Part 5- Dusk

SNAP!

They turned to Marty who took a picture with his NFLR, awe still on all their faces.

Marty:-Come on, this-JUST, *points to the scene* THIS.

Stampede and Grizzly smiled and chuckle.

Grizzly: Yeah figured you would take this pic.

Stampede walked over to Sonar, placing his forehead on his.

Stampede: Thank goodness your safe. I saw what you did, what you did was dangerous but brave you know.

Sonar nodded, tears falling from his eyes still.

Stampede: Don't worry, their not going to hurt you or your team anymore. Me and Grizz took care of it.

Sonar gave a grateful smiling, mouthing a thank you. Stampede then turned to the others.

Stampede: So given the photo-shoot we just got, they know?

Soar: *smirks* OH YEAH, it was Marty who took a picture of you and Grizzly in gear. Don't blame him though.

Grizzly smirked as he spun around posing.

Grizzly: So kids, like seeing one of the greatest pinstripes of all time?

The Rusherz snickered as the Guardians and adults looked closely...before they snorted in smiles.

Ish: *covers his mouth laughing* Oh my gosh the stripes are going the wrong way?

Ash: *giggles* That is insane.

Peck: Tell me about it, great tailor but shards of the core his sense of direction is terrible. He went diagonal-HOW do you go DIAGONAL? Up and down or sideways, but Diagonal?

Freedom: And I thought that was just humor in that army show, but when we saw these two bringing them in..SPEECHLESS.

Stampede chuckled nodding as he went to Ash, Charles and Dan...professionalism on his face.

Stampede: I wish to apologies to you Charles for getting your daughter into this situation, it was not my intention for her or you Dan to get involved.

Dan Marino: I know it's not your fault. I'm just glad Sonar is safe.

Charles: As am I with my daughter. I know you nor the other Rusherz would intentionally bring danger to her.

Stampede smiled nodding, turning to Freedom.

Stampede: Sorry for bringing some chaos during your break-

Freedom: Nono! I'm glad you both came, who knows what could of happened if this festered. Thank goodness it didn't.

RZ appeared on the NFLR.

RZ: Affirmative..But you did give all of us a heart attack.

Grizzly: *confused* What do you mean?

Ash: My NFLR stayed on communications and took in all the sounds.

Both paled hearing this.

Grizzly: *pale* OH that's why your all here-oops.

Stampede: *pale* Shards of the core I am so sorry everyone, I should had warn you all in advance.

RZ: I do wish for you to do so next time, but-I am glad the situation was solved, all be it scaring the life out of all present.

Stampede blushed giving a nervous chuckle... it was then loud screams were heard as all flinched.

Freefall:-*to Dan* You told Shula didn't you?

Dan Marino: Yep.

Rusherz: *nervous* OH BOY.

.

Everyone stepped back as Don Shula, who was EIGHTY THREE IN YEARS MIND YOU, tackled Sonar in a hug; relieved to see him safe.

Don Shula: *relieved* Sonar what were you thinking?! YOU WANT TO SHORTEN MY LIFE SPAN?!

Sonar shoke his head, burying his face in his longtime friend's chest, as the former coach looked at Stampede.

Don Shula: *stern* As much as I am happy you took care of it WATCH IT NEXT TIME! You could had sent Sonar to slumber land!

Stampede: Sorry Don.

Don Shula looked to the Guardians.

Don Shula: And where'd did the kids come from?

Dan Marino: *goes over* So um-these kids are the Guardians.

Don blinked, looking at them for a while.

Don Shula:-Okay what did I miss?

Grizzly: ALOT.

Ash decided NOW was the time to step away for some air..one which was caught by a certain Bill.

.

Ash sighed as she looked at the sky, evening having arrived.

?: Mind if I join you Red?

Ash looked over, seeing Stampede walk over. She nodded as he sat with her.

Stampede: Sorry for-dragging you into old business. I was not expecting us checking on Freedom for it to turn to a gang/mafia brawl.

Ash: It's not your fault, to be honest I'm glad we came here to check on Freedom..

Stampede looked over seeing the sorrow on her face.

Stampede: From all that happened today, I beleive this day was not just you learning about us Rusherz. *Ash looks over fast* Be honest Ash, despite being able to see through, why did you have that dream?

Ash sighed when he asked.

Ash: I-I feel it's my fault I couldn't save my mom. I was still small, and I couldn't do a thing. Then Sudden Death used me and I hurt you guys so much, I pretty much broke Freedom's heart and my dad was in a frenzy looking for me. *closes her eyes* I-I just don't want anyone else to get hurt or-I'll lose them.

