My Missing Piece (A Rocky X Zuma Story)

Zuma's Test

*** ZUMA'S P.O.V. ***
I go into the lookout after Rocky gave me all the encouragement I needed to take on the hardest task in my life, becoming a part of the PAW Patrol. It might not seem much to others, being encouraged by a friend as this is normal, but those words of encouragement was exactly what I needed to have my confidence. I may seem outgoing, but my fear of rejection and failing was getting the best of me. Plus if I pass, I'll be here forever with Rocky and that's all that mattered to me.

Truth is I grown to love the mix breed. He is my best friend and treats me like a brother which is something I thought I'd never have gotten before. My past is a rough one. Getting bullied constantly about my lisp isn't the best thing for me.

Ever since that I grown to be use to being harassed about it and rejected that I became a loner. I ran away from my mom's litter and took the road to wherever it took me. I've seen great places. I've seen ghost towns. I've had "friends" come and go, but Rocky is different. He's not like the others I've considered "friends". Rocky cares for me. The others don't. He makes me smile everyday. The others didn't. Those are just a handful of the many differences between him and them, and I can't thank him enough.

I go into a room and it's just me and Ryder. I've never seen Ryder so strict looking from the few months I've been at Adventure Bay. Here comes the nerves again.

Ryder starts by asking me a few questions. "So Zuma, why do you want to join PAW Patrol?"

I think about this for a minute. I had an answer, but I want it to be the best answer to Ryder. After all, I do not want to loose my opportunity. "I think I want to join the Patwol because I like helping othews so they don't have to have a sad life. I went thwough some stuff and I wouldn't wish it on my wowst enemy. Being a pawt of PAW Patwol will make me a bettew pup and a bettew fwiend to all othews around."

Ryder jots a few notes down and continue. "Zuma, what is the best skill you have in your opinion?"

Damn. Another toughy. Truth is I don't really know. Caring? Friendly? Running? Yeah running. But what dog isn't? Ahhhhh my brain.

'Cmon Zoom. You can do this.'

I hear that in Rocky's voice and I smile and pipe up an answer. "I think I'm good at helping othews at any task that is difficult fow them. I am a cawing pup and I want to help as many people as I can."

Again he jots a few notes down and asks me one more question. "Do you think you can fight through any difficult task no matter how hard it is?"

I nod my head and smile. "I went thwough hell Wydew. I don't think thewe is anything mowe difficult than what I went thwough as a kid."

Ryder chuckles and finishes jotting down notes. "Okay Zuma. I need to see your agility. Follow me."

He leads me to a room I have never seen before. He gestures to the room. "This is an optical course. I want you to complete it based on the numbers in ascending order for each station. You'll go to one, then two, three, and so on. There's six spots. You will be timed based on how fast you complete the course. Also you will be judged on technique of your performance." He opens another door. "I'll be in here observing you and taking notes on your performance. Once you are completed, please press the red button at the finish line when you completed all six courses. Any questions?"

Six spots. One button. Timed and technique. Got it. I shake my head no and walk to the starting line.

My heart beats fast. I am nervous. What if I screw up something? What if I'm not fast enough.

'You got this Zoom.'

'Become on of us.'

I will Rocky. I promise.

"Ready Zuma. Get set. GO!"

This is for you Rocky. I love you.

The bell goes off and I reach the first optical. Hmmm... a ladder? Piece of cake. I quickly climb to the top of the ladder and grab the green flag and put it in my mouth and hop down running to the second optical.

The second optical is a twelve foot tunnel with a sign on the top. "Watch out. Flag inside." Night vision? Let's dive in. I crawl in and frantically search for the green flag. There's a lot of rubber poles that are green. Hard to find in the dark too.

"30 seconds Zuma. You're doing great."

Ryder encouraged me? Wowie. Never had that before. I keep searching. No luck and I crawl farther in and feel a flag and I grab it and put it in my mouth and crawl all the way out. Shaking off dirt and running to the third part.

Number three. Parcore. Five stools and a pool of water eight feet under. Oh man... heights. That's not good. I am afraid of heights. I should quit maybe its...

'You got this Zoom. I believe in you.'

I grit my teeth and hop from ledge to ledge and grab the flag in mid-jump and toss it in my mouth and keep running. Phase four.

"Two minutes, 45 seconds. Amazing Zuma."

Phase four is a set of lasers testing my movements. "Step in one instant fail" the sign read. You can do it Zuma just do it. I run in dodging every laser and snatch the fourth flag and run to the fifth stage.

Fifth stage. A large gap with the green flag on the otherside. Now how do I get across?

"Three minutes Zuma."

Can't make that jump. No utensils to use. I'm screwed. It's over.

'Zuma go become one of us... I love you.'

Rocky. You're the only reason I want to be here. I said I'll pass for you. So damn it I will.

I start running to the gap.

I can do this.

It gets closer.

For us.

I leap with all my might and unbelievably, I did it I made it. I grab the flag and reach to the final stage.

Last one. "Four minutes, 30 seconds Zuma. You're on fire. Climb the stairs to the button."

I got this. I run, skipping steps to get to the button and I slam it. A loud buzzer goes off.

The rooms silent. Ryder steps out after what felt like years to me. He looks at me.

"I'm sorry Zuma, but I can't pass you."

My heart drops.

"You didn't meet the requirements to pass. You lack one thing."

"What's that Wydew?"

He looks at me and sighs. "You don't have a special talent that is required to the Patrol."

I couldn't believe it. I don't know what to feel. Sad? Anger? I'm rejected again. It's over to me.

I quickly burst out the door and run without hearing any other word about what Ryder said.

I run to the one pup I can't bare to tell.

I failed.

I have to tell Rocky.