Who Am I - Familiar Surroundings - Chapter 7
The next morning the pups were all waking up. Chase of course was up before any of the others and had patrolled the area. He returned to the campfire. Chase walked over to the still sleeping Skye and nuzzled her gently, she awoke, smiled and kissed him lightly. They both turned to where Marshall was when they heard snickering. Marshall looked up smiling.
"What?" said Chase blushing
"I didn't say anything," smirked Marshall. At that Everest nipped Marshall of the ear and as he turned to her their muzzles met. "Morning Marshall" Everest said. Marshall blush far out did Chase's who was now returning the snicker.
All of them turned to look at Rocky and Zuma, Rocky was holding Zuma protectively.
"Aww that is so sweet" said Skye "I think this event scared Rocky more than he will admit."
"It scared me too," said Chase "but I think you're right though. Rocky is going to be a little over protective for a while."
"I don't blame him," said Everest "I can't image if something like that happened to Marshall."
"I'm just glad we found him," said Marshall "I think we really need to watch for each other's safety on missions."
Ryder walked up and began speaking, "I think I agree Marshall. We will be making sure to have at least two of you on each mission. I know that isn't always possible with Skye but one of us can be close if something happens and be able to call for help."
Rocky and Zuma woke up and Zuma smiled and said "Good morning Rocky".
Rocky smiled and said good morning as well. Rubble had woken and was asking about breakfast. Everyone was standing around and Zuma began walking by everyone naming them as he passed. He was able to remember everyone's name without any help but was slow on a couple names.
"It's ok Zuma" said Rocky "You'll get it. If you'd like to ride with me, I can drive you around town and show you different places to see if you remember."
Zuma appeared to hesitate and Rocky said, "It's ok if you don't feel ready. I don't want to overwhelm you."
"No it's ok" said Zuma, "if I'm going to get my memory back Katie said I should be around familiar places and pups."
"If you get nervous we can go to the Lookout or come back here" said Rocky.
"I have a hovercraft right?" said Zuma
"Yes, yes you do!" said Rocky excitedly "You remembered, I didn't even mention your hovercraft. That's awesome Zuma." Zuma smiled.
"Ryder, is that ok?" asked Rocky.
"Of course it is Rocky," Ryder said as walked over to Zuma. He knelt and held out Zuma's collar and pup tag. "This is your Zuma. Would you like me to put it back on you?"
Zuma looked at the collar and smiled a little then it faded. "But I can't remember how to be the water rescue pup yet" Zuma whimpered.
"It's ok Zuma" said Ryder "One step at a time. No matter what, you are part of this team and we will be here for you. If you remember great. If not we'll teach you again. You'll be back at it in no time."
Zuma stood smiling and allowed Ryder to fasten the collar around his neck. I looked down at the tag with pride as did Rocky watching nearby.
"Rocky," said Ryder "Go ahead and take Zuma around town this morning. We can meet at the Lookout for lunch and see how Zuma's doing. Zuma, don't push it too much, if you get tired say so and Rocky can bring you back to the Lookout for a nap."
Zuma and Rocky both nodded. "Rocky," continued Ryder "If something changes or you need me call."
As Rocky and Zuma drove away Ryder turned to the other pups, "I think Rocky needs this time to heal almost as much as Zuma" said Ryder.
"What do you mean?" asked Rubble "Did Rocky get hurt too?"
"A different kind of hurt," said Ryder "Rocky still blames himself for Zuma's injuries. He needs to assure himself that Zuma is going to be ok. That said, everyone be available but let them have their time to be together. I'm going to head back to the Lookout and get ready for Lunch."
Ryder left and the other pups continued talking until they also headed back to town.
Rocky drove Zuma to City Hall and then to different places around town. Rocky waited to see if Zuma would remember a place then explain what, where, or who they saw. Zuma was trying very hard and Rocky noticed that Zuma seemed to be getting tired.
"I think we should head to the Lookout for lunch and maybe a nap," said Rocky.
"O-ok Rocky," said Zuma.
As they approached the Lookout Zuma began looking around. "I think I remember this place," said Zuma.
"That's good Zuma" said Rocky.
They parked and got out. Walking into the Lookout the other pups were just coming in for lunch and everyone rode together in the elevator.
"How's it going Zuma" asked Chase
"Are you remembering anymore?" asked Skye
"A little, I think I remember the Lookout" explained Zuma "but overall, not really much else."
"It's ok" said Marshall "Give it time. Katie said it may take a while."
"She also said it may never come back," said Zuma quietly.
"It is going to be ok Zuma" said Rocky "We will all be here to support you for anything you need."
Ryder had sat everyone's bowls out and filled them. "Eat up pups," called Ryder "we have to stay on top of our game and be ready."
The pups all gathered and began eating, Zuma and Rocky being the last to step to their bowls. Zuma looked around nervously.
"What's wrong Zuma" asked Rocky.
"I-I'm not sure," said Zuma "I have a weird feeling. Like something is about to happen. I don't know, maybe it's just being back here the first time."
Zuma began eating slowly but Rocky could tell something was still bothering Zuma, he began eating as well.
Over in the kitchen Ryder was making himself a sandwich when his Pup Pad began ringing, it was Farmer Al.
"Hello Farmer Al" said Ryder as he answered "what's up?"
"The barn it's on fire" yelled Farmer Al "I got the animals out, but I can't get the fire out."
"We're on the way" said Ryder, he opened the Pup Pad's alert pad "Paw Patrol to the Command Room."
All the other pups howled and ran for the elevator.
Zuma looked at Rocky and said, "you go ahead. I don't think I'm ready."
Rocky noticed Zuma looked even more troubled and said, "I don't think they'll need me, but why don't we go up and watch. Maybe it will help you remember."
They joined the other waiting pups and rode up to the Command Center.
Stepping out the assumed their positions with the exception of Rocky and Zuma who sat back watching. "Paw Patrol ready for action Ryder Sir!" exclaimed Chase.
"Thanks for rushing up pups" said Ryder dropping the big screen. It showed Farmer Al standing beside a burning barn. "Pup's, Farmer Al's barn is on fire. He's pretty sure the animals are out but be prepared. I'll need Marshall, l need you to get there and put that fire out before it gets worse. And Chase, you make sure everyone is safely away from the building. Rubble, why don't you come in case we need help with the animals. Ok Paw Patrol's on a roll."
Each of the pups shouted their catch phase and headed for the slide as Ryder leaped onto the pole sliding out of sight, Zuma watched and Rocky noticed Zuma was trembling.
"Is something wrong Zuma?" asked Rocky.
"I-I don't know" said Zuma softly "I-I just…"
"Zuma what is it" asked Skye as she walked over to Rocky and Zuma.
"I don't understand," said Zuma looking down at the floor.
"What?" asked both Rocky and Skye.
"Have I always been able to tell when something was about to happen?" asked Zuma.