A Surprise For Starlight
Story by: Phoenix710
Summary: Intending to give his mother the best present ever for her birthday, Hunter begins searching for his father, with the ultimate objective of bringing him to Road Rover Headquarters so that his parents can be reunited. Hunter locates his father in Oregon, but before he can head out to pick him up, the Rovers are informed as to Parvo's latest plan. He and Groomer have their eyes on the exhibits at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Rovers must stop them before they ransack the entire museum. Can the canine heroes stop the massive heist, and still return home in time for Hunter to present his mother with the gift she'll never forget?
Disclaimer: I do not own the Road Rovers, nor do I claim the rights to any of the characters associated with the series. Road Rovers, and all associated characters, are registered trademarks of Warner Brothers, and were created by Tom Ruegger. All original characters are products of my imagination.
Songs:
Hunter and Colleen's duet: 'Now and Forever'-Robbie Danzie and Takao Naoki
Starlight's song about Ranger- 'My Will'-Dream
Chapter One: A New Day Begins
Hunter began to stir as the sun came through the curtains of his bedroom. He looked over beside him, letting his eyes take in the sight of Colleen as she slept peacefully next to him. Her lovely face was graced with an equally lovely smile, and she spoke softly in her sleep. She said, "My dear Huntie…I love you, and only you."
Smiling, Hunter leaned down to kiss her, and he said, "I love you too, Colleen…with all my heart."
With a soft yawn, Colleen woke up and stretched, and then she turned to look into Hunter's eyes. Every time she looked into his warm, loving brown eyes, she was always reminded of how lucky she'd been to marry him…no other dog could ever possibly make her feel the way he did. Colleen gently started running her hand over the fur on the back of Hunter's neck, as she wrapped her other arm around his shoulders. She said, "Huntie…I know in my heart that you are the only one I'll ever love, now and forever more. I don't know what I'd do without you, 'luv…and I'm glad I'll never have to find that out."
Hunter smiled as he looked into Colleen's shining blue eyes, so warm and full of love. He said, "Colleen, nothing can ever make me stop loving you…not even death itself. I'll always be with you, for all of eternity. In fact, I've got a song that's perfect for saying just that…a duet called 'Now and Forever'.
Colleen embraced Hunter, and she said, "My dear Huntie…that song sounds so perfect for us…and our destined love."
Hunter gently took Colleen's hands in his, and then the two of them then began singing, letting the sweet words of the song flow to the core of each others' heart.
Colleen: 'Sometimes I feel so all alone
Finding myself callin' your name…'Hunter: 'When we're apart, so far awayHopin' it's me that you're thinkin' of'Colleen: 'Could it be true, could it be real?'
Both: 'My heart says that you're the one.'Hunter: 'There's no one else, you're the only one for me.'
Both: 'Yes, this time my love's the real thing.
Never felt that love is so right.
The world seemed such an empty place.
We need someone we could give our all.
Baby, it's you, we'll be together now and forever.'Colleen: 'Could it be true, could it be real?'
Both: 'My heart says that you're the one.'
Hunter: 'There's no one else, you're the only one for me.'
Both: 'Yes, this time my love's the real thing.Never felt that love is so right.
The world seemed such an empty place.
We need someone we could give our all.
Baby, it's you, we'll be together now and forever.
Never felt that love is so right.
The world seemed such an empty place.
We need someone we could give our all.
Baby, it's you, we'll be together now and forever.'
Colleen said, "Huntie, you were right…that song was perfect for us. I know in my heart that we'll always be together."
Hunter pulled Colleen into a warm hug, and he began running his fingers through her hair, while tracing her spine with the other hand. She gently caressed the fur on the back of his neck with one hand, while wrapping her other arm around his shoulders. Hunter said, "Colleen, you know how my mom's birthday is coming up in three days, right?"
Colleen smiled, and she said, "Of course, Huntie. I was planning to go out with Sam and Kasha to pick up a gift for her after breakfast. What are you planning to do for her special day?"
Hunter replied, "Well…I was thinking back to the conversation I had with her about dad, and just last night, the thought came to me about re-uniting the two of them. She's missed him for so long, and I don't think there's any gift that I could buy in a store that would bring more joy into her life than having her one and only love back at her side."
Colleen hugged Hunter, and she said, "Oh Huntie…that's such a wonderful idea!! I've always wanted to meet your dad, and from what mum's told me about him, he sounds like a wonderful dog…just like you. How are you planning on finding him, Huntie?"
Hunter pulled out his computer, and he said, "After breakfast, I'm gonna come up here and use the same surveillance satellite linkup that I used to find mom. After I find out where he's at, I'll fly out there myself, while you and the others stay here with mom and the kids. I'll bring him back here, put him through the Transdogmafier, and then bring him out to see mom. After that, we'll let them have some time to talk. Once they've had time to chat, we'll have a special family dinner out on the beach."
Colleen said, "Huntie, there's no doubt in my heart that you are the most loving, kind-hearted, and wonderful male dog that's ever been born…and I'm so glad that destiny brought you into my life."
