Rocky and Yeshe waited listening to Zuma and Toby leaving, they waited until they were gone and turned to look at each other.
"I am so confused" said Yeshe "I thought Toby was telling me to be extra careful to not go too fast. I have no idea how to go fast or slow."
"That's ok" said Rocky "I thought Zuma was telling me to be extra careful because I wouldn't be able to control myself."
"I think their hearts are in the right place" said Yeshe "But I don't think Toby has ever had a relationship in his life either."
"Zuma has definitely had relationships" said Rocky "Although maybe not as active as I once thought. So I'm sorry if I was distant this morning. I would never ask you to do anything you didn't want to. And Zuma said I'd know what to do, but I really don't know how. I mean I understand how things work but it's not like I'm ready for anything anyway."
"I know you wouldn't ask me to do anything" said Yeshe "I wouldn't ask you either. I'm with you about knowing the mechanics but everything else, it's a bit overwhelming."
The two laughed and then started comparing notes on 'The Talk' they had each received. They would equally blush at some points and laugh at others. They decided to walk to Mr. Porter's for lunch. They enjoyed a shared plate of spaghetti and no they didn't reenact the Lady and the Tramp scene. They decided to go for a walk and ended up walking through woods near the edge of town. It began getting later and they turned to walk back toward the cabin. As they got near the cabin Rocky's collar chimed "Paw Patrol to the Lookout"
"Ryder needs me," said Rocky, turning toward his vehicle.
"Oh, ok" said Yeshe, a little sad sounding
"Why don't you come with me?" said Rocky "They usually don't need me. We'll just hang out"
"Are you sure it's ok with Ryder?" asked Yeshe
"Of course it is. Come on" said Rocky
They jumped in Rocky's Truck and roared off to the Lookout.
"Paw Patrol Ready For Action Ryder Sir!" piped Chase "Although, I think Zuma got better looking"
The pups and Ryder laughed as Yeshe had sat beside Rocky.
"Thanks for coming so quickly pups" laughed Ryder "Zuma is still at Jake's Mountain with Toby. Welcome to your first mission, Yeshe. This one is specifically for you Rocky. The bell at City Hall has come off its hinge and might fall if not fixed. Marshall I need you to respond with your ladder. Rocky, I need you to use Marshall's ladder to reach the bell and try to repair the bells hinge if possible"
"I'll just wait here until you get back" said Yeshe
"You are more than welcome to ride along with Rocky and see what he does" said Ryder
"Oh, ok" said Yeshe, obviously excited about the thought of going on a mission.
"I'm Fired Up!" yelled Marshall as he ran for the slide, tripping and falling onto the slide then quickly disappearing out of sight.
"Is he going to be ok?" asked Yeshe
"It's Marshall," laughed Ryder "It's almost a requirement for him to get on the slide that way."
"Don't Lose it, Reuse It!" yelled Rocky, turning toward the slide. "After you my lady" said Rocky to Yeshe allowing her to jump onto the slide first before getting on himself. They slid down both landing in Rocky's truck. They took off with the sirens blaring and the lights flashing.
They arrived at City Hall and Marshall moved into position raising his ladder. Rocky looked up at the bell and opened the back of his truck. He quickly rummaged around for a bit emerging with some items he thought would work to repair the bell. Yeshe sat watching. Rocky jumped up on the ladder and quickly climbed high to the bell tower's peak. Rocky used the arm in his puppack to lift the bell into place. He then used the supplies he had gathered to repair the bell.
Yeshe sat on the sidewalk watching Rocky with awe. She felt her cheeks warming and felt her stomach fluttering. She looked around,
"I think the pavement is getting hotter" said Yeshe
"As the sun gets higher the sidewalk can warn up" said Marshall as he pulled out his thermal camera to make sure there weren't any other problems. Marshall scanned the area settling on Yeshe. He smiled to himself 'The pavement is fine, it's you that is heating up watching Rocky' thought Marshall.
Meanwhile Rocky had finished his repairs and gave the bell rope a few test pulls to make sure it held. He began climbing down. Yeshe stood with her tail wagging furiously.
"Sorry it took so long," said Rocky stepping down from the ladder.
"What do you mean?" said Yeshe "You were so brave to go so high and you were very quick and efficient."
Rocky blushed and looked to Marshall, "You did great Rocky," said Marshall.
"You were amazing as always," said Mayor Goodway walking up "Hello again Yeshe, very nice to see you running around with the Paw Patrol."
"Very nice to see you again as well Marshall" said the mayor
"Well, let us know if there is anything else we can help with" said Marshall
"Actually, Marshall," said the mayor, "Do you mind watering my flowers before you go?"
