Hi guys! Most of what I have to say comes later, so if you've already read the first story, you can skip this author note.
If not, you should. This is a continuation of When The Past Becomes The Future, so...major spoilers are contained here.
Sigh...I hear you, I hear you. I don't wanna read an entire 85,175-word story! I just wanna start here! Okay then. I'll give you a brief synopsis.
Rocky has been having nightmares at night of his former life. He had been abused severely by a man named Jason Wright and escaped from him years ago. Zuma hears him one night and calms him down. The following morning, Rocky explains to him the torture he was forced to go through because of Jason, and only tells him, as he is Rocky's best friend.
The same day, they go on a mission to save Captain Turbot, as a hurricane is brewing. The outcome of the mission is mixed, as they save Turbot, but Rocky and Zuma are lost to sea. Washed up on an abanded island, the two find a secret chamber that is unlocked when Rocky places his puptag in the slot carved into its entrance. There, Rocky's double separates from him, who is calling himself Michael. He explains to Rocky how he really is, a demigod with the power of his father, Meres. He then gives Rocky a gift, the power locked away in him, and their father's amulet, the only thing in the world strong enough to contain Rocky's powers and keep him from destroying the world.
Rocky and Zuma leave the island, courtesy of Rocky's newfound powers, and make it home. They lie about the entire thing, wanting to keep it under wraps. They are taken to a hospital, which is blown up by Jason, in an attempt to murder Rocky. He is unknowing of Rocky's new powers, and his plan fails. Unfortunately, Rocky has to use his powers in front of everybody, and someone takes a video. The FBI begins looking for Rocky, as they believe he started the fire. Rocky, panicking, blames it on Copycat, framing him, and Chase sends him off to jail.
Rocky and Zuma grow closer during this time, and they are convinced they having feelings for each other. When Jason leaves a note at the bombing addressing Rocky, the pups train under Marshall for months until they are proficient in Pup-Fu, and have begun to learn Pupjitzu, the night ending with Zuma and Rocky confessing their love for each other. Jason has Rocky's former best friend in captivity, and the guilt of running out on him is wearing at Zuma's mind. Zuma calms him down though, and Rocky gets a lead on where Jason is through a man he hired, Daniel Goode.
The Paw Patrol turns into Undercover Paw and breaking into multiple buildings to steal information. When Rocky gets a major breakthrough, he leaves, almost by himself, to pursue it. He and Zuma are trapped and gassed, with the Paw Patrol being trapped next. They wake up in Jason's new facility, and he tortures them for months. Luckily, with the assistance of Michael, Rocky's celestial doppelganger, they are freed, but not before Jason shoots Rocky dead.
But, as Rocky was part divine and part mortal, he was allowed to choose to come back to earth, resurrected by the Bolt of Meres. Rocky tells the pups who he really is, and they don't take it too well. Rocky and Zuma find a way off the mountainside, the pups hitch a ride back to Adventure Bay. The tracks are bombed, but Rocky has a vision of it and the super pups save the day just in time. Rocky fixes the tracks, and they are back on the way to Adventure Bay. Rocky has been struggling with feelings of worthlessness, and depression the entire time, but with Zuma's help, he lets go of his poisonous feelings.
Phew!
I still recommend reading, When The Past Becomes The Future for the whole story though. It's worth it.
Okay, now, on to the story!
For the first time in Rocky's life, he could sleep in total peace. No nightmares, not even dreams. Just pleasant, refreshing rest. But, apparently, that wasn't the case for every pup. Zuma yelped and squeezed Rocky tightly, and began crying into his fur. Rocky's eyes opened immediately.
"Zuma...what's wrong?" Rocky asked, immediately on edge.
"I'm sowwy, Wocky...I'm sowwy…I tried to save you, but I wasn't strong enough...I'm sowwy…" Zuma's apologies always seemed to melt Rocky's heart, making it impossible for him to hold a grudge against Zuma. But when Zuma was crying, and Rocky had no idea what he was talking about, the effect just multiplied. But seeing Zuma like this hurt. A lot.
"Oh, Zuma...don't cry!" Rocky said, tears forming in his own eyes. What are you crying about! It's been like ten seconds and you're already about to cry! Nothing has even happened! Get yourself together! He scolded himself. Except, Zuma is crying, and it's hurting me... Zuma finally looked up at him, tears still running down his cheeks.
