*Another day dawned on the area of Adventure Bay, where the pups were already busy, but not with gearing for a mission or doing diagnostics on their vehicles. It seemed four of them were getting ready to go on a minor trip. Balloona X is abit nervous meeting her secret friend even with her three friends who were coming along with her* Chase: You sure you're up for this? Balloona X: Well... yes because I know he wants me to meet him sooner than later, so that's I suggested doing it today Chase: Alright... you know who else is joining you though, right? Balloona X: Well, you obviously for one, Marshall said he'd join as well last night, and Skye... did you suggest something to her? Chase: Well, she did want to join since she heard about his drone having a flight mode Balloona X: Actually, it's a hover mode Skye: *she showed up behind Chase* Actually, Chase is right. From what I heard, this drone has four modes. Balloona X: Ah, you're right. By the way, where's Marshall? He should be ready by now? Chase: He should... we should go check on him. Balloona X: Alright, let's go check on him. Hopefully he is ok on packing up his stuff Skye: We shouldn't be gone for long, but considering this place is in the desert region, better safe than sorry. Balloona X: Yea, I know Skye Chase: Let's go check on him you two. Balloona X: Right away. *The pups went to see Marshall to see if he is ready* Skye: Any guesses before we see him? Chase: I'd say he's tied up. Balloona X: My money's on he's stuck under an object. Chase: I'll take that bet... *When the three came to the firepup's house, they could see him wrapped up in a blanket, stuck under a crate.* Skye: What if it were both? Chase and Balloona X: What? Skye: Did you two even look? Marshall: Uh... hey guys, little help here please? Skye: Guess that explains why we didn't hear anything from you. Balloona X: Here, let us help you Marshall: Thanks. *The three pups managed to get the crate off him, then untangle him from the blanket.* Balloona X: How did that even happen? Marshall: oh you know, same old clumsy stuff but different day Balloona X: Gotcha... ready though? Marshall: Debating which treats to bring... Skye: We're only leaving for a day, not a week. Balloona X: It's true, Marshall Marshall: Guess I'm ready then... you going by ground or by air though Balloona X? Balloona X: Well... better go with ground level, just to be safe Chase: Good thing we do have our eye in the sky in case. Skye: You have that right. Balloona X: Well let's go now *The three classic team members nodded, heading off to their vehicles. The collie rolled back to her truck, joining up with the other three as the four left.* Remember guys, we need to stick together Chase: Copy that. You want to take point on this one? Balloona X: Sure thing *The collie drove out in front of the two boys, leading the three out of the town and off to their destination. After travelling for a while, the crew came across a fork in the road at a desert junction.* Marshall: Which way was it? Balloona X: From what he said... he's down the road that hasn't been tended to as well... Marshall: What does that mean? Balloona X: I think it means he's down the road that hasn't been maintained as well. Skye: Better hope that's right, we really can't afford to make a wrong turn here. Chase: Soo... the road on the left then? Balloona X: I think so, let's go then Marshall: After you. Balloona X: You got it *She drove off, followed by the police officer and firefighter with the helicopter-bound pup flying above them.* Skye: I can see from up here, that road looks almost abandoned. *Her goggles enhanced a bit to look at the road, showing the various cracks, holes, and differently elevated portions.* Balloona X: Huh, I guess I picked the right road Marshall: Ya think? There's a lot of holes and bumps on this thing. Balloona X: Just try to be careful here Chase: Hard when the road's looking like a collage of cheeses. Skye: You guys may have a slightly rough time down there, but... I think I see some weird building up ahead. Marshall: Some kind of... what is that? A mechanic stop and junkyard? Balloona X: You don't see that out here that often, and I think that's our destination. Chase: Really? Balloona X: If my guess is correct *The three vehicles eventually arrived to it, parking in front while the helicopter pilot landed. All four got out, looking around.* Marshall: This is the really the place he wanted to meet up? Feels very... creepy. Skye: Like that house you and Rubble were originally scared of? Marshall: Hey! Balloona X and Chase: Focus you two Skye: Right, right. *The four went up to the door as a camera scanned them a bit.* Chase: Should we knock first? Balloona X: Yea *she knocked on the door. The door opened a bit as the voice they know came from the cam.* Formula: Enter you four. Get out of the heat and the sun and rest up after that long trip. Balloona X: Ok then... Chase: Well, that's a coincidence in a way... Formula: I see you guys found my place alright though. *The mat under their feet brought them in before retracting back to outside and the door closing.