This chapter has surgery scene. Those of you who are squeamish about this you can skip.
Operation Bronco High
Steed groaned as he woke up, the dimness of the area he was in promptly got him to sit up slowly. He had awoken to find himself in a small, dark cave, the ceiling looking like it had been caved in recently.
Steed: Ugh...dang it.
Steed sighed. He and Freefall were out in the wilderness to ease Steed's mind of the recent events of the season. Turns out there was a Blitzbot that attacked them that caused a avalanche, Steed pushing Freefall out of the way and falling into a hole, which was now covered up. Steed looked at himself, helmet gone along with the shoes and his uniform dirtied and ripped.
Steed: Great...*Starts to get up* I better find a way o-
Suddenly, Steed felt a big pain coming from his stomach as it sent him back on his knees. He clutched it as he tried to make the pain fade.
Steed: Ouch...don't tell me I bruised my stomach.
He tried to get up again and walk. Suddenly, he felt pain in his stomach again as he fell, clutching his stomach and falling to his knees.
Steed: *Pain* Errg-I-I don't think a bruised stomach does that.
Steed laid near the wall abit, trying to think of what might cause this...then it click, before he passed out something came towards him.
Steed: Don't tell me I swallowed that control Module.
He proceeded to get up again, once again the stabbing pain returned worse then before, causing him to yell in pain.
Steed: Wonderful...like I have not had enough of Blitzbots one is killing me from the inside..
Steed slowly got up, holding onto the wall for support as the pain returned. Steed gritted his teeth as he moved forward.
Steed: Well...I'm not letting this one win over me.
On surface...
Cyclops grunted as he made it to the top of the platto, the autumn breeze sending a few leaves around. Cyclops had seen that Freefall had taken Steed out to clear his head, so he opted to join them. The Titian Rusher still felt guilty of the words he said on that day, so he wanted to let the Bronco know he didn't mean it and apologies. The others had reassure him that they know he didn't mean it, but he wanted Steed conformation on it. Cyclops got up and froze for a moment, seeing Freefall kneeling and pushing rocks out of the way.
Freefall: *Moving another Rock; worried* Oh no, no no no no. This is bad.
Cyclops: Freefall?
Freefall turned and sighed in relief, running over to Cyclops. One look at Freefall made Cyclops go serious.
Cyclops: What happened?
Freefall tried his best to calm his racing heart.
Freefall: Attack...Blitzbot, avalanche...Steed pushed me away and fell-into a hole, caved in.
Cyclops eyes widen at the information, but he shoke his head.
Cyclops: You won't get anywhere digging, there is a cave entrance down the side I came in, we go through there we might have a better chance of finding Steed.
Freefall gave a small smile.
Freefall: The one that has the large ledge...I know where that is. I can fly us down and we can start looking.
Cyclops nodded...praying that Steed was okay.
Back in the cave...
Steed was sweating from the amount of pain he was enduring. Needless to say the Module was putting up a fight as well
Steed: *Pain* Sweet...your a stubborn one are you-
Just as he said that he flinched and fell to his knees as a sharp burning pain was made. Steed panted in pain as he tried to get back up when he tasted something in his mouth. Steed gaged as he coughed a mysterious, bitter and copper tasting liquid moving slowly down down his mouth...blood.
Steed: *Pain* Dang it...
Steed was not going to lose to the Blitzbot again...What they did to him along with the others, what he felt...he felt no pain. No sorrow. Nothing...only silence and coldness. Those words
Let him go, he's no longer one of us...
Though right now he was feeling the burning sensation of pain. He took one step forward. Abruptly, a strong pain in his upper stomach region emerged, screaming in pain.
Steed: *Pain* IF ANYONE CAN HEAR ME, HELP! HELP!
Footsteps were heard as Cyclops and Freefall found Steed. Steed looked up to see the two, surprise to see Cyclops here as well.
Steed: *Pain* Freefall-C-Cyclops?
Cyclops ran over and helped Steed up to his feet.
Cyclops: There we go...we got you.
Steed: *Pain* Your both a site...
Freefall: *Runs over* Are you going to be okay?
Steed was about to answer when the cave started to rumble, rocks cracking and falling from the ceiling.
Cyclops: Oh crap it's gonna cave in!
Steed froze at that. They won't be able to get out in time unless...he was not about to lose anyone else. He grabbed Cyclops and Freefall, took a deep breathe and bolted, making him an orange blur. Steed blood was on fire as he ran ignoring the pain, it did not help that It his ribs cage felt like it was wrapping itself tightly around his lungs. Steed saw the exit and with a scream of both pain and endurance, the three got out as the cave closed off. Steed tripped and fell, releasing his grip on Cyclops and Freefall and they tumbled to the side. Steed however landed on a sharp rock, stomach first. His eyes widen as he felt a painful burning sensation raise form his stomach. He gagged and fell to the ground, coughing up the power module. Cyclops and Freefall slowly got up.
