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It was a day after a massive flood in Paani’s homeland, India. Since he’s became an Octo-Agent, he’d been traveling a lot more than usual. Which is understandable, as it’s hard to travel on foot from one place to another. Especially different countries! Anyway, Paani had been tasted to come back to India for a day to study the recent heavy rains in the area. With a flood washing in, he’d had a lot of rescuing to do, but it was still quite thrilling! Everyone was okay, so there was nothing to be particularly worried about. That was, until now.
Paani paddled along the slow river, taking in the view and scents. Despite the storm that’d just blown though the area, it was still prettier than ever. The waters flowed a little higher than usual, but other than that there wasn’t anything abnormal about the area. At the moment he was simply investigating the area for anything out of place. So when he’d noticed a piece of driftwood — presumably from a fallen tree or something — floating not far from him, he didn’t question it. He barely even gave it a second glance before he’d noticed the little lump of fur on it. From where he sat on his board it looked brown and small. Whatever it was, it seemed to be unconscious on the piece of wood that splashed the tilted in the water, threatening to take the small mammal under.
But Paani wouldn’t let that happen on his watch! He drifted a bit closer to the creature, careful to not splash, and stuck his paddle out to reach the ball of wet fluff. Once he was close enough, he scooped up the tiny animal. He took them in his paw, they had quite a long body — possibly some kind of weasel? A brown body and an off-white undercoat, Paani noted. He was almost certain it was a stoat, they’re not uncommon in this part of India. He shifted the wet kit into one arm while he used the other to paddle back to shore. Once there, he looked around. Someone must be in search for their missing kit, right?
So, he began his exploration of the forest. He hadn’t called the Octonauts, surprisingly enough. As far as Paani’s concerned, this isn’t a problem he can’t solve on his own. He knows the area well and he has many friends who had to have seen or heard something. The little stoat would be back with their mama soon. So, he searched high and low. From what he knew about Stoats, they can live just about everywhere! From moors to marshy riversides, you’ll find a stoat hanging around somewhere in an abandoned den.
Yet no matter where Paani looked, no matter who he asked, he’d neither found a stoat that claimed to be its mother, or another animal who could’ve lead him to her. Not even an animal offering to take the little guy in! The sun had soon began to set and Paani found himself in his tent, his jacket removed and snuggled around the kit in a nest-like manner. Paani was disappointed that he couldn’t find the kit’s mother by himself. It was about time he sounded the Octo-Alert, huh?
Then he heard a small snuffle to his right. There was a tiny yawn following the movements, and it suddenly hit the macaque like a truck. The baby stoat must be waking up!
Paani ushered over to them, not close but not necessarily far either. “Hello little one, what’s your name? I’m Paani!” He grinned from ear to ear.
The little stoat blinked a bit, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Eh..?” She stretched her body out, just about doubling in length on the jacket she laid on. “…Divya..”
Paani smiled, “you have a nice name, Divya! How are you feeling?”
“Oh, uh.” Divya yawned, extending her little claws as she stretched harder before cuddling back into Paani’s jacket. It melted his heart. “That storm was very scary. I’m glad it’s over.”
“Yes, indeed.” Paani stroked Divya’s back. “Divya, do you know where your mama may be?”
Divya chirped at the pets, seeming happy despite what she said next. “Oh, mamas gone. I dunno where she went. I’m very hungry..”
Paani belly churned in empathy. Well, while she was here, the least he could do was feed her. The macaque leaned over and grabbed his bag, digging through it for a few moments.
“Would you like a Paani Pattie?” He pulled out a singular biscuit, holding it out for her. “They are all I have at the moment, it’s a nice snack!”
Divya rolled onto her belly and leaned forward, giving it a sniff. “What’s in it?”
“Well, there’s no meat. But it’s got fruits, bugs and seeds in it!” He smiled sheepishly.
Divya took a hesitant bite, her eyes glowed up and after a second the entire biscuit was gone. She licked her lips and giggled, “Yum! Do you have more?”
Paani was taken by surprise at the reaction of his Patties. There were only a select few that also enjoyed his patties, and he’s glad she’s one of them. He answered her question with a nod and reached into his bag, pulling out three more biscuits and setting them in front of the jacket she now sat on. Divya wiggled out of it and began to devour the treats. She must’ve been really hungry.
As the stoat ate, Paani grew curious again. “So, you said your mama’s gone? Did you see where she went?”
The little stoat shook her head. “I woke up one day and she wasn’t in the den. Neither were by siblings.”
“I see…” Paani rubbed his chin, “Have you been alone? If so, for how long?”
Divya nodded, “For eh… one week now I think. I’ve been eating whatever I could find, but I dunno how to hunt yet, so it’s mainly been bugs n’ fruit.”
Paani frowned, “I know what it’s like to be alone. Would you like to stay with me for a bit, until I can find you a new mama?”
“Oh, yes please!” Divya smiled.
Paani stretched out his arms with a big yawn, resting on his sleeping bag. Divya joined him, hopping onto his belly and curling up in a ball.
Paani glanced at his tail, just one push of the button and the Octonauts would be here to help. But for the first time in a while, he found himself hesitating. If he sounded the Octo-Alert now, he couldn’t see himself seeing Divya again anytime soon. She reminded him so much of himself at a young age, being alone with nobody to turn to. He couldn’t just leave her alone, right? He felt a connection to her. Surely the Octonauts didn’t need to know about this? At least, not at the moment.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
Meanwhile the Octonauts were all sitting in HQ, not really doing anything in particular. It was rare nowadays for the seven of them to be together without some kind of mission or task at paw. So for now, they were just enjoying each other’s presence and doing their own thing. Dashi was reading over the weather patterns at the control panel, Captain Barnacles over her shoulder. Shellington and Professor Inkling were in the middle of a heated game of chess, Peso silently watching and Kwazii calling out the next moves (incorrectly). Tweak and The Vegimals were gathered together, the little creatures watching the green rabbit play her games.
“Captain, have you received a call from Paani yet?” Dashi asked, pressing a few buttons.
Captain Barnacles hummed, “No, I don’t think we have. Why?”
“The storm has already hit India,” she pointed to the storm clouds on the Storm Tracker, “he could be in trouble.”
“You’re right, Dashi. Let’s call him and see if he’s alright.” The captain stated.
Dashi nodded and pressed a button on the control system. Captain Barnacles stepped back and stood in the center of HQ, in front of the broadcasters. The other Octonauts joined him as the ringing went off. It rang for a bit longer usual, but Captain Barnacles didn’t pay it much attention. Perhaps he’s just busy? He can’t expect the trouble-prone macaque to answer his Octo-Watch the second it rings!
When Paani answered, there was a slight struggle. A quick blur before the watch focused on Paani; who was tiredly lying on what seemed to be a sleeping bag without his trademark green jacket on. He looked like he just been woke up, and isn’t thrilled about it.
“Sorry Paani, did I wake you?” Captain Barnacles asked sympathetically.
Panni opened his fanged jaws with a yawn and opened his eyes a bit more. “Yes, but it’s alright. I should be awake anyway,”
Kwazii walked up next to Barnacles, “What’re you doin’ asleep in the middle of the day anyway?”
Paani blinked, looking slightly panicked. “I-Eh.. I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. The storm was pretty rough.”
Captain Barnacles perked up at the reminder. “Oh yes, the storm. How are you and the creatures doing? Dashi said it may have flooded.”
“Yes, the river near my camp did flood, but all the creatures that lived near the river are okay. Nothing to worry about!” Paani gave a little laugh at the end. He sounded as if he was lying about something.. but Barnacles couldn’t pinpoint what.
“If you say so. Barnacles out!”