A Road Rover In Peril
Story by: Phoenix710
Summary: Hunter and Colleen's anniversary is approaching, and the rest of the Rovers begin plans for celebrating the special occasion, while Hunter plans a romantic cruise to Italy for himself and Colleen, as well as the kids and Starlight. Their plans are put on hold, when Storm and Havoc escape from prison and team up. The two of them stage a massive heist at a museum in order to draw the Rovers out, and then Havoc has Lieutenant Skeam infect Hunter with a deadly virus that he's created. Storm tells the Rovers that unless Hunter gets the cure within three days, he'll be dead. Colleen assumes command, and she must lead the other Rovers on their mission to break into the enemy fortress, fight their way past the guards, and secure the antidote…along with exacting a HEAVY dose of revenge against Havoc and Storm in the process. Can the Rovers get the cure to Hunter before it's too late?
Disclaimer: I don't own the Road Rovers, nor do I own any of the characters associated with the series. Road Rovers, and all associated characters, were created by Tom Ruegger, and are registered trademarks of Warner Brothers. All original characters are products of my imagination.
Hunter's song: 'You're The One That I Love'-The Vogues
Colleen's song: 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth'-Belinda Carlisle
Chapter One: A New Day Begins
Hunter woke up with the first bright rays of the new day's sunshine, and looked over at his lovely angel, Colleen. The beautiful brown and white-furred Collie was still sleeping peacefully, with her head on his chest. Even after being with her for all these years, Hunter was still amazed at how wonderful his wife was. She had literally become a part of his very soul, and if anything ever happened to her, Hunter knew that his life would be an empty void. Moving ever so slightly, so that he wouldn't disturb his angel as she slept, Hunter checked the calendar that was near their bed, and saw the date that he'd drawn a heart around, their anniversary. It had been a wonderful eight years of marriage, and Hunter still remembered, even to this day, that first precious night that they'd shared together.
Flashback…
Colleen had just come out of the bathroom of their honeymoon suite, and when Hunter turned to face her, his heart skipped several beats. He had always known that she was beautiful, but with the light blue nightgown that she had donned, after taking off her evening dress, she looked like a princess…no, a goddess. He walked over to her, and gently pulled her into his arms. He said, "My god, Colleen…you're beautiful!!"
With a sweet smile on her face, Colleen replied, "Thank you, Huntie…and you're quite the handsome dog, if I do say so myself. When I was just a pup, I lost my mum…she was all that I had in the world. After she died, I had to fight to put food in my belly, and as I got older, I had a few male dogs that I got close to…but once I found out what they really wanted, I ditched them. When I met you though…I knew you were different. You've always treated me as an equal, and I've loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you. I never thought this day would come, Huntie…but now that it has, I want you to know that from this day on, I'll always be with you, and my love will be yours, until the end of time."
Hunter kissed Colleen deeply, and sparks danced in their vision. Before he'd met Colleen, Hunter had never felt so happy, so…alive. Her love was the most wonderful feeling in the entire world, and he was determined to never let her go. She'd been his closest friend ever since the team had formed, aside from Muzzle. He said, "I think we were destined to fall in love, Colleen. We both have so much in common…I was taken from my mother and wound up on the streets as a puppy, before getting caught by animal control. The night I was supposed to be gassed…until I heard The Master's call, I thought my life was over. When I got to headquarters for the first time…I knew that it had just begun, because that's when you came into my life…and you'll always be in my heart, my English Rose. I love you, with all my heart."
Colleen's lips met Hunter's again. She replied, "I love you too, Huntie…and I'll always be right here by your side, for all the rest of my life."
Hunter looked deep into Colleen's shimmering blue eyes for a few minutes, and then the two of them sank down onto their mattress, finally taking the ultimate step in proclaiming their love for one another.
End Flashback.
Hunter shook himself out of his reverie, and then he gently traced his hands up and down Colleen's back, until she started to stir. She sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, before finally opening them and turning to face Hunter. She said, "Good Morning, Huntie-Wuntie. I hope you had a good sleep last night."
