Ryder played with the periscope ignoring the loud music that Radar was playing in the background. He did a few touches with a rag and smiled.

"All done. Radar! How's the elevator doing?" Ryder called.

Radar didn't hear him and continued humming to himself to the odd sounding music. It sounded like a mixture of western and folk. It was catchy, but needed to be played at a lower volume. Ryder called a few more times before using his pup pad.

"Eh? Yea, boss?" Radar asked.

"Turn down the music," Ryder said.

"Sure," He pressed a few buttons on his computer and the music turned down, "Anything else?"

"How's the elevator doing?" Ryder asked.

"Well, give it a spin, boss-man; let's find out," Radar smiled, "Rocky finished with the doors so they shouldn't be sticking either."

"Alright, here I go," Ryder smiled, "Bring me down."

Radar touched a button and the elevator slowly, with perfection went down and the doors open wide.

"Good job, you two," Ryder scratched their heads, "You two deserve some playtime. Go ahead and check on the others then you can go play."

"Alright," Rocky cheered.

"Great, thanks, boss," Radar ran behind Rocky.

X X X

Marshall used his hose to spray the soap off Chase's house. He barked twice when he was done.

"That's it, squeaky clean," Skye smiled.

The house sparkled nicely with a new-found sheen. Chase smiled.

"Thanks, Marshall."

"No problem," Marshall smiled back and barked.

Rocky and Radar stepped out of the Lookout. Radar instantly saw the water jet coming close by.

"Incoming!" He shouted.

He sprinted forward leaving Rocky to get soaked. Marshall barked again to stop the jet.

"Ah! Wet again!" Rocky shook, "Marshall!"

"Heh, sorry, Rocky," Marshall sheepishly apologized.

Rocky rolled his eyes, "It's fine."

"My house next," Rubble cheered.

"Okay," Marshall followed happily.

"Uh, sorry I didn't warn you earlier, bro. I only saw it a split second when we came out," Radar chuckled.

Rocky sighed and shook himself off again, "It's okay. I'm fine now. I guess were all in need of some spring cleaning."

Radar laughed; Rocky looked at him oddly. Skye and Chase stared at him too. The laughter died down.

"Okay, I swear, there had to be a joke in there somewhere."

"No, there wasn't," Rocky shook his head.

"Maybe not to our awareness," Radar said philosophically.

"Well, Rubble and Marshall are cleaning Rubble's house but were free. How about a game of tag?"

Radar wagged his tail and replied, "Certainly, my dear lad."

Rocky agreed too, "Yea let's go."

The four left the other two to their houses. Zuma was already out in the playground going down the slide with Everest there too.

"Hey guys, want to play tag?" Skye asked.

"Sure," Everest smiled.

"That sounds rockin' dude!" Zuma replied, "Not it!"

"Not it!" All the pups said.

"Uh oh, I guess we'll have to settle this the old fashioned way," Chase smiled.

The pups waited for the signal. Chase was silent.

"Last one in's it!"

They raced their paws in the center. It ended with Radar.

"Tarnations!" He grouched, "Alright, one two three, here I come!"

The pups split and ran away from him as fast as they could. Unfortunately, he was the fastest runner. He bolted at the first target he could see. It was Zuma. Fortunately, in spite of speed, Radar had his limit. A very short limit. He could run for about thirty seconds before he was shot. All he had to do we get out lasted. But with his speed the question of, "Could he get you," was usually answered with," Yes". But Zuma had a plan. He would just need to climb the stairs and get into the tube of the jungle-gym, then slide down the slide. By then, Radar would probably run out of fuel and need to breathe. He had relatively low endurance for a malamute. Unfortunately, the plan didn't work. When he got at the top Radar used the momentum to jump and tag Zuma.

"Tag! No tag backs!"

Zuma laughed, "Man, you got me this time!"

He ran for Everest who, was nearby. She took off as fast as she could to get away. The chase was on for a few second before he changed targets on Chase. Chase ran up the jungle-gym and through the tube to get away but it was no use when Zuma used a detour to get around in front of him and tag him that way.

"Gotcha, dude, not tag backs," He bolted away.

Chase laughed and took off at Skye since she was close. They ended up on the giant spinner. Chase hopped on trying to get her but it wasn't much use since the two weren't going anywhere. The pups laughed at them. Skye was the first to notice and flipped off.

"Huh?" Chase watched her hop off and stopped.

Then he realized his mistake, "Uh oh."

By now, the spinner had gotten pretty fast and made up enough momentum to throw him off. He flew through the air and onto Marshall. Rubble and the other pups laughed.

Dizzily, Chase got up and said the magic word, "Ta-ag. Your…it."

He flopped down and added the last bit to it, "No tag backs."

Marshall got up, "Hey, that's not fair; I didn't know we were playing tag."

"Now you do," Radar smiled.

Marshall glimpsed at Rubble and quickly tagged him and ran, "Tag! No tag backs!"

Rubble realized the dilemma and ran after the other pups. He was slow but here in the park he knew what to use to his advantage. The game went on for a little while longer but thirst soon hit the pups. They returned to the Lookout for a water break.

