An older looking yellow Labrador stepped up to the group. He was dressed in a very expensive looking business suit. He looked over the group and settled on Zuma.
"Hello, you must be Zuma," said the gentledog.
"Y-yes sir," said Zuma turning "May I help you, sir?"
"My name is Floyd Lariat" said the Lab "I'm Sunny's father, I believe we, need to talk."
Zuma froze, a sick feeling gripped him, he began to shake, "I-is S-she alright? Did something happen to Sunny?"
"Oh I'm sorry" said Mr. Lariat "I guess I can see how you might have taken this situation. Healthwise she is fine. But she has made a decision that I can not support without you and I speaking first. I also take it this is the legendary Paw Patrol."
"Most of us sir," said Chase stepping forward, "Some of the team are doing other things right now. I'm Chase, second in command. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Well, I had intended to speak with Ryder" said Mr. Lariat "But I guess you might do. I need to speak with Zuma here, it might take a little while. He'll need to be relieved of duty during that time."
"Wait a minute" said Chase "Floyd Lariat as in the Attorney from Adventure City, uh, Rope um and Skin um."
A smile formed on his lips, "That's right," have you had some legal trouble. Not many use that description, although it is accurate."
"I'm the police pup for the Paw Patrol," said Chase "I've seen some of your work."
"Don't believe everything you hear," said Mr. Lariat "I'm not against the police. I just get paid really well to make sure the clients get a fair trial. Trust me if they're guilty, I'll pull the switch myself. But the trial will be fair and the punishment will fit the crime."
Mr. Lariat turned back to Zuma, "Now son. As I said, I'd like to talk to you about my little girl."
"O-ok SSir," said Zuma "Chase, guys it's ok. Let Ryder know I'll call as soon as we're done."
"Great," said Mr Lariat "Let's take a walk." The two of them turned and headed toward the beach.
"So Zuma" started Mr. Lariat "tell me about yourself. I want to know what makes my daughter think so highly of you."
"Ok Sir," said Zuma "I currently serve as the team's Water Rescue pup. I drive a hovercraft and I'm certified in Scuba rescue as well as watercraft safety. I'm a certified lifeguard and good swimmer. I guess, my uh, off duty time I love to surf, wind board, jet ski, pretty much anything involving water."
"What about dating?" asked Mr. Lariat "Rumor has it, you're quite the ladies man. Are you a love um and leave um kind of guy?"
"Sir, I'll be honest with you," said Zuma "I like pups to believe that, it helps with the whole appearance. Don't get me wrong, I like girls, a lot. But it's all smoke and mirrors, I'm nowhere near the lady chaser the rumors make me out to be. The surfer motif helps with the image but in reality, I'm just a pup that likes to play."
"Mr. Lariat stopped and turned to Zuma, then he sternly asked, "So do you sleep with them all, or is that a stretch as well?"
"Sir, I have never slept with a girl. I've never even told anyone that I did." said Zuma "I know, the image gives off a certain vibe, but any of the girls I dated that showed any interest in that, I'd make sure we stayed around groups. I'm not some kind of a gigolo, I'm not sure where that rumor got started, Adventure Bay isn't that big. We get a lot of tourist, but I swear, I am a virgin and plan to stay that way until the right girl comes along."
Mr. Lariat looked Zuma deep in the eyes and after a moment said "OK, then we won't discuss that subject again. Zuma, what are your plans, your goals, are you going to chase the surfing circuit or something?"
"Honestly, I do like to surf" said Zuma "And I've competed in a few local tournaments, but I would never be interested in something like that. I live for the Paw Patrol and I plan on continuing my training to be better and better at water rescue. I got certified to teach swimming a few summers ago and I really enjoy teaching swimming classes. I've taught some surfing classes and now I teach boat safety classes. I guess my ambitions sound pretty lame, especially to a high end attorney like yourself."
