Chase was up walking his rounds as the sun rose. He noticed the Lookout doors open and Katie walked out looking around.
"Good Morning Katie," said Chase, startling her and making her yelp.
"Oh, Chase," said Katie, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you are up and moving at this time of the morning. I uh, was, uh leaving."
"Katie, seriously?" laughed Chase, "I've been watching you two sneak around for years now. I don't care the least. You two obviously love each other. If you were dogs, you'd be a mated pair already and done with everything."
Katie blushed bright red, "I guess we haven't been very discrete, have we?" laughed Katie "I do love him you know. I love all of you pups. Sometimes, I wish we were dogs and didn't have to worry about all the expected rules humans follow."
"Why don't y'all just get married and get on with your lives?" asked Chase. "It's not like the entire town isn't going to support both of you."
"I wish it was that easy," laughed Katie. "I have to notify family and friends. I have to plan out everything and pick dates, find an official and on and on."
Chase cocked his head, "Why? Isn't this supposed to be for you two. The others just get to watch. As far as an official, I think if you don't ask Mayor Goodway, she'll be hurt. She's been here for both of you since the beginning."
"I forget sometimes that you have been here from the start as well," said Katie. "Would you maybe talk to Ryder and see what he thinks?"
"Chase smiled, "It would not only be an honor, I believe it is my duty as second in command to assure that you two are happy and stay happy. Have a nice day Katie, I'll talk to you later."
An older gentleman wearing a red robe and a large dog stepped off the train in Adventure Bay. The man smiled and looked around.
"I can see why he chose this place," said the man to his dog. "The feeling of peace and tranquility is boundless."
"Yes, I agree," said the dog, "So did you warn him you were coming?"
"No," laughed the man, "What fun would that be? It's not like I'm here to evaluate him. Our task is to help him."
"Lin, Do you even remember your real name anymore?" said the dog.
"No, my friend," laughed Lin, "I've been traveling the world for so long, Lin is all I remember. Kang, you still use your last name or the nickname everyone can remember."
"True," said Kang "Snow is very easy for everyone to remember."
"Especially with that white head of yours," laughed Lin.
Lin was a Tibetian Monk, who had been wandering the world looking for enlightenment for many years. He couldn't help but hope he had finally found his place. His companion was of course a Tibetian Mastiff, His body had the usual black, brown, and white marking particular to the breed. But his head was solid white, which was unusual but his name said it all. He was also larger than average male mastiffs. Mudita Kang or Happy Snow fit him. He could look very fierce but generally his demeanor was one of a happy dog.
Another much smaller dog stepped off behind them. She was a mixed breed that slowly walked behind them. She was white and black but very pretty for a pup.
"Mudita, would you like to walk with us?" asked Kang "Or would you like to rest at the motel?"
"I think I'd like to rest," said Mudita. "You wouldn't want me to start anything with your hopefully new friends."
"I heard stories of how accepting Toby is," said Kang "This is the 21st century, People aren't as bad as they used to be. But I understand, We'll walk you to the motel first."
The three walked with Mudita walking behind the two, she seemed very nervous looking around at everything and everyone. People they passed on the street waved or spoke greetings. It felt so different here.
"Lin's right," said Mudita, "this place's peace and tranquility is almost overwhelming. It would be so nice to live in a place like this."
"Who knows, little one," said Lin, "Maybe the spirits have led us here for a reason. You should be proud, though not afraid. Everyone loves you or ends up loving you. Kang was right naming you as he did. You make me happy just being near you as well."
"I wish that was why we were here," whispered Kang.
Mudita held her head a little higher with Lin's words. As they approached the motel, they stopped before walking into the lobby.
"We'll wait out here," said Kang
"It might be just me but this place seems different," said Lin. "I can't quite put my finger on it. Anyway, I'll be right back. The travel guide said this place was pet friendly. I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Still, why push it," said Kang
Lin walked in and was greeted by the clerk.
"Welcome to Adventure Bay," said the clerk. "Will you be checking in?"
"Yes, thank you," said Lin. "I have my reservation here somewhere."
"You would be Lin and it only says two canine companions" said the clerk. "I'm Russell, we're small here in Adventure Bay. You are our only reservation. Your pups can come in if they'd like. Adventure Bay is unlike anything you've probably been around."
Lin turned and waved to Kang. The two pups walked in and sat beside Lin.
"Wow, he's Huge!" said Russell. "Is that how big Yeshe will get?"
