Wave to blindside him with a low kick. She aimed a headbutt at him when he fell to his knee. But Zuma turned into water just before she could land. He made his way to the roof and attempted to jump off. But just as he turned back, Wave grabbed his tail and pulled him towards the ground. He slammed on the ground, but jumped back up almost instantly. It was at that moment Wave kicked him in the gut and sent him flying back.

Zuma tumbled towards the elevator, but he managed to use his paws to skid just before hitting the wall. Wave ran towards him, and he turned into water again. He knew she was trying to get him into the elevator. Zuma appeared behind Wave, who turned around and blocked his water blasts. She ducked under the last one and punched Zuma in the gut. But Zuma was prepared and ground pounded Wave's head. With his paws now aimed at the ground, he used his water to wrap Wave's ankle. He used this to trip Wave and keep her on the ground.

But as one would expect, this wasn't enough to stop Wave. She used her enhancement powers to free herself from the water and prepared to frontflip at Zuma. Zuma dodged Wave's attempt to pin him down, and she landed right next to him. So she aimed a swift punch at him, which he dodged just in time. He attempted to throw her towards the elevator, only for Wave to grab onto the generator box and jump back towards him. Zuma prepared some more water beams just for this.

Wave slid underneath the water beams before Zuma freed one paw and fired some more water balls at her. This led to Wave rolling to the side before catching the last water ball in her paw. She activated her enhancement powers just in case, and she and Zuma witnessed something incredible. Wave's enhancement powers were working on the water ball! "Whoa." It seemed Wave's powers worked on elements too. She didn't increase it by much; just enough to stun Zuma. And when she threw it at him, both of his paws were freed, allowing him to dodge.

Wave grew extremely concerned when she realized the water ball would hit someone in the city. Zuma stole enough water back to make it small again. Wave sighed of relief before Zuma used the water to make it slippery around him. Wave was just in front of the slippery water, and she looked at Zuma, who's glare made it clear he wasn't giving up yet. Wave used her enhancement powers on her hind paws and jumped towards Zuma. Her enhanced jump length led to her reaching him.

Zuma blocked Wave's punch, only for her to blindside him with a side kick. She sent him flying towards the elevator, where he regained his balance. He used the water surrounding Wave to grab her when she tried to jump over it. Once she fell to the ground, he threw her to the side. She skidded over to the roof before getting back up, and Zuma ran towards the opposite side. Wave raced over to him and punched him back to where the elevator was. She dashed over to him before he could regain his balance and pinned him against the wall.

Zuma squirmed in an attempt to free himself, which Wave wasn't about to have. "I'm sorry Zuma." Wave took out some kind of taser, which Zuma instantly recognized. This was something Rocky recently made for the entire team. Since Chase and Skye were out, they had to keep their occupations covered. And in Chase's case, that was giving everyone a specially designed taser. This was made to knock out criminals who didn't deserve lethal punishment. "I don't want to lose you."

Zuma instantly recognized the taser and reached for his own. He grabbed Wave's paw as she was about to tase him. Then, he tased her too quickly for her to use her powers. He made sure it was set to something that wouldn't hurt Wave too much. When she fell to the ground upon being shocked, Zuma started to walk away. However, Wave was still able to speak to him. "Zuma." This stopped Zuma in his tracks to look back at Wave. "Why are you... pushing us away?" Zuma showed clear remorse as Wave questioned him. "All we want... is to help you."

Zuma always admired Wave's compassion. But this time, it didn't work. Because to him, Wave was missing one thing: the understanding of loneliness. "She needs help fwom someone... who knows how it feels." As Wave watched Zuma run towards the roof, she questioned what he said. Someone who knows how it feels? She managed to quickly piece together what he meant. He brought up how Melody was all alone, despite being surrounded by Bloodfreak's gang.

Snow left the elevator, having been woken up by the fight. She looked at Wave once Zuma jumped off the roof and ran to her in immense concern. "Wave! Are you okay!?"

After hearing Snow's worried voice, Wave asked herself a question regarding Zuma's words. 'What DOES loneliness feel like?'