Hunter kissed Colleen again, before they both headed into the shower. Once they'd finished cleaning up, they woke up the kids, and Hunter started teaching Alex to use his speed, while Colleen gave Cassie and Kayla some light martial arts lessons. The twins were now nine years old, and Kayla had recently turned six. The three of them would one day form the next team of Road Rovers, along with Blitz and Sam's eight-year old daughter Karina, and Alek, the seven-year old son of Exile and Kasha. Kayla was growing especially close to the young male Husky, and Alex had a soft spot for Blitz and Sam's daughter. Alex and Hunter finished their morning drills, and Alex said, "How'd I do this time, Dad?"
Checking the stopwatch, Hunter said, "You're really getting up there, son. You ran the little training course in 10.2 seconds…your best run-through yet. The radar gun's got ya clocked at 42.75mph…that's almost half of my top speed. I'm proud of you, son…you've been training hard, and I know that you'll make an excellent Road Rover when it's time for you and your sisters to don the armor, after we retire."
Alex replied, "Thanks, dad. I've been training out on the beach while Grandma watches us. Let's go get cleaned up, and then we can go meet mom and my sisters, and then we'll wait for Grandma to join us for breakfast."
Hunter nodded, and then he and Alex walked into the shower. While they cleaned up, Colleen and Kayla went through some basic training routines, while Cassie worked on a practice dummy made to look like Parvo. Kayla watched her mother do a quick knife-hand chop/elbow/rising kick combo, and then she copied the technique flawlessly. Colleen said, "Nicely done, my little darling. You've definitely got the potential to be as good as I am. You as well, Cassie…you both make me so proud to be your mother, and I love you both."
Cassie walked over and hugged her mother, and she said, "I love you too, mom."
Kayla said, "Me too, mommy. Thanks for teaching me…I hope I can be as good a Road Rover as you and daddy are."
Colleen laughed, and she said, "Kayla, you'll do just fine…you've got your daddy's smarts, his speed, and my agility…plus you've got the same golden heart that made me fall in love with your daddy. Now then…let's just wait for your dad and your brother to come out, and then we'll go meet Grandma for breakfast."
Cassie hugged Kayla, and then both of them hugged their mother again. Hunter and Alex walked out, and Hunter shared a warm hug with his wife and children, before Colleen took their daughters in for a shower to get the sweat out of their fur. When they came out, they got themselves dressed, and then they headed out to wait for Starlight.
Starlight's room…
Starlight woke up slowly, stretching her arms and legs, before pulling a fresh set of clothes out of her closet and heading into the bathroom for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she thought of all that she'd been through since coming to live with her son and the others…she'd adopted Colleen as her daughter, and just recently, she'd been added to the reserve list, just in case anything happened to incapacitate Hunter or Colleen again. She shuddered as she remembered Hunter's near-death experience just a few months ago. He had been less than two hours from a fever-induced cardiac arrest, when Colleen had arrived just in time to give him the antidote. From what she'd seen of Gustav Havoc, the fiend behind the evil plan, Colleen had come within an inch of killing him…she'd seen the bruises on Havoc's neck from Colleen's hands, and his face had been a wreck. She turned her attention to happier matters…namely her vacation in Italy with her family. Hunter and Colleen had enjoyed themselves so much on their second honeymoon, and Starlight couldn't help but notice the strength of their love for each other. She'd loved her husband Ranger just as much, and even to this day, she still wished that she could see him again. As she finished her shower, she climbed out and toweled her fur dry, before putting her clothes on. As she did so, she thought to herself, 'Oh Ranger…I wish I could see you again…even if it was just for a little while. I want you to know that I'm not angry with you for leaving…you couldn't help it. If I ever get the chance to see you again, I'll gladly take you back, my love. I know that you never got to see him, but our son Hunter's such a wonderful dog…he's the leader of a brave pack of canine heroes, he's married to the most beautiful and caring young lady…one that I'm so very proud to call my daughter, and they've given me three lovely grandchildren. You'd love them so much…and I hope you do get the chance to see your family someday. I dedicate this song to you, in the hope that we'll see each other again. Be well, my love.'
With that, Starlight began singing, not having any idea that she would soon have her fondest wish granted.
'I wake from my sleep and face the day,
That I have the hope to reach you someday,
I cannot go on take other steps,
'cause my way is not easy to go.
No, even I do really wanna see you,
I need to take my time,
Spend some days alone, being be myself, will be all I do
If doesn't exist an everlasting love in which I could believe,
I got hurt because,
I was very awkward
Know it but I don't want no losing, no!
Thinkin' of you made me cry,
So my eyes, they were filled with tears,
And all I've got is my will to be with you again.
Thinkin' of you made me cry so many times,
The only thing that made me strong was you,
And I have my will to be with you someday.
I felt like I was so independent,
And I kept the words, and I want you to know.