"Oh, you know of my fellow monk's companion?" asked Lin
"Yeshe?" laughed Russell, "Everyone knows Yeshe. She is such a sweet pup. I assume you know about the Paw Patrol?"
"I've read some," said Lin, "It seems a little far-fetched to believe their reported accomplishments. But as for your question, Kang is larger than most males."
"I love when newcomers get to see those pups in action," laughed Russell. "They really are as amazing as the stories say."
"Well, I look forward to meeting them," said Lin. "My companion would like to rest in the room, is that acceptable while we are out?" Lin had gestured to Mudita
"You really haven't heard about us have you?" said Russell. "Dogs have equal if not more rights than the people of Adventure Bay. She is more than welcome to rest or come and go as she or you big fellow there chooses. Here, these tags attach to their collars and work as a door key for your rooms."
"Rooms," said Lin "I had assumed they would have to stay with me."
"Oh, I'm sorry" said Russell "I may have falsely assumed they were together. But they are welcome to a room of their own either way. We have pup beds in their room but I can have a bed moved in if they prefer that."
"No pup beds are fine," said Kang "And thank you."
They walked down to their rooms which were adjoined. They walked in and were amazed by the amenities that appeared to be extremely pet friendly. Mudita walked over and laid down.
"They do seem very accommodating," said Muditia. "You two have a nice visit. I'll see you when you return. Did you need me to do anything while you are out? Laundry, Cleaning, or anything you need me to go get?"
Lin knelt down to Mudita. "You are part of our family now, you are not a servant. You rest, we'll be back and go get something to eat later."
"Wow, Yeshe," laughed Rocky "That's your third bowl. I guess you were starving."
"I'm sorry," said Yeshe "I just woke up so hungry this morning. I don't know, I feel weird but all I could think about this morning was food."
Ryder laughed, "I hope Everest doesn't get pregnant soon. I'll have to order pup food by the pallet."
"What?" yipped Rocky "Pregnant?"
"Rocky, it's quite evident," laughed Ryder, at Rocky's reaction. "True, some pups have a form of morning sickness and don't eat at first. Most however begin eating enough for them and their pups. You should probably run by Kaite's and have her confirm it, but I'd put money on it."
"I guess when you're finished we'll run by Katie's," said Rocky, licking his mate.
Lin and Kang walked to the door of the Lodge at Jake's Mountain. They knocked and Jake came to the door.
"Wow, Dude!" laughed Jake "He's huge! Is Yeshe going to get that Big? Rocky's going to be in trouble if she is."
"I hear that a lot," said Kang "and no the females do not usually get as big as the males. Who's Rocky?"
"Oh, you haven't met them yet," said Jake. "I'll call Toby and have him meet you here. I assume you're here to meet with him. The retreat isn't 100% yet. But there's plenty of room if you're here for sabbatical."
"That would be great," said Lin. "I'm Lin and my companion is Mudita Kang, or you can call him Kang."
"Uh, let's see" said Jake, thinking and staring a bit. "Uh, Happy Snow, right?"
"Yes, I see you're learning Tibetan," said Lin.
"I know a little," said Jake, "but it does make it a little easier to talk to Toby when he gets excited. This place excites him more and more. Let me go call him."
Jake stepped in the other room and placed a call, "Uh, Toby did you know you had visitors coming?"
"No, it didn't," said Toby "Is it an elder?"
"I would say so," said Jake. "I figured if you knew you would have said something. He says his name is Lin and he has a monster of a Mastiff with him."
"I'll be right there," said Toby.
Toby came rushing across the grounds. He stopped just short and began walking quickly catching his breath.
"I am so sorry Lama," said Toby bowing "I was unaware you were coming. I would have met you at the train and had you driven to the Lodge."
"I'm not a Lama," said Lin. "My name is Lin, I too am a wandering student. I've been walking for years now, I rather enjoy being in nature. I came to offer assistance and see what the spirits have in mind. I must say this place seems incredible. My companion is Mudita Kang, but you may call him Kang."
"Welcome to the Lodge, The retreat site is a short walk," said Toby, "So you are not here to judge the site?"
"No, no my friend," said Lin, "I was led to come and offer assistance. Is your companion around?"
"Well, she is still in town," said Toby, "I, uh, I'll call her and have her come meet us."
Toby stepped inside the lodge to place the call.
"Are they here to try and force you to pair Yeshe with that beast of a dog?" asked Jake.