With a smile on his face, Hunter pulled Colleen into his lap, and he said, "I still remember our first night together, Colleen…and it's a night that I'll always remember as if it were yesterday. Whenever I'm with you, I feel like I'm in Heaven. You've become a part of my soul itself, Colleen, and I'd die inside if I were to lose you."
Colleen started to gently trace her fingers over Hunter's chest, while snuggling her head against the side of his neck. She said, "I never want to lose you either, Huntie…and if anyone ever tries to take you away from me…god help them, because I'll defend you to my last breath. I love you with all my heart, Huntie…and I always will."
Hunter kissed Colleen again, and he replied, "I love you too, my sweet English Rose. Let's head in for a shower before we get the kids up. That way, we'll be ready to head down for breakfast when mom joins us."
Colleen wrapped an arm around her husband's waist, and the two of them walked together into the shower to get themselves cleaned up and ready for the day ahead. When they were finished showering, Hunter turned to Colleen, as she pulled her favorite shirt on. The soft, red sports shirt had been a gift from Starlight, and Colleen absolutely loved it.
Hunter said, "Colleen, I'd like to sing a song for you…one that truly expresses the pure and unending love that I have in my heart for you. It's called 'You're The One That I Love', by The Vogues."
Colleen kissed Hunter lightly on the lips, and she replied, "That song is so perfect for us, Huntie…just like you're my perfect…no, make that my destined soulmate. I love you, my dear Huntie-Wuntie, and nobody else will ever take your place in my heart, 'luv."
Hunter kissed his wife's warm, soft lips, and she gently stroked the fur on the back of his neck for a few minutes, until they gently pulled apart. Hunter stood up and grabbed his guitar. Once he slid the strap over his shoulder, the Retriever-mix cleared his throat and began singing, letting Colleen know that she truly was the one and only female dog that he wanted to spend his life with.
'Every time we meet, everything is sweet
Ooh, you're so tender, I must surrender
My love is your love now and forever
You're the one that I long to kiss
Baby, you're the one that I really miss
You're the one that I'm dreamin' of
Baby, you're the one that I love
Keep me in your heart, never let us part
Ooh, never leave me, please don't deceive me
I want you only, you must believe me
You're the one that I long to kiss
Baby, you're the one that I really miss
You're the one that I'm dreamin' of
Baby, you're the one that I love
I adore you and no one before you
Could make me feel this way, yeah
Since I met you, I just can't forget you
I love you more each day, yeah yeah yeah yeah
(Guitar Solo)
You're the one, yeah yeah yeah yeah
There may be some tears through the comin' years
Ooh, all the while I know you'll be smilin'
Your love will guide me through every mile, 'cause...You're the one that I long to kiss
Baby, you're the one that I really miss
You're the one that I'm dreamin' of
Baby, you're the one that I love!'
Colleen pulled Hunter's body close to hers, and even through his shirt, she could feel his heart beating against her chest as she held him. She had one hand behind his right ear, and the other hand was gently rubbing up and down his back. She said, "Huntie…you are the most wonderful, caring, and charming dog I've ever known…and I'm so happy that fate brought us together. Huntie, nothing will ever make me stop loving you, and I have a song that's perfect for us, called 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth', by Belinda Carlisle."
Hunter smiled as he began tracing his right hand over his wife's back, while running his other hand through her soft, flowing hair. He said, "I'll always be right here at your side, Colleen. I'd die if I ever lost you, because you've become my reason for living…along with our kids and mom. We'll be together for all eternity, Colleen…I promise you that from the bottom of my heart."
Colleen kissed Hunter deeply, and then she slid herself gently out of his arms. Clearing her throat, she began singing, letting her love for Hunter flow into his heart through the song.
'When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the world's alive
With the sound of kids
On the street outside
When you walk into the room
You pull me close and we start to move
And we're spinning with the stars above
And you lift me up in a wave of love...
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earthWhen I feel alone
I reach for you
And you bring me home
When I'm lost at sea
I hear your voice
And it carries me
In this world we're just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I'm not afraid anymore
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth!'
Hunter kissed Colleen long and deep, letting the rest of the world around them melt away…until they were startled out of their passionate embrace by the sound of clapping. They turned around and saw Starlight in the door, along with the kids. She said, "Good morning, Son. I see you and Colleen had a wonderful night's sleep."
