Shiningtears streamed down the face of Doc Saturday. Pain and lonelinessshone in Drews eyes. Im sorry, Doc she said, pushing herwhite hair behind her ears. Youll be fine with Zak. Maybeyoull find another woman to love, but Ill always be there forour son. The Saturday family had just returned from the towncourthouse. Their divorce papers had been signed earlier that day,but Doc took it very hard. Drew still wore the mini-dress she hadworn to court, and Doc still donned his favorite sweater. Drew hadalready said her good-byes to Zak and the Cryptids. Doc, Iminterested in seeing other people. Youre a great guy, but I dontthink we should be together anymore. Im sorry. Doc stareddirectly into his ex-wifes eyes. I still love you, Drew. Ifthings dont work out, Im here. You can come back to me. Hisbody shuddered as he took a long, shaky breath. Good-bye Drew.Bye, Doc. She grabbed the last of her luggage, and hustled outthe door, not wanting her former husband to see her cry. Onceoutside, Drew climbed into Doyles jeep, waiting outside the house.Her brother gave her a sympathetic look as she sat down in thepassengers seat. He reached over to her, and she continued to sobinto her little brothers muscular shoulder. After pouring what wasleft of her heart onto Doyle, she sat up and stared out thewindshield, not blinking or moving. Are you sure about this?Doyle inquired. Just go Drew replied.
Theydrove for a while, along winding country roads, the lights of thecity left far behind. The pale moon hung in the sky, it silver beamsilluminating the trees that lined the road. The shadows and themoonlight questioned her decision. She didnt let her eyes leavethe road even once; she simply stared into an unseen n world. She feltterrible, remembering all the secret love letters she had beensending and receiving the past few weeks.
Thejeep pulled up to a mansion at the end of the long road. Lights shonethrough the high windows. The estate was grand, with cobblestoneslining the driveway. Intricately trimmed shrubs were planted in thefront of the mansion. Doyle brought the car to a stop, and lookedtoward his sister. I really hope youll be okay. But dontworry. Were all in this together, right? the red-haired manasked. Yeah, itll be great. Thanks for being so reliable.Drew answered. She gave Doyle a kiss on the cheek, grabbed hersuitcase, and started up the driveway.
Reachinginto her purse, Drew pulled out a small, golden key. The initialsLVR were engraved into it. She put the key into the lock, whichwas surprisingly small for such a large door. Drew had to put all herstrength into opening the heavy oak door. Quietly, Drew steppedinside, closing the door behind her.
Theinside of the mansion was even more lavish than the outside.Priceless paintings hung on the wall. The ceilings were vaulted, andthe polished marble floor gleamed. Tall, white candles sat in silverholders on the walls. Before her was a beautiful, white marblestaircase leading to the second floor, and a man stood at the top. Hewas tall and broad shouldered, wearing a black suit with a blood redcarnation in his buttonhole. Gloves concealed his hands. The onlystrange thing about him was the beige-colored mask that hid his face.Drew, my dear Leonidus Van Rook said in a thick Russian accent.I knew youd come. A smile spread across Drews face. Ifinally left Doc. Im all yours, Leo. She dashed up the stairs,and coiled herself around the mercenary. Van Rook held her in hisarms, overjoyed to finally be with the woman of his dreams.Leonidus, I should have been with you from the start. Before I metDoc, we had something special. My heart told me you were the one, butI didnt listen. I dont_ Van Rook had placed his finger overher lips. Hush, my love. Im here now. Lets leave the restbehind us. He pulled up his cold, metal mask, just enough toreveal pale pink lips and dazzlingly white teeth. Van Rook reacheddown to her. Drew let her eyes flutter shut. Their lips met, and theykissed so gently. She looked up at him, her green eyes twinkling.Can you take your mask off? Drew whispered. I want to seeyour eyes. One day, my dear. But not today. Its good to havea little mystery in love. They smiled. Drew tried to suppress ayawn, but to no avail. Sleep, my dear. Well talk tomorrow.Hand in hand, they walked into Van Rooks room, and fell asleep ineach others arms.
Afew uneventful weeks passed, with Van Rook off adventuring every day,and Drew sun tanning or reading. At the end of the week, Drew wentdownstairs for breakfast, joining her new love at the table. Shesensed that Van Rook had a proposition for her, and her feeling wascorrect. Is there something you wanted to ask me, darling? Drewinquired. As a matter of fact, yes. The mercenary reached out,and took the womans hand. You have fire in your soul. You loveadventure, right? Drew looked up at him. She could feel himstaring at her, peering into her soul. She wished she could see hiseyes, and what they were saying. Well, yes. I used to traveleverywhere with with my family. Dont you remember the battle atEllef Ringnes? Drew looked at him, a puzzled expression on herface. Of course I do, how could I forget? Which is why I wanted toask you, Van Rook paused, and took a deep breath. Will you joinme on my adventures?