* Sorry about the drive... and the road. Again, not much maintenance done to that thing in a few years and this building's sort of the only place to find some useful parts. Skye: You're like Rocky in a way... Formula: Good comparison. Balloona X: But why do you live here? Formula: Well... sort of the interesting bits honestly... *The lights flicked on, showing a surprisingly well-kept and clean area, even looking like something from a futuristic lab of sorts.* See, when you're young, you kind of have to stand on your own four paws in some manner after a while, adapt to your surroundings and make the most of a bad scenario. Marshall: Whoa... this is weird. Balloona X: How did you build such... Formula: Advanced tech like this? Well... some say it's genetics in a way to figure out what tricks you're born with. Others... they come to you naturally. Chase: Huh, that makes sense Formula: Mine was an interesting case though. Could say it's sort of... both. *The curtains nearby opened up to reveal a black lab-like pup with a hazel nose and some weird bits to his front right paw.* Hello, Paw Patrol. I'm Formula *the pups look at him in confused* What? You thought I'd be taller? Chase: You're uh... paw. Formula: Ah, right. Was born with only three of them, had to build a bionic one. Skye: What's with the accent too? Formula: It's how I usually speak, mate. Marshall: So... you're Australian in a way? Formula: My family's part Aussie, but it's more on my grandpappy's side. Balloona X: So this is you? Formula: Indeed, it is. Balloona X: You don't look like a standard lab though... Formula: May have some chihuahua traces in me. Balloona X: Huh, that's fair enough Formula: Anyway... glad to see you four here. Chase: Well, been a pleasure, but we should get going now. Formula: So soon mate? Shame... Marshall: Uhh... I don't think we can leave yet... Chase: Why exactly? Marshall: Look... *he point at the vehicles. The other four noticed, seeing Marshall's firetruck having a weird leak under it, Chase's squad truck having a noticeable dip on one side, and some of the tires on Balloona X's semi-truck looking flat.* Chase: Oh... right... Formula: I can fix it up. Chase: Really now? Balloona X: You can really fix our vehicles up? Formula: You're talking to the pup who designed the new rooms... of course I can. Balloona X: Ok then. Formula: Now, which one of you mates wants to have their vehicle fixed up first? Balloona X: I think you should tend to one of the boys first. Skye: Yeah... do an easier job, though it may be hard to do that. Balloona X: It is fair. Formula: Right then. Who's up first then? The officer or the firefighter? Marshall: Oh me, me! *He raised his paw up, but then he tripped over.* Formula: Y'know, I could also make you a crash-bag for your suit so you don't injury anything whenever you slip. Balloona X: Crash-bag? Formula: Like your airbag, Loony. Balloona X: Well, that's if Marshall is ok with it... *The dalmatian blushed a bit in embarrassment, straightening back up.* Marshall: Uhh... I-I need to think about it, because I did deal with being inflated before by my own mistakes... Formula: I oughta hear that one soon. For now though... got work to do. *He left behind the curtain, opening the garage door nearby.* Marshall: Could adding an airbag to my uniform prove a good idea? Be honest guys... *Then a claw from the ceiling removed the vest off of Marshall and gave it to Formula.* Hang on a minute here! Formula: Relax... I believe in safety protocols more than anything. Hmm... He paused at the open garage, slowly turning his head back to the group through the curtain. Anyone else curious perhaps? Balloona X: I've got mine, so I'm fine. Chase: I think I'll pass honestly. Formula: Alright... I'll work on that upgrade after. Let me know if any of you change your mind. Skye: Got it... *She sighed quietly as he left with the sound of a chain unwinding back there.* That was a bit close honestly... Chase: Why? You're not thinking of having that being put in yours, are you? Skye: Well... slightly. After the winter crash I had that one time, it's better to be safe than sorry. Plus, in case Balloona X isn't on a mission with me, it may come in handy, y'know? I just need to think first before I remove my vest. Chase: Fair enough. Besides, maybe I could get the airbag too, but I'm on the fence here right now... Balloona X: Could help for potentially cutting off routes for escaping bad guys? Chase: You do have a point honestly... *His ears perked up as the hybrid pup had the firetruck dragged in via a chain attached to the bumper, pulling it to a car-lift, removing the chain and raising it up.* Formula: Hmm... looks like you have a tear on one of your fuel lines. Be lucky I have some spares out back. Marshall: Well, that's good at least... Formula: Yep, sit tight mate. *He quickly went out another door near the back, looking through a shipping crate organized with usable parts.* Let's see... fuel lines, fuel lines... Balloona X: Hey, you need help? Formula: Uh... yeah, could be handy. Decide to follow me there, sheila? Balloona X: What? Formula: It's Australian for girl. Balloona X: Got it… Formula: Did you come back here to help out though or what? Balloona X: I did come back to help, what do you need? Formula: Bit of help finding the spare fuel lines. Balloona X: Alright then. *She began looking through all the parts.* Formula: They should be alphabetical, so it should be easy to find where they are. Balloona X: Got it. *The two eventually found it, reaching for and grabbing the part, only to end up holding paws a bit.