"Son, what I've heard from you" said Mr. Lariat "Is that you care about helping people and teaching about safety. Have you ever thought about becoming a swim team coach or surfing coach? But regardless, I think your plans are noble and just. Honestly Zuma, the lawyer world is pretty cut throat. The hours are long and the strain on a family is fairly rough. I would rather my little girl has nothing to do with a lawyer, other than me of course. I get the feeling she's made a good choice, I'm satisfied. First things first, you are not allowed to tell her that I came. Word will get around soon enough and she'll be mad at first but she'll get over it. Second, you will refer to me as Floyd or dad. Third, you take care of her or I'll take care of you. Do you understand me son?"
Zuma stood there with his mouth hanging open, "Sir, I beg your pardon, but she's at school. I'm here. I really hope to get to see her from time to time, but is there something I'm missing. I really lik, no sir I love, I Love your daughter and truly hope it works out. There is nothing that would cause me to treat her any way other than as the beautiful lady pup she is. But I still don't understand, what decision upset you enough to come all the way to Adventure Bay?"
"Son, if I ruin it at this point," laughed Mr. Lariat "She'll disown me. She'll call tonight and explain what is going on. And stop the sir crap. I'm Floyd or dad, Ok. I'll be seeing you soon, um Son."
"Ok uh, Floyd" said Zuma shaking Mr. Lariat's paw.
At that Mr. Lariat whistled and a car pulled up. He walked over and hopped in the back seat. The car pulled away.
Zuma stood there wondering "What the heck was that about?"
Chase and Marshal who had been following at a distance approached as the car left the beach area.
"So what is going on, Zuma?" asked Chase
"Did he give you the 'don't touch my daughter speech'?" asked Marshall
"He asked about what I planned to do with my life," said Zuma "and then he asked about my past girlfriends and then said if I don't take care of her, he'll take care of me."
"Oh ok," said Chase
"You got the DAD speech" said Marshal "Don't worry, we both got that also. I guess she's pretty serious if he drove all this way to give you the DAD speech"
"Yeah but I got it from Ryder" said Chase "You got it from Jake. They're both pretty easy going. Mr. Lariat is one of the roughest attorneys in Adventure City."
"He wasn't that bad" said Zuma
"Did he tell you to call him Mr. Lariat and give you the evil eye?" laughed Marshall
"No, " said Zumba, "He said Sunny would call tonight and explain everything. Then he told me to call him Floyd or dad. Isn't that a little weird?"
Both Marshall and Chase turned to look at each other and then burst into laughter, "Oh, Zuma you are so screwed." laughed Chase.
"What?" said Zuma, confused.
"You not only got the DAD speech,"laughed Marshall "You got the welcome to family speech. I'd say he knows something you don't. If you're not serious about Sunny I'd say you should start running now."
"I'd head to the Lookout and get ready," said Chase "It sounds like you're going to have an interesting talk with Sunny later."
"Really?" said Zuma "You think she's that serious?"
"If her dad came to meet you before she took you to him and he ended up welcoming you into the family," said Chase "I'd say they already had a heck of a talk."
"And probably a really loud one," laughed Chase.
"Ok, if you see Rocky," said Zuma "Tell him I went back to the Lookout."
"Will do," said Chase
They watched as Zuma ran and got into his hovercraft. He started it up and headed for the Lookout. Chase called Ryder to fill him in and catch him up. He had called as soon as Mr. Lariat and Zuma walked away to tell him that he was talking to Zuma.
Rocky led Yeshe into the restaurant. Mr. Porter had already set their table special for the occasion. It had candles and a small bouquet of flowers. Rocky pulled out her chair and after she hopped up pushed it to the table. He then sat himself.
"Will the gentleman and his lovely lady prefer a fine house vintage?" asked Mr. Porter
"Oh, I-I don't drink" said Yeshe
"Neither do I," said Rocky
"I'm kidding of course" laughed Mr. Porter "I don't even sell wine. It's just sparkling water." he poured some in a bowl for each of them. "I've prepared a fine meal of steak and vegetables tonight." said Mr. Porter "Enjoy yourselves, I'll bring your meal shortly."