You were the one who made me smile,
when you saw my tearful face
I won't waste more time,
I'm gonna take the chance to say these things to you
When the day will come,
I'll be strong enough
My voice will be so loud,
now cast a sound
Thinking of you made me cry
See my eyes
They were filled with tears
And all I've got
Is my will to be with you again
Thinking of you made me cry
So many times
The only thing that fed my soul was you
And I have my will to be with you someday .
[Short interlude]
Thinking of you made me cry
See my eyes
They were filled with tears
And all I've got
Is my will to be with you again
Thinking of you made me cry
So many times
The only thing that fed my soul was you
And I have my will to be with you someday.'
When she had finished getting herself ready, Starlight walked out into the hallway, and she saw her son and daughter, along with her three grandchildren. Kayla said, "Good morning, Grandma!!"
Starlight picked up her youngest granddaughter, and she said, "Good morning to you too, Kayla. How are you today?"
Kayla said, "I'm fine, Grandma. Mommy said that I'm really doing well with my practice. You should see Cassie though…she's so fast already, she hit her punching bag at least ten times in under a minute."
Starlight said, "I'm sure you'll be able to do it soon, honey. You've got my son's genes in you…and any daughter of my son is gonna be a terrific Road Rover someday. Speaking of which…Good morning, Cassie, Alex."
Cassie hugged her grandmother, and so did Alex. Cassie said, "Grandma, I heard you singing in there. That song was so pretty…who were you singing about?"
Alex said, "From the sounds of it, I'm sure he meant a lot to her, right Grandma?"
Starlight replied, "Yes, Alex…I was singing about your grandfather. He never even got to meet your father, since the farmer chased him away after he found out that I'd married a mixed breed. He tried to make me feel like a dirty mongrel afterwards, but I would never let him make me feel ashamed…I loved him, just like your mother loves your father in spite of him being a mixed breed. Like your dad…Grandpa had a pure heart, a kind soul, and that's why I loved him enough to have his pup."
Colleen wiped tears from her eyes, and so did Hunter. Kayla said, "I hope you get to see him again, Grandma…I wish I could meet him too."
Starlight said, "He'd be so proud of you all…especially you, son. You've done so much for so many, and you've never lost any of the wonderful traits that led to you and Colleen falling in love. I'm sure he'd agree that you're the best son any dog could ask for…just like Colleen's the perfect daughter."
Hunter replied, "Thanks, mom. I love you."
Starlight hugged her son, and she said, "I love you too, Hunter…and you too, Colleen. Even though you aren't my daughter by birth, I still consider you to be part of my family. You've given my dear son so much love and devotion over the years, and I know that as long as he has you, nothing will ever break his heart. You make me so very proud, Colleen, and I'll always think of you as my second child."
Colleen pulled Starlight into a hug, and she said, "Thank you so much, mom…I lost my real mom when I was just a pup, but when I met Huntie, he gave me the true love and devotion that I'd always wished for, but never thought I'd get, being born in the gutters of London. When you adopted me as your daughter, that was the happiest day of my life since Huntie and I got married, and I could never tell you just how much I love you. How about we head downstairs for breakfast, and then after I come back from shopping for your birthday gifts with Sam and Kasha, we'll wait for Exile, Blitz, and Shag to come home, and then we'll all go have a nice picnic lunch on the beach."
Starlight replied, "That's so sweet, Colleen…I can't wait!!"
Hunter smiled as he led the way downstairs. He thought to himself, 'Mom, I promise you this…your birthday this year is gonna be one that you'll never forget.'
Blitz and Sam's room…
Drying his fur off after his shower, Blitz looked across the bathroom to where Samantha was involved in similar activities. The lovely black and gold-furred female German Shepherd finished drying her hair, and then she walked over to Blitz. He put his towel back on the rack, and then he pulled his wife into a warm, loving hug. She snuggled her head up against his chest for a few minutes, and then she looked up into his eyes. She said, "Good morning, Blitz. Did you sleep well last night?"
Blitz smiled at Samantha, and he kissed her cheek, before replying, "Of course I did…how can I not when I've got you in my arms, my love. Sam, you and Karina both mean the world to me, and I'll never stop loving you, not for as long as I live."
Samantha replied, "I love you too, Blitz…ever since the day we married, you've been nothing but wonderful to me. I thought I'd never be able to feel joy, after my old family was killed by that bastard arsonist…but when I met you, we both filled the void in each others' hearts, and now, I know that we'll always be together, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Blitz hugged his wife one last time, and then they pulled their clothing on. Karina entered the room, freshly showered and ready for the day ahead. She looked just like Samantha, except that her fur was dark brown and gold, like her father's. She said, "Good morning, mom and dad. Are you ready to head down for breakfast…I can smell Uncle Hunter cooking homemade muffins…and they smell great!!"
Blitz and Sam both smiled at their daughter, and then the two of them headed downstairs to join their friends.
Exile and Kasha's room…
As Kasha came out of the bathroom, she finished drying the fur on the back of her neck, after putting her clothes on. When she walked out into the main part of her room, she smiled at the sight before her eyes. Her seven-year old son Alek was learning how to do maintenance work from his father. Exile was fixing Blitz's AM/FM radio alarm clock, and he'd taken it apart on his workbench. Alek sat next to him, holding a multi-purpose precision tool, while Exile worked on the receiver. Exile said, "Now son, can you please be handing me voltage tester?"