Cyclops:Y-You okay?
Freefall: Y-Yeah, you?
Cyclops: Yeah...wait where-
They turned and paled. Steed was laying on his side, clutching his stomach as they ran over, Cyclops cradling Steed gently.
Cyclops: STEED! YOU OKAY!?
Steed could not respone. Cyclops and Freefall could see that the Bronco was clearly in a great deal of pain...it was then Freefall noticed the power module and fear started to form when he saw the bits of blood on it, as well and the one that was falling form Steed's mouth.
Freefall: That-He must of swallowed it when the avalanche happened...
Cyclops tensed...before grabbing the module and throwing it to a nearby rock, shattering it.
Cyclops: We need to get back to the HOK and the others, NOW!
Freefall: Right!
Freefall was preparing to get airborne when Steed tired to stand up, only to fall in pain. Cyclops gently picked up.
Cyclops: Don't worry I'll carry you.
Steed nodded before Freefall picked them up and they flew off fast...
Cyclops: Freefall...can you do me a favor.
Freefall: Yes?
Cyclops: No matter how bad it is...Save him... please
This made Freefall go faster and he nodded.
HOK...
Freefall skidded to a halt at the infirmary, Cyclops jumping off.
Freefall: I'll get the other, you help Steed.
Cyclops nodded as Freefall ran off. Cyclops walked over and placed Steed on the bed. At that moment another surge of pain was felt and he gripped the sheets, pulling them from the mattress with a face of pain. Cyclops placed his hand into Steed's.
Cyclops: *Soothing* Don't worry...everything will be okay.
Stampede's voice: WHERE IS HE?!
Cyclops turned to see Freefall and the other twenty nine Rusher, fear evident on their faces and they paled when they saw Steed's condition.
Bolt: Your not kidding when you said it was bad.
Stallion: I think the main question is how bad?
Freefall: That's what I'm gonna find out...Cyclops.
Cyclops was hesitant at first, but slowly let go of Steed's hand as Freefall walked over. He got out the x-ray machine and hovered it over Steed, turning it on...and he froze, shaking.
Liberty: Freefall...how bad is it?
Nothing..
Stampede: Freefall?
Freefall: It-It's not pretty...the main artery of the stomach has been cut and pierced so many times, there's a huge slash near one of the ways that has opened and there is an excessive amount of blood bleeding not just from the stomach. I-I'm afraid it's not looking good...it's bad...
Rampage: Can you save him?
Freefall felt his tears prick his eyes.
Freefall: I can't sedate him to do that...with all that is going on it would kill him, he's just-just barely alive as is.
Cyclops: Yo-Your-*Tears form* There's has to be another way! Any way other than letting him suffer!
Freefall: HOW THOUGH!?
Cyclops trembled as he was about to run out when he was knocked down by something. He shoke his head as he looked up...and he along with everyone else froze. Ish was there along with OT.
Cyclops: I-Ish...WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?
OT: He is here for Guardian training...though I can see there is something more important than train right now.
Pillage: Why'd you-Why of all days here! H-He's just a kid he should not be seeing this-
Ish: I want to...
This shocked the Rusherz.
Bolt: Ish...
Ish: I want to know what's going on...I remember hearing about the incident a few months back with Pillage...but I want to help you guys. Not just as a Guardian...I want to help as a friend..please, tell me, what's going on with Steed.
The Rusherz teared up at Ish, heartfelt with the new Guardian wanting to help them. With a sigh, they explained to him everything that happened. Ish listened closely and when they were done, he turned to OT.
Ish: OT...Do you think there is a way to do surgery without sedating Steed.
OT: There is one way...perhaps numbing his body while he's awake.
Ish nodded in agreement.
Ish: Do you think you guys can do that?
The Rusherz felt a shiver up their spines.
Spot: Surgery...while he's awake...is that still a thing?
Claw: I'm not sure...but it seems to be the only option left.
Steed was listening on the the conversation, tears pricked his eyes...he had cause them so much pain...he had caused them so much grief..
Steed: *Pain* Why would you want to save me...after the trouble I've caused..
The Rusherz turned in shock at the sentence.
Alto: Steed...what are you saying!?
Scavenger: You don't mean any of that!
Steed: *Pain* But it's truth...just admit it...I'm no longer-
Cyclops: *Tears falling* DON'T YOU DARE FINISH THAT LINE!
