Who Am I - Making Contact - Finding a Friend - Chapter 4
Skye was following far back enough that she thought Zuma couldn't hear her as he ran. Zuma had made it to the beach and ran down the water line stirring up sand as he ran. Zuma had heard something and looked back and up. He spotted a gray and pink flying thing that seemed to be following him. Ahead he spotted the pier and ran for it. He ran under the pier and stopped listening as the flying thing went by but then it turned around.
"Ryder he's running along the beach" reported Skye "wait, I think he spotted me, he turned and ran for the pier. I've lost him under the pier. I'll circle the area and watch for him."
"Rodger Skye" said Ryder "we'll be on the way"
"Zuma always had great hearing," said Rocky, "I hope that Skye's helicopter doesn't frighten him too much."
Ryder and the pups headed toward the pier.
Meanwhile, Zuma had watched the helicopter flying around and it didn't appear to be leaving. He looked around and saw a line of trees across the road. He waited until the helicopter circled to the far side and ran for the trees as fast as he could. As he approached the roadway, a pickup truck headed toward him; and he ran straight into the road. The truck slammed on it breaks screeching toward Zuma. Zuma froze and cowered in the street with wide eyes. The truck stopped inches away.
"Zuma, what are you doing in the road" yelled the driver, as Zuma leapt to his feet and continued toward the trees. "Zuma, did I hit you?" yelled Farmer Al. "Something's Off, I better call Ryder" said Farmer Al taking off again but watching the trees where Zuma had run.
"Thanks Farmer Al" said Ryder "Zuma's been injured and might not know who you were."
"Pups, Farmer Al just almost hit Zuma running from the beach to a line of trees" explained Ryder, "Skye, see if you can spot him apparently he ran across the street to the forest. He's getting further from town."
"Oh no," exclaimed Rocky "If he gets out of town we may never find him."
"I promise Rocky," said Ryder "We'll find him. No Island is too big, no pup too small"
They drove as fast as they could sirens blazing. They all arrived at the pier and began spreading out along the trees hoping to find some evidence of the pup.
Farmer Al was standing next to his truck. "Ryder, I want to help find your missing pup" said Farmer Al.
Skye continued to fly back and forth over the trees. "It's too think I can't see anything," said Skye "I'll head out a little and see if he happens to run through some of the clearings."
"Sounds good Skye," said Ryder "Pups spread out in a line about 100 feet apart and begin walking into the woods. If anyone sees Zuma or a sign of his passing call everyone else immediately."
"You got it Ryder" said everyone simultaneously.
Zuma had reached the trees panting hard. That vehicle had almost hit him. "My life would have flashed in front of me and I would not have remembered it." Zuma said as he sat on his haunches for a moment, "Who am I, why are those people and pups chasing me?"
Zuma stood up and listened, nothing, he began walking further into the woods. He wasn't sure why but something drew him toward the hills along the beach. He was able to stay under the trees and made his way to a small cave. He wasn't sure but something seemed right about this place. Maybe this is where he lived, he sniffed around.
"I do smell myself here" said Zuma "But I smell someone else. I think it smells like that gray pup I saw earlier. I wonder if he's a friend."
"Why can't I remember" whimpered Zuma as he slumped to the floor of the cave. Zuma drifted off to sleep.
Ryder and the pups searched the woods for hours. They had even called in Everest and Jake to help look. Finally Ryder pulled to a halt.
"Pups," said Ryder "W indeed to take a break and eat something. We've been going all day and I don't want anyone getting sick or dehydrated."
The pups grumbled but reluctantly agreed to stop long enough to eat. They all began telling Zuma stories as they ate.
Rocky started telling a story of where he and Zuma would play down the beach. "Zuma always knew how I didn't like getting wet," said Rocky "He found this cave where we would play that was near the water but far enough to not get sea spray or rain if the weather was bad. A cave where …"
"Ryder!" said Rocky excitedly, "I think I might know where Zuma went!"
Rocky quickly told everyone where the cave was and turned and ran.
"Rocky wait" yelled Ryder "We'll all go, but we don't know for sure"
Rocky never heard him. All Rocky could think was he had to find Zuma, He had to make sure he was ok.