Marshall's eyes widened in realization and he pulled Everest out into the hall. Chase and Skye looked at each other, then shrugged, looking back at Rocky. He clutched his little wolf tightly in his arms. "He looks so small," Skye whispered.

Zuma and Rubble tied a few balloons to the bed post and set up the other things around him. "Thanks, guys," Chase said.

"Anything for the little dude," Zuma said. "How long does he have to stay?"

"At least until tomorrow," the doctor said as he walked in, checking his vitals. "Everything's normal now. May I speak to the parents, alone?" Rubble and Zuma nodded and walked out. The doctor handed Chase an Epipen and explained how and when to use it. He also set two more down on the counter. "One for Rocky himself and one for the school nurse, just in case. Every time one is used, get it replaced immediately, I cannot stress that enough."

"Hopefully we won't have to," Chase said. "Thanks doctor."

"We ran a few tests last night. No other allergens, just the shellfish, which luckily shouldn't be a problem. I take it you don't eat seafood that often?" They shook their heads. "I'll be writing a note for the school as well."

"I think I'll be making his lunches from now on," Skye said. "More work, but I'd feel safer knowing he won't have another reaction."

"It's preventable, for sure, but that's what the epipen is for, just in case." His pager began beeping. "I have to go. I'll be back in a few hours to check on him." He promptly left the room.

Rocky stirred, frightened for a moment. He didn't know where he was for a second. Chase walked over and sat next to him. "You're alright, we're here," he said, stroking his hair.

"I'm sorry for ruining the vacation," Rocky said hoarsely.

"You didn't ruin it," Skye said. "You made it more... exciting." She offered a small smile. "Besides, other than this, we had fun, right?" He nodded.

"Try not to talk so much, that oxygen tube cut your throat a bit," Chase said. "Those things are nasty."

"Mom?" Rocky sat up. "iPad?" Skye could see his eyes sparkle. He had an idea.

"Whatever you're thinking, I think it can wait," Skye said. "You need to rest."

Rocky pouted. Chase looked back towards the window and saw Marshall and Everest hugging. They came back inside with smiles on their faces. "Maybe Marshall can help you," Chase suggested.

"Help with what?" Marshall asked. Skye handed him Rocky's iPad. Rocky excitedly told him of his breathing tube idea, making it easier for patients who need them without causing damage. Marshall chuckled and followed his instructions in design and detail.

Chase pulled Skye's arm. "Let's leave them here for a bit," he whispered. "You look like you could use some coffee."

She frowned a bit, but when she looked back, she saw Rocky smiling and laughing with Marshall. Everest sat nearby, watching. She smiled and nodded. "Okay."

They walked down to the cafeteria and found Rubble and Zuma. Rubble, of course, was in line for food, while Zuma sat at a table, talking on the phone. "Alright, sounds good. Thanks." He hung up as Chase and Skye approached. "That was Ryder. He's going to send Scott over once we get home. Rocky's got a bit of work to do."

"Should he really be doing school work?" Skye asked. "He needs to rest."

"Honey," Chase said. "He's back in his room working on a project right now. I think a little school work won't hurt him." He sipped his coffee and a look of disgust appeared on his face. "Decaf?"

"Sorry, they were all out of the regular kind," Zuma said. Once Rubble returned, they spoke of what the doctor had said about the epipen and how to use it. "Are you going to get Marshall one? He is the medic at home."

"You're right," Skye said. "We should ask the doctor for one more."

"I think Marshall would appreciate it," Chase said. "I think he still feels guilty about the accident earlier this week."

"It wasn't his fault," Rubble pointed out. "It was a mistake anyone could make. I don't think I always use my parking brake."

"True," Skye said. "He definitely made up for it getting Rocky here."

"He was going at least over 80," Chase chuckled. "He's lucky I'm not back on the force yet."

"You'd ticket him for saving your son?" Zuma raised an eyebrow.

Chase frowned. "Well... no, I wouldn't. I don't think any cop would. They'd pull him over, yeah, but once they assess the situation, I think a police escort is in order. That's what I'd do."

