Ch 4:Bioluminescence
The ocean had settled down, the afternoon sun had set to dusk. The Paw patrol had quite a situation to deal with. Rocky's tugboat had sunk to the bottom of the bay. Most of the things in his pup house were slowly floating to the surface. Ryder knew there would need to be a massive effort to collect all that was lost, but for the time being his number one priority was ensuring Rocky was ok. The recycle pup laid next to Zuma in his craft. Sniffling occasionally, but a lot calmer than he was before. Zuma had leaned in close to him, nuzzling his neck slow and rubbing his back. With his friend being comforted, Chase took the time to reach out to the other pups to inform them of the situation.
``Ryder, what do we do now?'' Chase asked.
Ryder looked out to the open water and took a slow breath. Staying collected after all that has happened today.
``We need to make sure the majority of what came out of Rocky's tugboat is properly taken out of the bay. We'll have to get the other pups out here to assist. Maybe even have Cap'n turbot come out with his boat to help as well.''
``Ruff! Roger Ryder''
Ryder turned his head back to Zuma's craft.
``Rocky...How are you feeling?''
The mixed breed didn't look up, a small whimper escaped his snout.
``Wocky...Do you want to go back to shorwe? You might feel better if...
``No''
He pulled his head away from Zuma and looked at the chocolate lab.
``I want to stay. I want to help clean up.''
Chase winced a little at his response.
``Rocky, maybe it'd be best if...''
``No! This is all my stuff and I need to make sure it's cleaned up!''
``Rocky...'' Ryder said calmly. Leaning himself back into Zuma's hovercraft. He petted the mixed breeds forehead.
``I appreciate that you still want to help, but that was quite a tumble you took there and with your tugboat out of commission, we don't have a proper way to store all this stuff right now.''
``Yeah but...We can get a head start. We can load a few things into Zuma's Hoover craft! I can do that while you and Chase get the rest of the pups out here.''
Ryder looked at Rocky with concern.
``Rocky...I don't know if...''
``Please Ryder''
The pup gave him the saddest eyes he could muster. It wasn't an act to look sad, he wanted to stay, he needed to stay, he had to clean up what he had Inadvertently caused.
``A Paw Patrol member always makes sure the job is done, first and foremost.''
The recycle pup stood up, his four legs wobbling a bit. He shook off the excess water on his body. Zuma could see he was doing his best to try and keep composure. The labs tail wagged softly at seeing the new confidence Rocky had, he didn't know if he would be a hundred percent ok in his condition, but he didn't want to bring his friend down. Zuma stood and trotted over next to Rocky.
``Wyder, I can help out Wocky while you and Chase go and get the othewr pups. If we get starwted on the small stuff floating out hewre, we can have the big stuff loaded up in no time.''
Ryder raised an eyebrow, contemplating if this was the best course of action for the two pups. Rocky looked towards his friend, he couldn't help but blush a little at how determined Zuma was to help him out.
``Ryder sir?'' Chase asked.
Their leader let out a small sigh.
``Alright. Zuma, Rocky, please do what you can to clean up some stuff, Only the small things though. Chase, you will come back with me to get some more help out here. Plus, it will free up more room on the hoover craft.''
``Yes sir!''
Chase leap back onto Ryders ATV. The police pup turned back to his friends.
``Guys, if you hear or see that sub that caused this mess, let us know immediately, ok?''
``Will do, Well...Zuma will since...'' Rocky pointed at his bare neck, his pup tag still missing in the bay somewhere.
``No sweat dude!'' Zuma called out.
``Anything at all, please reach out! We'll be back as soon as possible'' Ryder said. The boy throttled his ATV and off he and Chase went.
The pups stared at them as they left, the ATV got smaller and smaller before disappearing all together. Rocky breathed a sigh, before turning to Zuma
``Thanks for having my back. I had a feeling Ryder wanted me to sit this one out.''
``No worwies dude'' The chocolate lab moved a front paw and placed it on Rockys shoulder ``But Wocky, if things get too crazy out here or you feel uncomforwble, say the word and we'll leave''
Rocky smiled back at his friend, appreciating his concern.
``I will, but I'm feeling better now, I just need to make sure we can get some of this stuff out of the water.''
``Let's get started then!''