Zuma used his water powers to descend from the roof like a climbing rope. Once he got to the bottom, he ran to the docks as fast as he could. He knew calling for his hovercraft would've alerted the team to his plan. Luckily, he did have one backup ride. One he knew would be perfect for this mission.

Zuma had made his way to the docks and was making his way to his jet-ski. But when he got there, he saw something that surprised him more than it should have. "Wocky?"

Rocky was sitting on the dock by Zuma's jet-ski. Upon realizing he arrived, he looked in his direction. "I had a feeling you were gonna do something like this."

Zuma knew what Rocky was trying to do. He hoped he could convince him not to come. He was the last Canine he wanted to lose; especially at the paws of Bloodfreak. "You can't stop me fwom leaving."

"I know. That's why I'm coming with you." Rocky revealed upon standing up. Zuma showed even greater concern over this, which Rocky noticed when he looked away. "Melody's my family too. And I want to be by your side when we save her."

"Wocky..." Zuma began, trying to think of what to say so he didn't hurt Rocky. It was as hard as he imagined it would be. "Bloodfweak only knew about Melody because I was in his gang befowe."

"That's not the point Zuma." Rocky insisted, knowing that Zuma would need his help. Or at least he knew he wanted to lend it. "I don't want you going into a crazy battle like this alone." Zuma felt even more remorse for attempting to leave without Rocky when he saw how devoted he was to him. "It may not be as risky as when Arrby broke into Slash's base, but you could still be killed if you go alone."

Zuma walked over to Rocky and put his paws on his shoulders. "Wocky. You know I have to face Bloodfweak alone. Go home."

"I can't do that Zuma." Rocky said instantly, giving Zuma a loving smile. "Because my home is with you." Zuma was extremely touched by Rocky's mutual affection. What Rocky said next convinced him even more so. "And part of that is because I understand you. Don't forget that I spent a month without companionship too. I know the struggles of being alone. I know why you don't want Melody to feel that way." Zuma started to tear up when he saw how much Rocky wanted to help him. "And I don't want you to force that on yourself to save her."

Zuma wiped his eyes to prevent himself from crying. After he did, he gave Rocky a loving smile. That told Rocky that he succeeded. But Zuma's words helped in showing that he was touched. "Okay. Let's go."

Zuma hopped onto the jet-ski with Rocky sitting behind him. Rocky held onto Zuma as he asked about his plan. "You know how you want to proceed with this?"

"Just one pawt so far. Find Bloodfweak's base and get a good scanning on it." Zuma shared, turning on the engine as he assured Rocky he'd be ready for anything. "Still, plan or no plan, Bloodfweak's gonna get anothew stain." He drove off as fast as he could, making sure Rocky was holding on tight before he did. Rocky couldn't help but continue to worry for Zuma. He knew he was in a bad place with Melody captured. As for Zuma, his goal was clear from his look of unrelenting determination: Save Melody, and make sure Bloodfreak can't hurt her again.

Once Wave's paralysis had ended, Snow checked on her when helping her sit up. "You feeling better Wave?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks Snowflake." Wave said lovingly, allowing Snow to sit next to her when she explained the situation. "Zuma said he had to save Melody by himself. I think he feels obligated to since Bloodfreak's tied to him."

Snow sighed in response before expressing empathy for Zuma. "I should've known he wouldn't wait. I felt the same way during the time Everest was in Prison City. Good thing Skye talked me out of going through with it." Wave saw that Snow was starting to get emotional, so she held her paw out for comfort. Snow accepted it as soon as she did. "I can't blame him. Heck, I would've gone with him if he'd asked."

Wave may not have known the exact feelings, but she knew having a captured sibling was hard. She knew ever since she helped Snow find Everest. So that confession didn't surprise her. It also sparked a question for her to ask Snow. One that might better help her understand Zuma's fear. "What would you have said if YOU confronted him?"

"I would've reminded him of when Everest was captured." Snow answered, feeling that would've been the best way to start off. "It just makes sense to do what you would do, and help him see that he's not alone."

