``Alright, diving gear packed! Radar is working! Plenty of squid jerky on board! Looks like we're all set to turn in for the night Wally!''
The friendly walrus let out a bark in approval. Both he and Cap'n Turbot have been preparing for their big expedition tomorrow morning. Cap'n had heard that the merpups were planning a special celebration this week. Coral had invited him personally to observe the friendly creatures and document their activities. The excited biologist let out a loud yawn and leaned against the side of his boat. He had docked at his home at Seal Island. Lighthouse a glow and spinning during this quiet night. The still water gently rocked his boat side to side. Turbot took a moment just to enjoy the serene calm of the ocean ahead of him. From the distance he could make out the familiar shore of Adventure Bay. He thought of asking the Paw Patrol if they'd like to accompany him on his journey tomorrow. Thinking the pups would appreciate seeing their aquatic friends again. He was pulled from his thoughts as he felt the gentle pull of the ocean begin to stir. His boat pulled to one side of the dock, swinging forward and abruptly slamming against it. Turbot lost his balance and fell forward. The fall was rough, but he quickly picked himself up. Adjusting his glasses on his face.
``Whoa nelly! That must have been quite a rogue wave. Almost sent me overboard! Hahaha!''
He placed one hand over the bow of his vessel. Keeping steady. He turned to Wally and pulled out his phone.
``Ya know what Wally? I think I'll give Ryder a call. I know it's last minute but perhaps they'd like to join us on our saltwater expedition!''
``Arrf! Arff!'' Wally barked out in response. Though Cap'n noticed his tone sounded slightly off. Almost fearful.
``Ahh come on Wally, you wouldn't mind a little more company with us huh?''
He looked at his large friend who sat adrift in the water. Wally didn't respond, His eyes seemed transfixed on something. His usual joyful and friendly face quivered to one of terror.
``Wally? What's the matter bud? Are you feeling, ok?''
The stunned walrus lifted a large flipper out of the water to point at Cap'n Turbot.
``What? Is there something on me? Do I have some jerky in my teeth?''
Wally shook his head rapidly.
``No? Come on bud, Use your words.''
Turbot kept his jolly composure towards the marine mammal, unaware that the walrus wasn't pointing towards him but to something behind the captain. Wally gave a low bark in response, raising his fin in several quick motions to warn his friend. Turbot finally caught on to what Wally was saying, not before hearing a low and terrifying growl behind him.
``Hrgggggh''
Turbot froze in place. His eyes darting just passed his shoulder.
``Uh...hahah...hello...sir...or madam?''
Turbot felt his mouth go dry and he began to shake in place. He slowly turned around, His eyes slowly gazing onto a large mass that towered over him. Immediately, he noticed the bright yellow eyes staring down at him. Turbot's legs shook with fear. Out of instinct from his curious nature, the captain felt himself quickly lift his phone and snap a photo. The creature bellowed at him. The sound echoed off the waves and towards the bay. Wally quickly ducked under the surface and Turbot let out a scream.
``AHHHHHHHHHHHH.....''
``AHHHH....Blep!''
Zuma yawned loudly and stuck his tongue out. Laying his head down against the floor. Rolling over on to his back to stare up at the ceiling again. At this point, He had counted thirty-six metal studs that ran across roof of the lookout. He could try to see if the pattern would be the same going vertically but the thought already bored him. The water pup was on standby again, every other pup had been called out to assist with a mission near Mr. Porters cafe today. Apparently, He had tried to show off a new pie making machine which had gone haywire, the usual hijinks had occurred which at first left a mess of pies and panicked citizens but somehow evolved into Alex riding on the back of scared cow and Mr. Porter ending up on top of city hall. Zuma swore this town got into the most unusual situations sometimes. Regardless, He didn't exactly enjoy being by himself. He preoccupied himself by playing games downstairs and gnawing on his favorite chew toy for a while before taking the elevator up the lookout. He was not entirely sure why he came up here. Maybe thinking a change of scenery might catch his interest. He rolled himself back on to his belly. Occasionally blowing raspberries from his lips. Letting his tongue flop out lazily.
``Red leather, Yellow leather, Red Leather, Yellow Leathwer...''
Zuma practiced his vocabulary. Every so often his lisp coming back to him if he spoke too fast. He had gotten a lot better at speaking, but he figured the speech impediment would rear up occasionally. It didn't deter him from practicing though.
``The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. Peter piper packed a paiwr...pair..of pickled pepwers...Peppers!''
The frustrated lab rolled over a few times, Ending up on his back again. He pulled his helmet off, giving his head quick shake. His ears flopped softly. It wasn't his occasional slip of his tongue that bothered him though. If it were up to him, he'd be heading to the beach right now. Catching some waves or chilling on the sand but he was still on duty currently. Besides, there wasn't a point going if he was going to be alone. He'd really like some company. With a certain pup he'd become rather close with over the last few months. As if his wish had been granted, Zuma heard the familiar noise of a recycle truck coming from the opening of the slide. His tail wagged with excitement and the lab decided to get playful. Lifting himself up from his back and posing himself towards the elevator door. All four legs crossed with one another and his snout giving the cutest yet slightly devious smirk as the elevator arrived. There stood his best friend turned boyfriend, Rocky. The recycle pup all decked out in his usual attire. The boy immediately brought a smile to the lab's face, breaking his devious grin before stuttering out.