* Formula: Well... this could've been thought out better. Balloona X: *she blushes* Yeah, hehehe… *He blushed as well, letting go.* Formula: You probably want to carry it, huh? Balloona X: No no, you can carry it since you are fixing Marshall's firetruck after all. Formula: Right on it. *He placed his bionic paw on it, an arm extending from it and hold the line up.* Thank you Loony. Balloona X: No problem. *The two went back inside the workshop where Balloona X rejoined the other three, while Formula walked under the raised truck, a few wrenches and screwdrivers emerging from the toolbox nearby.* Marshall: You two find the things alright? Balloona X: Well yes Formula: Helped out with finding it, that's for sure. *He adjusted a pair of goggles over his eyes, a few arms extending with the tools needed.* Now's the part where I work. *He looked up a bit, finding the busted part of the fuel line and unscrewing the broken section, replacing it with the new one.* Perfect... all that's left to do is fuel this up and you'll be ready to go again. Marshall: Cool *The black pup moved out from underneath, lowering the lift back down fully before changing it to a ramp, allowing the firetruck to roll back out to the front.* Formula: One down, two to go. Next, it's Chase Chase: Hope you can figure out my problem... Formula: From the looks of it... looks like one of your suspension springs or one of the shocks came loose. Chase: Really? Is that why it's leaning like that? Formula: Yep. Usually when one of the suspensions goes like that, you'll notice a dip on that part of the vehicle due to the weight distribution. Chase: Huh, that explains it Formula: Yep. I'll get to work. *He dragged the chain out again, hooking up the front bumper.* Skye: Curious to know Balloona X, what did happen out in that shed of his? Balloona X: Well, he does have tons of different parts in there Skye: Well, he has a junkyard back there, but did you two get along well in there? Balloona X: Well... *she blushes* Skye: Hmm? Balloona X: We kinda did hold paws... Skye: You held paws? For real? Was it his real one or that bionic one though? Balloona X: Uh... real one. Why? Skye: Just curious... Balloona X: ok then *The young pup came back in with the police truck, bringing it onto the lift as it was lifted once more.* Formula: Alright... let's see here. Chase: How bad is it? Formula: Well... one of the shocks is loose, just need to get it back on, retighten the bolt, and you should be good. Chase: Right then Formula: I just need a minute or two *Two arms came under the truck, one with a claw and one with a wrench. The claw helped to move the shock back into its normal position and held it there while the new bolt was tightened in.* Just a few more turns on the bolt and it's be done Chase: Great... you sure are quite handy. Formula: Thanks, though this isn't my first rodeo Chase: Worked on a few vehicles like this? Formula: More or less... had all kinds of things to fix. Engine problems, headlight and taillight replacements, exhaust trouble, wheel alignment... you name it, I've dealt with it... though, that was before the road and such just got bad. Chase: Huh, neat Formula: It's just... what do you expect? *The shock underneath was fully tightened as he stepped out, lowering the police truck back down onto the ground and looking over it.* Chase: We good? Formula: Yep. Now all that leaves are the flat tires... Balloona X: Do you need help with that? High Pressure Support is my thing Formula: Actually... I have a little help for that, though I need you four to wait outside for a bit. Balloona X: Ok then... *The black pup did the little ramp trick with the lift again, rolling the police truck next to the firetruck before bringing the chain back outside.* Balloona X: Am I the only one here who thinks he works a bit too hard by himself? Marshall: A bit, yeah. Chase: Besides, we could just help him on this Balloona X: I think I'll help him out with reinflating the tires, what's the worst that could happen? Besides, inflating things is kind of my stuff *With the pup coming back in with the semi, the tools around changed to have rivet guns, as well as a weird device in the corner.* Formula: Alright... we got at least four flats, six lug nuts per... *He looked over a chart on the wall, showing a numerical sequence to removing them. He typed in the command with his bionic paw, moving the arm with the rivet gun to remove each wheel one by one till the four flats were loose.* There we go, now for the next part *The arms came out, rolling one wheel over to the machine, where it was clamped on the bottom, had a bit of grease applied to the upper rim, before it was slowly rotated with a horn-like attachment slowly rotating it off the rim.* Skye: That is some tech he has for that job... Chase: We need to introduce him to Rocky soon... Balloona X: I've actually seen one of those machines before, but his looks much more... Marshall: Advanced? Balloona X: Exactly. *With the first tire off, the empty rim was released and set down. The process repeated for the other three until all the tires are off and empty rims are set down* Formula: Alright... now I need to patch the holes until you can get them changed correctly back at the Lookout. Chase: Ok then Formula: This is the part where I need you mates to hang outside for a bit if you don't mind. Balloona X: Are you sure? Formula: I'm positive. *He went rolled each empty tire over to a slight section, scanning each before applying a special patch to the holes in each tire.