And that's exactly what Wave TRIED to do. But she couldn't have done it better than Snow could've. At least she has an idea on what loneliness feels like. "Zuma said something else." Snow looked at Wave, who expressed her concerns. "He said the one who should help Melody, is someone who knows how it feels." Wave and Snow had a pretty good idea on what Zuma meant by that. "I think he was talking about loneliness. He pointed out how Melody was surrounded by Bloodfreak's gang, and was ironically, still alone."

"That makes sense. He could've also been talking about how it feels to have a sibling held captive." Snow pointed out, chuckling a bit before recalling one particular event. "Marshall would've had flashbacks for that one."

Wave laughed a bit at Snow's jab at her old self. Twas not the smartest choice to sneak aboard the mission to rescue Everest. Even if it worked out. "I really scared you all then."

Wave and Snow stood up together as Snow started thinking of a plan to help Zuma. "Should we go after him?"

"Of course! Just not without a good night's sleep first." Wave answered as they headed for the elevator. "I'll round up the others as soon as I wake up."

"Assuming Ryder doesn't do that first." Snow suggested, knowing Ryder would also be on top of things.

Meanwhile, Bloodfreak and Lottie were arriving at Coastal Current. Melody was just waking up when they arrived. Since she was still so young, she failed to see what was happening at first. All she could think about was what she and her family were doing before she passed out. "Wait a second. This isn't the icy creamer truck." Bloodfreak got out of the boat with Melody looking to see Coastal Current in view. She started to get an idea on what happened. She actually started to get annoyed by what she realized. "I think the icy creamer woman trickered me."

When Bloodfreak came over to her, he had a cloth of chloroform in his right paw. Melody got scared when she saw him, especially when she realized that Zuma and their parents weren't around. She assumed they got out of the boat first. When she realized that wasn't the case, she tried to back up. But Bloodfreak grabbed her gently on the shoulder. "Who are-"

Bloodfreak put the chloroform up to Melody's nose, causing her to be knocked out again. "Shh shh shh shh shh. It's okay Melody. You're gonna help me save my gang, okay?" Once Melody was knocked out, he walked to the car with Lottie. "Stay out here Nigel. We need someone to watch for when Zuma comes."

"You got it boss!" Nigel assured Bloodfreak as he started getting set up. Bloodfreak looked back at Melody as he held her over his shoulder. He had to admit. She looked adorable when she was sleeping. He couldn't focus on that for long though. He had to get Melody to the base to use her as bait for Zuma.

The next morning, Wave and Snow were waiting for the others in the living room. When everyone entered the room, they noticed that Rocky wasn't there too. Everyone else did as well, and that was when Ryder spoke up. "Where's Rocky?"

"He's not in the garage." Rubble revealed. "I went down there to get him for breakfast, and he was gone."

Wave and Snow looked at each other with concern. Snow was the first to speak up about their worries. "We think we know where he is then. Unless anyone else has seen him?"

The others denied any idea of knowing where Rocky was. Ryder picked up on how Wave and Snow didn't mention Zuma. "Zuma's missing too. Do you know where he is?"

"We have a pretty strong idea." Wave answered, explaining her confrontation with Zuma to the others. "Last night, Zuma snuck off to save Melody on his own. He went to the roof of the HQ to avoid being followed." The others started to fear for Zuma's safety, just like Wave and Snow did. And what Wave shared next made them fear for Rocky's safety as well. "Rocky must have figured out Zuma's plan early, and got to his ride first."

Celeste and Gabe were horrified to find out what Zuma was putting himself into. And Rocky was putting himself into that same danger. Gabe held Celeste's paw when she tried to hold back from crying. "We should've known he'd try something like that. He'd never want someone he loves to suffer."

"We'll save him Celeste. Him and Melody." Gabe assured Celeste, confident that the Paw Patrol would be able to handle Bloodfreak. And hopefully, they would get to go too. "Ryder. Is there any chance Celeste and I can come?"