"I tried weally hawd, I pwomise I did! I just couldn't do it...I couldn't save you! I was too weak...I'm sowwy, Wocky!" Rocky shook his head in distress and confusion.
"Zuma, it's okay just...sniff...calm down...you gonna make...sniff...me...sniff...cry…" he pleaded, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill upon seeing Zuma like this, broken, lost, and confused. He bent his snout close to Zuma's. "You can...tell me…"
"It was howwible, Wocky! I had...sniff...a nightmare...sniff...and you were on the ground...sniff...in a pool of blood...so much blood...too much...sniff...and I couldn't save you...sniff...and I tried….sniff..my hardest...sniff...but...sniff...I...sniff..was too weak!"
The increasing 'sniffs' lead out to another session of full-blown crying. Rocky felt fresh, hot tears soak his chest. They ran through his fur and dripped onto the floor. Rocky was trying really hard to keep it together, but he felt himself about to cry as well. Get it together...come on Rocky...don't cry...don't cry...don't…. Rocky's resolve was destroyed as Zuma started whimpering, and he silently let tears run down his face and onto Zuma's head.
"Zuma, it wasn't your fault! You didn't have to come with me, but you did anyway. You put your own life on the line just as much as I did! Plus, the Bloodstone was too strong. But you tried to save me anyway, and I love you for that." Zuma still didn't respond, and his grip on Rocky increased ever so slightly.
"Zuma, there's nothing for me to forgive. You did nothing wrong. You stayed beside me and supported me. Even though I died, I'm glad you were there with me. It made it so much easier. Just...don't cry, Zuma. I...I can't take it when you cry!" Rocky pleaded, feeling his heart beginning to hurt.
"But...maybe if I had tried harder…"
"Zuma, stop it. I know for a fact that you tried as hard as you could. As I said, there was nothing more you could've done. But fate is a bitch, Zuma." Rocky said, stroking Zuma's side comfortingly. "But, why are we crying about that? That's already over with and done."
"Are you...sure?" Zuma mumbled, suddenly sounding like a scared, two-month-old newborn than a five-year-old puppy.
"Positive," Rocky responded. "It was just a dream." He placed Zuma's paw over his heart.
"Do you feel that, Zuma?" Rocky asked. Zuma nodded. "My heart is still beating." He took Zuma's paw and put it over his chest. Rocky's chest went in and out and he breathed.
"I'm still breathing as well." Zuma nodded, calming down some.
"Look into my eyes, Zuma," Rocky commanded. Zuma obeyed and stared into his golden orbs.
"Do my eyes look dull and lifeless to you?" he asked.
"N...no…" Zuma replied. Rocky's eyes were bright and full of life. Zuma always got lost in those shining pools of liquid gold; they seemed to draw him in and keep him there.
"Do I look dead to you?" Rocky asked him.
"No," he replied, tail beginning to wag as the last dredges of his nightmare left him and he could think straight again.
"Okay then," Rocky said, brushing Zuma's tears away with his paw. "I love you, Zuma." Zuma wrapped his forelegs around him and hugged him tightly.
"I love you as well," he replied. Zuma smiled and pulled back, kissing Rocky's naturally damp nose. Then the two just stared into each other's eyes dreamily. The train whistle blew as they approached Adventure Bay.
"Happy to get home?" Rocky asked.
"Sure am," Zuma replied, holding onto Rocky's paws and spinning him around. Rocky laughed at Zuma's uncharacteristic cheerfulness and brushed a stray turf of fur behind his ear. Zuma blushed and held onto his paw.
"Wocky...do you…can we…"
"What's up?" Rocky asked.
"I just don't want you to be mad at me for asking," Zuma said, looking down. Rocky lifted his head up and kissed him softly.
"Go on," he said.
"Do we have to leave immediately? Can we stay a few days?" The color drained from Rocky's face and he dropped Zuma's paws. "Wocky…?" Zuma asked.
"No. Absolutely not," Rocky said firmly.
"But...why? All my friends are…" Zuma began.