* Balloona X: Alright then... *After each was set, he motioned with his head for a bit, the team stepping out while the garage door and regular door closed.* Chase: Is it weird how he doesn't want us to help out with that part? Balloona X: Yea, plus he could have asked me to help him on the tires anyway Marshall: You could maybe... ask him. Balloona X: I guess... I'll go check on him Chase: You may want to try going over the boxes on the side of the building. You should be able to get in through the back by climbing over the fence. Balloona X: Good idea, Chase Skye: Good luck. Balloona X: Thanks. *She walked off, going around to see the stack of crates, looking like a staircase a bit.* Rather easy... let's do it. *She hopped up each box, reaching the top and balancing a bit.* Little bit of a drop... should probably be safe than sorry for this. Time for my Air Vest... *she pull her pup tag causing her vest to inflate. After a minute or two, her vest deflated back to normal as she made her way through the back-junkyard, quietly creeping in through the back door. Surprisingly, it was a bit quiet, no air compressor noise or anything.* That's weird... No air compressor noise or any pressure noise at all? *She quietly crept up, seeing two tires already fully inflated with a slight hissing from the main garage area, but not quite like that of an air hose...* What is that? Is he... *A third tire softly rolled down, fully inflated as the labrahuahua sighed, sounding very different. No Aussie accent at all, but more like some kid who went to a bizarre city in a woodsy state.* "Formula": Man... keep this up, and I may beat my old record! Balloona X: *Whisper* Old record? What is he talking about and why is he talking like that? "Formula": Alright, one more time for ya Drifty! *He chuckled a bit, inhaling a bit before he suddenly inflated out much like Balloona X usually could.* Balloona X: *Whisper* Oh my dog... he can inflate too!? *Once he looked like her usual size, maybe a bit more, he pressed his mouth against the valve of the tire, blowing the air in him into the tire, deflating back to normal and inflating the tire normally, quickly capping it.* Drift: Time! *He rolled the tire over to the other three near her, spinning on his back paws and pressing a timer.* About a 1:21... faster by about seven seconds, but I can always do it much faster! *He chuckled to himself a bit, not fully noticing the big collie creeping softly.* Ah Drift... how can you improve that speed for next time? Maybe be a much bigger size to fill every tire perfectly? Nah... would make capping each tire hard. Balloona X: Uh Formula? You ok? Drift: Yikes! *He jumped in fright a bit, landing over near some spare hoses.* H-How are you... Balloona X: You left your crates on the side of your fences *He groaned a bit, picking himself up out of the air hose pile.* Drift: How did Formula overlook that detail?! Did he not move them away? Balloona X: Formula, what is wrong with you? Drift: What exactly are you talking about? I'm not Formula. Balloona X: Then who are you? Drift: I'm Drift, sort of uh... *His eye twitched before shaking his head, blinking twice afterwards with the Aussie accent back again.* Formula: Crikey... how long was I out for there? Balloona X: Drift? You ok? Formula: Balloona X? What're you talking about exactly? Balloona X: You were talking in a different accent, you inflated your body like me, and you called yourself "Drift" Formula: *He sighed, ears lowering a bit.* Well, guess you better know the truth about me a bit more than I've mentioned so far... Balloona X: Just tell me the truth, please Formula or Drift... Formula: Well... I, or we, suffer from the condition of MPD. Multiple personality disorder, a condition where more than one person can be in somebody's head and can switch usually by a cue or almost completely random. Balloona X: How did that happen to you? Formula: It's not something that happens out of nowhere, it just... it's hard to explain how that works. Balloona X: Then explain about you and Drift... Formula: Well... it's sort of the yin and yang. I'm the more serious half, usually more focused on getting the job done in a quick manner, but providing a safer route to it. I can relax at points, but it's not "relaxing" relaxing... *His eye twitched again, before blinking twice with that accent gone again.* Drift: While he's got the serious half, I'm the fun half! I'm not afraid to show off a bit of some puffy puppy power at points, where as he's more nervous at points. Please... Balloona X: But, aren't you... Drift: I can do the job, but I much prefer making it into a game to stay focused. Seriously, you should see what we can do when we're puffy! Balloona X: So... both you and Formula can inflate or just you? Drift: We both share the same body and traits, but he doesn't inflate as often as I do, cause he says, and I quote... "It's too embarrassing for me to be seen that big." Always confident till someone asks him about that subject... Balloona X: I guess that make sense... Drift: While I mainly do it, he'll usually do it for... serious matters. Though, he needs to loosen up a bit and relax. Think you guys can help him broaden up a bit? Balloona X: I guess we could try... Drift: Sweet! It'd be nice if he could be comfy with stuff like this now. *He opened the garage door up as his head shook again.