"Wow, Steak" said Yeshe "Like real steak not just burger?"
"Only the very best for you, my darling" said Rocky "are you enjoying yourself Yeshe?"
"Very much" said Yeshe "Of course, I've only dreamed of dates. I never thought I'd actually get to go on one."
"The first of many," said Rocky "You know, that bow really does set off you eyes like stars in the sky"
"Well your tie matches yours as well," said Yeshe
Mr. Porter brought their meal and after asking if they needed refills or anything, he left them to dine and talk.
They had finished their plates and were looking into each other's eyes when Rocky startled, "Uh, Yeshe, I wanted to ask you out so that I could ask a very important question."
"Oh, ok," said Yeshe, sitting up straight.
"Yeshe, In the short time we've known each other" said Rocky "My life has begun to revolve around you. You are all I think about. The only thing I care about. Would you agree to be my Girlfriend with the promise of something more later if we believe it to be right?"
"Rocky," said Yeshe "Nothing would make me happier. Honestly, I never dreamed that I would ever have a relationship. I never dreamed that I'd be picked to join the kennels"
"So is that a yes," asked Rocky
"Of course silly" said Yeshe
"That's great," said Rocky "Uh, what do you mean join the kennels. I'm not understanding that phrase."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't," said Yeshe "At the temple, Dogs are chosen to be breeders for the kennels. It is a very high honor, only the strongest and smartest are chosen. They are often chosen because they have the right markings or exceptionally strong. Or sometimes in the past, as rewards for being brave in battles. They don't really have a relationship, they just have puppies to keep the temple strong and protected."
"So they don't love each other?" asked Rocky
"Sometimes, they don't even like each other," said Yeshe "In some special cases, they might not even know each other. They come from other temples to pass on a special bloodline or special trait. They just do it out of duty to the temple."
"How sad," said Rocky "That sounds very lonely."
"You have friends and such," said Yeshe "And it's not as bad as it was during the raiding days. The temple mastiffs are kept more out of tradition than anything now. There hasn't been a war between temples in over a hundred years. But yes, it can be very lonely. I thought I wouldn't even have that when I was presented to Toby. I thought it would just be me and him. I'm so glad he came here. I love you Rocky, I can't believe this but I know we will work out, I know we'll be together forever. I'm perfectly ready to be your mate for life"
"I love you too Yeshe and would love to be your mate for life" said Rocky. "It wasn't that long ago, I was moping because I thought I'd never meet anyone that would understand or care about the things I do. Since we met, I've often been afraid I would wake up and all this was a dream. That I was back to being alone and lonely."
"You're not alone," said Yeshe "and now you never will be."
They both kissed deeply and passionately. They held the kiss but opened their eyes to look lovingly into each other's eyes.
"Rocky," said Yeshe "I don't know about you. But I really Reeaalllyy need a cold shower right now. I was told what to expect but now I understand what Toby was describing."
"I-i know exactly what you mean," said Rocky breathing quickly "I think a cold shower or even a dunk in the bay sounds really good right now."
"You know the bay would be easier and closer," said Yeshe "But I'm scared."
"Of these feelings?" asked Rocky "We can stand up to it together."
"No, I uh, water?" said Yeshe, breathing out, "I'm afraid of water. That's why I wouldn't go swimming yesterday. I don't know how to swim. We don't go swimming at the monastery, if you go swimming you freeze to death."
"I'm sorry Yeshe," said Rocky "I wouldn't have suggested it if I knew. I don't like water, remember. I won't suggest it again unless you change your mind."
"I thought I'd be ok," said Yeshe "I knew you didn't like water so I thought it would never come up. But I really would like to learn or at least learn to not be afraid of it. You think Zuma would teach me?"
"I know he would," said Rocky "but I would as well. I could teach you, at least enough to not be afraid of it."