"It doesn't matter Zuma. We just aren't doing that, okay? Just drop it." Rocky said.
"What is your problem?!" Zuma shouted at him. "Not everything is about you! You might not like it, but they are still my friends, Rocky! Can I spend just a little…"
"I said just drop it!" Rocky shouted back at him, much louder than he had meant it. "Why won't you listen to me?!" His outburst surprised Zuma, and he fell backward on his tail. Zuma yelped softly in pain.
"But I…"
"Just shut up, Zuma!" Rocky said. He immediately regretted his words and slapped a paw over his mouth. But he could not unsay what had already been said. He saw hot, fresh tears run down Zuma's face and drip onto the floor. Rocky's ears went flat against his head, and his tail drooped.
"I'm sorry, I…"
Zuma turned on his paw and padded away from him angrily. He was far away from Rocky as he could and sat with his back facing him.
"Zuma?" Rocky asked after a while. No answer. He walked around to face Zuma. Zuma turned away from him in anger, muttering something under his breath. Rocky touched his shoulder and Zuma slapped his paw away.
"Don't. Just, don't touch me!" he said. Rocky detected a slight quiver in his voice. "Go away!"
"Are we gonna talk about this?" Rocky asked. No response. "You're just gonna give me the silent treatment now?" Rocky asked in disbelief. No response, Zuma just slapped him in the face with his tail. Rocky sighed. Note to self. Don't get on Zuma's bad side. Correction, you are on Zuma's bad side. Damn it, Rocky. Way to go... The train whistle blew, announcing that they were close to the station. The pups got up quickly, excited to get home, Zuma sitting beside Skye instead of his normal spot beside Rocky.
Okay! We're gonna flash-forward right about here. I feel like I've described their travels quite extensively. When the train stops, Ryder and the pups sneak off the train and find a ferry to take them to Adventure Bay. They sneak onto that (courtesy of Rocky's powers) and arrive in Adventure Bay. Okay, end of flashforward.
The pups took a deep breath of the air.
"Well, we made it!" Ryder said. "We're back home!" The pups howled happily, glad to be back.
"Come on guys! Let's go up to the Lookout!" Marshall said happily. The pups ran after him, leaving Ryder far behind. When they made it up the driveway, though, they skidded to a stop. Police tape circled the area, and a large, steel gate had been put up.
"What happened here?" Chase asked. "It looks like a crime scene!" Ryder caught up to them and looked at it thoughtfully.
"I'd guess someone called the police after our disappearance, and they closed this area off," he said.
"How are we gonna get in?" Chase asked.
"I've got it!" Rubble said, shredding the metal gate like it was paper.
"Well, that's one way to do it," Ryder said. Rubble forced the elevator doors open, as Ryder had missed the power bill and they didn't work without it.
"Okay! First things first. I'm going to get you all an appointment with Katie. I wanna make sure you guys are all okay. Also, all of you need a bath. Badly." he said. "Then, I'm going to contact the police and send them over to Jason. He needs to pay for what he has done. Then, we are going to clean this place up, get something to eat, and go to bed. I'm putting that Paw Patrol on hold for a few weeks until we get our bearings back." Ryder said.
"Okay! Sounds good to me!" Skye yipped. The pups, having no transportation, walked to Katie's Pet Parlor.
"Hi, Katie!" Marshall greeted, the moment he walked through the doors
"Hi, Marshall!" Katie replied. Then her jaw dropped and she dropped Callie, who she was currently holding. "Marshall! Ryder! Everyone! Where have you been?" she cried. She gave Ryder a hug and a kiss, causing the ten-year-old to blush.
"You're here! All of Adventure Bay has been looking out for you!" she said.
"I'm sure they have," Chase said. "It's a long story, Katie."
"I'm sure it is," she replied.
"Could you give the pups a check-up, to make sure they're okay?" Ryder asked.
"Of course!" Katie said. She ran around, running water for their baths, and getting her medical tools out. A thorough examination of them all revealed nothing serious, as Zuma was their personal healer the entire time. "Ryder, they have a few cuts and scrapes, but that will be okay. What I'm worried about is their weight. They are extremely malnourished. This isn't good for them. Make sure they eat a lot for the next couple of weeks, okay?"