"I hope not," said Toby, "I have not heard of that before. But I doubt anyone has allowed their dogs to mate with regular dogs. I'll have her come and we'll figure it out. I won't let them separate Yeshe and Rocky, I love them too much."
"So are you here to take Yeshe from me," asked Toby as he returned, "be-because she is mated to a pup other than a Guardian?"
"What no," said Lin, "No one will ever come and force you to give her up or remove her from a mate. It just isn't done anymore."
Yeshe pressed her pup tag ending the call. She turned to Rocky, "I'm sure it's just to meet the new monk that has arrived. You can come if you'd like."
"I don't want to get you in trouble," said Rocky, looking on the verge of tears.
"I won't let them separate us," said Yeshe. "I pray they don't give Toby trouble, but I won't let them force me to leave."
"I'll support whatever decision you make, Yeshe," said Rocky, dropping to the floor.
Yeshe turned to go to her vehicle, "Yeshe, I Love You." said Rocky.
"I Love You Too, Rocky," said Yeshe as she got in her vehicle and drove to the Lodge.
Yeshe arrived and Jake walked over, "They walked over to the Lodge. Did you call Everest?"
"No," said Yeshe "I was too upset and concerned. Do you mind just letting her know."
"Glad to pup," said Jake, rubbing her head.
Jake called Everest and told her what was going on. Everest called Skye, Skye called Obi and Sunny. The girls all headed for the mountain with war in their hearts if this went wrong.
Yeshe walked into the clearing and noticed the boys walking around the side of the site.
"Yeshe?" said Chase "Who's the mountain of dog?"
"Are you going to get that big?" asked Marshall, earning a look from Chase. "Uh, I mean, are you going to grow as big as he is."
"Males are much bigger," said Yeshe "He is called Kang according to Toby. He and his master are here to help but wanted to meet me."
"They're not going to take you away are they?" whimpered Rubble.
"Not while there's breath left in me," said Yeshe
"We're behind you," said Chase "Have you told the girls yet?"
"Jake called Everest," said Yeshe.
"Oh, lord," said Marshall "I guarantee she called Skye and the others. You better go warn Toby. The girl pack will tear that monster apart if they try anything. I'm sure they're all ready on the way."
"Well," said Yeshe, standing tall and taking a deep breath, "There's only one way to find out what they want."
Yeshe walked over to the main hall where the boys said they were. She walked in proudly and walked to Toby's side, she sat at his feet between the perceived threat and her master.
"Oh my," said Lin "Yeshe, you're beautiful."
"T-thank you," said Yeshe, rising to stand.
"You still know how to guard," said Kang "You haven't been away that long. It's good to see they still teach pups correctly."
Yeshe showed her teeth but didn't growl.
"Yeshe girl," laughed Toby. "It's not like that."
Suddenly all the girls burst in. "You can't have her," growled Everest, she was fluffed up as were the others.
"Wow, bitch brigade," laughed Kang.
Everest's growl grew more intense and it appeared she grew even bigger.
"Kang, apologize," snapped Lin, "I told you, most people don't use that term."
"But they are," said Kang
"Kang, it's not as funny as you think it is," said Lin
"I apologize ladies," said Kang. "I intended no disrespect. It is the proper term for a female dog. But I'm really impressed."
"Well, you seem to have implied the disrespect," said Skye.
"He's so big," whimpered Obi.
"I may be a bitch," said Everest. "You have no idea how much so I'll become if you've come for Yeshe."
"You might take one of us," said Sunny "But you can't handle us all."
Kang turned to Lin, "So I guess it's inappropriate to say I'm seriously turned on right now."
"Kang, you're terrible." laughed Lin.
"Ladies, I can assure you," said Lin, turning to the girls and acknowledging Yeshe. "We are not here to evaluate anyone and we are definitely not here to take Yeshe. That just isn't done anymore."
"Um, Lin," said Kang, "I recognize that smell. She's pregnant."
"What?" said Lin, turning to Kang.
"Yeshe's pregnant," said Kang.
"What?" said all the girls and Toby at once.
"Well," said Lin, turning to Toby. "You've started your kennels already. I guess that makes sense. You'll need Guardians here, more for effect than threats."
"My mate isn't a Mastiff," said Yeshe, she turned to Toby. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to tell you this way."
"I'm so happy for you," said Toby "You and Rocky must be so proud."
