``Rocky's GPS is showing just a few miles north!''
``Gotcha Zuma, I'm assembling the Sea Patrol now. Keep on following! We'll meet up soon!''
Zuma disconnected from Ryder.; He had already tried to communicate with Rocky but got no response. Something must have been seriously wrong. Zuma had no time to lose as his hovercraft jumped through every passing wave on the ocean.
``You sure you saw what you saw?!'' Moby barked over their communication. The pair of merpups had managed to squeeze themselves into Coral's seahorse. Moby not taking too kindly to have his own submersible swiped.
``Positive dude! It was a massive sub, and it was dragging Rocky along next to it.''
``Do you think the creature is somehow related to it?'' asked Coral.
``Don't know. There's something fishy going on and I'm not waiting to find out.''
``Understood Zuma! We're right behind you!''
``Yeah! Rocky needs us!...and uh!...They have my sub! Yeah!''
Coral held back a gentle laugh at her blushing companion. She didn't think Moby would care so much about another pup. Zuma wasn't as cheery; Rocky was already having a difficult time being out at sea. This whole ordeal is only going to amplify his fear. His priority right now was to make sure his partner was safe and sound. Zuma had to rescue him. Even if it means not waiting for the rest of the team. He floored his hovercraft to the max as the merpups eagerly followed behind him.
On board, Rocky kept having to ignore his beeping tag, covering it with one paw as to stay quiet. He peaked his head from behind Moby's sub. Watching Sid gloat and dance some sort of pirate shanty. Rocky couldn't help grinning a little at the site.
``What a sneaky pair we are Arrby! Such a brilliant idea to disguise myself as a big old spooky moss monster!''
``You mean algae sir?''
``Right right...Those folks up top just let me take what I want! Look at all this stuff! Harhahrhar!''
Rocky surveyed the amount of spare junk and parts scattered every which way. It sort of reminded him of his garage back home though he doubted that Sid would put any of it to good use.
``It was a good plan captain boss mister Sid sir! But don't you think we've taken...I mean... borrowed enough?''
The Dachshund tilted his head curiously at his captain. Giving him a slight pleading look. Though it looked like the pups' words were going in one ear and out the other.
``Hahah nonsense Arrby! There's always something out there that I need need need! Just look at this new sub we got! Who knew those pecky Paw Patrol pups were holding out on something so priceless! I'm going to take it out for a spin!''
Rocky ducked his head again as the pirate approached. He was sure to be seen.
``Wait!'' Arrby barked, Getting Sid's attention.
``Don't you want to....Uh....''
He turned to the closest thing nearby.
``Add this new beach ball to your collection of shiny round things? I know how much you like sorting them by size!''
``Harhar! You're right Arrby! I've got to put it on the mantle with the rest! Such a good pup ye are for reminding me!''
Sid eagerly petted Arrby's head before snatching the ball. Rocky watched as Sid walked towards the back of the ship. Opening a side hatch before stepping in. The Dachshund pup trotted back towards Moby's sub.
``Alright, that will keep him busy for a while. He can never figure out which one he wants to display the most.''
Rocky was taken aback by the realization of everything that was going on.
``Wait wait, so this whole time. You and Sid have been taking things around the coast?''
``I mean borrowing them...yeah?''
Arrby gave a small smile, but Rocky wasn't having it. Arrby realized this, laying his head down towards the floor.
``I'm sorry. Captain boss mister Sid sir said we needed a whole bunch of new stuff on board. So, he came up with this plan to scare folks away while we snatched what we could.''
``Arrby...That isn't very nice. You all really scared Captain Turbot and others.''
``I know...I'm just doing what Sid says. He's my boss...and my friend.''
Arrby knelt further, the weight of what they have been doing seeming to take in. Rocky couldn't be too upset with the pirate pup. Like Ryder, Sid was Arrby's leader and companion. It doesn't surprise him that he follows everything he asks. He wondered how things would've been like If Ryder was more devious, Would the pups play along with his every wish? The thought made Rocky shiver.
``I know Arrby...but Sid's not very nice to other people. Seems like the only other thing he cares about besides himself is you.''
``Well...I am very loyal. Plus, he says I'm a good listener. We should probably try and get you back to shore though. Sid doesn't like stowaways.''
Arrby trotted over to the front of their sloop. He lifted himself onto the massive chair near the steering wheel. Pressing a few buttons to display a grid on the massive port window. Rocky stared at the display carefully. Noticing a few marked locations close by Adventure Bay.
``Are these all the places you took stuff from?''
``Yup yup. Couple of islands here and there. Sid was talking about wanting to scare folks off near the arctic. Those are some cold waters though!''
``Not exactly a great idea.''
