Chase had been in the hospital for three days. He would regain consciousness from time to time only to lose it once more. Rocky had not left his side the entire time. Principal Ryder understood would bring Rocky's assignments for the day each afternoon when he stopped by to check on Chase. Rocky, bored from watching his Dad all day, had a spark of inspiration: an idea to improve the Chemistry Lab.

"Good afternoon, Rocky," said Ryder as he walked into the room. Rocky looked up from his notebook and smiled.

"Good afternoon, Principal Ryder," Rocky replied.

"Any changes today?" Ryder asked.

"He woke up a few times but doesn't know what's going on," Rocky replied glumly.

"He'll be okay, Rocky," said Ryder. "His body is just taking time to heal properly."

"I know," Rocky said. "But I miss hearing his voice."

"I take it you're still talking to him then?" Ryder smiled.

"Yes sir," Rocky said. "I've told him about what was going on around him. I've told him about the people that have come to see him and I've read the cards the students and faculty have sent."

"That's great, Rocky," said Ryder. He looked down at his notebook. "What's that you're working on?"

"Oh, it's nothing" said Rocky. "Just an idea I had."

Ryder walked over and sat down next to Rocky. "Can I see?"

Hesitantly, Rocky handed him the notebook. "I know my ideas are just dreams and stuff, but it helps me pass the time. Dad says I might be able to build some of my ideas someday."

Ryder smiled, realizing that Rocky had just called Chase 'Dad'. He looked at the drawing and the calculations beside it. He was amazed at the intricate details and drawings. "Is this the school's Chemistry Lab?" asked Ryder.

"Yes sir," said Rocky looking down sheepishly. He fiddled with his pencil as he spoke. "I was just thinking how this could have been prevented in the future. It just a dumb idea."

"No, Rocky," said Ryder. "This is a plan any engineer would be proud of. Is this what you would like to do?"

"I don't know," said Rocky "I see ideas and I like to write them down. Sometimes I try to go a step further and plan how it would work."

"I'm no engineer," Ryder admitted. "But I think this would work perfectly. Can you explain it to me a little better?"

"Ok!" Rocky said. Ryder could see a spark in Rocky's eyes as he began to explain his concept. "You see, in the event of a chemical leak the system would detect it and start automatically. The staff could manually start it if needed as well. This part draws the air through a filtration system so that no harmful toxins are released into the air."

"That is incredible," said Ryder. "I really think this could work. I think I could hand this to any engineer and they could build this off you plans you've drawn here."

"Thanks, Principal Ryder," said Rocky. "But, it's just a concept. I've had a bunch of ideas before, but never actually built them. I just like to look for solutions to problems I see."

Ryder thought for a moment. "Rocky, would you mind if I showed these to a friend?"

"I don't mind," said Rocky. "But I'm not sure it's finished yet. I just did the rough calculations on air flow."

"That's alright," Ryder said. "This will be perfect. Tell you what, I'll go down to the nurses station and make a copy that way you still have the original."

"Okay," smiled Rocky, picking up the homework the principal had brought him. Ryder walked down and made copies. He stopped to ask the nurse about Chase's progress. He walked back into the room after about fifteen minutes and Rocky was reading a book.

"Going to work on you homework later?" asked Ryder.

"No sir," said Rocky "I'm done already."

"R-really? Including your physics?" Ryder asked somewhat shocked.

"Yes sir," answered Rocky. "Physics is my favorite."

Ryder picked up Rocky's homework and leafed through. He was amazed at how quickly Rocky was able to complete the assignments. That made him think even more. "Well Rocky," said Ryder. "I guess I'll take your work since you've completed it. You and your Dad have a good evening. And tell Skye I stopped by."

"Thank you," said Rocky "I hope you have a good evening as well. Thank you for bringing my assignments." Rocky picked up his notebook and began reading over it again as Ryder walked out of the room.

Ryder paused on his way out to make a phone call to Katie. "I have a stop to make to speak to a friend at the university," Ryder explained. "I'll be home for dinner."

"Okay, honey," said Katie "Be safe and I'll see you in a little while."

Ryder drove toward the university. Many thoughts were swirling in his head as he turned on the campus.

***

Chase finally awoke late that night. He looked around, a bit dazed and confused. Rocky was curled up in a chair beside him and he smiled. Skye had just walked back in. "Oh, honey, you're finally awake" said Skye. She sat on the edge of the bed and held his hand. "How do you feel?"