"So, when we're done hydrating what shall we do next?" Radar asked, "Tag is great, but I'd like a game or something that requires… a little less cardio."

"Cardio?" Rubble asked.

"It's your endurance when you run. Well, kinda," Marshall explained the best he could.

"Oh," Rubble nodded.

"But, Radar, don't all our games consist of that?" Chase asked.

"Pft, card games," Radar scoffed, "Since when do you run and play cards at the same time?"

"But it's really nice out," Zuma added, "I think it would be good to get out."

"We get out all the time, but I suppose so," Radar shrugged.

"How about the beach?" Skye asked.

Everest wagged her tail vigorously, "That sounds like fun."

The pups agreed and headed over to the beach. Marshall and Everest tried to expound on their sand castle while Rocky, Chase, Rubble and Zuma played some volleyball and Skye and Radar rested on some chairs.

"Yep, this is much better. I don't know why but watching volleyball is entertaining. It's just a ball going over the net and back. The mysteries of the world."

Skye giggled, "I thought you would like the cold better."

"Well, ever since you guys got stuck in that cave I've been conflicted. I can run better in the cold but hot weather's got charm."

"Incoming!" Rocky called.

Radar looked up and rolled out of the way. The ball bounced off his chair and into Skye who tumbled with it into Marshall's and Everest's castle. Marshall stared at it dumbfounded. Everest however was a bit in shock.

"What happened?" She looked down at it.

Skye arose from under the sand and coughed some out. She glared at Rocky, but at the same time Everest was glaring at her.

"Skye, what happened?" She asked.

"What? It wasn't my fault," Skye defended, "I got hit by the ball and then…"

"You destroyed the castle! Marshall and I worked forever on that!"

"It's okay, Everest; we can make another," Marshall chuckled nervously trying to calm her down.

"But it won't be the same," She whined, "Skye, this is your fault!"

"My fault! I didn't mean to ruin your castle!" Skye argued with her.

X

Ryder looked around the Lookout to get some fresh air and a rest from his game. He spotted everyone circled around Skye and Everest. Marshall was a little ducked down between them butting in a few tims. That could only mean one thing.

"That doesn't look good. He decided to call Marshall about the situation, "Marshall what's happening down there?"

"Ryder, Everest and Skye are in a fight. Everest and I were building on our sandcastle and Skye accidently destroyed it. Everest got angry and the two started an argument. You need to get down here it's starting to get out of my paws!"

"I'll be…"

His pad rang. He turned it and greeted the caller.

"Ryder, how's everything going?" Katie smiled.

"Not good," Ryder replied, "I'm going to have to settle an argument between Everest and Skye. Need something?"

"No, just thought I'd let you know I was coming. It looks like you'll need me to."

"Yes, just a small talk should do," Ryder smiled.

An arrival, a splitting, and a setting aside later the two pups were alone with Katie. She had them sitting in front of her so she could see them both and watch whatever they did to make sure things didn't get physical. Ryder watched the rest play.

"Okay, girls, what seems to be the problem?" Katie started off.

They both started at the same time. She had to quite them both down.

"Skye, you first," Katie looked at her.

"I was just sitting on one of the beach chairs when one of the boys knocked the ball over towards me and I ran into the castle. I didn't mean to destroy it."

"Everest, that sounds like an accident. You don't really think she'd do it on purpose; your friends."

Everest sighed, "Yea, I guess. But Marshall and I worked on it for so long. We have to start all over."

Katie could see there was more to the story. She knew Everest wouldn't get this angry unless there was more importance to it. Summing it up, she knew what the problem was.

"Everest, you two have been friends for a long time. You shouldn't let this get between you. You should make sure to talk to Jake. I think there's something that you wouldn't want to talk to me about. For now, you two need to make up. Tell each other sorry."

They faced each other and Skye went first, "I'm sorry for knocking down the sand castle."

"Sorry, for yelling at you," Everest said back.

"There," Katie smiled, "Now, don't get in any more arguments. Go on and play, I'll talk to Ryder, let him know you two made up."

They took off, but as soon as they were out of sight shared an angry look. The apology didn't seem to make a difference.

They returned to the beach and found everything just as it was, with the exception of a sand castle. Marshall was still working hard to remake it. Everest found in herself to smile again. She ignored Skye and returned to Marshall.

"Hey, Everest, ready to start again?" He asked with a big grin.

Everest sighed and replied, "Sure, I guess I am."

She gave Skye a glare as she was returning to a beach chair. Marshall caught this and tried to laugh it off, but it soon turned real as his memory kicked.

"What's so funny?" Everest asked.

Marshall calmed down and replied, "You girls remind me of me and Chase. It was a long time ago, when Ryder was still training the two of us we got in a big fight. We were more like rivals than friends. He was always the tough one that came on top."

"But you two are great friends, you couldn't have been mean to each other," Everest said in confusion.

"I know, Everest, that's why you two remind me of us. We hated each other but then… when our moment came, we depended on each other. Even in that mine with all the workers I still depended on him. He wouldn't have been able to take care of me or my job if it wasn't for our friendship. Chase and I have been the oldest and longest members on this team. It's what made us so close. That time is all the two of you need."

