Rocky fiddled with a panel on the side of his towboat. Trying to keep the bolts in place as the vessel swayed against the shore of the cove. He cursed himself for not getting this done on land.

``Easy...Easy.''

As his wretch met the bolt, it misaligned. Rocky almost tumbled off the edge of his boat. Barely hanging on as he watched the bolt fall into the water below. He wanted to reach forward and dip his claw into the water, but Rocky felt his heart begin to race. Something about watching the shallows sway and the bubbles rise. All he could think about was being out at the sea all by himself. Not on the boat, His fur soaked as he paddled in the cold depths of the unknown. With whatever was lurking below. All the while, Zuma could possibly meet the same fate...

``No no! He'll be fine. We'll be...I can't back out now.''

 Rocky quickly leaped off his boat towards the shore. Counting from one to try and calm down. Ryder had made this arrangement just for them both. The team would continue their usual activity in Adventure Bay while Rocky and Zuma were stationed on Seal Island. They were to report back to them about any unusual activity around the bay. Zuma couldn't have been more elated to have a long-term mission which used his specialties. Rocky wanted to support his boyfriend at all costs. Even if it meant burying the panic that dwelled up his spine and tummy. He turned to look at Zuma and Coral, the pups hanging on to every word Captain Turbot said as he pointed to a map of the bay.

``We should try to scout out some of the smaller islands by our home base first and foremost.'' Cap'n turbot announced. Pointing towards a few areas he marked.

``Sounds good to me. We'll start with Volcano Island and Lava Ledge.'' Coral said.

``Heh, two volcano-based lands. Maybe we can see my pal Hurricane Harrigan! Ask if he's seen anything.''

``Good point Zuma!''

``You don't think that big green dude might pop by the palace, do ya Coral?''

``It could happen, I'll try to check on the merpups from time to time.''

As Zuma and Coral talked among themselves, Rocky continued to watch from a distance. Suddenly feeling very distant on the inside. Even as the pups settled on their plan and made their way back towards the shore, Rocky straightened himself up and put on a smile for his boyfriend. Zuma quickly picked up on his unease.

``Rocky? Dude? You good?''

The recycle pup kept his composure.  

``Oh! Yeah, all good!''

He kept his large grin on his snout, almost too big. Zuma squinted his eyes towards his optimistic lover. Just then, something had breached the surface of the shore. Rocky practically jumped on top on Zuma's back in fright. Coral barked at the sight and Cap'n Turbot came running towards the trio.

``It's here! It's here!'' Rocky quivered.

``Rocky dude, Wait a sec!''

The gang took notice of a familiar blue and green pod. With a stoic looking dog jumping out. His tentacled friend on his back.

``Ahoy there Moby! We'll be out of your fur in just a pinch!''

The merpup rolled his eyes before slipping his headphones over his ears. McSquidly gave a cheery wave to the group as both strolled into the cave.

``Is he usually that friendly?''

``He has his moments, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Just give him time.'' Coral said optimistically.

As she went back to preparing her vessel. Zuma gently lifted Rocky off his back.

``Rocky baby. I know that look...''

``What? I don't know what you mean.''

``That's the kind of look you give when you are uncomfortable.''

``I'll be fine! Really I....''

``Baby.''

Zuma gave a stern look towards the pup. Rocky couldn't turn him down.

``Guess I'm more so nervous about being out there for a longer period of time.''

``You can stay here if you want, I'm sure Cap'n Turbot will have something he needs fixing.''

``What about you though? What if something...''

``Nothing is going to happen dude. I'll be with Coral the whole time. Trust me baby.''

The lab nuzzled his snout against the mixed breeds. Rocky eagerly returned the affection, His tail wagged slowly, putting his worry at ease if only for a moment.

``Alright, I'll...stay here. If you need something. Please radio me for help.''

``Will do, I'm going to need one thing before I go though.''

Zuma quickly leaned in to plant a kiss against Rocky. The recycle pup instinctively letting his paw run up against the back of the labs head. Pulling him close.

As they broke off, Zuma ran up to tell Coral the change of plans. The merpup agreed before the pair stepped into the designated crafts. The pups gave Rocky and Cap'n Turbot a wave as they made their way across the water towards their first destination. Rocky watched as they disappeared along the waves.