Ash opened her eyes, seeing Stampede looking at her in understanding.

Stampede: You shouldn't blame yourself Ash; one you were a child and a child could only do so much in a situation like that. Two, you were grieving and Sudden Death would use that to his advantage on anyone. As much as I wish we could let you see your mom, all I can offer you some advice.

Ash sat up as Stampede looked at the sky.

Stampede: Tragedies are what they are yes, but in order to prevent them-you learn and grow from them. I've seen them all back on our planet and here on Earth, most have learn from them, some forgotten them, some try to ignore or remove it, and then their are those who use it, sadly and stupidly, to their advantage. One needs to learn-*looks at her* He..HE LEARNED-


1966, Buffalo New York...

Stampede looked over the schedule for the next season when the door knocked.

Stampede: Come in!

The door opened and Stampede smiled.

Stampede: Hey Ralph, glad to see you here. How did the meeting go?

Ralph Wilson: *smiles* VERY WELL. I do believe we got a good game-plan going on for our conference.

Stampede: Conference, that what we're going with for both sides?

Ralph Wilson: *sits* Yes. It might be a few years till we got everyone and everything in place, but at least the war of leagues is over.

Stampede: GOOD.

Both were silent for a while as Stampede did paper work.

Ralph Wilson: -sighs- I wish we talked sooner *Stampede looks over* If we did, we would not have put you all through such a panic with-with Freefall. If we didn't then if we lost him you all would go-*trails off*

Stampede stopped, getting up and going over, concern on his face.

Ralph Wilson: It still haunts me, that day back in WWII. I had no idea just how massive the energy you Rusherz hold. Seeing that light tower, the scorched field, the burning smell and-and Freedom-

Stampede: *Shakes his head* Ralph none of that was your fault, neither was it Freedom's. This whole situation was from a total misunderstanding on both ends, and I can understand why Freedom wished to try and stop it diplomatically.

Ralph Wilson: Still though, *determination* I wish to do what I can to help you all now, not just in the Navy. I'm going to do all I can to make sure our team shines even with the bad seasons. *smiles at him* I am very glad to have formed this team with you Stampede.

Stampede concern faded to a warm smile as he sat next to his team's owner.

Stampede: Your a great man Ralph, and I look forward to many more years with you at the helm.

Ralph Wilson: *smiles* HA! Until breath leaves my body I will gladly fight for the core! Did for my country and I will do it for you!

Stampede smile grew as Ralph brought him in a one arm hug.


Present...

Ash face was in shock, Stampede looking at her.

Ash: Wow.

Stampede: He's a great man, and I'm really happy he's took what he learned from the war to help our team thrive. He's what a leader is and what my team needed, he is ready to serve those he works with but also takes care of himself.

Ash: Like you.

Stampede blinked as Ash smiled.

Ash: I can see that in you too. Your very dedicated to the Rusherz, your team, and the league. You are more than ready to jump in and help out, EVEN if it sometimes involves something as, to be honest, Bizarre as what I saw *Stampede laughed; agreeing*. You've seen so much in the past, both the good and the bad-

Stampede: And the weird.

Ash: *chuckles* And the weird. And I bet Sudden Death knew you were powerful so he knocked you out before blitzing you. I BET HE WAS AFRAID of you, that something big. Your ready to step in a protect everyone even if you get hurt, you keep fighting for them. The AFC should be proud having you lead the Rusherz in the conference.

Stampede blushed as he looked away in a sheepish smile.

Stampede: G-Geez, I-Well-T-Thank you.

Ash: And I'll take your advice to heart. It's time I learn from what happened and us it to better myself and the world around me. Thank you.

Stampede smile grew.

Stampede: Anytime Ash. If you need anything just stop by my place.

Ash smiled as they watched the sky.

...

Ash: *shock* HOLD ON WHY WAS FREEDOM IN WWII!?

Stampede eyes shrank a bit realizing this bombshell he revealed.

Freedom: *Walks* Hey guys, we manage to cool down the emotions from the Dolphins and-*sees Ash reactions* Ash?

Stampede: S-Sorry Freedom, we were talking and I KINDA spilled the beans on you escapees in WWII.

Freedom blushed nervously as Ash turned to him shock.

Ash: *shock* DETAILS?

Freedom: *Nervous/sheepish* O-Okay, um-so-I'll give you the footnotes and tell you the full story later but-uh Yeah. I kinda tried to end the war diplomatically-Big mistake as you heard.

It is safe to say Ash's day was full of surprises.

To Be Continued...


Gave Stampede more of a talked description of himself than usual, expect that in the future with Freefall and Liberty ;).