Alek replied, "Da…here is tool, father." Exile accepted the voltage tester from his son, and he attached the positive and negative leads to the appropriate contacts on the circuit board. When he was satisfied with the status of the device, he said, "Now, please be passing the screwdriver, son."
Reaching over, Alek picked up the requested item and placed it into his father's hand, and Exile then proceeded to close up the now-repaired radio. He said, "There…Comrade Blitz's music machine is good as newski. Now then…I will be going in for shower, and then we will join comrades downstairs for breakfast. How does that sound, my little snowflower?"
Kasha replied, "Like music to my ears, my handsome hero Husky. I will wait hereski with Alek, while you get cleaned up. I love you, Exile."
Exile leaned down and kissed his wife on the nose, and he said, "I love you too, Kasha. Thank you for all your help, Alek…you make me very proud to be your father, and I know you will be great Road Rover someday."
Alek smiled, and he replied, "Da…I learned from two very good teachers…my parents. Have good shower, Father…and then we will go and see our comrades."
Exile headed into the bathroom, after grabbing a fresh set of clothes from his closet. After twenty minutes, he came out all fresh and clean, and then he joined his wife and son as they headed downstairs to join their friends for breakfast.
Kitchen of Road Rover HQ…
Hunter heard the timer beep on the oven, and he pulled out the trays containing the muffins he'd made. First came a tray of blueberry muffins, then a tray of cranberry muffins, and finally, a tray of pistachio muffins. He set the trays down, and Colleen said, "Oh my…Huntie, those smell abso-bloomin'-lutely incredible!! I'm so glad I was able to find someone like you that cooks with the same great skill that you use to lead us in battle."
Hunter reached over and hugged Colleen, and he said, "You're a wonderful young lady, Colleen. I've never known anyone that was as smart, loyal, charming, strong, and beautiful as you are, aside from my mother. You're everything I've ever dreamed of, and so much more. You've become the core of my soul, and I'll never let you go."
Colleen replied, "I know, Huntie…I'll always be right here at your side. Now then…I think I'll have one of these pistachio muffins."
Hunter took out a paper plate, and then he placed one of the muffins onto it, before sliding the dish over to Colleen. She kissed him on the nose, and then she sat down at her usual spot, after pouring herself a glass of orange juice. Hunter took a cranberry muffin, and Starlight chose a blueberry one. Both Alex and Cassie chose a pistachio muffin, while Kayla decided on a cranberry muffin. They had just finished sitting down, when Blitz and Sam walked in, along with Karina. Exile came in just seconds behind them, along with Kasha and Alek. Kayla excused herself, and she went to give Alek a hug. The young Husky gently embraced his friend, while Alex did the same with Karina. Before she made her way back to her chair, Cassie walked up and hugged her brother, and she said, "How are you today, Alex?"
The young male Retriever/Collie mix replied, "I'm doing great, sis. How about you?"
Cassie said, "Couldn't be better...we're all happy, healthy, and together as a family. I don't think anything could ruin this perfect day."
Alex and Cassie hugged one more time, before returning to their seats.
Blitz took his spot at the table across from Starlight, and Samantha sat down next to him. Karina's chair was in the middle of the two of them, and over to Samantha's right were Exile and Kasha, with Alek in the middle. Blitz and Sam both decided on a cranberry muffin, while Karina chose a pistachio muffin. Exile picked blueberry, while Kasha and Alek decided on a cranberry muffin. Shag grabbed a pair of blueberry muffins…one for himself, and the other one for Muzzle. The Rottweiler ate his breakfast in under a second, and he bounced up and down happily. Hunter said, "I see that Muzzle likes my cooking…how is it, guys?"
Blitz said, "Hunter, these have to be the best home-made muffins I've ever had…the cranberries are still fresh, the muffins are light and fluffy, and they literally melt in your mouth…and I love the cinnamon that you sprinkled into them for extra flavor!!"
Hunter replied, "Thanks, Blitz…that's nice."
Colleen said, "He's right, Huntie. I swear…I've never had tastier muffins than these, and I couldn't ask for a better group of friends…or a better family. I love you all."
Hunter blushed, and Starlight smiled. She said, "We all love you too, Colleen…especially Hunter and I…not to mention my three darling grandchildren."
Colleen hugged her mother, and then she did likewise with Hunter and the others in turn, before going back to her breakfast. After they had finished eating, Hunter and Colleen helped Starlight clean up, while the kids decided to go down to the Rec Room until their parents were ready to go out shopping. Alex and Karina started up a game of Ping-Pong, while Cassie played one of the Pinball machines. Alek and Kayla were playing air hockey, and as they got into the game, Kayla fired a shot off the right wall that deflected into Alek's goal. The young Husky said, "That was great shot, Kayla…you are great player, just like both your mother and father. They were right to say that you would be great Road Rover someday…just like you already are my best friend."