``Be safe, please.''



Zuma rocketed through the water. His hovercraft jetting next to the metal seahorse. The lab closed his eyes and let the spray of ocean and sea salt hit his face and ears. The bright rays of the sun bounced off the bay and into his brown fur. He lived for this.

``It's so beautiful out here!'' Zuma called out.

``I absolutely love coming up top side to see these waves!'' Coral yipped back

``Race ya towards volcano island?''

``Let's do it!''

Zuma and Coral propelled themselves forward. The pups were neck and neck as they raced. Jumping up and down through each wave they struck. The lab noticed a school of dolphins swimming alongside them, the pod would occasionally breach the waves and fly across the water. Zuma marveled at the sight.

``Whoa! Dude!''



Rocky tried his best to preoccupy his time at the lighthouse. Even if he couldn't really take his mind off Zuma's wellbeing. Rocky had kept himself busy with Cap'n Turbot. Just going over some left-over junk and scraps that the recycle pup was happy to take off his hands. Though Cap'n decided to take a phone call with his sister. Leaving Rocky to his own devices again. At first, the pup rummaged through whatever he had brought in his truck. Deciding to kill time by tuning and strumming his guitar by the beach.

``I pictured this year a little bit different when it hit February. I step in the bar, it hit me so hard, oh, how can it be this heavy?''

Rocky sang along to the tune he strummed.

``No, wrong cord.''

The recycle pup fiddled with the string and tried again.

``Every song reminds me you?re...''

``Dang it!''

The recycle pup jumped at the strange exclaim from the cove. It sounded like Moby. Rocky knew the pup preferred his privacy, but his curiosity got better of him. He slowly walked towards the entrance. As he made his way in, He noticed a lot of water had pooled on the sandy floor, a few tools and equipment thrown about every which way. Whatever wasn't lying on the ground was held by McSquidly. Sitting by with multiple tools in his tentacles. The squid watched a frustrated Moby trying to twist something into place. His claw arms grasping at what looked like PVC pipes.

``Why won't it turn? Come on! Hggh!''

Rocky hesitated to speak. He didn't want to disturb him, but he also wanted to help.

``Uhh...Hey Moby.''

``Ahh!'' The merpup jumped before scowling at him.

``I thought I said I didn't want any disturbances!''

``I know...I just...uhhh...do you have a pipe wrench?''

Moby looked back at McSquidly. The squid quickly cycled through the tools he held before shrugging at him.

``No...If I did, I wouldn't be trying to use my claws.''

``Well, I think I have pipe wrench that might help. Here.''

Rocky barked and his claw arm extended out a wretch. The mixed breed cautiously stepped forward.

``Mind if I give it a shot?''

``Knock yourself out.'' Moby exhaled.

Taking that as permission, Rocky leaned his wrench forwarded and tightened the pipes together.

``There we go''

Rocky beamed at being able to fix it. Moby just continued to scowl.

``Look, I don't really need any help...''

``Are you trying to filter water out from the bottom of the cove?''

Moby stopped mid-sentence. Surprised at the pup's quick examination.

``Yeah... water keeps pooling in the back of the cove here. I'm trying to ensure it's routed out and pumped back outside.''

Moby pointed to where the pipes eventually met. A chattering water pump sat to one side of the cove. Looking worse for wear.

``Looks like the filtration system keeps getting jammed. Mind if I help?''

``Heh, I don't think you would understand how this thing works. So why don't you just...''

``Are working with a submersible or pedal sump pump system?''

Moby raised an eyebrow.

``Combo of both actually.''

``Oh nice! Where is it all being routed from?

Rocky asked with genuine curiosity. It wasn't something Moby was used to receiving.

``The...They travel up the wall then towards the roof of the cave from these PVC pipes. I wanted to fit them with copper piping instead, but the topsider didn't have the material on hand.''

Rocky assumed he was talking about Cap'n Turbot.

``Well, I've got plenty of piping in my recycle truck! We will be able to replace most of it and route it to your pump properly. I mean...If you want too.''