* Formula: Well... time to finish the job then. Balloona X: Is there anything I could help you with here? Formula: Uh... not quite sure honestly... just may need to take a bit of a break honestly... Balloona X: Oh... alright Formula: Yeah... got any ideas to that? Balloona X: Hmmm... maybe one... Formula: What may that be, mate? Balloona X: *she barked* Air Hose! *He looked a bit puzzled at her as an air hose popped out of her pup pack* Hehehe Formula: Uh... Loony? *His ears perked up a bit, hearing the other three move back into the garage.* Chase: Almost done I see, but... uh, what is going on exactly? Balloona X: Oh hey guys, you're right on time. Marshall: Time for what? Balloona X: Oh you will see... Skye: Are you thinking of... Formula: Thinking of what? Skye: I've seen that look in her eyes before pal. Formula: "Look in her eyes?" *The three stepped back a bit.* Guys? Marshall: Trust me dude, this is almost a sign to show Balloona's sort of trusting to you. Formula: Pardon? *Then the air hose was put in his mouth by Balloona X* Balloona X: *she barked* Air Inflate! *His eyes widened a bit as he felt the air from the hose enter him, beginning to inflate him.* Skye: Y'know... you should cuddle him a bit when you're done. I bet he'd be soft like you. Balloona X: Good idea *The two gals shared a giggle, all four dogs watching the labrahuahua swell up.* Marshall: Does he inflate on his own too? Balloona X: Yep! Though, Formula's a biiiit embarrassed, so I'm going to show him the benefits while we finish the job. And he has a lot of explaining to do too Chase: What explaining exactly? Balloona X: Let's say... there's a bit more to him than expected. Chase: Alright then... how big are you making him though? Balloona X: Just enough to do the cuddling, hehehehe Skye: I may give him a cuddle or two myself honestly, he looks cute like that. Do you blame me? Balloona X: I don't blame you honestly, but I'll be doing the majority of the cuddles since he worked really hard. Hmm... this should be good. *She removed the hose from him, leaving him as a big balloon about the same size as their trucks.* I'll move him to the other room so you guys have more room, ok? Chase: That'll work. Balloona X: Ok Formula, time to go on a roll! *She giggles, rolling the ballooned pup into the other room, hopping onto his belly and sighing happily with a happy tail wag.* You're really comfy like this. I'm almost tempted to make you a bed, hehehe... *She nuzzled her head a bit, hearing the pup below her sigh quietly.* Formula: Alright... I see your point honestly. I want to get back to work though... Balloona X: Oh no no, you're relaxing and I'm not letting you go easily cutie... plus you have to explain more about yourself, Formula... or should I say, Drift... Formula: Pardon? Balloona X: Formula, you know what I'm talking about... Formula: I know... who do you want to speak first and what do you want to know about them? Balloona X: Either one is fine and they need to know everything that you told me Formula: Alright then... *He went into the explanation with her, a few of the team members occasionally dropping in, mostly Skye who'd go for a quick nuzzle and off, or would join Balloona X on top of the balloony pup. After a few minutes, the little summary finished up.* ...and that's pretty much that for us. Any other questions you have? Marshall: Well. That's... something else. Chase: I agree. Wasn't expecting another inflatable pup, only with this one having a bionic implant and two minds in a way. What do you think Skye? Skye: It's unique, I'll give it that. *She sighed a bit, resting up with Balloona X on top of him.* Formula: You two sheilas comfy up there? Skye: Quite comfy actually. Balloona X: And Drift said you feel embarrassed being a big balloon pup, you just need to get used to it more Formula: I know... Skye: Saaay... why not every now and then Balloona here pumps you up for the relaxing period? On those days you're absolutely stressed and such... Formula: I don't see a problem with that actually. Balloona X: Well now that you are relaxed, I think it time to resume your work Chase: We got the tires back on, what else is there? Marshall: Wasn't going to install that crash-bag thing into my vest? Formula: Partially a joke, but... are you actually serious about that now? Chase: Yea about that... Skye: We did reconsider about the upgrade to our vests too Formula: Well, about that... *A wall panel nearby slid open, showing off six mannequins like each pup with a very similar vest on already.* I maaaay have already done it. Balloona X: Wow, you are one smart pup here to think ahead Formula: I was honestly debating doing yours as well, but you already had one, so... I still have the file in case. Balloona X: Really? Formula: Well yes *he exhaled all the air out of him to deflate back to his normal size. The two gals did get off when he began so they wouldn't crush him.