"Doesn't matter," Skye said, leaning into Chase. "He's healthy and okay and that's all I care about." She yawned and closed her eyes.

"Did you get any sleep last night?" Chase asked. She didn't respond. "Skye?" She snored quietly, eliciting a laugh from the guys.

"When does the little guy leave?" Rubble asked. "We have to get the van back today."

"Tomorrow morning is the earliest, unless something happens to delay it. You guys can head back, I'll get a cab."

"Are you sure?" Zuma asked. "Maybe one of us can drive back in our car."

"Actually, I think Everest drove down here. She can take us back, I'm sure."

"Sounds good to me," Everest said as she approached. "Marshall and Rocky are talking a bunch of techno mumbo-jumbo and it was giving me a headache." She eyed Rubble's plate. "You gonna eat all that?"

"Yes," Rubble said, pulling the plate towards him.

Everest rolled her eyes and stole a chocolate chip waffle. "I think you'll live," she smirked. The group laughed and Skye woke up. She spotted Everest and immediately they started chatting about their relationships.

"Hey, guys," Chase said sheepishly. "I think I saw a game room on the way down here."

"Let's go!" Zuma said. Rubble took his plate with him, but not before Everest stole another waffle. He scowled at her before following the others.

~~~

After a few rounds of table hockey, Chase went back up to see how Rocky was doing. He opened the door to find him fast asleep, Marshall sitting a few feet away, scrolling away on the iPad. "He fell asleep nearly an hour ago."

"How is he?"

"Better. His voice is still a bit rough and I kept scolding him, but he wouldn't listen." Chase smiled. "He showed the doctor the design and he liked it so much, he had it sent to some researchers up at MIT. If they like it, Rocky's design could get patented."

"That's amazing!" Chase said. Rocky moved in his sleep slightly, murmuring gibberish. Chase walked over and set his hand on Rocky's head. Rocky moved a bit, then sighed and smiled. "You're going to be just fine," Chase whispered.

"He's been through so much," Marshall said. "He's a fighter, just like his Dad." Chase shot him a look, but Marshall laughed. "Of course I mean you."

"How could he have not known?" Chase asked. "His parents must have known. Why wasn't it included in his file?"

"Maybe you missed it?"

"No, Skye and I dug through those for a few days and nights. Pretty sure we would've remembered." Chase sighed, leaning back in his chair. "To think, tomorrow we'll be home. And he goes back to school Monday."

"You're forgetting something, Officer," Marshall smirked.

Chase's eyes widened. "How do you think Chief will react? He won't hate me, will he?"

"It was a mistake, there was noth-" Marshall corrected himself. "He won't hold it against you, at all. He'll be happy to see and have you, but you'll probably have to retrain."

"I don't think Rocky will like seeing a gun on me," Chase said.

"Lock it up, it should be anyway. We've got a safe in the basement. We can bring it up to your room." Marshall leaned in close. "Stop trying to look for excuses. Make your son proud." Chase looked back to a sleeping Rocky. He watched his chest rise and fall steadily. His arms never letting go of the stuffed wolf.

"I will make you proud, Rocky," Chase whispered. "I'll protect you now and forever."

~~~

Zuma and Rubble climbed into the van, ready to head back home. Marshall climbed in as well, but not before giving Everest a hug and kiss. "See you soon," he said.

"I miss you already," Everest said. Skye giggled while Chase and the other guys rolled their eyes.

"Alright, lovebirds. Let's go Marshall. Hopefully, Adventure Bay hasn't burned to the ground without us." With that, they drove off. Skye walked back inside, Everest and Chase close behind.

"So, what made you decide to adopt?" Everest asked.

"Well, I'm sure you know about our little... incident," Chase said. Everest nodded sympathetically. "We'd always wanted a child to call our own. I knew Rocky from school, but didn't know about all his issues until the day I saved him." He chuckled. "The look on his parents faces was priceless. Rocky and I bonded, I told Skye about him and that's when it started."

"I think it's great that you took him into your home," Everest smiled. "I would love a child to call my own."