"I feel like I got hit by a truck," said Chase hoarsely. "How long was I out?"

"You've been unconscious for three days now," said Skye.

"Three days?" said Chase shocked. "They're going to fire me."

"No, they're not," laughed Skye. "Principal Ryder has been here each afternoon and said you were on paid leave until you were ready to come back."

"Did you bring Rocky after school?" Chase asked looking down at Rocky.

"No," said Skye. "He hasn't left your side since he got released."

"Released?" Chase said. "I thought he had made it out of the building."

"Chase, he's the one that rescued you," said Skye proudly. "He's a lot like you."

"What?" said Chase, almost angered. "Ryder let him in the school?"

"No. Ryder said he heard you on the radio," Skye explained. "He ran in before anyone could stop him. The fumes you were in would have killed you if had he not thought to put wet paper towels over your nose and mouth. He dragged you out into the hall where Ryder found you two."

Chase had tears running down his face. "I'm supposed to protect him. Not the other way around..."

Skye smiled. "There's more Chase."

"What?" said Chase.

Rocky woke up, hearing the voices. His eyes widened and he smiled. "Dad, you're awake!" Rocky jumped up and hugged Chase with tears running down his face. "I'm sorry I ignored Principal Ryder, but I couldn't let you die."

Chase sat there in stunned silence. 'Dad. He called me Dad'. Skye leaned over and hugged her two boys, then she got up to give the two some time and to go tell the nurse that Chase was awake.

"I-it's okay son," said Chase choking up. He hugged him tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too" said Rocky. "And Mom too. She let me stay with you. I prayed you were going to be ok."

"What about your school work?" asked Chase.

"Principal Ryder has been bringing it to me each afternoon," said Rocky sitting on the bed now.

"Well that's great," said Chase. "Your education is very important to your mother and I."

"I know," said Rocky. "And I want you to be proud of me."

"Rocky, I was always proud of you," said Chase. "I know you will do great things one day."

The nurse came in and checked Chase's vitals. "I think you can probably go home tomorrow, Officer Chase," she said.

"It will be good to have you two home again," said Skye. "It's been lonely without you both there to mess the place up."

"Gee, thanks honey," laughed Chase.

"Mom? Tell Zuma, I'll make up my chores when I get home," said Rocky.

"Oh honey, Zuma is fine," laughed Skye. "If anything, he's gotten spoiled having you to do all the vehicle work." They laughed at that, Chase coughing a bit which only made them laugh more.

***

The next morning, Chase was released to go home. Rocky wheeled him down to the lobby to wait for Skye to come and pick them up. Ryder was waiting as they came down. Chase began to stand up as Ryder approached.

"Stay in your seat Officer," said Ryder. "That's an order. I told Skye I would bring you two home," said Ryder. "Besides, I need to talk to you."

"If it's about work, I plan on being back tomorrow," said Chase.

"No, it not about work," said Ryder. "And as I told Skye, you've never taken a vacation. I think you're due a week or two."

"Vacation?" Chase said. "Aw, come on!"

Rocky giggled as he wheeled Chase out to Ryder's vehicle and helped him get him. They drove to the fire station and everyone was waiting for them.

"Welcome home!" yelled everyone as they stepped out.

Marshall and Zuma had baked a cake and Rubble had hung a 'Welcome Home' sign. Skye was bringing out punch placing it on the table in the bay.

"Let's eat!" yelled Rubble. Everyone just rolled their eyes, laughing at him.

"I agree," Chase said. "Hospital food is terrible."

"We missed you dudes," said Zuma. He ruffled Rocky's hair, getting him to laugh.

"No, you missed Rocky doing your chores!" laughed Marshall. Everyone laughed except Zuma, who pouted.

"I can't help it," smiled Zuma. "He's better at it than me." Rocky smiled at that.

Everyone was thanking Rocky for saving Chase. "You're a hero!" said Rubble. Rocky just blushed but didn't say anything. He looked over toward Chase, who winked at him. Rocky just smiled and went back to his cake.

As the day stretched on, Chase pulled Ryder into his office. "You said you needed to talk to me?"

"Yes, it's about Rocky," said Ryder. Chase's eyes narrowed and he could feel the tension rise.

"Is there a problem?" Chase asked.

"No, quite the opposite, actually," said Ryder. "Do you remember the conversation we were having before the incident the other day?"