She smiled not even hearing Marshall add, "I think."

"I guess you're right, but she could be a little more careful," Her anger returned.

Marshall sighed in defeat, "Almost had it."

X X X

Skye laid herself down. She rested her head on her paws.

"You okay there, Le Palme?" Radar asked.

Skye tilted her head in confusion at his new nickname, "What?"

"It means flipper," He explained.

"I'm fine," She replied all too gruffly.

Radar eyed her, "Were you insinuating no?"

She didn't answer. Radar nodded in understanding. He knew what she was going through.

"I don't mean to shake the soda, but hanging onto the situation is not good if you're trying to go flat."

She stared at him with daggers. He smiled, knowing he had her attention.

"You remind me of my siblings when I had them," He laughed, "They had the shorts tempers. Not to say you do. Bah, I'll get to it. They got angry at each other but they never could hang onto it. There was something they always remembered about each other that if they lived without it they wouldn't be the same. There are qualities between the two of you I'm sure you two would miss if you let it go. Don't let that moment tear you two apart."

Skye's daggers eased and left. She put her head back down and sighed again. Ryder returned to the Lookout after a while but it wasn't long after that he spotted something at the distance.

"What's that?" He asked himself.

He pressed a button and the periscope came down for him to see through. It was smoke! He raised the altitude and the decreased the angle so he could get more of a field view. Right as he saw what was happening he got a call.

"Ryder here," Ryder said.

"Ryder, there a forest fire over here! You have to help!" Shouted Farmer Yumi.

"I can see it form here. Hold on, PAW Patrol is on the way," He pressed the button on his pad and called for the pups, "Pups to the Lookout!"

"Ryder's calling!"

The pups raced over to the Lookout. Marshall had made it first this time but this celebration was cut short when Everest and Skye ran into each other.

"Hey, watch where you're running," Skye groaned rubbing her head.

"You're the one who ran into me!" Everest shot back.

Skye growled at her and a fight was about to break out. Marshall stepped between them and tried to divert their attention.

"Hey, look, I'm going to beat you guys if you don't hurry. I'll go easy on you, see? I'm slowly walking. Please don't fight."

Chase tried a more harsh approach, "Girls, get in here or we're leaving you!"

They turned and faced him taking postponing their fight. Marshall blew out and walked into the elevator... as the last one yet again.

"I guess I was the last one in," He added dully.

The elevator went up but the structure got a little torn as they crashed into each other, trying to get into position. The run-path habit was broken by two pups.

"What took you so long?" Ryder asked.

"Everest and Skye nearly got into a fight," Rocky replied without thinking.

They shot daggers at him. Ryder crossed his arms.

"I thought you two made up."

They didn't reply. Everyone got into position but it was off somehow. Everest usually was next to Skye if she was present at all, but this time she was next to Marshall. Radar looked for his spot and tapped her.

"Excuse me, I think that's my spot," He grinned to add a sugarcoating to the delivery, but she didn't take it.

"Just stand next to Skye, I don't want to be next to her right know."

He popped his lips and went to the other end, "Alright then… glad we had this talk."

As soon as everyone was in "position" Ryder went into the plan. He tried to ignore the fact that the line was off today.

"Alright, Farmer Yumi has informed us of a forest fire nearby. We need to pull together and help the people of Adventure Bay put it out. A lot of animals live in the forest and depend on it. We have to save as much as we can! I'll let you know what to do when we get there. For now, all paws on deck! To your pup houses!"

Radar and Everest raced to the elevator. Ryder slid down his poll and everyone else went into the slide. Everyone raced to toward the burning forest.

"Marshall, you know what to do!" Ryder started off.

"On it, Ryder!" Marshall replied.

He turned on both his pup house's hose and his pack hose, trying to spray down as much of the fire as possible.

"Radar, figure out how far this fire goes! We need to know how much we're working with! Everyone else help with water buckets!"

The forest fire was beginning to shrink but grow in another direction.

Radar called Ryder on his pup pad, "Boss, this fire is worse than we hoped. It's about a mile long in growing and a good five hundred sixty feet wide. We might not get it fast enough! We have to get on the other side and control it!"

Ryder looked at Marshall, knowing he had no choice, despite needing him desperately where he was. Could his truck even handle getting through? There was only one way to find out.

"Marshall, you need to get on the other side of the fire and keep it from growing!"

Marshall sighed and called, "I can't do this on my own; I need more help!"

"I'll go with him," Skye called.

"No, I should, I can clear the path!" Everest fought.

"You both can go," Ryder calmed them both down, "Rubble! Follow Marshall and Everest! Skye, you tell them where the other end is!"

"Got it, Ryder!" They all called.

Despite Everest's claim Rubble went first instead. She followed him and Marshall followed Suite. They made it about half when Radar called.

"Boss, there's a signal in there and it can't get through. It's in the fire. There's a cottage! I'll patch them through to you!"

"Help! Someone!" The voice called.

"This Ryder, I'm sending help right away!" He clicked a button but a sudden realization came to him.

He needed Marshall in three areas and Marshall could only be in one. He had to plan carefully.