``Hey handsome! Come herwe often?...Heck!''
Zuma broke his composure and Rocky laughed.
``Soo close Zuma.''
``I know! I was so confident too.''
``It's ok, I still found it super cute.''
Rocky quickly trotted over and gave a reassuring lick to Zuma's face. The brown lab's tail wagging at the affection. It's hard to believe that one mission had brought both boys together. He remembered that turbulent day they had, one that almost ended in tragedy. The situation had its bright spot though. That night, while both pups were alone together out in the ocean, Rocky had managed to play and sing Zuma's favorite song to him. Confessing his love for his water loving friend. Zuma had always admired the recycle pup and they have been dating since then.
``Whatcha doing here Rocky?''
``Things have settled at Mr. Porter's cafe. Mostly. I managed to get his pie machine to stop causing a scene. There's just a lot to clean up. Who would have thought that pie filling could soak the road?''
``Oh, wow. That sounds like a total mess dude!''
``Nothing a little water and scrubbing can't fix. So, I thought I'd drop by here really quick to check up on you seashell.''
``Prrftt!'' Zuma giggled. ``Seashell?''
``Yeah! Since Chase and Marshall have given each other their own nicknames, I wanted to give you one too! Do you like it?''
Zuma leaned in to nuzzle his nose. Before playfully knocking the pup's hat off his head.
``Hey! Hahaha!''
``Doesn't that name seem a little...obvious?''
``What? I was thinking about that name for like...hours!''
Rocky gave him a cheeky look; Making Zuma stick his tongue out at him.
``It was either that or call you starfish!''
``No way dude! Hahah!
``What about guppy? Or pelican?!''
``Now you're just making things up!''
``I know seashell.'' Rocky winked, getting an eye roll from the lab.
``Uh huh, guess what I've been doing for the last few hours.''
``Staring up at the ceiling?''
``Lucky guess''
Zuma plopped himself back down on the floor dramatically. Rocky lifted a paw to pat his head.
``Awww, I'm sorry Ryder didn't pick you for the mission today.''
``It's fine...I'm used to it.''
``You know it's not on purpose, right? It's always just based on...
``On the certain situation, yeah yeah.'' Zuma repeated, having heard the same words from Ryder and the others before.
Rocky sat next to the water pup. Leaning his head against his belly. Zuma turned and gave an encouraging smile towards the mixed breed. He didn't want to admit it, but there was something bothering him. It was more than just being left to his own devices at the lookout. He didn't want to trouble Rocky with it right now though.
``If only Rubble was still here. He'd keep you company.''
``I don't want him to stay for my sake. He hasn't seen his family at Builder Cove for a few weeks now.''
``Well, if you want, we can start driving up to join the rest. I'm sure the other pups have already finished up the mission by now! Plus Mr. Porter offered us some liver pies afterwards!''
Zuma felt like he didn't really deserve a slice since he didn't help with the mission, but he wasn't going to turn down an offer of free food. Especially if it meant going out and spending time with Rocky.
``Aww thanks baby.''
Zuma shook the laziness off him and leaned in to plant a small kiss to Rockys snout. The lab took his time to savor the feeling of their lips on his. Before leaning into his neck, Enjoying the strong scent his fur gave off. Their embrace was interrupted by a sudden call from Rocky's pup tag.
``Come in Rocky and Zuma!''
``Ruff! Here Ryder!''
``Pie at Mr. Porters will have to wait; Have either one of you heard from Cap?n Turbot recently?''
``Cap'n Turbot?'' Rocky questioned.
``No dude, not recently.'' Zuma answered.
``I just got a call from Francois. He said Cap'n Turbot was supposed to head out on an expedition today, but he isn't responding to any of his calls.''
``That's weird.''
``Agreed, I need you both to head on towards Seal Island. Just to make sure everything is ok.''
``On our way Ryder...AHH!''
Rocky was practically pushed towards the slide by the water pup. Clearly eager to head on out.
``Finally, some action! Let's get a move on shell collector.''
Rocky raised an eyebrow at the lab, who eagerly slipped his helmet back on his head.
``Shell collector?''
``Well yeah, if you're going to call me seashell.''
``True! Guess I have a great eye for the finest of shells.''
Zuma flaunted himself towards Rocky. Letting his tail tickle his chin as he walked by. The mixed breed responded with a playful nip to the pup's back leg.
Just to add a little flare to their descent, Zuma sat down on the slide while Rocky slid behind him. Gripping his paws against Zuma's waist as they went down together. The lab was concerned about their dear captain, but he was also more than happy to be out of the lookout, especially with the pup of his dreams. Though he wondered how long this venture would take. If it would even last all day.
``Better than waiting around for something to happen'' Zuma thought.
Though he feared he'd be doing the exact same thing again tomorrow.