It wasn't easy, but sometimes missions aren't as cut and dry as saving a chicken or hiding some easter eggs. Some missions take a lot of effort. In this case, Zuma maneuvered his hovercraft around the site where the tugboat had sunk. Some of debris were still in boxes and far too big to fit on the craft. Doing as they were told, both pups would focus on the smaller things. Zuma used his hovercrafts claw arm to grab what he could out of the bay. Rocky would comb the water with a makeshift net Zuma happened to have on board. Using it, he'd pull out of some the smaller things that floated by. Some rubber tubing, old newspapers which had disintegrate into an inky blob. A few scattered pup toys like rubber bones and frisbees. Soon the smaller stuff would make its way to the back of the vehicle, after some time the pups would find a lot of their leg room cut off. By the time they grabbed what they could, Dusk had passed, and a few shinning stars showed themselves above the Adventure Bay sky.
``Alright, I think that's the most we can fit in here for now.''
``Yeah, it's getting a little crwamp in here dude.''
Both pups agreed and shuffled themselves between the stuff they accumulated. Moving towards the front seat of the craft. Rocky carefully nudge himself forward before scooting over to let Zuma sit next to him. The Chocolate lab unbuckled his orange water helmet and shook his ears off a bit. Droplets of water flung at the mixed breed, Rocky giggled.
``Sorrwy...Sorry Rocky, been wearing that for so long today. Feels nice to have it off.''
``Hehehe You're ok Zuma. Sometimes the gear can be a lot to keep on. Though I do feel naked when I don't have it for something important''
``Dude, we don't weally wear clothes, we're usually naked.''
The mixed breed blushed in response.
``Right...I didn't think of it that way.''
Both pups laughed at their shared awkwardness, but Zuma didn't seem to mind too much. He scooted a little closer to Rocky.
``You sure yourwe ok Rocky? We've been out here for a little while now. This might be the longest I've seen you be anywhere near water.''
``Yeah, I'm alright. Today was...a lot but I'm just glad we were able to clean up what we could.''
``Still though, after everything that happened, I don't think you'd want to be anywhere near the ocean again...or near me...''
The chocolate lab chuckled nervously, trying to be funny but not really succeeding. Rocky looked at his friend with a tilted head. Confused.
``What? Why would you think that?''
``Duh Dude...I'm the water pup. Ocean wescues and stuff?''
``Just because you're always involved with getting wet, doesn't mean I don't want to hang out with you mister.''
He playfully shoved the younger pup a bit, getting a giggle out of him.
``Well mister, seem like you've been so busy lately. We harwdly...Hardly get a chance to play.''
Rocky winced
``Oh...right''
Rocky knew that with his constant ``secret'' practice he's been doing, he hasn't had a lot of time between missions to play with Zuma. It was something he had expected but he had hoped he could make for it once he had his opportunity to show him what he had been working on. The recycle pups' ears dropped and he tucked his tail between his legs.
``I'm sorry Zuma...''
``It's ok Dude, I know you didn't mean to...''
``No, it's not ok. I was...I was going to...''
The pup bit his lower lip.
``Do you know why I was so upset earlier? I mean besides my tugboat capsizing, and all my stuff getting lost...and getting wet...and when I almost...you know.''
``I know''
The lab quivered at the thought. It's a word he would have difficulty saying out loud. Not because of his lisp but because of what that word means, what it could have meant for Rocky if he didn't do his due diligence to save him. He didn't need to say it, they both knew what it was, and they didn't want to talk about it.
``Right...I'll be sure to activate my lifejacket first thing always.''
``You better mister''
``Heh...anyway, the reason why I was so upset was...I was planning on giving you something. Something I've been working on for a little while now.''
Zuma took a page out of his friends book and tilted his head in confusion
``Huh?''
Rocky tucked his right paw over his left, feeling very exposed all the sudden
``It was a song...Well it was a cover of a song you really like. I've been practicing it on my guitar for the last few weeks and...I wanted to play it for you.''
The lab gushed with excitement.
``Dude, That's awesome!''
``Yeah, it would have been...But then my guitar string broke and when my tugboat capsized, I lost the guitar. I looked and looked for it while we were out here, but I didn't find it. It could probably still be in the tugboat but who knows...I was waiting for the right opportunity to perform it for you, but everything went wrong today...''
Rocky felt himself starting to tear up again, he blinked his eyes and did his best to keep himself calm. Zuma picked up on this right away and was quick to lean himself against his friend.
Rocky, it's ok. Nothing that happened today was your fault.''
``I know...''
``And you'll get another chance to play for me later once we'rwe back home.''
``I'll need to find a new guitar though.''
``We'll find you one. Heck, you might be able to crwaft...craft one when you get the wright...right tools! There isn't anything you can't do!''