"Marshall here, what is it, Ryder?"

"Marshall… There's a family stuck in the forest in a cottage near you, but I need you to put out the fires."

"But, Ryder, I can't be in two places at once! I could drop my truck off and leave it to Rubble but I might be too late if I do that! If I wait too long that family will get dehydrated and sick, or worse!"

"I know, I'm trying to think."

"I'll get them," Everest found the location on her map and turned instantly.

"No! Everest, wait!" Ryder called.

"I'll follow her!" Skye called.

"Skye!" Ryder gave up knowing they weren't listening now.

"Ryder, what do I do?" Marshall asked, "I can get that family out but we may have to keep the fire from spreading."

"Everest and Skye can handle the family. You focus on the fires."

"…Okay," Marshall nodded having skeptical faith in the choice.

Ryder watched as the three pups he had left doing nothing were trying to stop the fire. They needed more firetrucks. The fire department had come but they weren't enough. He never felt so helpless in his life.

X

Everest found the cottage only for Skye to land nearby. She boiled a bit.

"What are you doing here? You should be helping Marshall and Rubble!" She scolded.

"You think you can do this alone?" Skye rebuked, "You're not meant for this kind of work, Everest!"

"And neither are you!" Everest retorted, "You're just a short pup in a helicopter!"

"And you're a snowboarding pup that's supposed to be in a mountain! You're not even supposed to be here! You're not even a real member! You don't belong in the PAW Patrol!"

Everest looked at her unable to answer. A tree cracked and nearly landed on them. It broke into the cabin making an opening. They knew there was nothing they could do to help anyone inside. If they didn't argue they could have gotten those people out of there. Something they both knew. Fortunately, against Ryder's orders, Marshall had changed courses to help the family in the cabin. He immediately sprayed it with water and charged in watering the cabin down with his pup pack. The girls watched with anticipation, filled with worry. Finally they found him breaking out of a window with the family following.

"Come on! Let's go! Let's go!" He got their attention.

They raced to their vehicles. Marshall changed his vehicle to the ambulance and packed the small family of four inside. He raced off behind Everest. A tree forced them to turn. Everest took a left turn and Marshall followed. This actually continued for a little while. Finally they were trapped. Skye tried to find an alternative route but there was nothing to help them. Marshal thought quickly and called Rubble for help.

"Rubble, it's Marshall, we need help super-fast! Can you move one of these trees?"

Rubble answered, "Got it, Rubble on the double!"

Rubble didn't take too long to get there, fortunately. He quickly moved the tree and gave them space to drive through. The fire was getting more intense.

"Marshall, do we even know where were going?" Rubble asked.

"No, and we don't have time to call Ryder. We have to get this family to safety!"

They heard a rumbling sound. They looked up in the sky; it was dark but it very well could be because of the smoke.

"Everest, I hope that wasn't your stomach," Rubble called.

"Why would I be hungry at this time of crisis?" She asked, "No, its actual thunder, it's going to rain!"

"Oh, good," Marshall sighed in relief, "There's no way we can get rid of this fire, it's just too big."

"We should find a place to stop so we can wait out the fire," Skye suggested, "I see a small cave. We should stop there."

"Alright, land there and we'll follow," Marshall directed.

The team stopped by the cave and helped Marshall unload his supplies to check on the family. He gave them each blankest before starting to check on the youngest. Rubble grabbed some water for them to rehydrate. Skye and Everest sat at opposite sides of the cave.

"Alright, you guys seem to be okay," Marshall smiled, "I'll get some burn gel and be sure to drink plenty of water."

"Thank you," The family said to him before he left.

The storm had just started. Rubble watched the water poor down and begin to put out the fire. His collar lit up.

"Rubble, come in," He called.

"Rubble here," Rubble answered.

"How are you pups doing?" Ryder smiled.

"Well," Rubble started off in a scratch, "Marshall thought it was better if we changed the plans. We went and helped the family and are holding up in a cave inside the forest."

"Where's Marshall? I think he knocked out his tracker again," Ryder put a hand to his side as he watched the pup look around.

"He's here," He looked at Marshall.

"Hi Ryder," Marshall said nervously, "Look, Ryder, I'm sorry I didn't obey orders. I was just worried that…"

He took a moment to look at the girls and went on, "They're still angry at each other. When I got there they couldn't do a thing to help the family. I had to come!"

"It's okay, Marshall, I understand," Ryder stopped him, "I'm very proud of you and your all very good pups. What you did was for the best. Although, I'm curious to why your pup tag isn't working."

"It wasn't on purpose this time, I promise," Marshall quickly said, "I must have knocked it when I tripped inside the lodge and went out the window. Funny thing is my bad luck got us out of there safely this time."

"Good to hear," Ryder smiled, "Hold on, Radar has something to say. Yes, Radar?"

Marshall and Rubble could hear Radar talking about using a WSR. The storm was getting worse.

"It's gonna be raining cats and dogs, Boss. I don't think it's a good idea to go on. My van is the only one with a roof and it doesn't have the power to plow on through there. Besides, I might break something on the top."

