Flight (Book 1 of Arrow Hawk Series, Also Prequel)

My Heroine: Zvezda (Star)!

Звезда мой герой, и только моя. Держитесь подальше от ее Тайлер Сеген! (Zvezda is my heroine, and only mine. Stay away from her Tyler Seguin!)

One month later...

"Звезда, помоги мне! (Star, help me!)" a thick Russian accented scream split through the night air of Dallas, Texas.

Below, in the player's parking lot for the Dallas Stars, three menacing-looking Minnesota Wild players had cornered the first line's young blond winger, Valeri Nichushkin. He was backed against the wall of the arena. One of the Wild players lunged at him and the other two followed suit. The three of them grabbed Val's arms and restrained him.

"Позвольте мне перейти! Звезда!! (Let me go! Star!!)"

"Shut up Russian!"

Two Wild players pinned his arms behind him and forced him to the ground. The third player withdrew a roll of black duct tape. He tore off a rectangular piece and slapped it over Val's mouth. The blond Russian fidgeted, trying to pull free, but he was held securely in place. He grunted and let off distress noises.

"Ah, much better. You're much better behaved with that tape over your mouth, Russian. Now let's get those hands of yours tied up..." The man with the tape stepped forward ready to bind Val's wrists together behind him, but he stumbled on his feet.

Suddenly, the ground shook around them. A red haired angel-looking person stood, glowing silver in a green dress with white boots on. She had brilliant green eyes, which flashed with anger. White angel wings with green tips protruded from her back.

It was Black Hawk...but it wasn't Black Hawk! This was Zvezda, the Dallas Stars' heroine. Or more precisely Valeri Nichushkin's heroine. She was Evelyn O'Reilly still but not 'AKA: Black Hawk', she was 'AKA: Zvezda'!

"By the power of the stars and the universe, I command you to let him go now or I'll make you!"

They ignored her and continued tormenting Val, who fought to get free. Val had managed to get the tape off of his mouth and he was panicking, "ZVEZDA!!"

Evelyn raced forward toward them. She sent little star-shaped discs out at the Wild players. They hit them, bursting into a dozen sparks, almost like a supernova exploding. Then she spun around on her heels and plucked the nearest Wild player and flung him into the air and sent him flying across the lot. The other two dragged Val toward a car and shoved him into the trunk. "Звезда, помогите мне! помогите мне!! AHHHH!!!! (Star, help me! Help me!)" They slammed the lid shut, trapping him inside the trunk.

Before either of them could hop into their seats and get away with their idea, Evelyn caught them both. She drew up a Black Hole with a simple hand gesture and flung them into it. They vanished instantly. She flicked her hand quickly to get rid of the Black Hole and then walked over to the car. She opened the trunk up and Val climbed out. He gripped onto her.

"You okay, Nichy?"

"Yeah. Stupid Wild players...they gang up on me and attack. I try to defend, but they strong and they want to hurt."

"Looks like you could have some more English lessons there from Brooke."

Val wraps his arms around her. "I'm so happy you my heroine! I always wanted you, but you no want me, now you do and you save me!"

"Yes, though I'm still trying to get a grasp on these new powers. Hawkley injected me with this different liquid stuff. Obviously I'm still new to the whole "Zvezda" thing."

"You make good Zvezda! Мощность звездами. (Power of the Stars)"

"Yeah, the Power of the Stars, which includes Black Hole Creation, Stardust Manipulation, Star Generation, Asterokinesis, understanding and speaking Russian and saving you and the Dallas Stars, as well as a ton else I'm sure. My powers are more elaborate than Black Hawk I tell you!"

"Yeah!"

"Weird powers...but I'm sure I'm capable of much more...it will come with learning and practice. But please, like I once told Jonathan Toews, stay out of trouble, okay? Пожалуйста, держаться подальше от неприятностей, ладно? (Please, stay out of trouble, okay?)"

"Ладно! (Okay!)"

"English! Even though I understand you."

"Okay."

Evelyn gave him a quick kiss and then twinkled like a star. She blew him another kiss in farewell, before fading away. He grinned and darted back into the AAC. He darted down the hall and into the locker room. He skidded to a halt, staring at Jamie Benn, his captain, who was shocked at his sudden arrival.

"What's up, Val?"

"Dallas has heroine!!"

"Dallas has a heroine? Are you okay, Val?"

"Zvezda!! Zvezda saved me!"

"Zvezda? As in Star? I know you taught us all Star in Russian."

"Da, Zvezda!" He started to go off on a fast Russian rant.

Jamie patted him. "Come and get your things, so we can get to the plane. We have to be in San Jose for the game tomorrow!"

The two of them finished getting their things together and then walked off out into the brisk Dallas air. Val looked up to the sky, spotting all the stars out. They twinkled, as if winking at him. He smiled and when he looked back down, Evelyn stood on the bottom step of the plane. She walked forward and grabbed Val's head in her hands and kissed him again.

Right in front of Jamie, who was shocked.

"Hawkley doesn't have to know about this, but yeah, I'm real, Jamie Benn and if ever any Star (reluctantly including Tyler Seguin) needs help, I am here to help. I am the Dallas Stars savior, Zvezda or Star." She twinkled and faded away again, laughing. "Good luck in your games! Beat the Sharks!"

Jamie turned to Val, who was beaming largely. He shook his head and walked up the steps and into the plane. "Come on, Val!"

Val blinked and then zoomed up after him.

And she stayed true to her word, she would often save Valeri Nichushkin by day and then watch him play hockey by night! And she went to every game. Sure, many didn't recognize her, but she was there...as Evelyn O'Reilly.

The End.

To be continued...