"Okay," Ryder said, making some notes.
"And who are you two?" she asked, coming around to Marcus and Taja.
"Oh, we are strays. The Paw Patrol rescued us from a very bad situation." Marcus said.
"Well, it's nice to meet you!" Katie said. The pups all took a bath and came out sparkling clean.
"Ahhh...I missed these…" Rubble murmured as Katie dried him off.
"Thanks, Katie!" Ryder said.
"No problem. Bye, guys!" she said.
"Bye Katie!" they replied.
"You pups can go home. I'm gonna run down to the police station and file a police report against Jason. They'll probably want to interview you all, so be prepared for that. I'll be back soon." Ryder said.
"Okay! Bye, Ryder!" they called. They ran the other direction, up to the Lookout.
"It looks so empty without our vehicles," Zuma said. "Well, your vehicles. Mine is still there, brand new." It was true. The pups disappeared the day after it was created, and Zuma rode with Rocky.
"Yeah...how are we gonna do our jobs without them?" Skye commented.
"I guess we'd need to build them again. Maybe R..." Rubble said, stopping quickly and trailing off. They all glanced at Rocky guilty, hurriedly looking at their paws afterward.
"At least we still have our pup packs, except for our spy gear. I miss that uniform. It was comfy." Chase said, hurriedly moving the conversation along. "And still have the Paw Patroller."
Aside from Marshall and Zuma, they had been avoiding him since they had left the mountain, and only spoke to him if it was necessary. Rocky did not look back at them, he just stared at his milky white paws.
"I'd better go..." he mumbled, half to himself. He went inside, leaving the others, tail dragging against the ground and both ears drooping. He looked sadly at Zuma, who looked away from him cooly. This seemed to crush him even more, and he turned and padded slowly away. The sliding doors opened, then closed.
"That was real smooth, guys," Marshall said sarcastically. "You just ignore him, like he isn't even there. Great job!"
"What was I supposed to do?" Skye snapped. "Our last conversation didn't go very well."
"Yeah, things are kinda weird between us right now," Taja replied.
"Have you even said thank you yet? You know, regardless of what you think of him, he still saved you."
"And the one who endangered us in the first place," Chase muttered, extending his claws.
"Get over yourself," Zuma said, flicking an ear. "Guys, how do you think Rocky feels? If I was him, I'd feel like I lost all my friends, and that no one cares about me."
"Well, lucky for him, he has you." Chase retorted. Zuma threw up his paws.
"Whatever. You know what, I'm sorry I even said anything. You're gonna mess around and ruin your friendship with Rocky. I'm trying to warn you." Zuma said. "I'm going inside. There's a lot of work to be done and I don't have time for this. Come on, Marshall." Marshall looked at Chase in contempt as well.
"What's gotten into you?" he asked, padding after Zuma. The remaining pups looked at each other in unease.
"Y'know, Zuma and Marshall might be right. Why are we doing this? Have we never done anything wrong, and wanted forgiveness?" Skye asked.
"Yeah, but never anything on this scale," Marcus said.
"Does it really matter?" Skye replied. "Big or not, it's obvious that he's really sorry. And I'm sure he'd love to make up with us. Why can't we all just be friends again? How long are we going to hold a grudge against him, and for what reason?"
"But what if he won't forgive us?" Taja said. Skye was silent.
"I don't know," she said eventually.
The pups spent the day cleaning the Lookout. Luckily, the water came from the river behind the Lookout, so they still had that. And Ryder had installed emergency generators, so the pups turned those on until the bills were paid. Ryder came back at some point after filing the report to see how things were going. Satisfied, he drove away in the Paw Patroller, saying something about 'spare parts'. When he returned, it was night.
"Hi, Wyder!" Zuma said when he came inside. "It took a while, but we finished cleaning evewything."
Great job, guys!" Ryder said, hugging him. "For all your hard work, I got something for ya." He reached from behind his back and threw out their favorite multicolored treats. Marcus got a red one, and Taja got a blue one.
"I also got us some dinner," Rocky said. He went back to the Paw Patroller and pulled out two bags.
"Is it Chinese food?" Chase asked. His sniffer was always accurate.
"You got it!" Ryder said.