* Chase: So, all of those suits have the airbags in them? Formula: Correct. Same material, but a slightly more comfy fit, and I'll work on the straps to the pup packs later so they don't snap off in case. Haven't tested that yet... Skye: Cool Formula: Well... you guys are set to go. Hope to see you again later. Skye: Wait, what about Balloona X's vehicle? Formula: Did you guys get the wheels back on? Chase: All but one. Formula: Hang on... *He left the group, heading back to get the other wheel attached.* Marshall: Hey guys, you thinking what I'm thinking? Balloona X: Depends... is it potentially having a new recruit? Marshall: Yep Chase: Hopefully Ryder is ok with recruiting him in Skye: I'm sure he will. Besides, Drift sounds like a fun half to hang with at points. Agree there Balloona X? Balloona X: Sure, let's do it *With the final vehicle wheeled out of the garage, the mechanical pup returned to the four.* Formula: Alright, now you're all set. Happy travels you guys. Balloona X: Wait Formula, why not come with us back to the Lookout Formula: Really? Me tag along? I don’t know, there’s a fair bit I’d have to pack up. Balloona X: Take your time packing up Formula: Got it. *He pressed a button on the wall, bringing back out that cube used originally for the rooms to the Lookout.* Chase: So that's how you added that whole new floor so quickly... Formula: What can I say, I'm one smart pup here *Most of the tech and appearance in the area disappeared, looking like a much more rundown workshop now as he held the cube a bit.* Formula: Alright, all set to go. Skye: Wow... this place was really rundown without all the tech in here. Formula: Yep... anyway, who am I riding with? Balloona X: You can join me, my tanker is big enough for us Formula: Alright then. *The pups all got into their vehicles, with Formula joining the collie in hers.* Balloona X: Hope my body is not too big for you to fit in comfortably Formula: I don't think I'll have a problem honestly... *The five set off, leaving behind the desert and such. After a while, they arrived back to Adventure Bay and the Lookout.* Balloona X: We're here Formula: Great to see it in person instead of behind a screen. *All the pups get out of their vehicles* Balloona X: Stay here for a moment, Formula. We'll be right back Formula: Alright. *The four went into the Lookout, with him humming quietly.* Hope this goes well... *thinking* If my guess is correct, they might want me to join in with them as a Paw Patrol member *From his side, his more fun-loving side materialized in a spiritual form.* Drift: C'mon, wasn't it obvious? You fixed up their abode, three of their vehicles and such. If that's not worthy of being recruited to the team, they need a real wake-up call. Formula: I don't have time to talk right now. Drift: Really? Seems you do... Come on Formula, with us in their team... we can be the best Paw Patrol in Adventure Bay. Plus, we know we're only doing this for this one special pup here Formula: That is ridiculous. You're always leaping before looking, or in some case, inflating before bouncing. Drift: See, you're starting to think like me with your ide... ide... Formula: Ideology. Drift: That's the word. Just trust me on this one, ok? Formula: I have problems trusting you at points, you know that? Drift: Remember, I still have partial control in here, even while "asleep" in a way. Formula: Dormant... and what do you mean by that? Drift: Well yea, duh. Come on Formula... Formula: I'm not in the mood for being a balloon again so soon... especially with the team getting back soon. I'm not looking to be embarrassed. Drift: You won't even notice it after so many times... c'mon... Beside, I know you loved how Balloona X nuzzled your bloated body, even if she was the one who inflated you... Formula: I suppose... Drift: Skye couldn't help but share a laugh with her, even resting on top of you as well. Formula: I know... then again, she does have a soft spot for soft things. Drift: Doesn't matter. You could be a big, no pun intended there, value to the team, balloon or not. Just truth me on this, ok Formula? Formula: Fine... Drift: Good. Don't be afraid to puff your belly up a bit either at points, get a laugh or two. *The spirit disappeared as a voice called out who is Ryder calling for him from the door* Ryder: Hey Formula, can you come inside please? Formula: Uh. Sure thing mate. *He got up, shaking his head a bit before entering inside. When he entered inside, he could see the room was a bit dark with the lights off.* Formula: Uh Hello... any pup here, and did a fuse blow in the box? *He looked around, feeling the wall for a light switch until he found it* Ah, there's the switch *he turned the switch on. The lights flicked on, showing a cake on a table.* Formula: Wait, what? *then everyone jump out* All: Surprise! Formula: Whoa! What's this all about? Ryder: Formula and Drift, if he can hear me in you... As the leader of the Paw Patrol, the pups decided to throw you an honorary member party for you to join our team as a proud member Formula: For real now? Balloona X: Would we joke about something like that? Besides, you did help us three different times, drone or not... like you have a heart of a Paw Patrol member Chase: What do you two say though? Or... one? Or... however the MPD thing works. Formula: Well... *He had his eye twitch and head shake again, with the dual blinks.