Everyone jumped at the Titian's voice rage as he ran over.
Cyclops: DON'T YOU ARE SAY IT!
Steed: *Pain* But it's true...you said-
Cyclops: *Tears* NOTHING! I REGRETTED EVER SECOND OF THAT LINE EVER SINCE THAT DAY! I WAS HORRIFIED I EVEN SAID IT! IT'S BAD ENOUGH THAT YOU WERE TURNED BUT FOR ME TO SAY THAT, UNFORGIVABLE! YOU ARE ONE OF US! NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED!
Steed: *Pain* But...if i just been faster..or check-
Cyclops: *Tears* BUT NOTHING! IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! IT'S NO ONES FAULT THAT HAPPENED!
Cyclops grabs Steed's hand, grips it.
Cyclops: *Tears* I mean it! Steed...I'm so sorry for saying that! I'm sorry! I'M SORRY! I just...you wanting to die just like that...i just-I can't...I don't want you to suffer anymore cause of this...please...We nearly lost all six of you more than once, please don't let this be permanent. I can't lose you-I DON'T WANT to lose you.
Steed felt his tears fall from his face. Steed gave a painful smile back at Cyclops, who gave him a tearful one in return.
Cyclops: I'm never leaving you Steed...I promise...
Steed sniffed as a jolt of pain went through.
Steed: Do it...
Freefall nodded as the others left, bidding him good luck...all but Cyclops
Cyclops: Like I said, not leaving your side. I'll be right beside you the whole way.
Steed nodded as Freefall administer a needle into his arm. Once the liquid entered into his bloodstream, he could both his pain and body slow down.
Half an hour later..
Freefall: *Scrubs; holds a cauterizer* Yeesh... it's much worse than the x-ray showed...I'm surprise you traveled that far with injuries like this
Steed's body minus his head was covered in a blue sheet, a blue curtain covering Freefall's work on him. Cyclops was right near his head, holding his hand.
Cyclops: You put up one battle huh Steed.
Steed blinked in confirmation. His cheeks were red and he looks sickly pale.
Freefall: Well, this damage was not only internal, but Steed might of gotten sick due to the cells being all over the place with these injuries. First Claw, then Pillage and now Steed...what is with this year and injuries.
Cyclops: Always a theme. How is it looking so far Freefall?
Freefall: Manage to closed the small puncture and cuts...gonna sew up the large on here and clean him up...don't want an infection due to the blood.
Cyclops nodded. He looked at Steed, he was looking tired and exhausted. He placed his free hand on Steed's cheek.
Cyclops: *Soothing* You gonna be okay for a bit longer?
Steed gave a weak smile, confirming the question. It was silent once again, the sound of metal clanking the only thing making noise. Freefall sighed, taking rag and using it.
Cyclops: Sewn up?
Freefall: Yep...just cleaning the collateral damage. *Turns to Steed* I believe it's safe for him to turn in.
Cyclops gave a small smile...It was safe for Steed to go to sleep.
Cyclops: *Soothing* You hear that...you can rest now. You were amazing Steed.
Steed blinked a bit...he gave a small smile before he shut his eyes.
HOK, Main...
Ish was sitting on the steps with the others, petting Spots ear as he purred.
Ish: I had no idea you could purr.
Beast: Of course, we're Feline like in the Humanoid half. Your just lucky you found his sweet spot on the first try.
Ish smiled. He had decided to have a conversation with the remaining Rusherz while the surgery went on, keep their spirits up and calm them.
Ish: Anyone else should i know can purr.
Scavenger: Bird Rusherz *blushes* one good scratch on the cheek and we melt.
Ish: *smirks* I will remember that
Fang: Ish...I swear if you tell anyone-
He chuckled.
Pack: So, how is Canton treating you?
Ish: It's nice, we got everything moved in and i even made some new friends on the Bulldogs.
Bolt smiled at that, knowing all to well how Ish school life was back in San Diego...this made him both happy and relied.
Bolt: Names.
Ish: Well, there Troy, he's a Saints fan. He sometimes jumps in before a plan, but he's really cool.
Alto: Saint fan ey, nice.
Ish: I figure some of you would be excited about that. There Tua, he's a Bears fan. He might be the silent, but he's got both the Brain and Brawn of the team.
Grizzly actually fist pumped the air at that.
Grizzly: Another bear in the pack. Papa Bear Halas would of love to meet this kid.
Ish smiled a bit more at that.
Ish: And finally there's Marty, he's a really fun guy to be around and can just cheer you up. He's a Browns fan...DIE HARD Browns fan.
K-9 grin could had reached his ears at that.