Theworld stopped spinning around Drew. This man had stolen, killed, andexploited so many Cryptids. He had endangered Doc and Zak countlesstimes. Worst of all, he was working for V.V. Argost, the demonic manwho dreamed of ruling the world.
Drewhesitated before speaking. The pause seemed to last an eternity.Youre right, I love adventure, and I love you. Its reallykind of you to be this concerned about me, too. Drew lovingly ranher hand up Van Rooks arm. So if it makes you happy, Ill doit. She assumed that behind his metal mask, Van Rook was beaming.Sometimes, it disturbed her that she couldnt tell what he wasfeeling. The expressionless mask sent a chill down her spine.Wonderful! the man exclaimed. Ill call Argost and tellhim to add you to the pay roll. The Russian flipped a switch onhis wrist communicator, and a tiny screen popped up. After pressing afew buttons, Argost appeared on the screen. What do you want?the white-haired man said, scowling at Van Rook. Ive called toinform you that Drew Saturday is now on your payroll. Drew shiftedher eyes around nervously. Okay, Ill_ wait, did you say DrewSaturday? Argost asked, a look of shock dancing across hisskeletal features. Van Rook nodded. Drew works with me now. Sheeven lives here the mercenary explained. Argosts golden eyeswidened. His gaze seemed far away, trying to comprehend the newinformation. Okay, Ill put her on the list The screenwent blank. Van Rook pushed the screen back into his wristcommunicator. Drew knew that there was a small machine gun mounted inhis other wrist band, remembering the time when one of the bulletsalmost met Docs arm. One of the gadgets on his wrists beeped. Helooked down at it, then stood up quickly. Looks like your firstjob is today, my dear. Theres been a sighting of the thunderbirdin Ottawa, Canada. This ones tricky, but if we can catch it,Argost will certainly be pleased. Follow me; I already got a niceoutfit for you. Van Rook took Drews hand, and led her upstairs,into their bedroom. Van Rook rummaged through the closet, and pulledout a mercenary uniform, which was quite similar to his outfit. Drewchanged in the next room, pleased with the new clothes. She openedthe door and strutted up to the Russian, modeling the outfit for him.My God, you look beautiful he stammered, amazed at how well theuniform suited her. It was pale lavender, one of her favorite colors.A black sheath for her fire sword was slung across her back. Herblack boots and gloves shone like polished onyx. Now, for thefinal touch Van Rook said, in his thick accent. He pulled a maskout from behind his back. It was dark onyx, with white lensesconcealing the eyes and mouth. Drew could see her reflection in it.Oh, Leonidus, its beautiful, she said, awed by the maskssinister beauty. Slowly, she slipped it on, getting used to the metalagainst her skin. The white lenses changed her view of the world, andfor the first time, she realized what it was like to be on the otherside of the fight for Kur. Wonderful! Lets go the man saidhappily. The pair walked out to the backyard, where a large, spacefighter ship waited on the grass. With the press of a button, thedoor to the ship swung down, and the mercenaries climbed inside. Theengines roared, and the ship rose high into the air, bound forCanada.
Themercenaries arrived on the barren tundra of Ottawa, Canada, but theSaturdays had beaten them there. Drew took a shaky breath when shesaw her ex- husband, little brother, and son climbing up to thethunderbirds nest. The great bird sat in its home, a huge, blackbird that resembled an overgrown crow. Its wingspan was at leastfifty feet long. Leonidus, Im not sure I can do this Drewsaid nervously. She was shocked at how metallic her voice soundedwhile wearing her mask. He reached out to her, and took her hand,rubbing it with his thumb. Drew, youre a very strong, beautifulwoman. Youll be fine Van Rook assured. She nodded, and glancedout the window. Doc and Zak had spotted them, and began climbingfaster. They stood on the edge of the nest, gazing at Van Rooksship. The thunderbird hadnt noticed them yet; it just lookedaround, gazing at the sky.
Thedoor of their ship opened, and the cold, Canadian wind blew pastthem. Ready? Van Rook asked, turning towards Drew. She simplynodded, and started up the jetpack he had given her. The couple flewout of the airship, spiraling down to the nest at breakneck speeds.They landed in front of Zak and Doc, who had drawn their cortexdisrupters on the mercenaries. Doyle had pulled out a concussiongrenade, and was ready to pull the pin. They responded by pullingback their sleeves, revealing the tiny, yet lethal, guns strapped totheir wrists. It was a tense moment for Drew, knowing that someoneslife could end at any moment. Dont even think about it, Docthe Russian man said. The birds coming with us. With that,he pulled a thick rope out from his pack, and proceeded to lasso thegiant bird. It barely flinched; it simply looked down at Van Rookwith an interested expression. Whos your new friend? Doyleasked, looking towards Drew. Oh, just a special someone VanRook replied. Drew still had her gun pointed at Doc, who watched asVan Rook flew to the ship and locked the massive bird in the cargohold. He flew back and rejoined Drews side, pointing his gun atZak. Doc noticed that Van Rooks new sidekick had long, white hairsticking out from under her mask. He wondered No,it couldnt be herhe thought. Good little Saturdays Drew said, trying to disguiseher voice, Thanks for letting us get away. Oh, Argost will be sohappy. At this comment, Doc had lunged at Drew, his power gloveemanating a bright green light. She unsheathed her fire sword andbegan fighting back. Not wanting to be left out, Zak and Doylelaunched onto Van Rook and started bashing him in the head. Theyfought for several minutes, with Van Rook and Drew winning thebattle. Doc kicked the mysterious apprentice in the head, and thatswhen his whole world came to a screeching halt.
