``Wrench.''
``Five eighth? Or eleven sixteenth?''
``Five eighth...please.''
It wasn't something Moby was used to saying but he's grown more accustomed to it with Rocky helping him out. He handed off the wrench.
``Thank you.''
McSquidly held the panel in place as Moby tightened each bolt.
``There. That should do it! Flip it on, will ya?''
Rocky used his claw arm to flip the switch. A few sounds came from the console before a slow and steady hum echoed in the cove. The screen had shown a bright green grid. The center of it displayed Seal Island, every so often they could see a random dot appear near the center. Possibly a school of fish or a whale hanging out nearby.
``Perfect, Sonar is working properly.''
``Awesome! High five!''
Rocky held his paw up, making Moby flitch. The introverted merpup eyed the gesture before slowly returning it with a hesitant paw. McSquidly returned it as well. Getting stuck to the pair.
``Ugh...McSquidly...''
``Heheheh.''
It had been an interesting few days for the unlikely team. Working with Moby, the pups had managed to replace every pipe along the cove wall. Not only that but also exchange the cavern lights with LEDs and restructure the sonar monitor. On top of the few other projects the pair had halfway started. It seemed like a lot, but Rocky was content with it. Every so often he'd see Zuma before and after his missions. Giving his boyfriend a smooch before each one. Watching him head back out towards the bay still made him uneasy.
``Well, that's done with. Did you still want to show me those blueprints you have for a tool wall?''
Rocky stared out towards the entrance of the cove. Lost in thought.
``Hey...Hey Rocky.''
``Huh what?''
``Don't leave me hanging here, I was asking about the blueprints of the tool wall.''
``Oh yeah! Like the one in my garage.''
Rocky was quick to fetch the blueprints. His thoughts drifting back to his boyfriend. It was getting late, and he hadn't heard back from him yet. He quietly laid the plans in front of the merpup who eyed it curiously. Rocky was only half paying attention though, His head drifting with more concerns. These large projects had helped take his mind off the unknown, but he couldn't help but wonder on occasion.
``Earth to top sider!''
``Huh! What?!''
``I said this looks pretty simple, did you want to start on the base of the wall tonight?''
``Oh uh...yeah. Maybe...''
``Maybe?''
``Sorry, guess my thoughts drifted to Zuma. He's been out for a good while.''
``Don't get your fin in a twist. The sonar should be able to detect if their coming back to the island.''
``Fin?''
``Sorry, I meant tail.''
``Yeah, seems like they can't get a good lead on whatever was on Cap'n turbots' boat.''
``Hah, probably not.'' Moby said smugly. ``It could have swum to warmer water at this point.''
``True, it wouldn't surprise me If Ryder will call us back soon. No sense in keeping us here if we're needed back home.''
``Oh? That's...Uh...good! Then I can have my privacy again.'' Moby said quickly, Though Rocky could have sworn he saw a little bit of sadness on his face.
``Mmmm hmm. As fun as this has been. It will be nice to get back home with Zuma.''
``If he decides to go back.''
Rocky's ears rose in surprise.
``What do you mean?''
``I mean, He seems pretty comfy out here don't you think? From what you've gushed to me about your partner, being out in the water is his favorite pastime.''
``Well yeah, On occasion. When he isn't just doing his job for Ryder and the rest of the Paw Patrol.''
Moby quickly rolled up the blueprint. Nodding to McSquidly before tossing it to him. The squid jumping and snatching it midair.
``Unless he thinks hanging out in the bay is where he wants to be.''
``He...he wants to be with me.''
``I never said that. I just meant...ugh.''
Moby furrowed his brow. He didn't really have a lot of patience with other pups but for Rocky he tried his best to make an exception.
``Look, when Coral asked me if I wanted to help her and that captain on their expeditions around the bay, I was skeptical to say the least. She mentioned I'd have some time away from Puplantis. If it meant getting away from all those loud merpups back home, I would be happy to leave for a moment.''
``Haven't you've been coming back up here often though?''
``Exactly. That was a month ago. Now I'm all settled in up here. Quiet, safe, and left to myself where I can work on my inventions in peace. Without any nosey pups to distract me. Not including you of course.''
McSquidlly gave a curious squeak.
``Oh, you too buddy.''
``What's your point Moby?''
``What I'm saying is that I've found a place where I'm most comfortable. Up here on the surface, Walking on all four legs. Comfy as could be. Heck, I wouldn't mind calling this place home at some point. Zuma seems the most comfortable when he is out on the sea. Maybe he might just want to stay.''
Rocky didn't know what to think. It never dwelled on him that his boyfriend would possibly never go back to shore.
``I..I...I don't think....He wouldn't....I need some air.''