"No problem" said Marshall, calling for his water cannon, "You two can head back if you'd like."
"Ok, see you back at the Lookout" said Rocky as he opened the door for Yeshe. She hopped in and turned as Rocky hopped in she leaned forward to kiss his cheek, Rocky had turned to look at her and their lips met. At first Rocky began to pull away, but then he leaned into the kiss, returning it with passion. Yeshe's eyes widened when she realized what had happened. She too closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. They held the kiss for what seemed like days but actually was only a moment. They broke the kiss and quickly realized that there were several phones out and the crowd had recorded the event.
"Oh!No!" said Rocky "I'm sorry, I can ask them not to post those"
"Let them post it" said Yeshe "The other pups will know you're no longer on the market."
Rocky stood there with his jaw hanging open.
"You'll catch flies if you don't close that" Giggled Marshall, as he rode by watering the flower beds.
Rocky started his truck and drove back to the Lookout. Yeshe rode back with her head resting on Rocky's shoulder.
Yeshe's collar chimed "Yeshe, can you hear me?" Toby said through the collar.
"Yes, I can hear you" said Yeshe
"I'm going to stay here tonight" said Toby "You are welcome to come here if you'd like. Or Ryder has said that you may stay at the Lookout. Then you and Rocky can come here tomorrow, I'd like you to see this place as well."
"Rocky, just finished a mission" said Yeshe "I think we'll just stay at the Lookout and come to the mountain in the morning."
"Ok, Have fun. See you in the morning" said Toby signing off.
Toby and Zuma headed toward Jake's Mountain and talked along the way. Zuma talked about how much Rocky meant to him and everything Zuma knew about him. Toby talked about Yeshe and everything he knew about Temple Mastiff training. Zuma asked about what it took to become a Monk and Toby explained the process. He then explained that he was in Adventure Bay to decide if he would continue in his training or follow a different path.
They arrived and were met by Everest who then led them inside to meet Jake. Everest gave Toby a tour of the grounds and then a map for the area trails. Zuma decided to take a nap in the sun and called Sunny to see what she was up to. She said she was finishing up her practice for the day and was going to come over. Zuma invited her to come to Jake's Mountain, Sunny said she would love to and would be there as soon as she could find a ride. Everest, Jake, and Toby began walking away on one of the trails.
After walking for a while, Toby approached a clearing that provided a view of Adventure Bay and the area around. It was beautiful. He felt something speaking to him.
"Uh Guys" said Toby, stopping and looking out over the view "What is this place?"
"Oh, great choice" said Jake "I love riding out here on full moon nights. This place was called 'Passaddhi Point' by some ancient mystic, I think. I tried the area indian tribes and none of them could translate it. I guess it's just one of those mysteries of the mountain."
Toby stood there wide eyed and stunned looking.
"Is something wrong Toby?" asked Everest "Does it mean something bad?"
"Uh, no, quite the opposite," said Toby softly "That is Tibetan for Calmness, Tranquility, or Serenity. You said it's been named that for a while?"
"As long as anyone I knew remembered" said Jake "That's really cool, and quite fitting"
"I have to agree" said Toby "What is planned for this area?"
"I think someone said it was supposed to be a retreat of some kind. But that was a really long time ago." explained Jake "It's part of my resort property, but I never really thought about it."
"Do you mind if I spend some time meditating here?" asked Toby
"Not at all," said Jake "Would you like Everest to stay here with you?"
"I would say I'll be fine," said Toby "But Yeshe would be quite upset if I was alone in an unfamiliar place. So if you don't mind Ms. Everest I would be most grateful"
"I would be happy to serve as your Temple Guardian" smiled Everest "I'll just sit over here where I can hear you if you need anything."
"And I'll be back in a while with a nice picnic lunch and some more water" said Jake.
Toby sat in the beautiful grass and closed his eyes allowing the breezes of the mountain to carry over him. He opened his mind and instantly felt a magnificent peace. He would have to speak with Jake, but if this was truly the will of his spiritual guidance, it had been decided long before he walked the earth and would work out according to plan.
Later that evening Jake had offered Toby a cabin to stay in for as long as he would like. Toby called Yeshe on the phone Ryder gave him and told her he would be staying overnight. She had said that her and Rocky would come in the morning.
At dinner Toby and Jake talked. Jake acted as if he had known the plan the second they stepped in the clearing.
"I don't know why" said Jake "but I always knew this was someplace special."
Back at the Lookout the pups had all had dinner and were watching TV. Zuma and Sunny had returned after Toby decided to stay. Ryder came in and told the pups good night.