* Drift: I'll gladly help out where I can, and he will too. He just needs the right jumpstart in a way. Rubble: But to me, how can we tell who is Formula and who is Drift Drift: Well... believe it or not, I have my own little surprise for you guys. Zuma: What may that be dude? Drift: Give me a second... *He pulled out that cube again, tilting his head a bit before managing to release only a gold colored vest similar to theirs.* I made my own. Well, he technically did, but... anyway... *He put the cube away.* This is our special vest, when we switch places with each other, the vest will change color and badge to the correct user Ryder: You have a premade badge too? Drift: Just needs the final touch to the tags radio and such, but it works like so. *He put on the gold vest, showing the tag with its racing flag symbol. After a minor twitch, the vest changed to silver, and the symbol changed to a crossed screwdriver symbol.* Formula: Like so... Marshall: Well, that'll help. Will whoever we need for missions though remain fully in control though? Formula: Trust me mate, we'll work it out. Whichever side's needed... whether it be the mechanic, or the racer... that side remains in control. Now before I forget, remember that eighth room I did told you guys before? Balloona X: The one next to mine? Of course. Formula: Well... what if I told you that's where I was going to be staying? Balloona X: You planned it all together here... Formula: Well, mostly... because revealed my MPD wasn't my plan Rocky: Kind of a thing with plans though. When something happens, you adapt to the change. *The team went up to the room, seeing the door being silver and gold with the flag having the cross screwdrivers on it.* Formula: This should take a minute to set. *he opened the door, pressed the button on the box, tossed it in, and closed the door* 3... 2... 1... *A light shined a bit before he reopened the door, showing the room decorated with both blueprints of projects and a raceway touch to it.* Hopefully he'll like this... Balloona X: Cool Formula: Oh right, I almost forgot one last thing... my gift to all you pups Rocky: What gift this time? Formula: Well... four of you know it a bit, but let's see the reaction of the other three first. *he let out three barks. A tube in the ceiling lowered, dispensing an orange, yellow, and green vest.* Rubble: Aren't those our vests? Formula: A bit, but... there's a surprise in them. No hints or spoilers. Speaking of which, I forgot to give you three your new vests... Rocky: Is that why Marshall doesn't have his vest on? Formula: Yes... *He barked three more times, the red, blue, and pink vests dropping down.* Though, let's wait for the reactions from the other three first. Chase: Fair enough. *All six pups put on their new vests* Zuma: Huh, they do feel very comfy Rocky: Yes... Rubble: But what kind of surprise do these vests have? *The labrahuahua looked to two of the other four, nodding a bit as Marshall went to stand next to Rubble, Chase went over to Rocky, and a light on the brainy pup's paw began to glow orange.* Zuma: Uh... this feels a bit weird, and why's your paw glowing now? Formula: Oh you will see... *his arm open up a slot with a button in it and he push it. At the same time, Marshall tugged on Rubble's tag and Chase tapped Rocky's side. In perfect sync, the three found their suits swelling up.* Formula: Impressive timing you two on the syncing. Chase and Marshall: Thank you Zuma: When did you do this dude?! Balloona X: Hehehe, these vests were gonna be for me before I got my own, so he decided to make them for you six instead Rocky: Are you serious?! Formula: Am I one to joke around? Safety's one of my biggest factors ever... Balloona X: It is true, guys Formula: Besides, in the event you have a problem with either your tag pulling or the auto sensor, I have my backup override control to engage it. Ranges from one to all, but be lucky I just do one at a time. Zuma: But how come Marshall's, Chase's, and Skye's vests didn't inflate with us? Formula: The lights that go off on my paw indicate whose vest will be activated. Like so... *The orange light switched off as the red, blue, and pink lights switched on. The slot with the button opened up again as he pressed it. Then Marshall's, Chase's, and Skye's suits started to swell up* Balloona X: Hehehehe Zuma: Are there any other tricks we should know about? Formula: Hmm... let me think here... There was a hover mode for one, which swells the suit up just a biiit bigger, but replaces all the air with helium, so you'll feel more like a balloon in some regard aka Skye's vest features Skye: I guess this pup's gonna float, hehehe Formula: It's only when you activate the mode that you will. There are other features that you other five have, but I'll explain it later Marshall: Fair enough. Rocky: Think you could... help deflate these now? Formula: Be lucky I have the override... *All six buttons lit up before a different colored button came out of the slot. With a press, the six began to have their vests deflate.* There you go, Pups Rubble: Thanks. Zuma: Thanks a lot dude. Formula: No problem. We'll go over the rest of the features later. I think we've had a fairly busy day. I'm honestly tempted to nap for a while... Chase: Ok then Balloona X: I think you did earn it honestly. Just let us know if you need us or something Formula: You got it mate. *He turned around, entering his room and closing the door. With the rest of the crew heading back downstairs, the collie couldn't help but look back to the door.