Rocky began to walk out of the cavern. Moby raised an eyebrow towards him before turning to cephalopod
``Was it something I said?''
McSquidly slapped a tentacle against his head. Sometimes Moby could be so oblivious to others feelings. The pairs shared disbelief had stopped them from taking note of the large dot approaching the center of Seal Island.
Zuma pulled his hovercraft by the lighthouse; The bright stars above began to be replaced by gloomy looking clouds. He heard the weather could possibly get a little rough later tonight. He'd have to remember to let Moby know too. Having seen his sub ideally floating by the cavern.
``You see Rocky anywhere?''
``Probs working on something in the cove. Why don't you check on the boys. I'll let Cap'n Turbot know of our progress today.'' Coral beamed at him.
Zuma took the opportunity to wander over towards the cove. Only to be caught off guard by Rocky crashing into him.
``Zuma!''
``Rocky! There's my handsome pup.''
``Hey seashell...How was your outing today?''
``It was pawsome. Though we still didn't really see anything out of the ordinary out there.''
``Huh, that's good I guess...''
``That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Can we go somewhere a little more private?''
Normally Rocky would love when Zuma asked for some privacy between them but the recycle pup felt his stomach turn. The pups walked back towards the entrance of the cove. Jumping along the large rocks and rough terrain till they reached the familiar sandy shore.
``Wocky, I really appreciate you coming out here with me.''
``Of course, Zuma. I wasn't going to let you be all by yourself out here.''
``Even if it means being by the sea?''
``I mean...I do get nervous but having some projects to work on in between helps a lot.''
``Moby keeping you busy?''
``Surprisingly yeah. Though I will admit that I miss everyone back home.''
``Including your garage?''
``Hahaha yeah.''
``Well, you can go back if you want. I don't want to keep you here. In fact, I was thinking that maybe...I could stay here for a while?''
``Wha...What?''
``I mean, I really enjoy spending time out here with Coral. I see so much out there that I don't get to see at the lookout. I've been talking to Rubble and...''
``Talking to Rubble?'' Rocky started to put together what was happening. Zuma could see Rocky getting the wrong idea. He rushed to ease his concern.
``I wouldn't be leaving the team or you! Nothing like that!''
``But...For how long?''
``Well, Coral was recently talking about an expedition stretching passed the bay. Possibly to uncharted waters! Maybe a few weeks at a time?''
``A few weeks?! but....''
Rocky tried to think of anything that might hinder this.
``There's a big monster out there!''
``We don't know it's a monster dude. Could be something new...''
``Or something dangerous!''
``You don't know that. I don't either. That's why we need to find out.''
``But why does it have to be you? It isn't guaranteed that you'll be safe out there. Even with Coral and Cap'n Turbot.''
``You don't trust me?'' Zuma whined.
``No, I'm just...afraid.''
Zuma couldn't help but grumble at the thought.
``Why do I have to avoid doing what I love just because you're scared?''
Rockys ears flatten, and Zuma bit his tongue.
``I'm sorry. Rocky...I didn't mean too...
``No...you're right. I'm just....''
The brown lab leaned in. Pressing his nose to Rockys. Trying to keep his boyfriend calm.
``Wocky...We don't talk about the night we got together. The things that happened during the day prior. It...affected you more than you're letting on. We need to talk about what happened. You almost...''
``I know!'' Rocky practically barked at Zuma. He didn't mean to come off as harsh as he did.
``I mean...I know. It's just hard to talk about. A lot of what ifs and...being out here hasn't made it easier to deal with.''
Rocky realized what he had implied, the water pup looking physically hurt.
``Sorry, that's not what I meant...It's not your fault.''
``Wocky...''
``Zuma...I'm...''
Rocky never got to finish his next sentence. From the water, Zuma watched something large tower over his boyfriend. With slimy green algae coating every part of its body. What caught his attention though, was its bright yellow eyes. They peered down hard at both boys. Zuma felt his voice choke at the sight. Rocky saw the terror on his boyfriend's face. He didn't need to turn around to find out what was lurking. He ran forward and pulled Zuma along the beach. They quickly made their way into the cove. Moby jumped at the pair as they ran past him and huddled by a large rock.
``Hey! Don't you two love birds be...''
He stumbled on his words as he heard a low growl coming from the cove opening, A shadow silhouetted on the stone walls as it got closer.
``No....way!'' He barked.