A smile crept on Rockys face, he couldn't help it when Zuma gave him encouragement.
``Thanks Zuma...for everything today''
``Anytime Wocky...I mean Rocky. You bet I'm going to hold it to you to play that song for me soon as you can!''
``Yeah...Hey Zuma''
``Yeah dude?''
``Why do you keep repeating the same words twice? I noticed you've been doing it a lot lately.''
Zuma eyes darted away from Rocky, suddenly feeling very exposed himself.
``Oh well...While you've been practicing your song...I've been trwying..''
The pup growled in frustration.
``Trying! Trying to get rid of my Lisp.''
``Wait what?''
``Wocky...Rocky, I've had my lisp ever since I was a tiny pup. It feels like I'm gonna have it all my life if I don't do something to change it, then maybe I can feel more...mature.''
``Zuma we're still pups though, why do you want to feel mature?''
``Well ever since Chase and Marshall ended up together, it got me thinking that something was missing lately. Something I didn't know I wanted before. Something Marshall and Chase have...''
The chocolate lab turned his head away from rocky. His face a lot redder now
``I want something like that too...With anothewr puppy...I mean, don't get me wrong. I do enjoy the occasional cuddle and puppy pile with you and the other pups.''
``Tracker included?'' Rocky teased, Knowing Zuma had a slight crush on the younger pup.
Yeah...him too...''
The lab blushed, though Tracker wasn't the pup he was thinking about right now.
``But I want something more than that now and I'm not really going to be able to communicate or talk to them pro...per...ly if I keep sounding like this. Constantly misprow..misprow...uhgh! mispronouncing words. Skye has been helping me between missions to try and get over it. I wanted you to help me at first but...''
``But I was so busy hiding away and practicing you couldn't ask me...''
``Yeah exactly''
``Oh heck, I'm sorry Zuma.''
``It's ok dude'' Zuma said flatly.
The water pup felt embarrassed at the confession he gave his friend. Rocky could sense this. He had been so open about what he wanted to give to Zuma, that the lab tried to follow up with something else. Rocky figured since he was already on a role, might as well keep going.
``Hey Zuma, if it makes any difference to you at all. I don't mind your lisp. I actually like it a lot.''
``hahaha very funny Rocky''
``No, I'm being serious! In fact, I find it very...Cute.''
Zumas eyes darted back at the pup, Rocky blushed and was quick to turn his head back out to the bay. His tail wagged slow, he had been called cute by Ryder and the citizens of Adventure Bay before, But never by one of the pups, especially not from Rocky.
``You...you do?''
``Well...yeah''
Rocky fiddled with his paws, still avoiding eye contact with the lab. Zuma thought for a little while before speaking up.
``Hey Rocky...''
``Yeah?''
``I like how you...smell.''
``Uhm What?!''
The recycle pup blabbered out.
``I mean...you don't take bathes very often and after a while you start smell...but in a good way! Not a bad way!''
``Ryder might say otherwise.''
``Hehe well me and the pups notice it, it isn't bad at all. It's nice... reassuring even.''
Zuma could hardly believe what was coming out of his maw.
``Sorrwy, did I make this weird?''
``No no! I'm flattered actually!''
Rocky admitted.
``So...What exactly do I smell like?''
``It's kind of hard to say dude, sometimes like lavender, sometime motor oil, dirt...Good dirt though!''
``Well, I do find the best dirt'' Rocky beamed. Zuma giggled at him.
``It's just...I don't know...It just smells like...you.''
The lab had a small smile on his face, his tail wagged excitedly. Rocky took notice and pried a little more.
``But what does ME smell like?''
``Come on dude! Hahah!''
``I'm just teasing.''
Both pups burst out laughing, their laughs echoed off the waters, they seemed all alone out there in the bay. All to themselves. However, out of the corner of his eye, Rocky noticed something.
``Whoa! Zuma look!''
The chocolate lab turned to Rocky's direction. He pointed out a pod of dolphins swimming passed their hovercraft. The dolphins breached upwards, it looked to be two adults and their little baby. As the pod skimmed the surface of the water, bright blue and green light illuminated on their fins and tails. Leaving glowing trails as they swam along.
``Whoa dude! Sooo cool''
``What's making the ocean glow like that?''
``Bio...lumin...esc...ence'' the pup pronounced slowly.
``Bio what now?''
``Bioluminescence, Cap'n turbot talked to me about it. It's caused by teeny tiny algae in the waters of adventure bay.''