* Balloona X: Hmm... *She decided to creep back, gently placing her ear against the door. Whisper* Need to be careful.... Formula: Hmm... alone for a bit. Guess I can relax a bit... right Drift? Balloona X: *whisper* He's talking to Drift? Even when he's not in control? *The little spirit appeared for Formula again.* Drift: C'mon bud... you can do it. Formula: I don't know about this... ya sure? Drift: Just a bit of air... what's the worst that'll happen? Formula: I guess you're right mate... *Balloona X listened in, but due to her not being able to see or hear Drift, it made the conversation seem weird.* Balloona X: *whisper* Wish Formula and Drift could just do the whole switch back and forth thing then talking to himself *When she seemed ready to leave, she could hear the pup inside the room breathing a bit.* Huh? *She pressed her head a bit more, hearing the sound of something stretching, sort of like rubbery type.* Wait, is Formula... *After a bit, it stopped.* Formula: Is this good? Drift: C'mon now... it looks like you swallowed a basketball, you can do a bit more... Formula: Seriously? Drift: *he can see the door open, then he smile abit* Come on Formula, where's your inflation loving fan side... Formula: It's not as strong as yours, and what's the smile for? Drift: You got a big fan, heh... *He disappeared with a smirk.* Formula: Big fan? *He heard a whistle from behind him.* Huh? *He turned, seeing the big collie standing there with her tail wagging.* Balloona X?! Why're you here? Balloona X: I got curious... I'm happy to see you swelling like this Form, but a bit disappointed you didn't get bigger... do I need to help you again to have a comfier sleep? Formula: *he feel blushes* Maybe, but... Balloona X: No buts about it. *She closed the door behind her.* Formula: Look, I know I have inflation abilities, but it still feels embarrassing to use them Balloona X: C'mon... for me... pretty please? Formula: I... uh... Balloona X: Maybe this can help *she licked his nose, acting as a kiss* Formula: *His tail wagged as his smile widened.* Crikey! One labrahuahua balloon coming up! *He began inhaling again, much stronger as his belly and body began swelling up, the collie getting a face full of his swelling midsection.* Balloona X: Hehehehe, looks like I found your spark to get you out of your embarrassment with your inflation ability, Formula *She giggled, gently nuzzling his swelling belly.* Just a bit more air cutie... *He kept inhaling eventually reaching the size from earlier.* Alright Formy, this is good... *She giggled a bit, but it faded as the dog didn't stop.* Uh... Formula. You can stop now. Formula, can you hear me? *Seems he was more focused on his inflation than listening as she got up, moving over to his head.* Formula... *He still wasn't listening clearly. She looked a bit nervous before holding his mouth closed.* Sorry... but, this is to stop that swelling since... you already filled up half your room. *Formula look and see his whole bloated body take up most of the room. He motioned with his head to release, seeming out of it as she released his muzzle.* Formula: Crikey... I overdid it a bit, huh? Balloona X: A bit, but I will admit... the bigger you get, the cuter you are. Consider that little lick your kind of "treat" in a way. Be a good boy, and you'll get another. Formula: I will, I promise. Balloona X: Good, but I have to figure out an easier way to snap you out of your trance in a way... *As they contemplate, they hear a shout. The two pups perked up, looking at each other.* Both: Marshall... Formula: Agreed... *He began exhaling, deflating back to his normal size.* Balloona X: Don't worry, you can nap in peace once we checked on him. Formula: I might try that style again in a bit honestly, rather comfy. Balloona X: That's the spirit. Let's check on him though. *The two left the room, going to the elevator and heading down to the first floor.* Both: Ok, what just happened here... Skye: Uh... Marshall may've had an airbag problem... Balloona X: What did he do to his airbag mode? Skye: Let's say that it may've malfunctioned a bit with taking a tumble during a game. His airbag activated, but when the belly section rolled into a tree, it sort of... acted weird. Formula: How exactly? Skye: Well... *She led the two inflatable pups outside, showing a giant red ball, looking like the size Formula just was in the room.* Both: Oh my! *they walk up to Marshall* You ok, Marshall!? Marshall: S-Swell... though, this suit's still inflating. Formula: Sorry about that. Made these things pretty strong. Impossible to pop in more than one way... *The light on his paw turned red, the button came out, and he pressed it, stopping the dalmatian's vest inflation.* Balloona X: At least it's comfy, huh? Marshall: There are worse things than this honestly. *He laughed a bit, resting his slightly sunken head against the material.* Formula: It'll be a bit till I can override the swelling to deflate ya, sorry bout that. Marshall: It's fine... Formula: As they say... all's swell that ends swell. *The pups all shared a laugh, knowing well there were some big adventures ahead.* The End