"Yeshe, you're welcome to sleep here in the TV room" said Ryder "The pup cushions are very soft. Or Rocky can make you a pallet somewhere else if you'd prefer."
"Or you could stay with me" said Skye "I have plenty of room. We could have a mini slumber party."
"What's a slumber party?" asked Yeshe
"Well, I guess that took care of it" laughed Rocky "I'll see you in the morning, Yeshe"
"What, why?" asked Yeshe
"Girl, we are going to have to have a full slumber party so you can get the full service experience" laughed Skye "But for now come with me. We are going to have to get snacks and supplies."
"Ok" said Yeshe, still unsure.
"Trust me" said Rocky, giving her a quick peck on the cheek "You'll love it. I only get to hear rumors but Skye's slumber parties are legendary. Besides, my pup house is only two away from Skye's. If you need me I'll be there in seconds."
Skye and Yeshe disappeared into the kitchen and sounds of pantry raiding could be heard.
Ryder looked back toward the kitchen shaking his head and laughed. He turned and headed to his bedroom
"You realize you have to keep her now," laughed Zuma to Rocky.
"What do you mean?" asked Rocky "I'm hoping she wants to stay around, but…"
Zuma laughed "I think Skye will need counseling if something happened."
"You might be right," said Rocky, looking back toward the kitchen.
"By the way," said Zuma "HOT kiss there bro."
"What, the good night kiss?" asked Rocky.
"No Dude," laughed Zuma, holding up his phone "The kiss you two shared after your heroic climb to the top of the bell tower. It's already got like 6,000 views. You two are like instantly viewtube famous."
"Oh no, I hope that this doesn't upset Yeshe" said Rocky
"Oh I think she'll be fine," laughed Zuma "You should worry about Toby, I think his dad factor might kick in. I think you'll make a great throw rug after he's done with you."
"What?" said Rocky, suddenly turning white "You really think he'll be mad?"
"No Rocky, I was kidding" said Zuma "We talked about you two a lot. He only wants what's best for both of you. I think if your relationship turns into something long term. I get the idea he would support both of you. But it might be nice to reach out to him in case he sees the video. I'm telling you, I got turned on watching it."
"I told you," said Zuma before standing to walk to his pup house "You two are adorable."
Rocky quickly pulled out his phone and swiped over to viewtube. There was the posting and it was now up to 7,500 views and climbing. He pressed the play button, 'Oh crap' thought Rocky 'it is a really hot kiss.' Suddenly Rocky felt something inside warm up rapidly. He looked down and blushed running for his pup house.
The next morning Toby stood outside his cabin drinking a cup of coffee. He was enjoying the sunrise and the cool air. The fun loving husky bounded into view and zoomed past him into the woods and out of sight. Toby turned and looked in the direction she ran, then concerned he turned to see what she might be running from. Jake came walking along smiling and seemed to be ok.
"I-is something wrong?" asked Toby, somewhat alarmed.
"What?" asked Jake "Oh, you mean Everest running by. Naw dude, I take it mastiffs don't have zoomies."
"Zoomies?" asked Toby "What's a zoomie?"
"I used to think it was just a husky thing" explained Jake "But I have heard other pet parents talk about them with other breeds. Best way to describe it is a sudden burst of energy that if the dog doesn't run it out of themselves they may explode."
"I don't know about regular Mastiffs" said Toby "But the temple dogs are so heavily trained it is often hard for me to get Yeshe to have fun at all. On another note judging from the number of people that have seen the video, I assume you have seen it also?"
"What? What video?" asked Jake trying to look anywhere but at Toby.
"Come on" snickered Toby "I am the least technologically advanced person in this country. If I've seen it, you have got to have seen the video I'm speaking of."
"Yeah, I saw it" said Jake, not really wanting to face an upset father figure. "You should see some of the videos that popped up when Marshall and Everest first started dating."
"Don't get me wrong" said Toby "I want Yeshe and Rocky to be happy. I don't mind seeing them kiss, although I'm not a dog and I thought it was a great kiss. I just want them to take it slow. They both have very little experience and I know either one could get hurt very easily."
Everest padded over to the two men panting, "Sorry" said Everest "I hope I didn't startle you too much. I had to get it out. It helps burn excess energy fast."
"Jake was explaining that" said Toby.
"So are you upset about the video?" asked Everest
"What video?" asked Toby, winking at Jake.
"Uh, nothing" said Everest quickly "Oh, uh wow. I should probably go check the uh snow shovels."
"I'm kidding Everest" laughed Toby "Yes, I saw the video. Apparently everyone has seen the video. No, I'm not upset about the video."