Chase smirked. "Is that why you and Marshall walked out earlier?" Everest nodded. "I don't mean to meddle, but you guys just started dating again a few days ago. I don't doubt that you two love each other, but-"

"That's a valid point that he brought up," Everest said." We did talk about it and we both agreed that, if our relationship got to that point, we'd talk about it some more." She shook her head as they walked down the hall. "It was just a spur of the moment thing. I didn't mean to scare him."

As they entered Rocky's room, they found that he was gone. Skye sat there, scrolling on her phone. "Bathroom," she said before Chase could ask. "Woke up when I came in."

He chuckled before sitting down next to her. "How is he?"

"Like anyone who's been in the hospital: bored out of his mind." Chase nodded. She shuddered. "I hate hospitals."

"Same here," Chase said. Everest walked in and sat down across from them. It was silent as they waited for Rocky to return. Five minutes passed, then ten.

Skye had fallen asleep as Chase paced the room. "It's been fifteen minutes," he whispered.

"Give him time," Everest said. "Remember when you were in here and couldn't-"

"Alright, alright," Chase said. "But I still don't like it." He walked out into the hallway and approached the nearest nurse. "Where's my son?" The nurse didn't respond at first, transfixed by a news report. "Excuse me?"

"So sorry, Mr. Shepherd," she replied. "I've been watching this breaking news story. Apparently, someone escaped from the Foggy Bottom jailhouse." Chase's heart dropped as he turned towards the TV.

"It can't be," he whispered. He feared it was Rocky's father. He watched the report and, as soon as the suspect's image appeared he sighed with relief. It wasn't either of Rocky's parents. He turned back to the nurse. "As I was saying, where's my son?"

"I escorted him to the bathroom across from his room." Chase looked towards the bathroom, but the door was wide open. He turned back to the nurse, his eyebrows raised. "I, uh.... He didn't return?"

"Call. Security. Now." Chase was furious and nervous. "How could you lose my son?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Shepherd, I thought it would've been fine." She proceeded to call security. The building was placed into lockdown immediately.

Chase went back to Rocky's room and told Everest of the situation. He also told her to keepe Skye calm when she woke up. He would find Rocky himself if he had to.

~~~

Rocky sat inside a broom closet. Pitch black and quiet. Every now and then, he'd hear a doctor or a nurse walk by. He sniffed, wiping tears from his eyes. He swore he'd seen his father when he passed the waiting room. It looked just like him and he didn't take any chances.

He hid as fast as he could.

Flashes of his past bombarded his mind. The pain, both physical and emotional, hit him hard. He was scared for his life. Trembling and shaking, he couldn't bring himself to stand or move at all.

Overhead, a speaker crackled. "Rocky?" a voice said. "Rocky, if you can hear me, please, come out." He recognized it as Chase. "We're really worried about you, son." Rocky sniffed as the speaker clicked off. He was still driven by fear. Fear that his biological parents would come back and keep hurting him.

He heard footsteps run by the door multiple times, no doubt officers searching the building. Eventually, the settled on his door. His heart beat so quickly that he thought it would jump out of his chest. He curled himself up, covering his head as the door opened. "Please, don't hurt me!" he yelled, straining his voice. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

A security officer bent down. "Kid, we aren't going to hurt you," he whispered. "Your parents are worried sick." He watched as Rocky slow sat back up, tears down his face. "Let's get you back to your parents." He extended his hand out, but Rocky wouldn't take it. The officer sighed and turned to the nearest officer. "Get his parents down here, please."

~~~

Chase and Skye approached the closet slowly. The officer moved back to allow them through. Rocky looked up and jumped into their arms, trembling and sobbing. "I saw him," he cried. "I saw him, he was here..."

"Shh," Skye cooed as she held him. "You're safe, there's nothing to fear."

"Who, buddy? Who did you see?" Although Chase already had an idea. He knew it was impossible. While they were searching for Rocky, he called the prison and confirmed that his parents were still locked up.

"My dad," Rocky said. "I saw him, he was here, he came back!" He pointed down the hall towards the waiting room. "He was there, I swear!"