``He does his best...I think.''
The recycling pup marveled at the screen, noticing how similar it looked like the one at the cove. His thoughts brought him back to Zuma. He should let him know that he was ok and what was going on. As Rocky reached for his pup tag, he hesitated. He just felt so silly. Getting all worked up over something that turned out to be nothing but a ruse. It just brought back a whole new feeling of guilt. Especially after the conversation he had with Zuma before his impromptu capture. Arrby seemed to have caught wind of his sour mood.
``Something up Rocky? I should be able to steer the sloop back to an island where your friends can grab you. It's no problem really.''
``No no. It's not that. It's complicated...''
Rocky laid down just below the steering wheel. The pirate pup looked down at him from his seat.
``All this time I was worried for nothing. I was so afraid of what was out there in the sea, that I was going to beg Zuma not to do what he loved just to make sure he was safe. Now I realize that I was just doing it to make me feel safe. There really wasn't anything to be afraid of.''
``True, I've been charting these waters for a good while. Sure, we got the occasional shark or undertow, but other than that, Nothing too scary about the big blue.''
``Big blue?''
``The ocean. Though our little algae monster was convincing. Probably convincing enough to scare some from exploring the water.''
``It's not so much what you and Sid did. It's just...everything about the sea.''
Rocky stared out at the vast port window of the ship. Seeing nothing but cold dark blue in front of him.
``I can deal with it when it comes to missions, emergencies, my friends.... Why can't I do that for Zuma?''
``Sounds like you're letting your own uneasiness of the big blue keep ya from letting him do what he loves.''
``Yeah and that is not fair to him...''
``Are you dating him?''
Rocky turned back to the curious pirate pup.
``Not trying to make assumptions or nothin...it's just every time we run into Ryder and the other pups, You two seem so close.''
``That obvious huh?''
Arrby leaped out of the seat and sat next to the recycle pup.
``Something...happened the day me and Zuma started dating. It was traumatic, but I thought I could just brush it off because that's when me and Zuma finally got together. I had him, it was everything I ever wanted. I was happy that things all worked out. We're happy together but since then, being near the sea just makes me so nervous.''
``And does Zuma recognize that?''
``Oh yeah. I can't hide much from him.''
``Well, I think it's about time you both talk about what happened that day. Even if it might be a little uncomfortable for you.''
``I just don't want him to think I hate the thing he loves so much.''
``I don't think that will be an issue. From the sounds of it, He just wants you to feel better. It's not good for you to bottle up those icky feelings. Heck, I tell Sid everything. Even if he's not always listening.''
``Hehehe. When he isn't trying to swipe something.''
``Ya mean borrow'' Arrby said. His paws motioning air quotes at the word ``borrow''. Getting a laugh out of them both.
For the first time in a while, Rocky felt better being below the depths of the ocean.
``Sid is right. You are a good listener.''
``Thanks''
``Now I just got to make it home to really talk to Zuma about this.''
``No worries! I can get this sub back in two shakes of an...''
A loud whirling sound caught the pair's attention. Both turned to see Moby's sub begin to throttle and spin around the back of the hull. The tendrils whirling behind it. A giggling Captain Sid sat in the driver's seat.
``Har har har! This boy really got some torque!''
``Uhhhhh Captain boss mister Sid sir! What are you doing?!''
``Testing out the new sub! It's round and shiny like the rest of my collection! I've got to have it on my mantle!''
Arrby and Rocky watched dumbfounded as the rambunctious pirate tried to turn the spinning vessel towards the back of the ship. Seeming to forget just how small the doorframe was.
``Stop! It's clearly not going to fit! You're too big!'' Rocky barked.
``Huh?! Who's this nosey pup?! I told you no stowaways Arrby! Arggh!''
``Uhhh Captain. Maybe you should turn the sub off...?''
``Har har! No way! Wait, this thing has a land mode?!''
Without warning, Sid pressed the available button. The spinning tendrils on the back of the Moby's sub disappeared. Two large wheels popped up below the vessel. They screeched loudly against the wooden deck of the ship. Rocky and Arrby covering their ears at the sound. They watched as Sid rocketed through his stolen items. Beach umbrellas, volleyball nets, and copper piping ensnared in front of it. Sid panicked, Spinning the sub in circles. The pirate felt like he was in a dryer. Tumbling off his controls as he spun out of control. Rocky began to run towards it. He was intending to do whatever he could to stop it. He came to a halt as the vehicle turned and floored straight towards him. Arrby quickly pushed them both out of harm's way. The sub ran directly into the steering wheel. Knocking it off its base and slamming into the massive port window of the sloop. The impact caused the ship to suddenly veer towards the ocean floor.