Ryder didn't want to disappoint Gabe and Celeste, but he had to be honest with them. "We try not to get non-members involved in dangerous missions. But you two have a past that put you in a lot of danger, and it might've prepared you for something like this. So I'll think about it." Celeste and Gabe held paws as Ryder walked to the front of the room. Wave and Snow went over to the others to let him speak. "Everyone, this doesn't change our main objective. It just adds something to it. We have to find Rocky and Zuma before they arrive at Bloodfreak's base."

Ryder put up a hologram to let everyone know what he brainstormed last night. "I made sure to cover as many bases as I could. Obviously, we can't all go at once. After all, some of us have to protect Adventure City."

"I can stay behind for the city!" Liberty exclaimed, knowing she was the perfect pup for that part of the job. "As much as I want to help Zuma, I'd be foolish to leave my city without its main helping dog."

Arrby walked up to Liberty to show that he'd stand by her. "I'll go where you go Libby. Just be ready if they need us for backup."

Liberty and Arrby shared a kiss with Ryder smiling to them. "I was gonna have you two stay here anyway."

"Ryder!" Ryder looked to Claw, who stood up with a valiant plea. "Please, let me join the team that goes after Zuma!" Ryder let Claw give his reasons. Thankfully, he only needed one. "Besides Gabe and Celeste, I've known Zuma longer than everyone in this room. We're both dogs from Coastal Current as well. I know I can be of good help."

Claw was making some valid points in Ryder's eyes. He couldn't NOT bring him along. "In that case, how would you like to be this mission's leading dog?"

Claw was surprised, as was Rubble. The latter stood up and expressed his worries. "Let me speak before you accept this Claw." Claw allowed Rubble to give his opinion to Ryder. "Ryder, I know you're our leader and all, but for a mission this important, shouldn't our leading dog be someone like Chase or Charm?"

"Under normal circumstances, yes." Ryder admitted before getting to his first point. "But as you know, Chase and Skye are still on their trip with Ranger. And Claw has experience as a knight that could help us."

"Not to mention, Claw knows Coastal Current better than all of us combined." Charm reminded Rubble, standing up to show that he'd still go if Ryder allowed him to. "That said, I'll still go if you want me to Ryder. I don't mind giving Coastal Current a taste of the Demon Blood Vigilante."

Ryder laughed a bit at Charm's mention of his nickname. "Fair enough. We could use your combat prowess anyway." Charm gave a confident smile and thumbs up, allowing Ryder to pick the last three members. "Wave, Snow, since you two shared the idea, I think it's only fair I bring you along."

"We were hoping you'd say that." Snow said, feeling too personal thoughts on this mission to stay behind.

"We'll find Zuma, and help him save Melody!" Wave stated proudly and optimistically.

Marshall stood up to request a spot too. "I wanna go too!" Ryder looked at Marshall, who expressed how he felt what Zuma was feeling. "I know what Zuma's feeling as a scared older brother Ryder. The feeling of your younger sibling being held captive... it's haunting."

Wave started to feel bad, but not because Marshall upset her. She just wished she could relate to Zuma too. Marshall thought he did upset her, but before he could address it, Ryder responded. "Then it's settled." Everyone looked at Ryder, who smiled confidently as he held up his Pup-Pad. "We have our rescue team!"

To be continued

Rock music started playing as Zuma started talking about what was going to happen with specific moments from the next chapter being shown. "It's been a westless night, but it was all wowth it. Because we made it to Coastal Cuwwent! Ugh, now I know why Chase dwinks coffee. Come on Wocky. We don't have any time to waste! Oh gweat. Nigel was it? Look, you seem like a chill dude, but I hope you wealize I wasn't coming to accept your boss's invite."

Zuma finished the announcement with the words Paw Patrol in all blue with red outlines surrounded with a white border with Wave on the right, and Marshall on the left. "Next time, My Tie To Cut Pawt Thwee!" Zuma was fighting Nigel on the docks with Rocky shown to be tied up by some kind of rope invention. "That's it! You wanna huwt Wocky, then I'm gonna wolf down on you!"