Moby wasn't sure how he felt having one of the Paw Patrol pups helping him out but the mixed breeds genuine care and excitement to fix something did catch his attention. He could rarely find any merpup back home who was interested in his inventions. Let alone how they worked.

``Yeah. I think that'd be...fine. But I get to lead!'' Moby said, bringing his arrogance back. Rocky paid no attention.

``Lead away!''




For the next few days, the boys were content with their current positions. During the day, Zuma and Coral would go out and explore the open ocean. While Rocky continued to stay behind to assist Moby in the cove. Zuma didn't want to admit it, but he always hoped that Rocky would join. Though he knew that the pup's uneasiness with water would keep him at bay and he didn't want to pressure him to tag along. Even without his boyfriend keeping him company, He was happy to have Coral along to explore with him. Between the islands, the pair hung out with some old friends and made some new ones. Playing with the friendly sea life while investigating any sights of the strange creature. Some folks had advised about seeing something from time to time. Random items would go missing following the sightings, but the pups couldn't get a solid lead.

It was their seventh day out in the open sea. The pair had decided to make a stop towards Puplantis to check on things. Coral had dived down while Zuma decided to stay up on the surface. He just casually sat in his hovercraft while the waves gently rocked him back and forth. As he relaxed, He decided to give a report to Ryder in the meantime.  

``Traveling Travis gave us some info about something big and green wondering near by the jungle.''

``Jungle?'' Ryder asked through Zuma's tag.

``I think he was mixed up again, we found him near the port to Adventure City. Not exactly much of a jungle.''

``Hehehe that sounds right. How's Rocky been holding up? I haven't heard from him in a while''

``He's doing well, I think....''

Ryder could hear the apprehension in his voice.

``Are you sure about that?''

``I mean, Rocky has kept to himself at the island mainly...but that's ok!'' Zuma reassured. ``It's where he's most comfortable. Fixing things is his purpose, just like the sea is mine''

``Well, you do always have your mind out in the bay.''

``Hehehe usually.''

Zuma eyed a flock of seagulls above his head. Pondering further.

``I mean...it's not that I don't miss the pups back home and helping in Adventure Bay, but I just feel like helping Coral and Cap'n Turbot was exactly what I needed. Where I needed to be.''

``Sometimes it helps to get away and get some perspective on things. I know we haven't been keeping you busy lately, not a lot of water rescues to send you out on.  I think this is good for you.''

Zuma agreed. He watched as one of gulls parted from the rest of the flock. Going its own way.

``Yeah, Thanks Ryder.''

``Sure thing. Well, I'll let you get back to it. Give my best to Cap'n Turbot and Coral for me alright?''

``Will do dude!''

As he was about to disconnect. Zuma hesitated.

``Wait Ryder, would you be able to transfer me quick?''

``Oh, Sure thing. Who are you trying to reach?''


 

``Hang on Tight! I got the zoom zoom zoomies!''

The black french bulldog zipped and ran across the lawn. Every so often he scooted past the green grass and onto the dirt path of the bark yard.  

``Hehehe Faster! Faster!''

A smaller grey bulldog clung to the back of the larger canine. Squealing loud as the pup zipped across the ground, before slingshoting back towards their pup houses. Noticing an English bulldog stepping onto his path.

``Whoa whoa! Hold on Charger!'' Rubble cried out.

The tri-paw pup scooted to a halt. The small pup flung from his back and landed directly on the Rubbles head. Knocking him on to his belly.

``Ooof! Ouch.''

``Hehehe! Again! Again!'' She squealed.

``Heheh. Alright Cousins. That's enough playing for now. It's time to get to bed.''

``Awwww!'' Both pups said in unison.

``Motor wants to play though.''

``I know Motor, but we got a big project tomorrow by the movie theater. We're knocking down a few walls to make it bigger.''

The smaller pup gasped.

``Motor get to go boom?!''

``Mmm hmm! So, it's important we get plenty of rest and...''

``Beep beep!''

``Oh? Must be Ryder!''

Rubble eyed his blinking collar. Noticing from his peripheral Motor and Charger giving puppy eyes towards him. Clearly using this as an excuse to stay up a bit longer.

``Alright, Five more minutes. Soon as I'm done with this call.'' Rubble signed.