"It's alright, Radar, They have shelter. Marshall, Rubble, expect heavy rain for the night and tomorrow should hopefully clear up for you. This storm is supposed to be bad. Try to sleep, okay?"

"Got it, Ryder," Rubble and Marshall said.

"Especially you, Marshall," Ryder lifted an eyebrow.

"Heh, gee, it's like were trapped or anything. Besdies, there not that hurt, it's just a couple of—don't do that! You'll make the burn worse! Hold on, one moment. No no, don't do that, that can hurt it."

Ryder laughed, "Alright, good luck, Pups."

"See tomorrow, Ryder," Rubble smiled.

As scary as storm were for the pups, they actually felt quite invigorated, happy really. Well, half of them did. Fortunately, they had their pup houses so they're shelter was covered. Marshall dug into his ambulance and got out a tent for the family to stay in. The bedding was harder to help with but the family could cover that. After a while, they finally had them settled in and now it was the pup's turn to relax.

"Whew, that was some hard rescuing," Rubble said opening his mouth to get droplets of rain.

"Sure, was," Marshall agreed doing the same.

They both laughed but stopped when they noticed Skye and Everest still staying in one place. They looked at each other.

"Everest looks real sad," Rubble started.

"Yeah, but so does, Skye. We should talk to them."

Rubble nodded, "Okay, but I'm not good at this sort of talking."

"It'll be fine, I'm no either. It just sort of comes out. I'll talk to Everest, and you talk to Skye. Let's see if we can make them friends again.

"I hope so; I don't like seeing them so far apart like this."

The nodded at each other and walked to their designated pup. Marshall stopped before clearing his throat and saying Everest's name.

She looked up in tears, "What? Oh, hi, Marshall."

Marshall sat next to her, "Are you okay?"

"No," She let out breathing in and whining a little.

"Can I ask you something?"

She wiped her face and nodded. Marshall looked for questions in his head trying to choose the wisest one.

"Are you upset because you couldn't help that family?"

She sat up and sniffed, "No…, it was something Skye said. We could have helped them, but we didn't; we just got into a stupid argument."

"What did she say?" Marshall asked.

Everest didn't answer immediately, but when she did it was in the form of a question, "Do you think I'm helpful?"

"You bet," Marshall answered quickly, "Every member is valuable Everest. Even I felt like that sometimes. Invaluable, I mean."

"You did?" Everest asked.

"Sure," Marshall answered, "I ran away once, because of it. But, the team hunted for me and told me otherwise."

Everest listened to his story. Giggling here, and fawning there. All in all, she was cheered up. Now it was to discuss her issue.

"So, what did she say to you?"

Everest returned to being upset. She sighed and let her head down.

"She said I didn't belong in PAW Patrol. That I wasn't even a real member."

Marshall smirked and looked at the rain. He knew Skye didn't mean that and that probably had Skye upset too.

"She didn't mean that," Marshall assured, "Skye was just trying to press buttons because she was angry. I know that it may seem what she says is right but once you're a member or declared a member, honorary or not, you are a member… Does that make sense?"

"I lost you at 'member'," She joked.

Marshall laughed, "Okay, here how about this. What are the similarities between us?"

"Uh," She examined him, "You… and I are pups?"

"Well, yes, but a little more detail."

"Were both white?"

"Less detail."

"Weeee, wear hats?"

"Okay, never mind, I'll tell you: your tag. You wear that, it's because you're PAW Patrol. You're wearing a PAW Patroller's vest, a Patrollers tag, a Patroller's pack, and you drive a Patroller's vehicle. So say you decide to quit and leave. That means: you're stealing. That's how we know you are a one of us. There's no doubt in my mind that you are one either."

She smiled at Marshall; he tended to have her back when she needed it covered. Since she and Skye got into a fight Marshall was the closest friend she had. She hugged Marshall gratefully.

"Thanks, Marshall."

"You're welcome," Marshall smiled, "But I believe you may need to talk with someone."

Everest looked at Skye, who was talking with Rubble. He appeared to be doing a good job. She took a deep breath and walked towards Skye. Rubble had just finished his words of wisdom when he saw Everest. Skye noticed her too and looked away.

"Could I talk with Skye alone?" Everest asked.

"Okay," Rubble nodded.

Rubble left and met with Marshall. Meanwhile, Everest sat next to Skye and said nothing. They were there in the awkward silence, waiting for something to be said. They both said soeting but stopped considering the other. They finally agreed on Everest.

"I need to apologize to you."

Skye nodded, "Me too. I'm sorry for saying what I did to you back there. You're probably more a member than me because of that."

"No, of course not," Everest protested, "I started this. I have to apologize for that. You didn't mean to destroy that castle and I wasn't even your fault."

"I could have at least moved," Skye giggled.

Everest giggled too. The girls suddenly went off into a giggling fest. When it died down they were silent a little while longer.

"Friends?" Skye asked taking out a paw.

"Friends," Agreed Everest, extending her own.

They shook but one last question came, "Everest, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"What made the castle so important that you got so angry? I just want to know how sorry I have to be."

