Unexpected

Chapter 7: Trying To Find Out More

"I have to know something. I just have to know. Sure, I could just ignore his problems for long, but what good will that do me? There's something about him. Like there is something he is afraid to tell me. I need to figure out what it is. I just have to. Maybe it'll even help me figure a few things out. Maybe that is. But how do I ask him? Guess..." Rocky was in mid thought until Ryder shook him out of it. "Rocky, are you listening to me?" Ryder asks as he kneels in front of the pup. "Sorry Ryder, I was too busy thinking. Can you say that again. Ryder then smiles and chuckles before petting Rocky. He then goes back to standing in front of the group of pups before him. Ryder had made a list of rules the other day and now he finally has the time to talk about them to his pups. He also knows that all of them are of age to be called dogs, but he still loves to call them him pups.

"Alright, now listen up, I will say this once more, and only once more. NO ONE is allowed to make fun of Marshall and Rocky. Their relationship is highly acceptable and I'm certain that Mayor Goodway wouldn't be happy if the team picked on them for who they are," Ryder says as he looks at his team sternly. "If I hear that they have been made fun of, I will not resist dishing out punishment. Is that understood?" Chase, Rubble, Skye, and Zuma all nod as Rocky and Marshall smile. It makes them happy that Ryder has their side on this.

"Secondly, if any of you other pups want to have sex together, please do it in your dog houses. The public bathroom and any other place in the Lookout are off limits for it. Rocky is going to work on soundproofing your houses for that kind of thing. Just give him some time to work on that," Ryder says as he looks at his team. Marshall, Zuma, Rocky, Rubble, Chase, and Skye nod as they hear this. "Third rule, you must respect Marshall and Rocky's privacy. If the door to either of their pup houses is closed, that means they're engaging in matters that are for them only. No interrupting them or you will be in trouble," The teen says to his team of pups. "Rule number four, no rude or mean things are allowed to be said to each other or ANYONE who is like Rocky and Marshall: Liking the same gender or not. You must be respectful and kind, and don't show any hate to others. Do I make myself clear on that?" The team of dogs before Ryder nod their heads.

"Okay that's all I have for you pups. Feel free to do what you want for now my pups. I'm going to head back into the Lookout and work on the big screen in the control room," Ryder says before walking over and petting each of the dogs on their heads. The teen then walks back into the Lookout. Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble, Chase, and Skye wag their tails as they chat with each other and figure out what they want to play. Meanwhile, inside of city hall, Mayor Goodway is pacing around in her office. Her anxiety is a bit high as she is trying to figure out what to say for her speech in a couple days. She's been working on it for a week, prepping her papers and making sure everything sounds the way she wants it to sound.

As she paces around her office, Mayor Goodway has an idea. "You know, I think this little town of ours could use a change. A very big change indeed. It's time that this change come into action. As part of my duties, it's my job to make sure everyone feels welcome here," Mayor Goodway says before sitting down at her desk. She then goes to work writing down a new section for her speech. Something that she hopes will be accepted by the citizens of Adventure Bay.

While writing, she hears her phone ringing and picks it up. It's normal for her to receive phone calls so this is a breeze for her. She picks up her phone, presses the button to accept the call, and answers it. "Mayor Goodway speaking," The Mayor says as she smiles. "Hello Mayor, it's me Ryder," The teen says as he holds onto his pup pad. "Ah hello Ryder, wasn't expecting a call from you today. Is something wrong?," The lady asks concerned as she looks at Ryder. "No nothing is wrong Mayor. Just thought I would call and see how writing your speech is going," Ryder says with a warming smile.

"Ah yes that, well it is going great. However, I'm adding on something. Something I hope the town accepts. Not to spoil anything, but it involves Marshall and Rocky. Mr. Porter had his suspicions on Marshall and Rocky, but I told him not to fret. He's accepting of them of course, but he was concerned others won't be. And even more so of others who are in the same kind of relationship as Marshall and Rocky," The Mayor says as she continues to look at Ryder. "Well Mayor, I'm sure the crowd will accept. A new proposal of rules should do nicely. Need any help writing it?" "Oh Ryder you sweetie, you don't have to. You do so much for the town as is. It's time I do something on my own. I'm not a Mayor for no reason," The Mayor says as she giggles. Ryder smiles and says that he's okay with that. After a few more minutes of chatter, the Mayor hangs up the phone. She is satisfied with the way the conversation went and goes back to writing.