"Let's go Rocky," said Yeshe "that is if you're willing. I want to go jump in the bay with you, just not too deep. But Rocky, only if you want to."
"For you Yeshe," said Rocky "I'll do anything. Besides, if I don't do something soon. I might need Marshall to turn the hose on me like he does Chase and Skye. You're right I really want to jump you right now."
"Yeah," said Yeshe "Let's go or I might let you."
They hooped down and told Mr. Porter the meal was great but they needed to go. Mr. Porter nodded and told them to come back soon. As they ran out toward the bay, Mr. Porter made a call.
"Um, Ryder" said Mr. Porter "I could have misunderstood. But Rocky and Yeshe just left. I might not have heard him right, but I thought I heard Rocky say something about jumping in the bay. I just wanted you to know. I'm sure I'm wrong or it's probably fine, I don't know, but everybody knows Rocky and water don't mix."
Ryder, hung up laughing. 'I have a feeling I know what the reference is but I wonder.' thought Ryder. He went out and slid down to his ATV. He then took a ride down to the bay. He parked a way back and walked quietly down to the beach.
Rocky and Yeshe were standing at the water's edge. They were talking and looking out at the water. Yeshe was nodding and occasionally shaking her head. They both took off their collars and tossed them to the sand. 'Oh my' thought Ryder 'maybe I misread the signs. I should probably go, they're grown dogs now.' Rocky and Yeshe continued to walk slowly into the water. Once they were waist deep Rocky stopped and Yeshe climbed into his arms. She kissed him and Ryder almost left, but then she straightened out and Ryder began to understand. Rocky was actually not only in the water, he was teaching Yeshe to swim. 'Good Boy, Rocky, Good Boy" Ryder slowly walked back to his ATV and returned to the Lookout.
Rocky and Yeshe were laughing and splashing when they heard two vehicles approaching. They looked up to see Chase and Marshall pull up. Chase pointed his spotlight at the two and paused then he quickly turned it off.
"Uh, sorry guys" said Chase "I didn't know it was you. I saw someone in the water and just wanted to make sure they were ok." Chase and Marshall walked to the water's edge, at the same time they both noticed the collars and froze.
"Oh, crap!" said Chase "I'm really sorry guys. Uh, we'll catch up later."
Marshal snickered, "y'all have fun." Chase swatted Marshall who just laughed harder
They turned to leave and Rocky called out, "guys really, it's ok. What's wrong?"
Rocky and Yeshe were walking out of the water and picked up their collars, each helping the other.
"Really Rocky," said Chase "I uh, I, we didn't mean to interrupt. Ignore us, we didn't see anything."
"Chase, am I missing something?" asked Rocky.
"He was just helping me get over my fear of the water." said Yeshe "He was just showing me how to swim."
"Uh ok, uh sure" said Chase
"Chase, I don't think they know what that usually means," said Marshall.
"Ok guys" said Rocky "you know I'm ignorant to a lot of things. What has you two so spooked?"
"Ok Rocky and um Yeshe" said Chase "usually when two pups are getting ready to um, well, uh you know."
"Yeah ok, I'm sort of following you," said Rocky "but we were swimming."
"Yeah, anyway when they are about to," said Marshall "they usually take each other's collars off. It's very sensual, uh trust me. So naturally we thought we had uh,"
"Caught us" laughed Rocky "well thank goodness it was you and not Toby or Ryder. I'd be dead now."
"Oh also," said Chase "Zuma said if we saw you to let you know he had to go back to the Lookout."
"Oh ok" said Rocky "is everything alright?"
Marshall laughed, "It is now. It was fairly questionable for a while there."
"What Marshall means is Zuma had an interesting situation earlier after you two left for your date," said Chase "congratulations by the way. You two make a great couple." Chase went on to explain the whole deal with Sunny's father coming to talk to Zuma.
"The whole DAD talk, thing" said Marshall.
"The DAD talk?" asked Rocky "what is that? You mean the 'controlling your urges talk' that Zuma gave me?"
