The Best Christmas Ever
Story by: Phoenix710
Summary: Now that Havoc's plans have been foiled, the Road Rovers make their way back home, eager to spend Christmas with their friends and loved ones. Let's join them now, as they sit down for a nice Christmas Eve dinner, before heading to bed, so that they'll be all rested for Christmas Day and it's festivities.
Disclaimer: I do not claim any rights whatsoever to Road Rovers, or to any of the characters or locations associated with the series. Road Rovers, and all associated characters, are registered trademarks of Warner Brothers. However, Alexander, Cassie, Kayla, Karina, Alek, Samantha, Kasha, and the Stealth Rover, as well as the Sirius Mk.IA armor, are products of my imagination. The song that Colleen sings in memory of her mother, 'My Immortal', is property of Evanescence. The Christmas Carol that Hunter sings, "Snoopy's Christmas Carol", is property of The Royal Guardsmen, and the one that Colleen sings, 'Silent Night', is sung by Mariah Carey. The song that they all sing as a group is called 'Little Drummer Boy', by Bing Crosby.
Chapter Seven: Home for the Holidays
Starlight sat in the rec room, watching the news report of her son and daughter's actions in stopping Havoc. She couldn't get over how courageous the two of them were. They'd risked their lives to defeat a heavily armed force that outnumbered them, and now, she'd just heard from The Master that they were on their way home. She pointed at the TV screen, and said, "See that, Kayla…your mommy and daddy stopped the bad man Havoc from hurting lots of people, and now they're coming home." Kayla made a soft cooing noise, and Cassie said, "Grandma, you're really great with Kayla. It's no wonder daddy's such a great dog…you're just as nice as he is." Starlight smiled at her older granddaughter, and said, "Thank you, sweetie. You and your brother are such wonderful children, and I'm so proud to call all of you family. In fact, I'm going to talk to Professor Shepherd about staying here. I may not be able to fight or anything, but I'm sure I can sign on as part of the support staff." Alexander said, "Won't your own master miss you?" Starlight replied, "He's always going off somewhere, so he really doesn't do much, other than leave me a bowl of food and water. I barely get any attention from him, and I'm sick of it." Cassie said, "Wow…I hope Master lets you stay, Grandma. I really like spending time with you, learning to knit, and playing CandyLand and Checkers." Starlight replied, "Believe me, honey…I haven't been this happy since I saw your daddy again, for the first time in years." Alexander asked, "What was dad like as a puppy, Grandma?" Chuckling, Starlight replied, "Oh my…he was such a playful, frisky little pup. He was constantly running around, chasing almost anything that moved. Fallen leaves, squirrels, pouncing on bugs, and, of course, his tennis balls." Just then, The Master's voice came over the intercom. He said, "Starlight, I just thought I'd let you know…we've just picked up the Stealth Rover. They're on landing approach now." Smiling, Starlight said, "Well then, let's go welcome your parents home, shall we?" Together, they all headed out of the rec room, and down to the hangar bay. Minutes later, the huge doors opened, and Starlight saw the big silver and black fighter coming in, the landing gear down, and the wing flaps up, in order to slow itself down. Finally, the large aircraft touched down, and once the roar of the engines had stopped, the hatch opened, and everyone came out. Hunter and the others removed their helmets, and Starlight rushed forward, and embraced her son happily. She said, "Oh Hunter…you and Colleen were wonderful out there! I saw the news report, and you make me so proud, to be your mother! I'm so glad you're safe." Hunter said, "Mom, thanks so much. I love you too." Colleen asked, "How were the kids?" Smiling, Starlight replied, "I didn't have any problems with them. Alexander and Cassie are absolutely a joy, and Kayla slept most of the time. I read her a few books, and taught Cassie how to knit. I also played Checkers and Candyland with the twins. Karina and Alek were no problem either. Karina spent a lot of time playing Connect Four with Alexander, and Alek pretty much played with his toy cars." Hunter watched as Colleen held Kayla close, as the little girl snuggled against her mother's warm fur. Professor Hubert came out, and said, "I just finished downloading the Stealth Rover's mission recorder, and the ones in your helmets as well. You did great out there, and The Master's waiting. I'll see you all at 8:00pm for dinner." Hunter said, "Well then, let's head upstairs, get debriefed, and then we can change out of this armor." The other Rovers agreed, and Starlight joined them. She said, "Hunter, I'd like to be there when The Master congratulates you, and I'd also like to talk with him about something, before we go to dinner." Hunter replied, "Sure thing, Mom. I'm sure he won't mind."