"So what is he then," said Kang "Tell me it's not a Doberman, I hate Doberman's."
"No he's Rocky," said Yeshe. "He's perfect. And no one tells me who I can love, no one!"
"Whoa, take it down a step," said Kang. "You might be surprised to find just how accepting I can be."
"We love each other," said Yeshe. "That's the only approval I need."
Rocky was in his usual depression spot, the hill overlooking the bay, when Zuma came home for lunch. He spotted Rocky and immediately turned toward him.
"Hey Rocky, What's wrong?" asked Zuma
"Hey Zuma," said Rocky "I think I might be losing Yeshe."
"What do you mean?" said Zuma "Did you get in a fight? You know girls get a little cranky when they're pregnant."
"What? How'd you know?" said Rocky "we were going to tell everyone tonight."
"Are you kidding," said Zuma "You might not smell it because you're with her all the time. But you can't miss that scent."
"I guess it doesn't matter," said Rocky "They may let me keep the pups since they brought a purebred stud."
"Whoa, they what?" yipped Zuma "Surely they wouldn't do that."
"All I know is Toby called because another monk and his monster of a Mastiff showed up in town and demanded to meet Yeshe."
"Maybe they're just friendly," said Zuma. "And don't start that 'Pure Breed' mess again. Yeshe told you she loved you, not your blood."
"Heh, I forgot I told you that," said Rocky. "Zuma, what am I going to do if they try to force her to leave or worse. They force them to breed and start the Kennel and then stay so I have to watch them."
"Rocky this isn't the 15th century anymore," said Zuma. "I can't believe that they would. But I can Guarantee you this. We'll fight for you. Hell, I'll call dad. He'll snatch they're butts into court so fast they'll never know what hit them."
"I guess I should tell Ryder," said Rocky.
"Let's go tell him and then we'll head that way," said Zuma.
They both walked into the Lookout and Ryder was coming down the elevator.
"Rocky?" said Ryder "What in the world is going on?"
"W-why what did you hear?" said Rocky.
"All I know is Everest got a phone call from Jake," said Ryder, "She yelled 'Oh, Hell No!' and ran out calling Skye. I yelled for her asking and all she said was 'they were going to save Yeshe'."
Rocky explained what he knew. Ryder agreed that they didn't know what was going on totally but should probably go at least be with Yeshe. They headed toward Jake's Mountain.
Yeshe called Rocky while they were on the way and asked them to meet everybody at Mr. Porter's.
"What on earth is that about," said Zuma.
"She probably wants to say goodbye," said Rocky, tearing up.
"Don't give up yet Rocky," said Ryder "we still don't know what's going on."
Kang laughed, "Yeshe, I'm serious. I don't care what he is as long as you love him and he loves and takes care of you. He's not a Doberman, is he, I was kidding."
"No, he's not a Doberman," said Yeshe. "I love him very much."
"And we Love her," said Everest with the girls stepping in behind her.
"Ok," said Lin, "I can see I should have contacted Toby before I came. My meditations led me here to offer assistance. As far as Yeshe having a mate that is not a mastiff, no one actually cares anymore. Yes, there are still purest out there, but the monastery rules don't apply away from the monastery. Kang is my companion. Later when you meet Kang's mate you'll see he doesn't care about what breed you mate is Yeshe."
Kang spun looking at Lin.
"Kang, I'm telling you," said Lin, "there is a reason we are here. I think you and Mudita will find things very different here."
"Ok, how about we all go to the Motel and have dinner," said Lin.
"We could go to Mr. Porter's," said Marshall, the boys had come in behind the girls and were only now beginning to relax.
"I'll call Ryder," said Toby.
"I'll call Rocky," said Yeshe.
"Oh and Yeshe, Congratulations on your pups" said Kang. "You are probably too young to have been taught this yet. The kennels are open now, you don't have to be selected in order to have a mate. They should really teach some of the rules as history, not procedure."
Rocky, Zuma, and Ryder arrived at Mr. Porter's. Mr. Porter was running around pushing tables together and setting out place settings.
"Uh, Mr. Porter?" said Ryder, "is everything ok?"
"Sorry Ryder, I'll have everything set up soon," said Mr. Porter.
"Can we help?" asked Rocky.
"Sure if you don't mind putting out the napkins," said Mr. Porter. "And Zuma can you wheel the Tea and water cart over."
"I can't believe I'm having a last minute party this size" said Mr. Porter rushing by. "Oh, I was supposed to tell you to call Katie, Ryder."