"Not exactly," said Marshall "you'll probably get invited to dinner soon by Toby. Especially now that you two are official."
"At that dinner" said Chase "The DAD, asks questions about you and your plans. What your intentions are, how serious you are. That kind of stuff."
"And they try to put the fear of God in you," laughed Marshall "at least Jake did when I got it."
"And Ryder tried really hard," said Chase "I knew what he was doing and it was still hard not to laugh when I got it. Honestly I figured you'd get it before Zuma. I guess Sunny is more serious than we thought. I look forward to hearing what Zuma says after the call this evening."
"Well, we've interrupted your date enough" said Marshall "we'll see the two of you back at the Lookout."
Chase and Marshall got back in their trucks and drove away. Rocky looked at Yeshe and began to laugh.
"I'm glad we distracted ourselves with a moonlight swim" said Rocky "I still thought about other things until we got in the water. They might have actually caught us otherwise."
Yeshe kissed Rocky and looked in his eyes, "Rocky, do you want to take my collar off?"
Rocky's eyes swole to almost bursting, he couldn't talk only sputter.
Yeshe laughed, "I'm kidding sweetie, you can breathe. I just wanted to see your face. Seriously though, it was close. I think, I'll be talking to the girls about how they control it. Otherwise I will be taking your collar off later."
Rocky still sputtered and ran back into the water. Yeshe laughed and sat down on the sand watching him splash.
Zuma was pacing in front of the control room screen. He was still confused as to what had happened this evening. He was about to give up and call her himself when the phone rang. Zuma hit the button and Sunny popped up on the screen.
"Good evening Zuma" said Sonny, she hesitated a bit then said, "I might have moved a little faster than you were wanting. I'll warn you about that. When I make up my mind, I tend to just jump in with all four paws."
"Good evening Sunny," said Zuma "I know it hasn't been very long. But I miss you terribly. What do you mean you moved too fast?"
"Well that is what I called about," said Sunny "Zuma, I need you to be honest with me. I love you Zuma, I have never felt so sure about anyone before. But I really need to know if I screwed up. Do you, um, do you feel…"
"Sunny," started Zuma "when it comes to girls, I'm a lie. I'm not the playboy everyone thinks I am. I've never felt this way before. When you rode away the other night, my world collapsed. Rocky had to bring me home and put me to bed. I thought I'd lost you. I love you more than breathing. I will leave Adventure Bay right now if I need to. I can't be away from you this long. I know you'll come visit when you can, but I'm afraid it won't be enough. I love you Sunny, I hope you feel the same, but I want to be with you for the rest of my life."
"Zuma, you have no idea how much that means for you to say those words," said Sunny "Zuma, I quit the team. Today I signed out of college. I found an apartment in Adventure Bay. My stuff will arrive tomorrow and I'll be in your arms by nightfall. My dad has probably gone against my wishes and already headed that way. Don't worry, he talks mean but other than being over protective he means well."
"Yeah," said Zuma "you seemed to have forgotten to mention he's the top defense attorney in Adventure City. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Wait, I still didn't say anything about what he did for a living" said Sunny "that jerk, he's already been there hasn't he. He told you everything already. Did he tell you to call him Mr. Lariat?"
"No, no he haasss been here," said Zuma "although I'm not supposed to tell you that. But he wouldn't tell me anything. He said you'd call and explain. I think he accepted me, he told me to call him Floyd or dad. Sunny, I don't care who I have to face. I love you and I'll fight an army of lawyers to keep you."
"Wholly crap," said Sunny "he told you to call him dad? What did you tell him? He must have been impressed with whatever it was. Zuma, it's not that far to Adventure Bay, I'm coming right now. I'll see you in a couple hours. You don't have to wait up. I'll come find you when I get there."
"Sunny," said Zuma "I'll be right here waiting. I love you Sunny."
"Love you too Zuma" said Sunny "I'll be there as fast as I can" she hung up.