Kayla smiled, and she replied, "Thank you, Alek…you're my best friend too, and I know you'll be just as good as your parents are. They're right to be proud of you, and if you ever need help, I'll always be here for you."
The two of them hugged, and then they went back to their game, which Kayla eventually won 10-9. She and Alek hugged once more, before going back up to join their parents.
Alex and Karina were tied 14-14 in their game, and for the next five minutes, they batted the ball back and forth over the net, neither one of them able to score the winning point. They both had the gift of super speed, but Alex then remembered a trick that his father had taught him…putting a backspin on the ball. He executed the maneuver, and it caught Karina off guard completely. She moved to intercept, but the ball flew right past her. Alex said, "That was a great game, Karina…you almost had me a few times there. If you're that good at ping-pong, I'd feel sorry for any bozo that finds himself unlucky enough to take you on in combat, once we become Rovers ourselves."
Karina said, "You're really good yourself, Alex. I can tell you've got your dad's speed and quick wits, and your mom's agility…you'll make a great leader someday, and I just know that your mom and dad are gonna be really proud of you, just like I'm proud to call you my best friend in the world."
Alex hugged the young Shepherd/Doberman mix, and he replied, "You're my best friend too, Karina…and I'll always be watching out for you."
The two friends waited until Cassie finished her pinball game, and then they all headed back upstairs.
Hunter smiled when he saw the kids come up, and he said, "I'm going to go and see The Master now, but I'll see all of ya when you get home. Have a fun trip, guys. Oh…and Colleen…"
The pretty Collie walked over to Hunter, and she said, "Yes, Huntie…what is it?"
Hunter kissed her, and he said, "I love you, Colleen."
Colleen kissed Hunter in return, and she replied, "I love you too, Huntie. We'll be back soon. Sam, Kasha…let's head out."
The other two female Rovers headed out with Colleen, and the three of them were soon joined by Blitz, Exile, and Shag, along with the kids. Muzzle stayed behind, and he decided to follow Hunter into Professor Shepherd's office.
Hunter walked down the hall, until he reached the door to the office. He knocked, and then he heard The Master's voice. He said, "Come in."
Hunter opened the door, and he said, "Good Morning, Master. Can I talk to you for a few minutes?"
Professor Shepherd smiled, and then he gestured to one of the chairs in his office. He said, "Good morning, Hunter…and by all means, you can always come and talk with me. What's on your mind?"
Hunter cleared his throat, and then he replied, "It's about my mom, Master. Her birthday's in three days, and I want to make her birthday this year extra special…one that she'll remember forever."
The Master smiled, and he said, "That's a wonderful thought, Hunter. So what are you planning to do…take her out to dinner, buy her something special, or cook her favorite meal here at home?"
Hunter said, "None of the above, Master…I'm gonna give her the present that she's always wanted…I'm gonna find my father, bring him back here to HQ, and then I'm gonna put him through the Transdogmafier so that my mom can have her fondest wish granted. After they've had time to talk, THEN I'm gonna cook a special birthday dinner for her, and during dinner, he can get to know Colleen and the kids."
The Master smiled, and then he replied, "That must be the most wonderful gift idea of all, Hunter…you truly are a remarkable young dog, and I can see why Starlight is so happy to call you her son. You have my full and undivided support, Hunter…and don't worry, I'll make sure Professor Hubert gets her a gift as well. I've already bought her one."
Hunter said, "Thanks, Master. I'll see you later…I'll be in my room using the Recon Satellite remote linkup to find my dad. Call me when the others come home."
The Master nodded, and then Hunter left. Professor Shepherd said, "Well, Scout…looks like it's time to start making plans to welcome another new friend."
Muzzle hopped up and down, and then he watched while Professor Shepherd read over the various reports from the Rovers' field agents, and the images from various Recon satellites and the U.S. Military's SR-71 Blackbird spy planes.
Hunter's room…
Hunter opened up his laptop, logged in, and then he accessed the remote satellite linkup program. On the screen, it read 'Establishing connection…Linkup complete…Awaiting commands.'
Hunter chose the heading 'Hi-Resolution scan', and that brought up a crystal-clear image of the United States. He began searching every state, bit by bit. He swept the scan over Wyoming first, but no dog that he saw looked anything like the photo of his father that his mother had given him…the only one that had ever been taken. Hunter then expanded the search to Arizona, Nevada, and California…with no luck. He then checked Washington, and finally, Oregon. He was examining the area around Portland, when suddenly, he saw a male dog that was about the same age as his mother, sitting in a shelter. He zoomed in, and when he scanned the photo onto his computer, it read '100 percent match confirmed.'
Hunter said, "Dad…hang in there…I'll be coming to get you soon."
He closed up his laptop, and then he went to have a talk with his mother.
Local Mall…
Colleen was with her kids, as they searched for a gift for Starlight. Colleen found a lovely blue and white evening dress, and since blue was her mother's favorite color, she decided to pick it up. Alex came over, and he held a pair of cookbooks in his hands. He said, "Mom, how's this? Grandma loves cooking, and she doesn't have these yet."