Rocky felt his skin shutter, getting wet was one thing but knowing there were small organisms in the water made him want to scratch at his fur. Zuma leaned over the edge of his craft, looking at the small waves that hit below it. Admiring the glow.
``When something moves into or thwrough the algae, it glows. There must be lots of it in the bay this season. It's soooo pretty dude.''
The Labs eyes lit up looking at the glowing water. Rocky couldn't help but smile. He admired the light, but he couldn't help but admire how precious Zuma looked right now.
``Yeah...it is very pretty.''
``Yeah! Come on closer Wocky. You can get a better view from...Whoa!''
``What's up?''
``No way!''
The chocolate lab lifted himself up and started to fall forward. Rocky yelped and jumped to grab at Zuma's back legs. His forelegs wrapping around them, his head just below the pup's tail.
``Zuma! Where are you going?! You're...ohh!''
In the current position they were in, Rocky used both his paws to hang on to his friend. Zuma's tail was raised, Allowing the recycle pup to get a good look at the labs more ``sensitive areas'' His wet nose just a little too close.
``Yipp!!!''
``Ahh!''
In shock, Rocky had let his friend go, backing up slightly and blushing red before realizing what he had done. Running back to look into the glowing water, Scanning for his friend.
``Zuma?! Zuma?!''
Sploosh! The chocolate lab reappeared from the depths; blue and green bioluminescence ran through his fur.
``Wocky! Wocky! Look what I found!''
The water pup held up a yellowish object with his fore paw. Rocky could not believe it.
``My guitar!''
Rocky leaned down to lift both Zuma and his instrument up from the sea.
``It was just floating along by the dolphins! Lucky us!''
Rocky held his guitar in both paws, he was sure he had lost it for good.
``Zuma! This is amazing! I...''
``Ohhh...a strwing looks broken though.''
Rockys smiling face dampened a little but an idea soon came to him.
``Oh, don't worry about that, we're going to fix this the old fashion way. Can you hand me that old brake cable?''
Rocky pointed to it from the piles of smaller trash they had collected. Zuma was quick to obliged. Rocky may have been used to using his tools from his pup back, but prior to being in the Paw Patrol, the pup used his own two paws often to fix things. He managed to work his digits around the neck of the guitar, carefully stringing the brake cable in place of the broken b cord. Using an old alan wretch among the trash, he tightened the cable just enough, being sure not to make it too tight.
``That...Should...Just about do it! Whew!''
The recycle pup held the instrument out, it was a little waterlogged, but the cords sounded just fine as he ran his paw along them.
``Awesome work dude!''
The lab sat down in front of Rocky with smile on his face.
``Sooooo...Are you going to play for me?''
``Oh right...'' Rocky swallowed a lump in his throat, his chest tightened. Feeling very nervous all the sudden.
``Ruff! Claw arm...''
Rocky's heart sunk, it dawned on him that he had been practicing with his claw arms this whole time, most of his gear was somewhere in the bay.
``Noooo...nooo''
Zuma picked up on this quick
``Oh man...right...no claws arms''
``Yeah...''
``Aww Wocky I'm sorry''
``I was sooo close.''
The recycle pup began to wine, Zuma leaned forward. Nuzzling his snout against his.
``Don't worrwy about it dude, you can play for me later. Once we get your gear back and we're home.''
Rocky settled down, slowly moving his nose into Zuma's fur, enjoying his scent and warmth.
``Ya know, I just realized...I'm not going to have a pup house to sleep in tonight''
The lab nuzzle himself closer to the mixed breed.
``We could always share mine...If you want.''
Zuma knew he was being a little more obvious at this point, but he couldn't care less. This day had been more than eventful for them both. They were being so open and honest with one another; The lab saw no reason to hold back at this point. Rocky felt the same.
``I'd...I'd like that.''
Rocky looked at the adorable pup next to him. His floppy ears gently shook in the breeze, Water ran down his brown fur and glowed slightly, His eyes were closed, and he had a soft smile as he nudged himself against his Rockys face. To him, Zuma was a perfect pup and this of all places seemed to be the perfect opportunity to perform for him. Despite everything that had happened, it seemed like he still wouldn't be able to play his guitar. The recycle pup couldn't accept this. He fixed it without his gear, right? Like Zuma said, He could do anything. With that, He pulled the guitar back up towards his chest. Arranging his paws in a way where they could sit comfortably on the cords. He ever so carefully plucked at one string, The E cord, then the G, then the B...
Zuma opened his eyes and stared at him curiously.
``Wocky?''