Drewsmask had slipped off with the force of his kick. She turned her head,and looked directly into her ex-husbands eyes. Doc stared indisbelief, and her son started to cry softly. Doyle looked at hissister, becoming numb. Drewhow could you? Doc asked, painand sorrow burning in his eyes. Im sorry, but I love Van Rook,and youre not going to change that. It just rips me up inside thatIve been sending love notes to him all these years. Damn,why did I let it slip?Drew thought, feeling so stupid for letting out her deepest secret.What? Doc croaked. A single tear ran down his cheek. I cantbelieve you. Are you serious? His ex-wife responded with a smallnod, choking back her tears. Zak simply glared at his mother, wishingshe would vanish into thin air. Doyles stare brought a wave ofguilt over Drew, feeling his disappointment. I never want to seeyou again Zak said grimly. Youre not my mom. Theres noway a traitor like you could be my mother. Her family went back totheir airship, their quiet sobs echoing in the distance. Drew bentand picked up her mask, and put it back on. She was comforted by thefact that the mask would hide her tears. My dear, dont feelbad Van Rook crooned, wrapping his arms around Drew, as she sobbedinto his chest. Theyre gone, and Ive got you by my side,forever. The mercenaries boarded the airship, and took off for theWeird World mansion to deliver Argosts new pet.
Thearrived in about an hour, after a silent ride in the airship. Drewhad simply wallowed in her sorrow the whole time, feeling like thetraitor she was. She cleared her throat when she felt hot tearsforming in her eyes. Together, they coaxed the thunderbird out of theship, and brought into Weird World through the back door. Argost waswaiting for them, looking quite pleased at the sight of the massivebird. Excellent, its beautiful the white haired man saidhappily. So is Drew Van Rook said, rubbing her slendershoulder. She removed her mask and smiled at Argost, who stared ather in amazement. No worries, boss, the female mercenary chimedin, Ive joined your side in the fight for Kur. Drewsemployer looked at her, and a sadistic smile crossed his face.Thats great news, Drew. Now Ill have Kur even sooner than Ihoped! With the thunderbird delivered to its new master, themercenaries headed for home.
They arrived at Van Rooks mansion justas dusk fell over the valley. The couple had changed into casualoutfits, and had decided to simply relax in their backyard after along, stressful, tear-filled day. The stars twinkled in the heavens,and a gentle summer breeze made the grass rustle. The couple layunder a large oak tree near to the rose garden, where the mercenaryhad picked the most vibrant rose for his true love. Van Rook reclinedagainst the tree, looking down at Drew, gently stroking her hair. Shelaid her head on his strong, muscular chest, running her hand alonghis leg. Oh, Leonidus, arent the stars beautiful? Drew said,looking up at him, wishing she could see his eyes. She really hopedshe could see his true face, just once. Yes, they are. Almost asbeautiful as you Van Rook replied. Drew, do you know how much Ilove you? She stroked his chest and smiled. I think so. VanRook held her close to him, rubbing her smooth hands. Well, let meshow you he said in his hypnotic Russian accent. He reached up,and slowly pulled off his helmet. The man Drew loved was stunning,with jet black hair tied back in a short ponytail, and dazzlingturquoise eyes. His face was flawless, except for a few smallfreckles. His perfect smile was enough to make anyone jealous. Drewsimply smiled, speechless. Van Rook bent down as Drew reachedupwards, resulting in a picture-perfect kiss. Her lips gently tuggedat his, and his tongue caressed hers. Drew ran her fingers throughhis silky hair, and he gently rubbed her cheek. They laid down on thegrass, embracing so tightly that there wasnt any space leftbetween them, and continued to kiss. Never before had two peopleloved each other that much.
Nine months later,Drew gave birth to twins. A handsome boy named Constantine, and abeautiful girl named Andromeda. Van Rook was such a proud father,spending all the time he could with the children. Shortly after, hemarried Drew in an elaborate wedding that took place under the greatoak tree where their love fully blossomed. Before they knew it, thekids were already four years old. Andromeda wanted to be asbeautiful as her mom when she grew up, while Constantine dreamed ofbeing strong like his father. Drew and Van Rook had started abeautiful family together, and were very proud. Doyle came over tovisit around the holidays and over the summer, joining in on thehappy memories. As for Doc and Zak, Drew never saw them again. But toher, it didnt matter. She had fulfilled her lifelong dream: tofinally find the perfect man.
The End