K-9: Marty Stevens, I do know of him. Saw him at a few of our games in the past...believe me, he's a charm.
Ish: I've seen it first hand. Ash is doing well.
Freedom: I heard...her father was really worried when she vanished...
It was then Freefall walked in, cleaned up. Everyone turned their attentions to the Seahawk.
Freefall: First thing's first, it was much more than the x-ray showed.
Toro: *Winces* Oh dear...
Ish: And Steed?
Freefall gave them weary smiled, but he had a look of concern on it as well.
Freefall: It went well...but unfortunately he caught himself a fever. Cyclops is staying with him of you want to see him.
They sighed.
Liberty: I can see why he got sick...immunity being down like that.
Ish: Should I wait out here?
Peck: You don't worry about getting sick from us.
Freefall: Rusherz can't spread illnesses. We can get sick, but our bodies does not have the capability to spread them.
Ish: Good to know.
Rusher Quarters, Steed's Room..
Steed was wrapped up in bandages and connected a monitor to observe his vitals. He was sweating, his cheeks a deep red, but he was sound asleep. Cyclops dabbed his head it a wet rag when he heard a knock.
Cyclops: Come in...
The door opened and Ish and the Rusherz were there.
Ish: How is he doing?
Cyclops: *Sighs* Sick...but not in pain I think he needs this though.
Some of the Rusherz walked in.
Soar: Dispite being sick...he looks so peaceful.
Cyclops: Yeah. He does.
Thor: Freefall, you got any idea when he will get better?
Freefall: That depends, he might get better in a week or sooner.
Pick-Ax: It depends om him though right?
Freefall nodded. Cyclops turned back to Steed's sleeping form, hoping for the ladder to happen.
Two days later...
Steed groaned as he woke up. He felt better, not one hundred percent, but better. He slowly sat up, observing the gaze and the room. He heard a small snoring sound and he turned to see Cyclops, right by the bedside asleep. Steed chuckled a bit, lightly tapping the Titian Rusher. He stirred and slowly opened his eyes.
Cyclops: Whaza-what time is it?
Steed: *Smiles* Well it appears to be morning but I don't know what day.
Cyclops jolt up at that.
Cyclops: Steed-!
His movement's caused him to fall off the chair, this causes Steed to silently chuckled at that, but stopped when Cyclpps got up and hugged him. Steed warmly smiles as he hugged back.
Steed: Thank you...for never giving up on me.
Cyclops: I never have.
They continued to hug, before Steed stomach growled. They broke the hug as Steed blushed.
Cyclops: Seems like your hungry, I would be too after what you went through.
Few minutes later...
Stallion yawned as he got out of his room, eyes still waking up of sleep. He walked over to the kitchen.
Stallion: Morning Cyclops...Morning Steed.
Steed and Cyclops: Morning..
Stallion went to open the fridge door, but froze..all the remains of sleep gone in an instant. He slowly turned to see Cyclops sitting next to Steed, who eating toast, fruit and drink juice..his eyes having that spark he always known him of having, one he thought was lost. Stallion starred.
Stallion: I-Am I still dreaming.
Steed: Your awake Stalls.
Stallion looked closer to see the gaze wrapped around Steed, tears falling as he ran over and dive bomb on Steed in a warm embrace, sobbing. This also woke up the others who ran out and they too starred in awe and surprise at the awaken Rusher.
Steed: Morning everyone...and thank you.
They all smiled as they ran over to the Bronco.
Few hours later...
Steed: I just want to thank you Ish for helping them out...I just, I'm sorry you had to see that.
Ish: It wasn't your fault, believe me..i was determined to get all of you back.
Ish had come for training when he heard that Steed's fever broke and that he was awake, the Rusher now laying on the couch covered in a blanket next to Cyclops and Ish sitting across from him.
Ish: How are you feeling?
Ish: I feel stiff, i was hungry after waking up and my stomach feels empty..but I feel better.
Cyclops: What still boggle me is where did that Blitzbot come from.
Ish: You think some went rouge?
Cyclops: That maybe a possibility, but we must also keep in account for any new foes going after the core.
Steed: Cyclops' right, Sudden Death might be gone, but all that negative energy that he administered can still be lingering, even to those who either follow him or are close in goal wise.
Ish: Keep an eye out then, got it...I'm just glad your doing better Steed.
Steed warmly smiled as he snuggled closer to Cyclops.
Steed: I've been doing better...I needed this for a long time.
Cyclops smiled as he put an arm over Steed. The past bad memory of that season was now faded into history. They would be ready for whatever new foe they would face with Ish around, but for now...they were enjoying the calm peace.
THE
END