``Zuma, this is going to sound a little weird...but this is for you...''
With some effort, the recycle pup managed to get a slow melody going, the digits on his paws hurt a little, not entirely used to playing it like this but he played away. Zuma stared at him and watched in awe as Rocky started to sing....
I'm at a party I don't wanna be at
And I don't ever wear a suit and tie, yeah
Wondering if I could sneak out the back
Nobodys even looking me in my eyes
Then you take my hand
Finish my drink, say, "Shall we dance?"
Heck yeah!
You know I love you, did I ever tell you?
You make it better like that
``Dude...no way...''
Don't think I fit in at this party
Everyone's got so much to say (yeah)
I always feel like I'm nobody, mmm
Who wants to fit in anyway?
The chocolate labs eyes widen, not noticing the pod of dolphins making their way back towards the sub. They jumped out of the water, squealing loudly as the circled the craft. Small whirl pools of bioluminescence surrounded them and lit up the dark ocean into a sea of light.
Cause I don't care when I'm with my baby, yeah
All the bad things disappear
And you're making me feel like maybe I am somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I'm with my baby, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Cause I don't care as long as you just hold me near
You can take me anywhere
And you're making me feel like I'm loved by somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I'm with my baby, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
``Ouch!''
Rocky stopped playing, his paw had struck the g cord again a little too fast, pinching the end of his paw pad and nail.
``Sorry! Not used to this yet, I hope it sounded ok...''
Rocky looked at Zuma. The chocolate lab had gone silent. His face had lit up and his tail wagged incredibly fast. His brown eyes looked like they would tear up at any moment.
``Wocky...Wocky...That was...''
``Bad?'' Rocky said cautiously.
``NO dude! That was amazing! That's one of my favorite songs! And you nailed it!''
The recycle pup blushed in response. Rubbing the back of his head with a free paw.
``Aww it was nothing...''
``Wocky that was more than nothing, that was something...that was...beautiful!''
Zuma leap forward and hugged the Recycle pup, letting his fore legs wrapped tight around him. Digging his snout into his neck. Rocky responded in a similar manner. Giggling loud and holding his friend close. Though caught by surprise when the chocolate lab leaned in and let his tongue lap the side of his face, just ever so slightly under his snout and against the pups teeth. Rocky's eyes went wide, Zuma held his breath and stepped away from him.
``Sorrwy..I don't know why I...''
``Zuma...You silly pup...
Rocky put down his guitar, taking a deep breath, he reached a paw up and gently caressed the right side of Zumas snout. The water pup gasped a little before leaning his head into his touch.
``You know, I did something bad today...
``What do you mean?''
``The reason why I was out there on the water today, It's because left beach cleanup early.''
``Wocky...Why would you do that?''
``I had some encouragement, and because I wanted to see you.''
``Hehe...Now who's being silly?''
``I'm not, Zuma...I always want to see you, I always want to be near you...I covered your favorite song because...
Rocky's heart raced, his eyes met Zuma's, the ends of their snouts just inches from one another.
``Wocky...''
``Zuma I...''
Beep...bop...
The moment was cut short, the radar on Zumas craft had gone off again.
``Uhhh Wocky...''
``I heard it too.''
Both boys looked back at the radar, the familiar unknow shaped steadily moved its way towards the pups' positions. Zuma pressed on his pup tag.''
``Wyder! Pups! The sub is back and it's fast approaching us!''
``Copy Zuma! Were almost out there! ETA is five minutes. Try to avoid it best you can!''
``Sure thing''
The pup signed off before looking back at Rocky, a sad look had appeared on his face.
``Wocky, are you...''
``I'm ok Zuma, we got a job to do!''
He said with determination, before setting down the guitar and howling loudly.
``Submode!''
``Wait what?'' Zuma barked in confusion.
The hovercraft moved and threw both pups back against the piles of junk on board, the craft converted back into its submarine option.
``Wocky! What are you doing?''
``Let's go after it!''
``What?! Wocky, we should wait for the others.''
``What if it starts throwing more trash out in the bay? We can finally figure out who's behind this.''
Zuma looked nervously at the open water, knowing that any minute now they could face to face with the massive sub again. Just then he felt a paw lay against his own, the recycle pup had leaned in and gave a quick lick against his nose. Zuma's felt his body tense up, his face flushed.
``What do you say Zuma? Want to go exploring the deep blue? See what that sub is up too?''
Zuma came back to his senses, giving a sly smile at Rocky.
``Buckle up dude, Let's get wet!''