Colleen replied, "We did, mum. Whenever Huntie's with me, I feel so warm and serene. No matter what, I know that I'll always have your wonderful son at my side."
Starlight walked up to her daughter and hugged her, and Colleen gently wrapped her arms around the female Golden Retriever's shoulders. Starlight said, "I'll always be here for you too, dear. Even though you aren't my daughter by birth, you and my son were meant to be together, and because Hunter is my one and only pup, I can't help but consider the wonderful girl he loves as my daughter. Colleen, you'll always be a part of our family."
Colleen wiped tears of joy from her eyes, and she replied, "Thank you so much, mom…I love you too." Kayla looked up at her mother and grandmother, and she said, "Mommy, I smell breakfast cooking. I think Blitz is making one of his favorite German dishes for breakfast."
Hunter and Colleen smiled at the thought of that. Blitz had become a wonderful cook, just as he had become a great and dependable member of the team. He and Hunter were best friends now, just as Hunter had wanted from the beginning. Hunter offered his hand to Colleen, and she slid her hand around his. Starlight took hold of Kayla's hand, while Alex and Cassie followed their parents and grandmother downstairs for breakfast.
Exile and Kasha had just finished taking a shower to wash their fur out after last night's activities, and that was when Exile caught the scent from downstairs. He said, "I think Blitz is making great morning meal, my lovely snow flower. Come, let us be meeting Comrades for breakfast."
Kasha gently kissed her husband's lips, and she replied, "Da, I will be following, Exile. I just need to be getting Alek…oh, never mind, here he is."
True to his mother's word, Alek came in to greet his parents. The young male Husky was looking more like Exile with each passing day. He had the same soft, blue eyes, the same wonderful sense of humor, and his father's incredible strength and powerful form. He said, "Is wonderful morning, do you not agree, mother?"
Kasha smiled at her son, and she replied, "Da, is beautiful day. As long as I have you and your wonderful father, every day is perfect. Come, Blitz is making breakfast, and my belly is saying time for foodski!"
With smiles all around, the three Huskies headed out of their room and downstairs for breakfast.
Kitchen of Road Rover headquarters…
Blitz smiled as he watched his cuisine coming together. He was making his favorite German breakfast, a dish called Speckpfannkuchen, which was a German specialty from the recipe stash of his owner's wife. The meal consisted of large, thinly-sliced pancakes with diced, fried bacon bits. As an added bonus, he was also making some hash browns and sausages. When the timer on the oven went off, he turned off the heat and piled four pancakes onto everyone's plate, along with a generous helping of hash browns and sausages. Samantha came up, and she said, "That smells great, Blitz! Ever since I married you, I've seen so many of your wonderful talents. You're a wonderful member of our team, a great friend, and the most incredible father I could have ever wished our daughter to have…and you're also the most loving husband I could ever dream of. I love you, Blitz…with all my heart."
The Doberman smiled, before pulling the pretty female German Shepherd into a deep, passion-filled hug. His lips met hers, and when they pulled apart, Blitz said, "I love you too, Sam. You've helped me to move past my insecurity, which used to be why I competed with Hunter for Colleen's affections. Now that I have you and Karina, I know where my place is…right here by your side, my love."
Karina turned off the Looney Tunes DVD that she'd been watching, as she noticed Hunter coming into the kitchen, followed closely by his mother and Colleen, and the kids. Karina and Cassie were extremely good friends, and Kayla was very close to her as well. Exile and Kasha came down, and Alek joined the other kids in their usual morning greetings. Blitz placed the breakfast plates onto the table, and everyone sat down to eat, after pouring a cup of either milk or juice for themselves.
Colleen swallowed a bite of her breakfast, and she said, "Blitz, these are abso-bloomin'-lutely fantastic!! Where'd you learn to cook these?"
After he swallowed a bite of his own breakfast, Blitz replied, "The cooks at my owners' make it all the time, and so I wrote down the recipe last time I went to visit them, now that they know about our existence as the Road Rovers. I'm glad you like it, Colleen."