Colleen replied, "I think those will be just fine and dandy, my dear. Now then…let's just wait here for your sisters."
A few minutes later, Cassie came up holding a new spring jacket, and Kayla had chosen a comfy-looking light blue bathrobe, since Starlight's old one was starting to look a bit worn. Colleen smiled at her daughters, and then she headed up to the checkout counter. Pulling out her credit card, Colleen paid for her purchases, and while she carried the dress and the robe, Alex carried the cookbooks, while Cassie carried the jacket.
Blitz and Sam were over in the Bath and Body shop, and Samantha saw a set of scented bath soaps. She decided to pick them up, and as she did so, Blitz came over with a new mirror, along with a brush and comb set. Blitz said, "Those smell heavenly, Sam…I know Starlight's going to love them!!"
Samantha replied, "Thanks, Blitz…and I know she'll love the new mirror and hair care set that you're buying her."
Karina came over, with a pair of bubble bath dispensers in her hands. One of them was vanilla-scented, and the other one smelled like cherries. Blitz and Sam both smiled, and once they'd paid for their purchases, they found a bench to sit down on, while they waited for the others.
Exile and Kasha were over in the bookstore, while Alek paid a vendor to have a shirt custom-made for his Grandmother. On the front, it had a golden Number 1, and on the back, was a picture of Starlight holding Kayla in one arm, and Alek in the other, with the two young Cano-Sapiens holding hands. The other Rovers and their kids were right next to them, and above the picture, it read 'To The World's Best Grandmother.'
Alek handed over the money that he'd been saving from his allowance for this special gift, and once it was ready, he accepted the bag, before going to rejoin his parents.
Exile said, "Ah, there you are, son. Did you get shirt made for wonderful Godmother?"
Alek smiled at his father, and he replied, "Da…is right here, father."
Exile smiled when he saw the shirt, and he said, "Is work of art, Kasha…do you not agree?"
Kasha said, "Is beautifully done, Alek…your Grandmother will love this, I just know it."
Alek hugged his mother, and then Exile spotted a book that he knew Starlight would love. It was a movie/TV show trivia book focusing on the era from the 60's to the early 90's, which was Starlight's favorite era for TV and movies. Kasha found a book on herbal remedies, since Starlight was fond of using various things around the home to make her own medicines. She and Colleen would often work together when one of the kids got sick, and together, they made a wonderful team. When they were satisfied with their purchases, they headed up to pay, and then they headed out to link back up with the others.
Colleen smiled when she and the other Rovers met up, and Samantha said, "Hi Colleen…check out these new scented bath soaps that I bought for Starlight…they're great."
Colleen picked one up and smelled it, and she said, "You're right, Sam…that smells abso-bloomin'-lutely heavenly!! I bought a new evening dress for mum…and Alex got her some new cookbooks, Cassie found a new jacket for her, and Kayla got a new bathrobe."
Blitz smiled, and then he showed Colleen the new mirror/brush/comb set that he'd chosen, and then Karina showed her Godmother the new bubble bath dispensers.
Exile and Kasha both showed Colleen the books that they'd purchased, and Alek held up his custom-made shirt. Colleen's face lit up with a broad smile, and then Shag walked up, carrying a framed picture that he'd ordered. It had Starlight, Hunter, Colleen, and the kids sitting together on a beach in the moonlight, and Colleen recognized it from their trip to Italy. She hugged the big white Kommondor, and then they headed back home.
Recreation Room of Road Rover HQ…
Hunter was sitting next to his mother on the sofa. He said, "Mom, I was just talking to The Master, and he said that he'd help me make this birthday one that you'd always remember. As soon as Colleen and the other Rovers come home, I'll start making lunch, and then we can all have some fun out on the beach. Later on, Colleen and I are gonna cook a special family dinner, and we'll eat outside under the night sky. Is there anything in particular that you'd like for dinner, mom?"
Starlight replied, "I'd love a nice plate of spaghetti with meatballs, son…especially with that sweet tomato sauce that Colleen makes. I love her sauce recipe."
Hunter replied, "So do I, mom…and I'm so glad that you adopted her as part of the family. She means the world to me, and I could never love anyone else. She's my best friend, my soulmate…and the very core of my heart."
Starlight pulled her son into a hug, and she replied, "I know, son…she's definitely a wonderful, very special young lady, and she's perfect for a gold-hearted young male dog like you. From watching the video of your adventures, I could see the chemistry that you both had even from the beginning, and I'm so proud to call you and her my children."
Hunter hugged his mother, and he said, "Thank you, mom…for raising me to be the wonderful dog with the great luck to meet my lovely soulmate, and for making her officially a part of our family by adopting her."
Starlight said, "Think nothing of it, son…you're my only child by birth, and as much as I love you, I could do nothing less than adopt the wonderful young lady that you fell in love with."
The two of them sat and watched TV for about an hour, until The Master's voice came over the intercom. 'Hunter, Starlight…Colleen and the others are home.'