They laughed together and Everest waited for them to calm down to answer, "Marshall worked on it alone at first. He accidently destroyed it when he was trying to make me feel better. I wanted to rebuild it for him but he ended destroying that one too. Then… we began to make one together. It was the only one that stood for a long time. We wanted to add more but… Well, you know the rest."

Skye looked down, "I'm sorry."

"You already said that," Everest laughed.

"I know," Skye nodded, "I just felt like I needed to say it again."

"Well, I forgive you. Besides, we have a chance to make one bigger this time."

Skye smiled, another question burning in her mind. She looked at Everest. She was smiling at the rain. Skye began to contemplate whether to ask it or not. Finally, the curiosity took her over.

"Everest, girl to girl, do you like Marshall?"

Everest was ambushed by the question; she didn't know if she was ready to answer that to anyone. Everest looked down at her paws and out at the rain. She was a little red.

"We could trade secrets," Skye bargained.

Everest sighed. It probably wouldn't hurt to answer.

X

"Heavy rain, dark clouds all through... it looks like it's supposed to last until ten in the morning tomorrow," Radar enlightened Ryder with the weather report.

"That long? Okay and you still have the other pups' positions?"

"Yeah, there held up in the same place," Radar smiled.

Chase entered the van, "Ryder, the storm looks like it's getting worse."

Radar looked at the WRS, "Uh, yep, it is. That's bad, really bad. I would hate to be out in the water with that. The weather report lies again. See, this is why I equipped a weather report system to my van. You just can't trust the guys in a suite anymore."

Chase lifted an eyebrow, "Rrrright. Ryder, sir? Are were going to get that at any time?"

"No, we best wait for the storm to pass," Ryder replied, "We'll just stay here."

Zuma entered a bit later but heard everything, "But it's just a bit of rain… hard rain. We can get them. Rocky probably wouldn't want to though. It's not like it could hurt us."

They heard a thunk sound on the van. Radar lookout out a window and clicked his tongue.

"Correction, my fellow patroller: it is raining with a one hundred percent chance of hale. Another thing the reports failed to mention. I hate guys in suites. They're liars, I tell you, liars."

The pups and Ryder, gave a small snicker, "Alright, Radar. Whatever you say."

Radar smiled satisfied and clicked a few tabs on his computer before relaxing, "Yea, I thought you would understand, boss."

He leaned in and whispered, "Your probably the only one who would believe me."

Ryder rolled his eyes, smiling at Radar. He pet the Alaskan malamute and Looked back at Chase.

"Be careful when going back you your pup house. I don't want to lose a pup because of some hale."

"Will do, Ryder, sir," Chase saluted before Captain Turbot burst through the door displaying his pain.

"Whew, that was close. If I stayed out there any longer than I could have risk having a Cranium trauma."

Radar laughed and replied, "That is if you didn't get a Cerebral Trauma first. I think you need to listen to that frontal lobe a bit more, Cap'n. I'm sure you were thinking about bringing an umbrella."

Chase tilted his head, "Cranium Trauma?"

"A concussion, le capitaine," Radar explained.

Chase nodded, "And a Cerebral Trauma?"

"Brain damage," Radar replied.

"Okay," Chase nodded.

"What are you doing here, Cap'n," Ryder asked.

"Oh, I'm just here to hand off some food for you guys. Just thought you might get hungry."

"Thanks, Cap'n," Ryder took the sacks from his and looked inside.

"Oh, and would you like some squid jerky?" He pulled a bag of it out.

The pups and Ryder curled back, "No thank you."

"Hmm, suite yourself," Turbot shrugged and started eating a tentacle.

Radar shuttered and whispered to himself while returning to his computer. Everyone relaxed; it was going to be a long time before they could get the others back.

X

The pups were fast asleep in their pup houses. Then the thunder rolled in. Skye couldn't sleep thanks to it. The hale added to the problem. She waited in her pup house to fall asleep. She could only bet that Marshall and Rubble were having a good rest since they could sleep through just about everything but the dinner bell. She had to wonder about Everest. Skye decided to take a quick look. As a matter of fact, Everest wasn't asleep. She was just checking on the family's tent, it seemed. She got out of the house and into the cave.

"Can't sleep?" Skye asked.

"No, not really," Everest replied, "I'm sure if I tried I could, but I'm not really tired either."

"Well I can't seem to get to sleep with all this hale and stuff. I've always had trouble sleeping through storms. They're just so loud. I'm not scared of them; it's the sound."

"I understand," Everest nodded, "I used to be around Snow storms a lot but they didn't always bother me. I had to hide my ears a lot."

Sky giggled, "I wish I had some ear muffs. That would help a lot."

Everest froze and thought to herself, "Ear muffs? I think I can help with that."

She raced over to her pups house and grabbed the pair. She brought them to Skye with a smile.

"I always carried an extra pair for people who got lost in the mountain. Just in case they forgot their pair."

"Thanks," Skye smiled.

Everest helped her put them on. She examined her and shrugged, "Well, nobody said you had to be beautiful when you sleep."

The girls giggled together. Skye looked ridiculous but the storm turned from loud cracks to low rumbles. She could live with that.

"Thanks, Everest. You're a really great friend."

Everest smiled and replied, "So are you."