The pretty Collie hugged her friend gently, before replying, "Thank you, Blitz. Ever since you and Sam got married, you've really become a much better dog. You don't argue with Huntie anymore, and you've filled in that empty spot in your heart, which was why you used to be so jealous of my love for Huntie. Sam, take good care of him. He's a wonderful dog, and he really does deserve a special girl like you."
Samantha smiled at her friend, and she replied, "Thank you, Colleen…I'll always be right here at Blitz's side. He's the only one I'll ever love, since he's given me something I thought I'd never have again, after my old family was killed by that arsonist. He's given me a love that's healed my broken heart, and as long as I have him, Karina, along with all of you, I'll never be without a family again. I love you all."
Hunter replied, "We love you too, Sam…you're one of us, and we Road Rovers are more than just teammates…we're all one big, happy family. We're all from different countries…but we've come together to form a bond that can never be broken."
Colleen hugged her husband, and she said, "That was a lovely speech, Huntie…you're so wonderfully gifted, in so many ways. You truly are one-of-a-kind, 'luv, and I'm so happy that you and I met. I can't even think of loving anyone other than you, and I'll never leave your side…ever."
Hunter replied, "Thanks, Colleen. You're a very special dog too, my English Rose. You're beautiful, loyal, sweet, and the only one that will ever be in my heart. Nothing will ever take me away from you, Colleen…because I love you with every last bit of my soul."
The Rovers all smiled, as Colleen kissed Hunter, before they all sat back down to finish breakfast. After he gave Blitz a hand with cleaning up the dishes, Hunter headed up to his room and started looking for the best anniversary vacation that he could treat his wife to. An idea flashed through his mind…he could bring along his mother and the kids. Not only would he and Colleen be able to enjoy a week of fun and romance, they'd be able to share it with those that meant the most to them. He found a wonderful resort in Italy, with beautiful rooms, and the prices were just right. He saw that the hotel offered a two-for one deal on suites, so he decided to book a week-long stay for himself and Colleen, and for his mother and the kids. He typed his reservation data onto the form on the screen, listed himself and Colleen as a married couple, and specified that they'd be bringing along not only Starlight, but the kids as well. When he was finished, Hunter hit 'Send', and minutes later, the screen displayed 'Reservation Confirmed-Hunter and Colleen-La Paradisia Suites. December 1st to December 8th. Payment accepted, and we hope to see you soon.'
Hunter closed up his laptop computer, and slid it back into the protective case, before going back downstairs. When he got there, he found Colleen and Starlight chatting with each other over a cup of tea, while Cassie and Kayla played a game of checkers. Alex was over playing with Alek, and the two young Cano-Sapiens were having a fine time playing ping pong, while Karina played Air Hockey with her mother. Blitz and Exile were over at the pool table, while Shag watched the news on the big TV at the front of the room. Hunter took a seat next to his mother and wife, and he said, "I've got a special surprise for you…I just booked a one week stay for us at the La Paradisia Suites in Italy. They had a two-for-one deal on suites, so I couldn't pass it up. We leave on December 1st, and we'll be returning on December 8th."
Colleen put her teacup down, and she replied, "Huntie, that's wonderful!! I love spending time with you, and a romantic hotel suite in Italy…this is going to be our best anniversary ever."
Hunter kissed his wife, and then he replied, "It gets better, Colleen. Remember how I said that I booked two suites? The other one's for mom and the kids. They'll be coming with us…no reason not to have the whole family along. That way, mom can spend some more time with you, me, and the kids, and you and I can celebrate our anniversary in the most romantic and special way possible."
Colleen hugged Hunter, and Starlight was overjoyed. She joined her son and daughter, and she said, "Son, this is the sweetest thing you've ever done…I've always wanted to go on a vacation to another country, and Italy…this is going to be perfect. There's so much rich, cultural history, and the beaches…I hear that they're wonderful this time of year." Hunter replied, "Mom, this is the least I could do for you. After all…you brought me into this world, and even though we were only together for eight weeks after I was born, you had enough time to teach me to be the dog that I am today…the lucky dog that fell in love with the sweet English Rose that I'll never stop loving. Most of all, you've accepted her as your daughter, and the kids love having you around…so it's only right that you come along with us."