"Hmmm...my favorite!" Marshall said, rubbing his tummy and licking his lips.
"Hey, where's Rocky? I'm sure he's hungry." Ryder asked.
"Uhh...he's upstairs," Marcus said.
"Will someone go get him, please?" Ryder asked. The pups all looked at Zuma. Zuma had been giving Rocky the silent treatment the entire day, so he was reluctant to volunteer. But Rocky would go hungry before any of the pups spoke to him. And Marshall was helping Ryder.
"Ummm...Zuma?" Chase asked. "Are you...gonna...y'know…" Zuma glared at him before sighing.
"I'll go get him." He scampered into the elevator and pressed a button.
"Wocky? Wyder's back," he said upon reaching the top floor. Rocky didn't say anything. He was up under the console, and Zuma could see sparks flying every once in a while as he tinkered with something. Only his lower midsection and cute, white paws were visible. "He brought food." Rocky didn't say anything.
"Wocky…" Zuma said. "Hello?" Nothing. Zuma nudged his paw and he pulled it away.
"I'm fine," he said. Something was off about his voice.
"Then what's wrong?" Zuma asked, now worried.
"I'm not hungry, okay," Rocky replied, slightly sadly.
"You don't have to lie to me, Wocky," Zuma said.
"I just…you guys don't want me around, so I'll stay by myself," he replied. Zuma felt shame burning his pelt. Guilt for ignoring Rocky the entire day started eating him up.
"I...uhh…" Zuma began, shuffling his paws across the floor nervously.
"Please...Zuma. Just go, okay?" Rocky said. "You don't have to talk to me if you don't want to…" Zuma cursed himself as he heard the dejected tone in Rocky's voice. Zuma swore he heard a sniff come from him. The sparks flew again, and the screen flashed multiple colors before it went black again.
"Look at me?" Zuma ventured.
"No," Rocky responded. Zuma heard his mechanical screwdriver going.
"I'm sowwy, Wocky. I was just upset…" Zuma trailed off. "It was wrong to ignore you all day. I wasn't trying to hurt you. I'm so sowwy." A few tears formed in his eyes, and he licked Rocky's paws sadly. He heard Rocky stifle a laugh and pull his paws away again.
"No Zuma. You have every right to be upset. And don't cry about ignoring me all day. I deserved it. I feel so awful! I shouted at you and told you to..to..to.." Rocky stopped and Zuma could hear him crying silently to himself.
"Oh...Wocky...don't cry!" Zuma said, nuzzling his tummy.
"No, Zuma, stop! I was so mean to you all because I was acting cowardly, and selfish!" Rocky cried. "And I tried to say sorry, but I couldn't, and then I didn't know what to do!"
"Wocky, you are not a coward, and you are definitely not selfish! You are actually way too giving." Zuma said. "But...why did you treat me like that?"
"I didn't...don't...want to stay, because I don't want to face my friends. I'm afraid of what they might say. But if I'm not there, I never have to find out. But that's not fair to you. And when you asked to stay, I just completely lost it! I'm sorry…" More crying.
"It's okay, Wocky. I understand." Zuma desperately wanted to cuddle with Rocky, but he couldn't, so he just resorted to words. I shouldn't have been so hard on you today, either."
"It's okay Zuma. I deserved it anyway." Rocky countered, as sparks flew and there was a slight mechanical whirring. "You're right. They are your friends. And we did just get back. I don't see any problem with us staying for a while. I don't think we are in any immediate danger right now." He said.
"You mean…" Zuma began, not daring to hope.
"Yes, Zuma. We can stay for a bit." Rocky conceded. "Anything to have my best friend back. Besides, when have I ever been able to say 'no' to you, huh? I'll do my best to make this up to you and..." Zuma grabbed his paw in his teeth and pulled him from up under the console.
"Whoa!" Rocky said as he slid across the floor on his tail. "Damn...Zuma...that hurt…" Rocky wiped the tears from his face and sniffed, looking up at him.
Zuma licked his face happily, tail wagging at hyperspeed.
"Thank you, Wocky!" he exclaimed. Zuma was very easily pleased and excited.
"Oh...ugh...Zuma!" Rocky complained, pushing Zuma away. "Why do you always do that?" He wiped a paw down his face in disgust. Zuma licked his lips happily.