They hugged and Skye returned to her house. She immediately fell asleep and Everest worked herself to that point. Neither of them knew that Marshall was giving Ryder a listen-in.

"It looks like everything is doing okay," Ryder smiled.

"Uh huh, and I think they are closer than before too," Marshall smiled.

"You and Rubble did great, Marshall. You are all very good pups. Look forward to a good brush down when we get you back."

"Okay," Marshall nodded, "We'll see you tomorrow, Ryder."

"Good night, Marshall," Replied Ryder.

Marshall yawned when his collar turned off. He stretched and go this teddy bear close. His eyes slowly closed when a large bolt of lightning struck. He jumped and hit his head. He rubbed the area and put the bear over his head hoping another one wouldn't startle him awake like that. The next day, was a sunny morning but muddy ground. A few puddles formed since it was so wet. Oddly enough, Marshall was the first to rise. He yawned and stretched but slipped on sum mud. His entire top was black now.

"Great," He sighed pulling himself up.

He was somewhat glad he didn't have his pack on. He liked to keep these things tidy.

"Rubble, get up," Marshall shoved.

Rubble was half awake so he ended up looking about, "What? Huh? Why is it still dark out?"

Marshall lifted the blindfold for him. Rubble smiled hitting himself mentally.

"Oh yeah, thanks."

"Sure," Marshall replied, "What do you think about the ground? Is it too bad?"

Rubble looked around, "Hmm."

He sniffed it and felt it. Some mud was on his paws. He shook it off and grimaced.

"It's waaaay to muddy for a drive. Skye can get out because she's got a helicopter, Everest can get out because, like me she's got trends. You won't be going anywhere, though."

Marshall groaned, "Just when I thought we were done. Okay, you do you have any rope or tow-cable? Maybe you can pull me out. My truck is the only thing big enough to get them out of here."

"Nope, but Chase's care can handle this mud. Maybe we could find them and then send them over to help," Rubble suggested.

"That's a great idea," Marshall smiled, "But I think, Radar could find us. We'll just call them and then we could work out something here. That way we could stay together."

"Oh, yeah! Why didn't I think of that," Rubble thunked his head.

"I'll call Ryder now, can you check on everyone?"

"Rubble on the double," Rubble affirmed.

X

"Key-own-tact!" Radar said oddly.

Ryder looked at his pad, "Ryder here."

"Hey, Ryder, it's Marshall," Marshall smiled.

"Hello, Marshall," Ryder smiled, "Slept well?"

Marshall yawned, "Yeah, I feel… ooooohm, fine. The thunder was pretty loud today but I'm okay. Rubble and I have a plan to get out. If Radar can find our position Chase can come on over and tow me out. The others can get out just fine, but my trucks the only thing big enough to get them out all at once."

Ryder hummed to himself, "Your right. But your truck is really heavy."

Marshall hummed, "It's the only thing we could think of. Maybe if you saw the terrain we could plan better."

"Good idea," Ryder nodded, "Chase get your pup house ready."

"Chase is on the case," Chase called running out of the van."

"I'll find them in three second," Radar smiled.

He grinned, "That's catchy. 'I'll find them in three seconds.' Probably could be a great call out phrase too. It's going on the probability list."

"Radar, it's been ten right now," Ryder smirked.

"Doh, right, "Radar typed away, "And boom. Here ya go, boss-man. Ooh, they're in some deep terrain. Let's see the geography. Mm hmm, that's deep. If we don't have anything else heavy duty we won't get doc's house out at all."

Ryder thought to himself and smiled, "I think I might have a plan."

A ride with Chase in the forest later and Ryder had sights on the scene. The father of the family waved.

"Hey there!"

Ryder waved back, "Are you doing alright?"

"Were fine," He replied, "Your pups seem to be in a fix, trying to figure out how to get this ambulance out though. Some of us got hurt in the fire so we can't walk out of here!"

"Just hold on, PAW Patrol will figure something out," Ryder smiled, "Chase, winch."

"Winch, *ruff ruff*."

The winch popped and he gave it to Ryder. Ryder slowly went down the hill. How did they even get down here safely? He decided to ask the question as soon as he was down.

Rubble replied, "We drove slowly, so they had a path to go off of."

"Hmm, okay," Ryder nodded looking at the steepness from their end.

The hill wasn't too bad but they should have had some difficulty. Ryder hooked the ambulance.

"Alright, here's the plan," I know it's going to be heavy, and risky, but we have to use everyone's help. Marshall, do you have extra rope?"

"Mm, nope. Just the stuff for tourniquet. It's not strong enough to hold… that," He replied.

Ryder rubbed his chin and pointed at the sky, "Then I know one pup who will."

He pulled onto his pad and called Rocky, "Rocky, we need rope. The strongest rope you've got."

"Sure, Ryder. I think I still have that stuff from when Jake was stuck in the cave. Will that do?"

"I think so, bring all of it. Get Zuma and Radar to help you," Ryder answered.

"Got it, green means go!"

The transmission cut and the three pups came shortly, "I've got the rope!"

"Good, throw it down! But not all of it. Some of it needs to get tied to Chase's car! Rubble, Everest, get in front of the ambulance."