McSquidly squeaked in surprise and jumped on his face. The merpup panicked and used his claws to hook himself to the roof of the cove. Rocky and Zuma pressed themselves against part of the rock. The recycle pup placing a paw over Zuma's snout. Ensuring he'd stay quiet. They kept their composure as the green algae covered beast slowly wondered in. It stumbled past the sonar and leaned into the copper pipes against the water filter. The creature took its soaked saggy arms and pulled the biggest pipe out of it. Seeming to admire the shine it gave off. Rocky took this distraction to quickly point towards the entrance. Zuma took note of his queue and tiptoed towards the exit as the creature moved on further into the cove. The pups ran along the rocked path before jumping between each large boulder. Trying to get to the lighthouse as quickly as they could.
``Almost there, keep going Zum...''
Rocky hopped and slipped. He almost fell into the sea before using his claw to grab to the side of Moby's swaying submarine.
``Wocky!''
``I'm good! I'm good! Just give me a sec to...''
``HAROOO!''
Zuma turned to see the green beast shambling its way back out towards them. It leaped along the rocks before falling forward. Crashing into the sub. The beast bellowed loudly before slipping off the rocks and into the water. Rocky had lost his grip temporally as the sub was pushed out to sea. The pup quickly fumbled on to something on the side of the vessel. He watched as the glass port hole popped open. Rocky saw his claw had grabbed on a latch that kept the shield closed. He wasn't going to take any chances, With the beast out of sight, he quickly squirmed into Moby's sub. He closed the port hole and settled into the seat. Eyeing out of the port to see Zuma quickly swimming towards him. The pup not wasting any time diving in.
``Rocky! Rocky!''
``Zuma! Get out of the water!''
He quickly pressed his pup tag.
``Rocky to Ryder! We got a...''
The creature surfaced again, bellowing even louder. It began to push the sub further out with its arms. Rocky kept his composure; He thought there was no way it'd be able to pull him down. Up till he felt a sharp jolt shake the whole vessel. Rocky could have sworn he felt something tether to the back of the sub. In an instant, He saw the water begin to rise over the port hole. The window gushed with bubbles as he and the sub were dragged down to the depths. Activating his pack, Zuma dove under the sea. With a regulator in his mouth, the pup did his best to scour the depths below. He could make out something much larger behind Moby's sub. He saw it quickly pulling Rocky towards it. The recycle pup breathing heavily as he was towed away. Zuma knew he had no time to lose; he swam to the surface. Spitting out his regulator to answer his blinking pup tag.
``Ryder here! Zuma, what's going on? I lost contact with Rocky.''
``Wyder!'' The pups lisp retuning with his worry.
``It took Wocky! It took him!''
Rocky felt like he should try to escape, push any button he could to activate the sub and drive back but fear had begun to swim back up his spine. Rocky saw the depths of the ocean in front of his face, and he planted his head against his paws. Counting from zero to calm himself. It felt like an hour or so had flown by before the pup was able to get settled. Slowly moving his paws from his face, He noticed from the sub's porthole that the ocean had disappeared. Instead, it appeared to have docked somewhere. Stepping closer, the recycle pup saw a large room with equipment. He could make out what looked like a control board and a massive window just above it.
``Wait, Am I...in a larger submarine?''
The pup jumped as the Moby's sub opened unexpectedly. Cautiously, He stepped out towards the floor. As he stood to get his bearings, Rocky saw a few random items stashed to one side of the sub. Things he recognized being on Cap'n Turbots boat before. He got that sinking feeling again as he felt something approach him from behind. Rocky couldn't hide how scared he was. His legs quivering at what might be lurking behind him.
``Hey...are you alright?''
The recycle pups ears picked up on a familiar voice. He turned and noticed a pirate clothed Dachshund standing there.
``Arrby?''
Rocky couldn't question further as a loud noise caught the pair. He spotted a large crank on the floor of sub begin to turn.
``Uhhhh quick! Hide!''
Arrby quickly pushed Rocky behind Moby's vessel. Motioning a paw to his lips. Rocky understood and kept himself quiet. Arrby turned towards the crank, The hatch opening where Rocky eyed the fluoresce green creature stepping on board, several copper pipes in its arms. It dropped them loudly onto the floor and stood in front of the pirate pup. Rocky was sure something awful was going to happen but watched as the creature seemed to press something against its chest. It was a blink of an eye, the large green algae that enveloped its body began to wilt and fall off. Underneath it all was a metallic diving suit. Looking substantially smaller with all mass fallen off it. Rocky noted two massive port holes on each side of the helmet. Acting as false eyes for the would be behemoth. Rocky held his breath as the creature pulled its helmet off.
``Har Har! That worked perfectly.''
``Sid Swashbuckle!'' Rocky exclaimed quietly.
``Excellent work reeling in that sub Arrrrrby!''
The shy pup eyed the sub, Looking past it towards the pup. He turned to his owner with a bright smile. Intending on keeping the pup's entry on board a secret.
``Sure thing Captain boss mister Sid sir!''