"Come on, cheer up!" he replied. Rocky muttered something under his breath. "Fine. If I can't lick you...I'll tickle you!" Rocky's eyes widened.
"No! Please! You already know I can't take…" Zuma lightly ran his paws over his sides.
"Hehehe! Stop it...hahaha!" Rocky said, trying to push Zuma away.
"Nuh-uh," Zuma said. He tickled Rocky's hindpaws next. This was Rocky's second most ticklish spot, and he kicked his paws erratically.
"Zuma...hahaha...I said...hehehe...stop...haha!" Rocky said, trying to squirm away from him. Zuma jumped up and knocked him down again. Rocky laughed until tears formed in his eyes, unable to escape from Zuma. "Please...please...have mercy…!" he cried.
"You don't deserve mercy, pup," Zuma replied as Rocky kicked up under him.
"I can't take any more!" Rocky laughed.
"Too bad," Zuma replied, smirking at him. He had Rocky wrapped around his paw and he knew it. Well, Zuma's happy, so I'll just let him do what he wants. Rocky thought. Zuma tickled his soft armpits and up under his neck, with Rocky protesting the entire time. "You know you like it, Wocky," Zuma said, getting up off of him.
"No...no I don't!" Rocky replied, thinking it was over. Then, Rocky felt Zuma's tongue licking at his hindpaws, and he began squirming on the ground. "Zuma...hahahahaha...stop it…" Zuma gently put a paw on his chest to keep him in place as he continued his fun, but still torturous, treatment.
"What's taking Rocky and Zuma so long?" Marshall asked.
"I don't know," Skye commented. They heard muffled laughter coming from upstairs.
"Sounds like they're having fun, whatever they are doing," Ryder said.
"I'm sure they'll be down soon, all of us are hungry," Marcus said.
"I'll just leave it here for them when they want it," Ryder announced.
"Well, at least he has somepup," Skye said. "And he's not alone.
The pups finished eating and Ryder went to his room to change. As they listened to the muffled laughter coming from upstairs, they felt ashamed. Well, except for Marshall, who had no hard feelings towards Rocky whatsoever.
"I'm glad Rocky has Zuma. He makes him so happy." Marshall said thoughtfully. "They are really good friends."
"You don't have to rub it in, Marshall," Marcus said.
"What?! I didn't say anything!" Marshall retorted.
"You're trying to make us feel bad for not being very good friends to Rocky," Skye said.
"I am not! But I'm glad you see that for yourselves. Things don't have to be this way. You can change this." Marshall said. "Rocky isn't mad at any of you, and would like nothing more than for you to forgive him."
"We have forgiven him! We're just afraid he hasn't forgiven us." Skye replied.
"Well, he doesn't know that. I'm sure if you were to ask his forgiveness, he'd give it to you. Has any of you ever known him to hold a grudge for anything?"
"Not that I can remember…" Rubble said.
"Call him," Marshall suggested. "You'll feel much better."
"You know what Marshall. You're right." Skye said, tapping her puptag. "Rocky? Ummm...this is Skye. Can you come down?"
So! It looks like everypup is taking steps toward healing...or is everypup? Not everypup is as they seem...
Rocky feels as if his only friends are Zuma and Marshall, and the others are afraid to talk to him, for fear that he won't forgive them. But Skye finally takes the initiative to call Rocky. Now the everypup can be friends again, right?
...umm...
*tail stops wagging
Rocky and Zuma have an altercation, but neither can resist the other for long. How do you think was right? Who handled the argument the worst? Who needs the other the most? Leave a review expressing your opinion. If you have any thoughts, questions, comments, or insights, now would be a perfect time to share them.
Yeah, I meant to update Adventure Calls, but this story was eating away at my mind, and I simply could not concentrate on any story else. So! I decided to upload this one early!
I hope you are soaking in all the good vibes Rocky and Zuma are giving off because things are going to get dark... (hence the rating) Also, things are going to get extremely spicy between the two...(again, hence the rating) so be forewarned. This story is rated M for a reason. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Also, there is a poll on my profile, so if you aren't too busy, would you take it, please?
Okay! I hope you enjoyed! Cya in the next one!