``Brace yourselves!'' Rocky cried out.
Zuma gasped as Rocky's beacon had suddenly disappeared from his GPS.
``No no no!''
``I see it too Zuma! He's completely gone!''
``We can't lose him! We just can't!''
Zuma wanted to smack a paw against his monitor, but he knew he had to keep calm. He began to think hard about whatever else he could use to track the sub. In the seahorse, Coral thought about calling out to other merpups or marine life in the area to assist. Only to be blindsided by Moby suddenly shoving her aside. His two tentacles squirming around her control panel.
``What the?! Excuse me Moby!''
``Shush! Gimmie a sec''
Coral watched as the pup pulled his pup tag off his suit. Quickly shoving it against the GPS/sonar monitor and fiddling it with both appendages.
``Almost there!''
The monitor stopped displaying anything for a moment before flickering back to life. A large dot appearing on the left of it.
``What did you do Moby?''
``I sync my tag to your crummy tech. Now it's tracking my sub!''
Coral was elated at his quick thinking. Barking out an excited yip and leaning in to lick the side of the pup's face. Moby was so startled that he fell backwards. Seeming to be dazed.
``Moby, you're a genius!''
Zuma caught wind of the scuffle through his pup tag.
``What's happening?!''
``We've got a fix on Moby's sub! Follow me!''
``Arff! Awesome!''
``You can thank Moby!''
The merpup suddenly came too.
``Bow wow...Wow! You're welcome.''
The trio had dove under the sea, Coral leading the way passed a massive reef. Following the current and swaying between a massive deep-sea canyon. The bleep of her sonar getting closer and closer. Soon enough, the trio could make out something large sitting on the bottom of the sea. Looking worse for wear. Zuma recognized it immediately.
``Sid Swashbuckle's Sloop!''
``Who?'' asked Coral.
``A pirate around these parts. It must have been him causing all this trouble.''
``In a ship like that? What a hunk of junk!'' Moby commented.
``Nah, it's not supposed to look all banged up like that, something is up! I'm going to check it out!''
Zuma zipped past the pair towards the grounded ship.
Rocky stood up on wobbly legs to survey his surroundings. Arrby gave a small wave to the mixed breed, he was buried under a pile of stuff they stole. Rocky also noticed Moby's sub. Sitting on its side as its wheels spun slowly. Rocky quickly peered into the sub to check on the pirate inside.
``Sid! Sid!''
Arrby picked himself up and ran to the wreck. Pawing on the port window to open it.
``Captain?!''
Sid slowly stood up and pressed a button. The port flung open, Sid fell out and landed next to them.
``Arrgh...what happened?''
``Captain! Glad you're ok! We've got some major damage to...''
``Uhhhh guys...''
Rocky pointed at the front of the ship. A long crack began to work along the wide plane of the large port window. It split in its path, multiple cracks splintering into a massive spider web that blanket the front of Sid's Sloop. Small spurts of water began to squirt through the cracks. A splash hitting Rocky on the nose. The recycle pup felt fear run up his spine.
``It's leaking...We're in trouble.''
Sid jumped up in a hurry.
``Harrrgh! All of our booty! My loot! I need need need it!''
Before Arrby could protest, Sid ran past both pups. Running back into his quarters to grab his things.
Rocky felt his chest tighten. His fear returning full force. He tried to steady his breathing as much as he could. The situation was dire, terrifying even. He reached up for his pup tag only to realize it wasn't on his collar. Probably went flying after the crash. This moment began to mirror the very event that the mixed breed dreaded thinking about. He could recall the sound of his towboat flipping over, the crash of waves as he was swept overboard. The bitter taste of sea water in his mouth. He took one last look out the large, splintered window. Wondering if this moment may very well be their last. From between the cracks, Rocky noticed something. He could make out an orange hue of a sub. The form of a familiar brown lab. The pup barked frantically, looking to see if Rocky could hear him. The recycle pup ran up to the window. Pressing a paw to it as he looked at his lover. It all came flooding back to him. Between the horrible moment of being out on sea came the reminder of Zuma's rescue. The way he comforted him and stayed by his side the whole time. The night they spent together. Through that moment, Rocky was gathered the courage to tell the pup how he felt. He remembered exactly what he had said that night.
``Zuma, when we're together, we can do anything!''
Rocky finally caught himself. His breath had slowed, and he gave a reassuring smile to the pup through the glass. Now was the time to act. Zuma was just inches from him. That was all the courage he needed.
``Ruff ruff! Claw arm!''
The pup quickly jumped into Moby's sub. Fiddling with the controls to see if anything worked properly. He couldn't get it to revert to the sub mode, but it seemed that the port window at least opened and closed. Rocky knew they had only one way to escape this situation. On cue, Sid came stumbling back, an assorted bunch of things held in his arms.