"No, Rocky," Chase said. "They're both still in jail. They'll be there forever, you know that."

"He got out somehow!" Rocky looked at him in fear. "Don't let him get me, Daddy, please!" He shook in their arms. "Don't let him get me..." They both held him tightly.

Chase felt the scars on his back as the gown had opened slightly. He tightened his grip on both Skye and Rocky. "I won't."

"We won't," Skye said. "We're going to go home, you're going to sleep in your own bed and you're going to wake up safe and sound." Rocky settled a bit but was still shaken up. Skye helped him stand and walked with him back to his room.

A nurse approached Chase. "Mr. Shepherd, it's obvious that Rocky needs some kind of therapy. These outburst are not healthy."

"It's his first time and he's been through alot this week,"Chase snapped. "Are you telling me how to raise my son?"

"No, sir. I'm saying that he needs someone to talk to about this, all of this." She sighed. "Is there anyone else he can speak to, or would you like me to recommend you a child therapist?"

Chase thought for a moment. "No, I've got someone in mind. Rocky doesn't take kindly to strangers. He needs someone familiar." He could only think of one person trained enough in psychology that could help him.

Marshall.

He followed Rocky and Skye back to the room. She tucked him into the bed and stayed with him, holding his hand until feel asleep.

Skye sighed and said "He had to have seen something or someone." She looked at Chase. "But who?"

"Someone who looked an awful lot like that cowardly man," Chase scowled. "Can't imagine what's going through his head."

There was a sudden knock at the door. A nurse poked her head in. "Sorry to bother you, but someone's here to visit Rocky."

"Who?" Skye asked.

"Says he's his uncle." The tension in the room increased as the door opened. Standing there was a man, possibly around Rubble's age.

He looked up and gave a sheepish wave. "So, you're the folks who adopted my nephew? Never realized the PAW Patrol was still in the area." He chuckled.

Chase didn't say a word, his fists clenching. He looked so much like Rocky's father that he wanted to attack him right then and now. Skye spoke the words he wanted to say. "Who do you think you are?" she whispered loudly, not wanting to disturb Rocky.

The man was a bit shocked at her rudeness. "I think I'm a concerned relative." He looked past Chase and saw Rocky fast asleep. "Is he okay?" His expression softened.

"He's fine," Chase growled. "Get out, he wants nothing to do with you."

"I know what my brother and his wife did," he said. "I never visited because of it. They didn't want me around. Next thing I know, they're in jail and someone adopted Rocky." He looked at Skye. "Don't you think he'd be better off with family?"

Chase came forward and shoved him out into the hall, causing him to fall to the ground. "You are not taking my son from me, understand?"

"I completely understand, I'm just saying, won't you even consider-"

"Never! He's never going back, especially with anyone related to that monster, that coward, that-" Chase stopped himself short as a few nurses came over. "I never want to see your face again, understand me? Ever!"

"Chase," the man said, standing up. Chase stopped in the middle of the doorway. "I'm not my brother. I would never want to cause Rocky any harm." He sighed. "It's obvious to me that you and your wife care about him. I haven't been around before, but I do want to be involved in his life, at least a little bit." Chase didn't say a word.

The man took out a business card and took a few steps forward. "Look, if he has any questions about his biological family, give me a call. I would love to get to know him, if you'll allow it." Chase turned, took the business card and then shut the door.

Skye got up and walked over to him. "Are you okay?"

"He wants to see Rocky," Chase said as he looked over the card. "MIT? The guy's an engineer." His name was Tracker Boxer. "No wonder Rocky's into all of this, it's in his blood."

"Maybe it would be good for him," Skye suggested.

"Good for who?" Rocky yawned. He sat up a bit in bed, his eyes opening and closing slowly. "Who was here?"

"Don't worry about it," Chase said, walking over and patting his head. "Just a visitor."

"Do I know them?"

"No, no," Chase said. "Wrong room," he lied.

Skye took Rocky's hand. "Why don't you go back to sleep, it's getting late." Rocky nodded and slowly drifted back to sleep. Chase and Skye looked at each other and fit the first time, they both looked equally as worried.