Starlight said, "I'll head up to my room and get ready for lunch…you can go and greet the others. I'll see you soon, Hunter."
After one final hug, Hunter left to join his friends, while Starlight headed for her bedroom. Hunter met Colleen and the others just as they exited the hangar bay, and Hunter said, "Wow…Colleen, mom's gonna love that new dress, and I love all the other gifts you all bought her!! You're the best pack of friends I could ever hope for, and to celebrate our everlasting bonds of friendship, how about if we all join my mom for lunch…I'll cook up some homemade soup, and then we can go out to the beach for a few hours. After that, I plan on cooking some spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, and it's gonna be a family dinner…I hope the rest of ya don't mind."
Blitz replied, "Ja…I understand, Hunter. I know how you enjoy spending time with your family, and I respect that. You're my best friend after all, and whatever makes you happy…that makes me feel happy too."
Hunter shook the Doberman's hand, and then the two of them exchanged a warm, brotherly hug. Colleen said, "Blitz, that was sweet of you. I'm glad to see that you and Huntie are so close now…I knew that you never hated him."
Blitz hugged Colleen gently, and he replied, "Ja…I was just jealous and unsure of myself. He had your love, which I didn't think he deserved because of his breeding…he had the role of leader, and until I saw just how happy you were around him, I couldn't accept the fact that you loved him instead of me. When I realized just how much you both had in common, and how much you were both willing to risk in order to save each other…I realized that you truly were destined to be together. When you brought Samantha into my life, that was the happiest day of all for me. With her, I'm truly happy, and I want you both to know this…Hunter, Colleen…you'll always be like a brother and sister to me. I love you both."
Colleen and Hunter both hugged Blitz, and then Samantha joined in, along with the kids. Exile and Kasha even got into the act, as did Shag. When they'd finished with their group hug, Hunter headed into the kitchen to cook up a pot full of homemade Meatball Alphabet soup, and once it was ready, he called everyone into the dining room. After they were all seated, he dished up the soup, and Starlight smiled when she tried her first spoonful. She said, "Son, this soup is fantastic!! Where'd you learn to make this stuff?"
Hunter swallowed a mouthful of his own soup, and he replied, "I didn't, mom. I kinda made it up as I went along. I'm glad you like it though…it's great to be able to share a wonderful meal with the best group of friends on Earth."
Colleen said, "Amen to that, Huntie. I'd like to propose a toast…to the best friend I've ever had…the most wonderful and loving husband I could ever hope to meet, and the best leader of all time…my wonderful Huntie!!"
The other Rovers stood up and clinked their glasses together, and Hunter blushed under the golden fur on his cheeks. Colleen kissed him, before sitting back down to enjoy the rest of her lunch. After she and the others finished eating, she helped Hunter clean up, and then she walked hand-in-hand with Hunter out to the beach, along with the other Rovers and the kids.
Out on the beach…
Hunter and Colleen curled up under a tree, after spreading out a blanket, and Colleen snuggled her head against Hunter's chest. She said, "Thank you for that wonderful lunch, Huntie…and thank you for this wonderful day. I'm so looking forward to dinner out here on the beach…just you, me, the kids…and mom. I can see why mom loves you so much…it's for the same reasons that I love you. No other male dog that I've ever met has your golden heart, your charm, or those wonderfully warm brown eyes. You're the perfect match for me, Huntie, and I'll always be with you."
Hunter ran the fingers of his right hand through Colleen's hair, while tracing her spine with the other hand. He said, "I've never known any other female dog that has any of the special gifts that you do, my English Rose. You've got a wonderful sense of humor, a warm, kind heart, you're loyal, honest, strong, brave…and you've got those stunning blue eyes that I could just drown in. Colleen, we'll be together forever…I promise you this from the bottom of my heart."
Colleen and Hunter saw sparks under their closed eyelids as their lips met, and when they both had to come up for air, they watched the kids play nearby. Alex and Karina were running around playing tag at the water's edge, while Kayla and Alek dug a pretend road in the sand for his cars. Cassie was sitting down next to Starlight, reading one of her favorite books, as her grandmother worked on her Sudoku book. Blitz and Samantha were swimming together, while Exile and Kasha played hide and seek. Shag was collecting seashells, and they all enjoyed the chance to relax and forget about their cares and worries.
A few hours later, Hunter and Colleen excused themselves, and they headed inside to make dinner. Blitz and Samantha took Karina with them to the Outback Steakhouse, while Exile and Kasha made dinner for themselves and Alek, which they proceeded to take upstairs to their room.
Hunter pulled out a pot, while Colleen began chopping up the tomatoes for her special homemade spaghetti sauce. Alex and Cassie walked in, along with Kayla, and Kayla said, "Mommy, can we help…please?"
Colleen smiled, and she scooped her youngest daughter into her arms, after wiping the tomato stuff off of her hands. She said, "Of course, honey. You can help me with the sauce. Alex, why don't you and Cassie help dad with the salad?"