``And the pipes! Don't forget the pipes!''
``Captain! Please...''
``Guys, our only chance out of here is to pile into Moby's sub. Zuma is waiting outside. Once the window breaks, He can get us back to the surface.''
``Will all my stuff fit in there?!''
``Sid...'' Rocky rolled his eyes.
``I have to go back and grab just a few more...''
``ARRF!''
A sharp bark startled the pirate and the recycle pup.
``Sid, there is no time! Put down the stuff and get in the sub! Now!''
The pirate dropped his loot, genuinely surprised at Arrby's sudden assertiveness. Without a word, the pirate jumped into the pod. Arrby followed closely behind. It was a tight fit but Rocky did his best to squeeze between Sid and Arrby. Quickly closing the port in front of them. The group watched as another sharp crack sprung from the interior window of the sloop. Water began to pool excessively into the ship.
``Hang on tight ya'll!'' Rocky warned.
Sid was shaking in his boots, comforted by Arrby as he laid in lap. The pair holding each other close.
Just then the pressure finally gave way. The massive window had shattered, and a torrent of water jetted towards the pod. The boys braced themselves as their smaller sub was pushed and pulled to all sides. Rocky kept his eyes closed and held on to the pair of pirates. He had peaked once or twice. Noticing the current had pulled them directly out of Sid's sloop. Swirling Moby's sub into the big blue. Rocky kept himself calm, thinking back to the moment he and Zuma had cemented their love. He knew they'd be ok; He knew they'd be saved. He had faith in his partner.
Their spinning had come to a sudden halt. Rocky could hear Sid and Arrby cheer loudly. Rocky looked to see a giant claw grip one side of the sub. A metallic sea horse on the other side. He could make out the shapes of pups hooting and howling through front seats.
Ryder nervously looked at the monitor as Robo dog floored the sea patroller.
``Chase, Skye, Marshall...please stand by. We're almost at Zuma's location.''
``Roger Ryder sir!'' Chase called back from his pup tag.
On the deck, the three pups eagerly scanned the sea in front of them. Marshall, perched on the railing, noticed something bubbling towards the surface.
``Ryder! Over there!''
As they approached, Coral, Zuma and Moby's sub all came up at once. The pups all howled and cheered at the sight. To every pup's surprise, Rocky quickly opened the port and hopped onto the mechanical arm of Zuma's sub. He leapt on to the front, almost slipping back into the water. Eagerly reaching the front seat and clawing at the window. Zuma quickly dropped the shield and practically tackled his partner. The pups embracing hard.
``Wocky!...Rocky! I'm sooo glad you're ok!.''
``I'm sorry! I'm sooo sorry!''
``Sorry? What are you...''
He couldn't finish his sentence as Rocky pressed his lips against him.
``You didn't drag me on your mission. I was afraid. I...I...''
Rocky bit his lower lip.
``I almost died that day. It was horrible and I held on to it for so long that I was afraid it might happen to you..and ..and...''
Rocky let the flood gates open. He felt himself begin to cry. Whining loudly as he finally let it all out. Zuma could feel himself beginning to tear up at the sight. He hugged Rocky tight. Giving him a gentle reminder.
``Rocky...My perfect pup. It's ok, Deep breaths. Deep Breaths.''
The pups all coo'd and admire the sight of the lovers embracing one another. Glad to see their friends were ok.
Meanwhile, a different pair of deviants sat in the remains of Moby's sub watching it all unfold.
``Don't suppose we can get away this time eh Arrby?''
``Not likely Captain boss mister Sid sir.''
``Figures...''
Sid fiddled with his hat, thinking carefully about what he was about to say.
``Hey, you kind of snapped at me back there. Didn't you?''
Arrby lowered his ears.
``I'm sorry about that Captain boss mister...
``No no Arrby. I'm...I'm the one who should be sorry. I wasn't really thinking too clearly back there. We could have been shark bait if you hadn't spoken up to me''
``Captain...Sid. I just want you to be safe.''
Arrby quickly nuzzled himself against Sid. The normally boisterous pirate quivered his lip, touched at how much the pup cared for him. He returned the gesture with a gentle scratch on the pup's forehead.
``Eyye, You're a good boy Arrby. The best!''
``Bow wow Waaaah?!! What happened to my sub?!''
The pair looked over to see a pup they haven't met before. He seemed furious, staring daggers at the pair from the giant metal sea horse. A smaller pup next to him gently waving to the pirates. They also noticed Ryder looking down from the railing of the sea patroller.
``Alright boys, care to explain exactly what happened?''
``Arrgh...''