Starlight hugged her son again, and then she went to let the kids know. Kayla said, "Oh wow…Grandma, daddy's such a wonderful dog. It's no wonder that mom loves him like she does. He's got such a golden heart, just like you do."
The female Retriever smiled as she hugged her youngest grandchild, and she said, "Your mom's a sweet and caring young lady, Kayla…and that's why she was meant to be with your father. They truly belong at one another's side, and I know that nothing can ever separate them."
Cassie said, "That's right, Grandma…I know that my dad won't ever leave mom…he'd die of a broken heart if anything happened to her, and I'm sure she'd feel the same way."
Alex put a hand on his sister's shoulder, and he said, "Don't worry, sis…mom and dad will always take care of each other, and they'll always be together. A love like theirs can never die."
Hunter and Colleen walked up to join the rest of their family, and then they joined the rest of the Rovers, as they headed outside to enjoy some time out on the beach before lunch.
Hunter and Colleen spread out a towel under the shade of a palm tree, and once Colleen had gotten herself nice and cozy, Hunter snuggled up alongside her as they pulled out a book.
Starlight and Kayla were building a sand castle together, while Alex and Cassie played catch. Kayla said, "Thanks for helping me with my sand castle, Grandma…I really like spending time with you."
Starlight smiled at her granddaughter…the lovely young Retriever/Collie mix looked so much like her mother, blue eyes and all. Her fur was a darker brown than that of her sister Cassie's, since she had streaks of her father's gold fur mixed in. Like her brother and her older sister, Kayla had inherited her mother's agility, along with her father's speed. Starlight said, "Kayla, dear…I love spending time with you too. You're my little angel, and I love you as much as I do your brother and sister, along with your mom and dad. Here…let me help you with that." Starlight gently scraped away a bit of sand, until she'd formed a window. She repeated the process until she had three even rows of windows, and she did the same with the three remaining towers, while Kayla stuck tiny little flags on top of the towers. Kayla dug out the moat, and then Starlight wrote her name next to the castle in the sand. Kayla did the same, and then Cassie walked over with Alex. She said, "Hey Kayla, that's a really nice castle that you and Grandma made. It's great!!" Kayla walked up and hugged her sister, and she replied, "Thank you, Cassie…I'm glad to have a wonderful sister like you, and a really awesome brother like Alex."
The three siblings joined their Grandmother for a short rest, and just watched the others enjoy themselves. Blitz and Samantha were enjoying a nice swim, while Karina and Alek played a game of one-on-one soccer. Exile and Kasha were playing hide-and-seek with Alek, and Kasha barely dodged her son, when she felt her husband's strong, gentle arms wrap around her. She turned and looked into his eyes, and she said, "You caught me, my handsome Husky…now what?"
Exile replied, "Now, my lovely snow flower…I tell you I love you." Kasha smiled, and then she replied, "I love you too, Exile…with all my heart." The two Huskies kissed deeply, and Kasha could feel Exile's fingers running through the fur on her back, while she held his broad, firm shoulders. Hand-in-hand, they walked out to the beach, and before long, they got themselves a glass of iced tea and sat down in the shade.
After lunch, Colleen planned on heading out with the girls to pick up an anniversary present for Hunter, while he would be going with the guys. As they both thought of what to buy for one another, none of them knew of the danger that was heading their way.
Next Chapter: While Hunter goes out with the boys to pick up a gift for Colleen, the pretty Collie goes out with Samantha, Kasha, and the other girls to buy her husband a gift. In the meantime, Storm and Havoc bust out of prison, and they decide to team up to deal the Rovers a crippling blow. Havoc creates a deadly virus, and when his forces combine with Storm's for an assault on a gem exhibit at a museum, the Rovers move in to stop them. When the opportunity comes, Skeam shoots Hunter with a specially-designed bullet with the virus, and he goes down. Colleen is horrified to see her husband in such dire straits, and The Master places her in command for the mission of securing the antidote that will save Hunter's life. Leaving her husband in Starlight's capable hands, she and the other Rovers head out to get the antidote, and give both Havoc and Storm a serious dose of payback. Be here next time for Chapter Two: Colleen Takes Command.