"Uh, ok" said Ryder, pulling out his pup pad.
The others began arriving. Toby, Lin and Kang had ridden with Jake and Sam.
"Did you call her?" asked Lin.
"Yes, she said she would walk over," said Kang.
"This might be fun to watch?" said Lin.
"I tear somepup's head off if they say something," said Kang.
"I think everyone's in for a surprise, You included," smiled Lin.
Everyone began gathering, Mr. Porter came and told them the table was ready. Ryder introduced Katie to Lin and Kang. The pups began introducing themselves. Finally Rocky came to the table and sat next to Yeshe.
"Lin, Kang, This is my mate Rocky," said Yeshe.
Lin was smiling and Kang turned to Lin and growled, "You knew didn't you?"
"I suspected," laughed Lin.
"Am I missing something, sir?" asked Rocky.
"And I told you I don't need your approval," said Yeshe.
"Hold on girl," said Toby. "I think it's about to make more sense soon."
"Kang!" a voice called out.
"Over here honey!" called Kang getting up and walking over to the Balck and white pup approaching.
"Everyone, This is Mudita," said Kang, "She is my mate." Kang turned to Yeshe and Rocky. "As you can see, I really I'm not worried about breeds."
"Yes, just as I suspected," said Toby.
"You're very beautiful," said Yeshe, "are you a border collie?"
"There's some border collie in my bloodline somewhere obviously," said Mudita "I really have no idea what I am. I never knew my parents."
"Like tell you all the time," laughed Kang. "There's a little Mastiff in you as well."
"And I told you that joke is terrible," laughed Mudita.
"I don't get it," said Rubble
"I'll explain it later," laughed Chase.
Skye punched Chase in the arm, "Don't encourage him."
"So did you always have a Tibetian Name?" asked Rocky. "Mudita means Happy right?"
Mudita looked at Kang, "No, I was a stray, I didn't have a name. Kang calls me that because he says I make him happy and it is also his first name as well."
"Mudita Kang?" asked Rocky "Happy Snow, I think that fits quite well."
"A lot of people just call me snow," said Kang. "And Rocky, congratulations to you as well."
"I guess you told him?" said Rocky to Yeshe.
"No," said Kang, "Unless you're totally nose blind, you can't miss that scent."
"I guess the cat's out of the bag huh," laughed Rocky to Yeshe.
"Everyone," Rocky said, getting everyone's attention, "We planned to tell everyone at dinner this evening. Well, it's dinner, Yeshe and I are going to be parents."
Everyone cheered, "So Ryder, who wins the pool?" yelled Chase.
Ryder blushed and turned to Katie, "I did," laughed Katie "How did you know about the pool?"
"We had this discussion this morning," laughed Chase "Y'all aren't very discrete."
Ryder blushed even harder and turned to Katie, "What's he talking about?"
"I'll tell you later," said Katie.
Chase gave Ryder the two fingers to his eyes and back at Ryder, 'I'm watching you.' Ryder laughed.
Dinner went on with everyone meeting and talking. Yeshe and Rocky, Kang and Mudita sat together talking. Everyone else mingled around.
"So Yeshe tells me you're a confirmed genius Rocky," said Kang. "That's awesome."
"Before I would have told you I'm smart, but I guess the MENSA membership kind of confirms it," said Rocky, blushing a little.
"Be proud, that is amazing," said Mudita. "Mix breed Power!"
The four of them laughed at that.
"He also got a scholarship to MIT," said Yeshe, proudly.
"Wow, good for you!" said Kang.
"So how is walking around the world?" asked Rocky.
"Exhausting," said Mudita, "I really am hoping that ends soon."
"We can only pray for guidance," said Lin from nearby.
"What does that mean?" asked Everest, who was sitting down from Mudita.
"Lin, has been wandering for, uh, nine years now," said Kang. "He says we'll know when it's time to settle. I really like it here. It would be nice to settle for a change. Duty calls for me to go where he does."
"And I go where Kang goes," said Mudita.
They all continued talking.
"So what do you call a dalmatian husky mix?" asked Mudita.
"We settled on Dusky," laughed Everest.
"Yeah, because she said Huskmation sounded weird," laughed Marshall.
"No, I said you were weird," laughed Everest.
"But you love me," said Marshall.
Everest turned and kissed her mate on the muzzle, "Yes, You're my weirdo."
Everyone laughed at that.