Zuma screamed out and actually did a perfect Skye backflip.
Everyone came running in.
"What's wrong Zuma?" said Ryder as they came through the door.
"I'm not totally sure what I just agreed to," laughed Zuma "but Sunny's on the way right now." Zuma explained what Sunny had said and that she had already got an apartment in Adventure Bay. He explained that they had agreed that they didn't want to be separated.
"Ryder," asked Zuma "did I just agree to be her mate?"
"Zuma is that what you want?" asked Ryder
"Yes," said Zuma "not only do I not want to be away from her for more than while she's at school. I don't want to ever be away from her."
"Then yes Zuma," said Ryder "I believe that is exactly what you agreed to. I guess congratulations."
Skye and Everest came and hugged him, congratulating him and promised a party soon.
Chase and Marshall had walked in and had to be brought up to speed on what they had missed. The both shook Zuma's paw.
"Did you see Rocky and Yeshe?" asked Zuma
"Yeah," said Chase "they were uh"
"Swimming," finished Marshall "Chase told him though. They said they would be here shortly"
"Swimming?" said Skye "Rocky?"
"With or without their collars?" asked Everest
"Uh," said both Marshall and Chase looking opposite directions.
"Oh my," said Skye.
"Uh guys?" said Zuma "did you, uh, catch them, uh"
"No, no they were actually swimming" said Marshall "I don't think they knew about the collar thing."
"Yeshe said she was afraid of the water," said Chase "Rocky was showing her the basics on learning to swim."
"Uh huh," laughed Zuma "that sly dog."
"Teaching her to swim?" said Skye "and who taught him?"
"Oh, I taught him years ago," said Zuma "he can swim quite well. He just has that weird 'wet dog smell' thing."
"Yeah," said Everest "I still don't buy it. I've seen the way she looks at him, if they weren't, it was because you two caught um before."
"Before what?" said Rocky with Yeshe beside him
Everyone spun to look at the two.
"Hey Rocky," said Zuma "we were just talking about you."
"Were you now?" laughed Rocky, Yeshe poked him in the ribs.
Skye walked over and took a deep sniff of Rocky's fur.
"Yep," said Skye "seawater and wet dog. That's a good smell on you pup. You should try it more."
"Honest guys," said Yeshe "we didn't know about the whole collar thing. We'll be more careful about where we leave our collars."
"So, plan on taking off each other's collars often" laughed Zuma. Ryder popped him with a paper.
Zuma laughed, "where the hell do you keep coming up with rolled up papers."
"I save them just for you" laughed Ryder.
"I take it the date went well" said Ryder
"It was very nice," said Yeshe "I understand it was a group effort. Thank you guys, you made our first official date extra special."
"Yeah guys, thanks" said Rocky "I guess I should introduce you to my official girlfriend"
Rocky turned to Yeshe, "Or is it mate? I don't think we settled that yet?"
"We'll discuss that later," laughed Yeshe, pawing at the buckle on Rocky's collar.
Everyone cheered and began congratulating the new couple.
"If you wait around for a little while," laughed Marshall "you can meet Zuma's official Mate." This time it was Everest who snatched the paper from Ryder and smacked Marshall. He laughed and ran away from her.
"What?" said Rocky "I thought it was supposed to be a phone call to explain."
"Well that's kind of how it started" said Zuma " then it, well, quickly escalated." Zuma went on to explain everything again.
Sunny finally arrived and it was very late when all the pups finally went to bed. Everyone was walking toward their pup houses when they noticed Rocky and Yeshe sneaking around the backs of the pup house and then ducking into Rocky's pup house.
Marshall snickered, "you think they're just going swimming again?"
"Yep," laughed Chase "those collars coming off for sure."
"You guys are terrible" laughed Skye
"What's terrible is Rocky's sneaking ability" laughed Everest
They each separated into Marshall, Skye, and Zuma's pup houses. Lots of collars came off.