``Yeah! Race me, Charger!'' Motor cried out.

``You're on!'' Charger said. Taking off back towards the bark yard with her.

Rubble settled himself nicely into his pup house. Pressing his pup tag.

``Rubble here!''

``Hey Rubble Dude.''

``Zuma! I haven't heard from you in so long!''

``Been a hot minute huh? How's the family doing, pal?

``Oh, the usual. Being the best construction pups, I know. Plus keeping work fun in between it all.''

``Pawsome dude. Miss you bud!''

``Aww miss you too Zuma. How have you've been?!''

``Pretty good. Been very busy for the first time in forever too.''

``I heard! The pups told me some fishy business is going on back home?''

``Yeah, it's kind of a lot to explain, and that's why I called. I need some advice...If you don't mind me talking your ear off for a sec.''

Rubble crossed his paws together and rested his chin down.

``For you, anytime. Lay it on me.''

Zuma did his best to cover everything that was going on, and how exactly he wanted to proceed from here. Rubble listened intently to every word. Between him and the bulldog, they were the least active members of the Paw Patrol. Since Rubble had been seeing his family more often, doing what he loved. The water pup thought he could offer some insight on where to go from here.

``Soooo just to clarify, you don't want to leave the team, right?''

``No no dude! Just....Cap'n Turbot and Coral explore and discover new things in the ocean constantly. I feel that urge to explore and learn more about the big blue. Really see what's out there and help folks in between!  I just want to be able to join them and keep my role on the Paw Patrol. You know, like you do with your family in Builders cove.''

``I get you Zuma. It can be a little much to manage but it really is satisfying to build things. Have some purpose between saving the day and doing what you really love. I think you should pursue it.''

``I want to. I just worry about...''

``You're worried about Rocky.''

``Yeah. Something tells me that he might not like the idea...''

``What makes you say that? He's smitten for you Zuma.''

``He really is the sweetest boy but he's just so anxious about being out on the water since we've began dating.''

``Well considering the circumstances he's experienced. It's no surprise.''

``I don't want to force him to come with me and deal with his trauma, but I also don't think he'll like the idea of being apart for possibly weeks at a time.''

``Hmmm, that is a tough call but the only way you're going to know for sure is if you ask him directly.''

``That's what's got my tummy in knots right now.''

``Afraid he'll say no?''

``Something like that.''

``He's not going to break it off with you just because you want to pursue what you love. Rocky is a committed pup. I'm sure there is a construction solution you both can figure out.''

``A construction...what?''

``Oh, just something we say here at the bark yard. I meant more metaphorically. Like a compromise.''

Maybe he was overreacting. It's true that Rocky had joined him out on the island. He seemed ok with him being out a couple of times this week. Perhaps he needed to have more faith in the recycle pup.

``Gotcha, guess I'll ask him tonight and see what he says. Thanks Rubble.''

``Anytime Zuma, don't be a stranger. Heck, I might see you near the waters of Builders Cove sometime!''

``Hehehe definitely.''

Zuma disconnected his communication; by the time he finished the call, the sun had set just under the waves. Stars began to light the night sky. It reminded him of one of his favorite nights. He remembered Rocky carefully strumming his guitar as they both floated in his hovercraft. The shy pup confessing to him with the lab's favorite song. It's what brought the pair together, despite the unfortunate circumstances that occurred prior. These past few months have been amazing, and he hoped that he could still maintain that relationship with the pup he loved. Zuma was pulled from his thoughts as a familiar vessel popped next to his.

``Hey Coral! All good down there?''

``Yup yup. Nothing out of the ordinary.''

``Pawsome. We should head on back.''

``Can't keep that stud waiting for ya right?'' Coral teased.

``Hahaha no way dude.'' Zuma barked back.

The pups began to make their way back to seal island. The lab enjoyed feeling the spray of the sea and warm night air on their fur. Zuma could get used to this, he only hoped that Rocky could find a way to do the same or if they could come up with some sort of ``Construction solution''. He was lost in his thoughts. Too distracted to notice something large trailing behind his and Coral's crafts. A large pair of bright yellow eyes illuminating from the just above it.