Alex and Cassie both smiled, and before long, the five of them started working like a well-oiled machine. Hunter showed Alex how to skin a cucumber, while Cassie shredded the lettuce. After they'd finished the salad, Hunter showed his two older children how to make meatballs, and after they'd made enough to fill a bowl, Colleen carried the pot with her specially-made sauce in it. Hunter dumped in the meatballs, and then Colleen boiled water for the spaghetti. Hunter dumped the pasta in, and then Colleen set the food onto the oven. While they waited for it to cook, Hunter took some dinner rolls and slid them into the oven, and Kayla said, "Thanks for letting me help, mommy. Can I help make dinner every night?"
Colleen smiled, and she said, "Of course, my little darling…I couldn't ask for a better daughter than you or your sister…or a better son than your brother. I love you all so much, just like I do your father and Grandma."
Kayla said, "I love you too, Mommy."
The oven beeped, and Hunter turned it off. After that, he drained the pasta, before putting it into a large plastic serving dish. Kayla gathered up napkins and silverware, while Alex grabbed some soda from the fridge. Cassie helped her mother put the meatballs into a bowl, and then they all brought the food outside. Hunter dashed back inside to grab the dinner rolls, and when everything was set up, he said, "Dinner is served, mom."
Starlight said, "Wow…son, this is fabulous!! You even made those yummy buttermilk dinner rolls."
Cassie said, "I helped too, Grandma…and so did Alex and Kayla. I helped daddy make the salad, and Kayla helped make the sauce. Alex helped make the meatballs."
Starlight hugged her grandchildren, and then the happy family sat down to eat the lovingly-made home-cooked meal."
After dinner, Hunter and Colleen took Starlight and the kids out for ice cream. Hunter and Colleen both ordered cherry-limeade…since it was the kind they'd had on their first date, it had become special to them. Starlight ordered a cone of peanut butter ice cream. Alex and Cassie both ordered vanilla, and Kayla chose to have the same kind of ice cream as her grandmother. After they got their treats, they sat down on a nearby hill, and looked up at the stars. Kayla said, "Mommy, I wish you'd been here when we came here with Optimus, during that time he and the Autobots helped you take out Parvo and Megatron. The ice cream man had this funny look on his face when we all climbed out of a huge red and blue semi…and he REALLY got a funny look on his face when Optimus transformed and told him that he'd just taken us out for some ice cream."
Colleen said, "Well…he'd probably never had a thirty-foot tall robot talk to him before…but I'm glad you had fun with him."
Kayla replied, "I did, mommy. I hope he and the others can come and visit someday."
Colleen smiled, and she said, "I'm sure he will, honey. He said that he'd come back to visit us again, and you saw that he always keeps his promises."
Kayla said, "Thanks, mommy…for taking us all out here. The stars are so pretty tonight…I hope nothing spoils Grandma's birthday."
Colleen hugged her daughter, and then they all finished their ice cream, before heading back home for the night.
After they arrived home, Hunter and Colleen said goodnight to the other Rovers, and after everyone else was in bed, Hunter hugged his mother goodnight. Colleen and the kids followed suit, and then Starlight headed into her bedroom for the evening. She took a shower, changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed. She didn't know it yet, but in just a few days, her son would give her the best present of her life.
Hunter and Colleen went into the kids' room, and once the twins had said their goodnights, Kayla picked out her favorite book and set it into Colleen's hands. Colleen allowed her younger daughter to cozy up in her lap, and then she started reading. Once she'd finished, she put the book away, and she said, "Sleep tight, my dear Kayla. I love you."
Kayla replied, "I love you too, mommy. Goodnight, daddy."
Hunter kissed his daughter's cheek, and he said, "Goodnight, Kayla. Sweet dreams."
After he and Colleen tucked their twins into bed, they headed back out into their own bedroom. Hunter said, "I love you so much, my dear Colleen…you make me feel as if we're in heaven when I hold you in my arms, and I want you to know that we'll never be apart…not for as long as I live."
Colleen kissed Hunter deeply, and she replied, "I love you too, Huntie-Wuntie…I have since the day I first met you, and my love for you has only grown stronger every day. My love will forever be yours, this I promise to you with all my heart."
Hunter and Colleen began kissing deeply, as they slowly made their way over to their bed. They climbed under the covers, and within minutes, the world around them faded away as they snuggled up together.
After an hour or so, Hunter and Colleen headed into the shower to clean up, and then they changed the bed. Once they'd gotten comfortable again, Hunter wrapped one arm around Colleen's slim waist, and the other one around her shoulders. She snuggled up against his chest, and within moments, they were both fast asleep, wrapped in the warmth of their love. Little did they know that they would soon be called into action once again.
Next Chapter: While Hunter makes plans to go and pick up his father, Colleen and the other Rovers begin planning Starlight's party. However, Parvo and Groomer escape, and the two of them plan a massive heist to clean out the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. The Master sends the Rovers out to stop the villains from ransacking the priceless collection of treasures. Be here next time for Chapter Two: Time To Save The Day Again.