"They are such a cute couple," said Everest "They will have awesome colored pups."
"Everest!" yelled Jake "That's a little too far girl"
"What?" said Everest "it's true, they are so obviously meant to be it's crazy. Marshall and I are soulmates, but come on Rocky and Yeshe are the perfect couple for each other. I love her fur pattern, it makes me jealous."
"Please excuse her Toby" said Jake "She has no filter. Everest will always tell you exactly what she is thinking."
"No it's quite ok" laughed Toby "I believe I'm going to have to agree with her about one thing. There are no coincidences, this meeting, their instant attachment and now on top of that the deal I just made with Jake last night. This is way to patterned to not be the hand of the almighty. I think they were destined to be together. I just don't want them to rush into anything."
"What Deal?" asked Everest
"Nope, little one" said Jake "Not until everyone gets here. Speaking of which, can you go dig the firepit out? I think it would be a great night for grilling burgers."
"You know me" said Everest "I love to dig. I'll call Marshall and have him come help me drag the grills out."
"Yeah, no other reason to call Marshall, huh?" laughed Jake
"Well, you know" blushed Everest "He is a great help. And after watching Yeshe's video, I have something I want to try" she bounded off before Jake could reply.
"Yeah," said Jake "I expect her to tell me that she's moving in with Marshall or that I'm going to be a grandpaw."
"You seem very calm about it" said Toby "I'm a nervous wreck and Yeshe hasn't been with me nearly as long as Everst has been with you."
"Well," said Jake "Don't get me wrong. I was a nervous wreck at first. All I saw was him taking my baby girl away. I was trying to figure out how an unexplained bear attack could make him disappear."
"Wow, ok I have not gotten to the point of divine lightning bolts yet" laughed Toby "How'd you get past it?"
"Honestly," said Jake "There's a part of me that will never get over it. But the best advice I can give you is this. Take him to dinner or invite him over for dinner, whichever you prefer, and sit down with him. Let him know you support their relationship, but want to know what his real intentions are. If they are true and noble, you'll walk away somewhat relieved. You can also tell him that he can't move and take her away from you. Whether they move here or stay at the Lookout, I can go see her and the future grandpups anytime I want."
"You know" said Toby "I think That is excellent advice. I will do just that. Now how to get her out of the house while I do it."
"Oh that one's easy," laughed Jake. "Simply tell Skye or Everest you need to have the DAD talk and they will arrange a slumber party. I'm not a dog, let alone a female dog, but I'm jealous to hear about Skye's legendary slumber parties. Skye did it for Everest, Everest did it for Skye. I will say this, the girls are tight. It will be good to have another female influence. Someday Zuma and even Rubble will join the mated pair crew."
"Wow," said Toby "This really is like having a daughter. I'm surprised the other two are a mated pair. They don't show it in public do they?"
"Oh no!" laughed Jake "The second Rocky showed interest in someone, Ryder gave the 'keep it PG order.' Marshall and Everest are pretty discreet most of the time. Chase and Skye on the other hand need the hose turned on them on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, they are the absolute best at remaining professional on a mission, but give them alone time and they make it quite clear they are couples."
"What about Zuma and Rubble?" asked Toby
"Well Rubble's the youngest," said Jake "He has a 'girl friend' but they aren't too serious yet, it will happen soon enough. Zuma is another story. If there was ever a playboy or playdog I guess, it would be Zuma. The other night he had the entire Adventure City University Beach Volleyball Team at the Lookout, and I don't just mean the dogs, he had all of them. He is what every boy dog or human dreamed of being. But that seems to have changed recently according to Everest. One of the pups from the College had seemed to have ensnared him. He might be heading toward least eligible bachelor soon. It's a shame, death of really good run."
"Zuma?" really" said Toby
"Once again don't get me wrong" said Jake "I never saw or heard about him treating anyone poorly. In fact he is the utmost gentleman when it comes to the girl he is with. But he just never seemed to be looking seriously for any one girl. But I guess all things must end. If this girl actually catches him, she must be something special."
Ryder, Katie, and the pups arrived and began helping to get things ready for the evening. While everyone was working Rocky slipped away and found Toby sitting on a bench in front of the cabin he was staying in.
"Um, sir, um are you busy?" asked Rocky walking up to Toby "I can come back later if you are."
"No Rocky" said Toby, looking up "I've been expecting you. We need to talk for a moment."
Rocky swallowed hard and began to shake a little. Toby noticed and decided to quickly put an end to it before Rocky wet himself.
"Relax Rocky," said Toby "I have a feeling I know what this is about, but you go ahead and tell me anyway."