The Rovers, along with Starlight, entered the Briefing Room, and The Master turned to face them. He said, "Starlight, what brings you here?" She replied, "Well, I actually wanted to ask you if I could stay here from now on. My owner never really pays attention to me, and I'm tired of being by myself, whenever he runs off to who knows where. I'd like to be able to be closer to my family, secondly, and, in return, I'll think of a way to help out around here." The Master replied, "Well, Starlight, I'm sure Hunter and Colleen, and especially your three wonderful grandchildren, won't be disappointed, when I say that I have no problem with you staying here. I'll have your guest room turned into your permanent room, right across from Hunter and Colleen's room." Hunter smiled, and so did Colleen, along with the twins. Hunter said, "Oh mom…this is just so…AWESOME!!! I can't believe that you're actually gonna stay here from now on…" Starlight replied, "Honey, now that I've seen how wonderful your wife and children are, not to mention your friends, I don't want to leave. I've been away from you for so long, and I don't want to be apart from my family again." Hunter replied, "Mom…I've missed you so much…" They hugged one another, overjoyed that they would never be separated again. The Master then began to debrief the Rovers. He said, "Your performance against Havoc was remarkable, and all of you displayed incredible courage, loyalty, and everything else, that makes me proud to know that I chose the right dogs to form the team. Thanks to you, Havoc will be in jail for a very, very long time, and you also prevented a devastating global war. You're good dogs, Rovers. Good, good dogs." Hunter smiled, as he turned to face his friends, and said, "TO THE POWER OF THE PACK!!!" The rest of the Rovers, and even Starlight, responded with the usual, "AAAHHHRRROOO!!!" Once that was done, the Rovers all went down to the armory, put away their weapons and armor, and then they all went into their rooms to take a shower. After that, they all headed into the dining room, and Shag soon brought out dinner. A delicious-looking turkey, gravy, noodles, cranberry sauce, and all the other traditional Christmas fixings. The Master stood up, and said, "Rovers, it gives me great pleasure to announce that, as of now, Hunter's mother, Starlight, will be staying here with us, from now on. Hunter, would you please say Grace?" Hunter stood up, and took hold of Colleen's hand with one of his, and his mother's hand with the other. He said, "Dear God Almighty…thank you for this wonderful meal, that we are about to share with our friends, family, and loved ones. We also thank you for our being able to enjoy another year together, all healthy and safe. I want to personally thank you, for finally reuniting me with my mother, and for allowing my beloved wife and children, to be adopted by her as part of the family. We ask for peace and prosperity in the upcoming year, and we also give thanks for your son, the Holy Lord Jesus Christ, the birth of whom this wonderful night is dedicated to. Thank you." The rest of the Rovers replied in unison, "AMEN!!!" The Rovers all sat down, and began fixing their plates. Starlight swallowed a bite of her turkey, and said, "Hunter, you truly are a wonderful son, and your 'Grace' speech, put tears in my eyes. After seeing your mission footage, and seeing how brave you were when protecting Colleen, and seeing her protecting you, I know that you'll always be together." Colleen said, "Merry Christmas, Starlight." Starlight pulled Colleen into a hug, and replied, "Merry Christmas, Colleen." Hunter kissed the lovely female Collie, and Colleen then stood up. She said, "I'd like to sing a song now, dedicated to the memory of my mum, who passed on when I was just a pup. Mum, I want you to know, that I've never forgotten you…" Colleen then began singing the song that she'd memorized, for this very occasion. It was the song 'My Immortal', by Evanescence.
'I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me'
When she finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Hunter and Starlight both hugged her, letting her know that they'd always be there for her. Hunter said, "I'm here, sweetheart…I'm here…" He kissed her deeply, rubbing her neck and back, until she finally finished crying. After that, they headed back to the table, and finished eating.
A little while later, they'd all gathered in the rec room, to sing some Christmas Carols before going to bed. Hunter started it off with one of his favorites, 'Snoopy's Christmas Carol', by The Royal Guardsmen.
'The news had come out in the First World War
The bloody Red Baron was flying once more
The Allied command ignored all of its men
And called on Snoopy to do it again.
Was the night before Christmas, 40 below
When Snoopy went up in search of his foe
He spied the Red Baron, fiercely they fought
With ice on his wings Snoopy knew he was caught.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to man
The Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights
He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight
Why he didn't shoot, well, we'll never know
Or was it the bells from the village below.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man
The Baron made Snoopy fly to the Rhine
And forced him to land behind the enemy lines
Snoopy was certain that this was the end
When the Baron cried out, "Merry Christmas, my friend"
The Baron then offered a holiday toast
And Snoopy, our hero, saluted his host
And then with a roar they were both on their way
Each knowing they'd meet on some other day.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man'
Everyone applauded Hunter, and Colleen stepped up to take the microphone next. She said, "I'm going to be performing 'Silent Night', by Mariah Carey.
'Silent night, holy night! Silent night, holy night! Silent night, holy night! Silent night, Holy night!
All is calm, All is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Saviour is here,
Jesus the Saviour is here!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.'
Colleen got the same applause that Hunter had, and then Hunter joined her up front. He said, "I'd like everyone to come up here now, so that we can all sing, 'Little Drummer Boy', together. Once everyone had gathered around, they all began singing.
'Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to
give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you!
Pa rum pum pum
On my drum
Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.'
As soon as they were done singing, they all said goodnight and Merry Christmas to one another, and then headed for their rooms. Hunter and Colleen climbed into bed, and were asleep moments later. Blitz and Samantha stayed up for a little bit, reading, before they too went to bed. Exile and Kasha watched Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, and then they also fell asleep. It had been a long day for the Rovers, but it had also been very rewarding, especially for Hunter and Colleen. Not only had Hunter's mother decided to stay with them forever, but she had accepted Colleen into the family, and Hunter knew that nothing could possibly make him happier. This was truly going to be a Christmas that he'd never forget.
Next Chapter: The Rovers wake up on Christmas morning, have breakfast, and then they exchange presents. Join us next time for lots of cheer, love, and joy, as the Rovers spend the happiest day of the year together, in Chapter Eight: Merry Christmas to all!