"About Rocky's progress?" Chase answered.

"Yes, and I wasn't just being nice when I said his progress is better than anyone could have expected," said Ryder. "He's more than just another smart kid."

"I don't think I'm following," Chase said.

"Yesterday, when I stopped by the hospital, Rocky showed me one of his ideas he had drawn to correct the problem that occurred with the Chemistry Lab. It wasn't just some childish concept, like he thought. It was an incredibly detailed blueprint and I must say, far beyond even my ideas."

"I've seen some of his drawings," said Chase. "I must admit it was over my head."

"I asked Rocky if I could show it to someone," said Ryder. "I took it to an engineer friend of mine."

"Ok" Chase said. "Sorry if this sounds rude, but could you possibly get to the point?"

"Chase, my friend was very impressed," said Ryder. "So much so that he would like to attempt to build Rocky's vent system, with Rocky's help and giving him the credit. This could save lives in chemical labs all over the country. But that's not all." Ryder pulled out a file, handing it to Chase. "He did his homework last night in about fifteen minutes, including the one for his physics class," Ryder said. "All the answers are correct, his teachers are astonished." Ryder paused to let Chase comprehend. "I think he should probably be moved into the accelerated High School program."

"He's only twelve," said Chase. "I wouldn't want him to be in over his head. I'd have to talk to Skye and of course Rocky."

"Of course," said Ryder. "I would expect nothing less. You know me, I would never hold anyone back, but I wouldn't push anyone into anything they weren't ready for either. No matter what, Rocky will do great things in his life, but this could jump start it early on. That's why I wanted to come to you first."

"Thank you, Ryder," said Chase. "I'll talk to Skye tonight."

"No rush at all," Ryder said. "Let's get back to your welcome home party."

As they walked out of the office. Skye gave Chase a look of concern. Chase just smiled and walked over kissing her. "Later," he whispered.

***

Hours after the party and everyone had gone to bed, Chase and Skye stood at Rocky's door watching him sleep.

"I was worried he would never see us as his Mom and Dad," said Skye. "He really does love you, Dad."

Chase smiled at her. "He loves you too, Mom." Skye hugged Chase as they closed the door and walked into their bedroom. Chase explained everything that Ryder had told him as they changed for the night. Skye thought for a moment.

"He is very smart, and I guess this would help him further his education," said Skye. "I don't know. While I want to challenge him, I don't want to push too hard either. Let's keep thinking about it and see what he thinks. If Rocky doesn't want this, I don't want anyone pushing him."

"Yes, mama bear," laughed Chase. "And you call me overprotective."

"Are you quite finished?" scowled Skye.

"Maybe..." laughed Chase. She continued to glare at him. "Alright, fine, I'm done."

"I may be protective of him, but so are you. We both know he deserves it." Chase nodded knowingly. "But I'm serious. I'm okay with this if Rocky is okay with it."

"We'll tell him to just think about it. At the end of the week, we can ask him again. Then we can decide as a family if this is best." The doorbell rang. Chase looked to Skye curiously. It was late and they weren't expecting company. "Stay here, sweetie." He stood and walked to the door, wondering who it could be.

Upon opening it, he was greeted by a tall man in a suit. "Good evening, Mr. Shepherd."

"Good evening."

"I apologize for intruding so late, but this matter is urgent. I'm Mr. and Mrs. Boxer's attorney. They have requested to see their son." He held out a paper. "Please give this to him."

Chase snatched the paper, skimming it over. "He's not seeing them, ever," he growled.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you don't make that decision. Rocky does. It's all printed there for you. Have a pleasant evening." With that, he walked away.

"Who was it, sweetie?" Skye asked.

"Rocky's parent's attorney. They want to see him."

"I don't think we can allow that, not after what they did to him."

"We don't get a say. Rocky does."

"I do what?" They turned to see the boy rubbing his eyes. "What's going on?" he yawned.

"What are you doing up, sweetie?" Skye said. "It's way past your bedtime." She took him by the hand.

"I heard talking, and my name." He looked nervous. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, Rocky," Chase said with a reassuring smile. "It's nothing, really. We can talk about it tomorrow, when you're up and at 'em." Ruffling his hair caused Rocky to giggle. He hugged him tightly, kissing him on the head. Skye led him back to his room.

Chase looked back down at the paper, which required Rocky's signature by the end of the week. 'Oh boy,' he thought.