Rocky swallowed again and said "Sir, I uh, I, that is we, uh Yeshe and I responded on a mission. It wasn't anything dangerous, just a repair of the bell at city hall. Anyway after I had climbed down the ladder we were leaving, she, um, Yeshe stepped forward to kiss me on the cheek and I turned my head, and uh"
"Really," said Toby "You sure you want to stick with that story?"
"It's true," whimpered Rocky. "You can ask Marshall or even Yeshe. I never, uh, I wanted to, but I oh…"
"Rocky, relax" laughed Toby "Yes, I saw the video. Everybody has seen the video. I saw what was intended and what resulted. Although neither of you seemed to not enjoy it too much. You seem very serious about my girl. I'm currently ok with it. I might even believe it is something meant to be. But we will have a long talk soon. I will be sending you an invitation to dinner at the cabin, just us. We will talk about many things. But hey, let's try to keep the video's PG ok."
"Yes sir, yes sir," said Rocky as he turned and ran for the other pups and quickly began working to get things ready.
Ryder walked over to Toby from nearby, "So Jake advised you to have the DAD talk did he?"
"Yeah," laughed Toby "Do you think I was too stern?"
"No," laughed Ryder "Under the circumstances, they had no control over the video. I think they learned a lesson about PDA though. Someone is always watching. I think you did fine. If you need suggestions or have questions. Jake or I will be happy to help. So big announcement? You're not heading back anytime soon are you?"
"Nope you'll have to wait with everyone else" laughed Toby "But no, you will not have to put Rocky into counseling anytime soon."
"Well the other I can wait for" said Ryder "I just wanted a heads up if my Recycling Pup was going to turn up missing or something. I really think He would follow you to Tibet if necessary."
"Yeah," agreed Toby "I think I would be hard pressed to separate the two if need be."
That evening they had eaten and some pups Everest, Rubble, and surprisingly Yeshe, had seconds and thirds, and finally ran out of meat or they would have eaten all night. Jake wasn't sure if they were actually that hungry or none of them were willing to quit until the others did.
Jake and Toby stood and began trying to get everyone's attention, however everyone was talking. Finally Everest erupted in the most beautiful ear piercing howl. Everyone immediately stopped and turned to Everest.
"Wow! Ok" said Toby, shaking his head "That certainly got everyone's attention."
Everest bowed and all the Dogs yipped but then turned to Toby. Rocky was holding Yeshe, who was obviously concerned about what this announcement meant for her and Rocky.
"As most of you know, I have served in Tibet at a monastery for many years," said Toby "I reached a point in my journey where I had to make a decision where to go from there. My teacher sat me down and told me he saw conflict with the path I had chosen and sent me to mediate on where I should go to contemplate my decision. Fate or destiny or divine intervention brought me here. I have been struggling to make a decision, that was of course until I met all of you. Of course it was Everest that directed me to come to Jake's Mountain and to meet with Jake and experience this wonderful area. Well anyway, being here on the mountain has helped me to make my decision, and while that decision means I will be leaving Adventure Bay to go back to the mountains." Toby paused for effect as everyone caught their breath and turned to look at Rocky and Yeshe who had buried her face in Rocky's neck, Toby continued "It won't be the mountains of Tibet. I will be moving here to Jake's Mountain. I have been drawn to this area for a reason. I believe this is my calling and it was set in place long before I walked this earth. There are few locations on this continent for monks to travel for sabbatical. After speaking at length with Jake, I will be opening 'Passaddhi Point Retreat' here on Jake's Mountain."
Everyone turned to look at Rocky and Yeshe. They were embracing and Rocky dipped Yeshe into a deep kiss that even Zuma had to admit was pretty darn hot.
"Heh, I've heard that name somewhere" said Marshall, causing everyone to turn back, ignoring the happy couple.
"Yes, it is the area that overlooks Adventure Bay," said Jake.
"Passaddhi is Tibetan for Calmness, Tranquility, or Serenity" said Toby "Nobody remembers who named it that. But there couldn't be a more clear message of the intended purpose for that spot. I thank you all for helping make this possible. Ryder, I thank you for accepting us. Jake, thank you again for your agreement to allow me to erect this retreat facility on your property. May peace and prosperity rain down upon our heads."
Everyone cheered, that is except two pups that didn't appear to be coming up for air anytime soon.
"Not another one," said Ryder shaking his head.
"Water Cannon" shouted Marshall "Should I hose um?"
Rocky broke the kiss and yelled "Marshall, don't you dare."
Everyone laughed, what a great ending to a great evening. What a great beginning to a story that will grow for many years to come.