"Right," They howled and moved the vehicles up front.

Ryder wrapped the rope a few times to enforce the bounds to the vehicles. Finally, he got to where he was satisfied and called Skye to fly over the ambulance.

"Alright, Everyone, when I say mark you accelerate, slowly. Ready?"

The barked in return. The pups left over cheered them on.

"Mark!"

The vehicles started to accelerate and move up the hill. It was mid-way when Marshall got stuck. They stopped moving and the wheels started spudding.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Ryder called.

They slowly descended back down. Everest examined the situation.

"What are we going to do Ryder? Were still not enough to get him up and we have three vehicles attached."

"It's all the weight the family is packing with him," Ryder answered, "If I can just work out the problem… hmm, we need just a bit more strength, but I don't know if we can meet it."

Radar's throat cleared, "I could probably pull that off."

"What? But your just as small as we are," Zuma exclaimed.

"Buddy, you may be big but that doesn't mean you're that strong," Rocky scratched.

Radar glared, "I'm not big I'm just… poufy, it's the fur, alright? As I was saying, I fyou strap me up, I could help. Trust me."

"Are you sure, Radar? You're not exactly athletic," Everest asked.

Radar sighed, "Just do it."

"Alright, but don't get hurt," Ryder grabbed the extra rope and helped him strap up.

As soon as Radar was hooked up the tried again. Radar pulled as soon as he had enough traction and the pups cheered him on. He was running out of energy fast but he wouldn't give up. The car was beginning to roll further. They were just onto the edge now. Finally, the ambulance made it and stood sturdily on the ground above. The pups cheered for the worn out Malamute.

"I need to work out," Radar sighed.

"Work out?!" Skye yelled, "You just helped us pull an ambulance full of people out! You just need to work on your endurance is all."

"How did you do that?" Rubble asked, "You're like Apollo the Superpup!"

Ryder couldn't stop huffing. He glared at Rubble and gestured to himself.

"Hello! I'm a Malamute! I'm meant for this kind of work! I have a natural born strength!"

Ryder smiled and helped him out of the harness of ropes. He pet his head and scratched behind his ear.

"Good job, pup. You really helped us today," He smiled.

"Thanks boss," Radar huffed.

They got the family to a hospital to take care of their burns and they're work was done. The story about Radar spread pretty wide about his strength. He was thus considered the strongest pup in the PAW Patrol. He found it a bit of a supprise.

"I mean, what's the big deal?" Radar asked, pulling a large cart for reasons he couldn't remember, "I'm an Alaskan Malamute, by Jove! Don't they know that we're the strongest canines in existence? At least, I'm pretty sure."

"Yeah, okay, Radar, whatever you say," Skye smiled sitting nicely and giggling away on a sun chair.

"Wait, why am I doing this again?" He asked puffing for air.

Skye rolled her eyes, "You agreed for some endurance training Cap'n Turbot."

Captain Turbot came out of nowhere and blew a whistle, "Come on, Radar you still have a few feet to go."

The whistle made Radar shutter but he got back to pulling as soon as he was told. He looked back at the cart.

"Cap'n, what did you put in this thing?"

"Oh, just a few things I need taken to the Flounder. We're just right over there," Turbot pointed at the docked ship.

Wally waved seeing Radar stare at him. Radar's heart broke seeing the distance.

"That's a few feet?! That's like a mile away! I'll get dehydration cephalalgia," He cried.

"Oh, come on, with your strength you can get it there before that happens. Whadaya say? I'll give you some treats."

Radar glared but found himself asking, "What flavor are they?"

"Bacon I think," Turbo tried giving a taste, "Mm mmm, yup , bacon."

Radar closed his eyes. Was it worth it? His answer:

"For the bacon!"

Radar pulled with all his might. Skye giggled as Radar persevered. She turned her attention back on the rest of PAW Patrol. Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and Chase were playing another game of volleyball. Everest and Marshall had started to recreate their sand castle. This time, hoping it would stay. She had to smile at them. After what she was told in the cave during their fire fighting incident she saw them in a different light. The four pups playing volleyball decided to take a break. Chase chose to on the chair next to her.

"Whew, that was a tough game," He blew out.

Skye didn't respond in any way, but she continued to stare at the two making the sandcastle.

"Uh, Skye?" Chase asked.

"Hmm? What? Oh, yeah, it looked pretty tough," She finally answered.

"What were you starring at them for?" Chase asked, "You're not still mad at Everest are you?"

"No, she and I made up," Skye smiled, "It's just… Chase, do you wanna go out for a walk?"

Chase lifted and eyebrow and tilted his head, "Sure, why not?"

She got up and he followed. Skye gave the two once last look before continuing.

"Is there something I should be seeing?" Chase asked looking at them, "You seem to be really interested in something over there."

"It's nothing you'll probably see, silly," Skye giggled, "It's a girl thing."

X X X X

In advance I would like to apologize for the longevity of getting this one out. I didn't know if I wanted to continue since I'm not doing daycare for kids anymore. But, I decided I would continue for the sake of the pleasure now. Expect publishing to be slower. Sorry again.