Title of this chapter comes from the Nickname of the NFC North division :)

Part 8 finale: Frostbite Division

Two days later, Bulldog Game day...

Tua: *to the team* Alright team, we have a strong defense with the team were facing. Make sure we keep aim towards the tankers and focus on getting the ball on our side the most. To our new members and rookies, make notes and don't be afraid to ask questions or offer suggestions.

Tua was ON A ROLE with his first game as captain of the team, and Ish couldn't help but smile and feel happy for his friend. The team nodded as they went to the field...one staying behind. It was one of the new rookies who was hesitant, seeing this Tua went over.

Tua: Nervous?

Boy: *hesitant* Y-Yeah I-I just..worried I'll mess up.

Tua: First game huh?

The boy nodded, Tua giving him a understanding smile.

Tua: It's okay, this is a learning experience so if you need anything just let me or the veterans know.

The boy smiled nodded as he ran out. Ish walked over smiling.

Ish: Your a natural Tiny.

Tua: *Smiles* Just needed to find the right system, each coach has their own system. Thanks again for that suggestion, it was a really fun trip-MINUS the ladder incident.

Ish nodded, musing that Tua gave what happened in Minnesota a name.

Ish: YEAH, I will admit they can be very-accident prone. Closest word I could think of.

Tua: Given what me and the others had read, yeah I agree. *chuckles* Funny how one of them wants to bubble wrap on of his team's players with that notion.

Ish chuckled at that nodding as they watched the team play against the visiting team.

Tua:-There is so much I want to learn with being a Guardian. So much lore and history hidden in the stadiums, sides to coaches, players and owners we never seen.

Ish: I know, I've been doing this for four years now and there is still so much I'm learning about them. *Points* HEY LOOK!

Tua and Ish got up as the little boy caught the ball and RAN.

Tua: *loud* STRAIGHT TO THE END ZONE!

The boy ran with all his might-reaching the end-zone and giving the Bulldogs their first score of the game, the team cheering.

Tua: *loud* YEAH THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

The boy turned to Tua, grinning as his teammates ran over congratulating him, Tua applauding for him for his first touchdown. Even with what he learned alot on his trip through the NFC North ..and yet there was still so much to learn. However-TUA WAS EXCITED TO LEARN IT ALL WITH HIS FRIENDS. Tua was going to work hard with both Football and school. Tua was so happy that he became a Guardian, and he was going to put his all in everything. He innerly sighed with a smile as he watched the team regroup and the game began once again.

Later, HOK...

Grizzly smiled as he fiddled with a stuff orange and navy teddy bear. He sighed as he let his mind wander into nostalgia.

RZ: Guardians, welcome.

Grizzly looked up seeing the Guardians walked in.

Ish: Hey RZ, how's Thor doing?

RZ: He is recovering well, he should be fine by week three of preseason.

Ash: That's good to hear-*spots Grizzly*-Whose Teddy Bear is that?

Grizzly blinked, then realized they were talking to him and looking at the stuff bear.

Grizzly: OH! This is-well, mine. P-Pack and Peck made this for me after-after Halas died. Needless to say I'm not a good sleeper like my species is.

Troy: Sleeping problems? So it's Insomnia.

Grizzly: CORRECT and it gotten worse after all the deaths, let's just say it was noticeable after Halas' death.

Marty: How noticeable are we talking about?

Grizzly: Noticeable that Mike got worried and rallied the team before the game, but once i got this from them, Pack and Peck It-helps, been sleeping well since. *Blushes* YEAH I know it's VERY WEIRD I sleep with a-

Ish: Not weird to be honest.

Grizzly: *eye raise* Well, what do you kids think of this?

All six: It's adorable.

Grizzly did a double take as RZ chuckled.

Tua: *steps forward* I mean I do beleive I speak for all of us but this is appropriate that the BEAR Rusher has a TEDDY Bear.

Grizzly held the teddy bear close blushing a bit more.

Grizzly: Y-You sounded like Mike there when he saw me with it.

Tua: I AGREE with Mike entirely.

Ricky: *Smirks* Has it got a name?

Grizzly tired to hid his blush behind the teddy bear

Grizzly: Hal, his-his name is Hal.

?: Hey RZ how's-

All turned to see Pack looking at them confused, seeing Grizzly red as a tomato.

Pack: *confused*-What they hey did you do to Grizzly?

Tua: Just discovered Hal.

Pack: *very confused* Whose Hal-*sees the Teddy Bear; clicks* OH HAL! Yeah that's Grizzly's.

RZ: *Chuckles* The Guardians made it quite clear that it's more cute than weird.

Pack had to hold in his laugh, putting everything together as to why Grizzly was blushing.

Pack: Well as much as you six are enjoying this, you got guard duty in Minnesota and the team is waiting for you. Best not to keep them waiting.

The six sighed but smiled nodding, Grizzly silently thanking Pack for saving him from glowing red.

Tua: You can tell us that story later, *gets up with the others* we'll keep you all updated. *to RZ* Keep us posted with Thor's recovery as well.

RZ: *Nods* I will, I'm sure Thor will appreciate your concerns

With that the Guardians armored up and ran into the portal, Grizzly sighing as his red face cleared.

Grizzly: I-I'm happy that they don't think it's weird but-Now i know how Peck felt when everyone called him cute during his team first season back in 1920.

Pack chuckled as he went over, sitting next to him.

Pack: We're gonna have to get use to that, their good kids.

RZ nodded.

RZ: Grizzly..you knew Tua longer than you told us.

Grizzly: Just met him and his family when they moved, but after that nothing. Seen them at games but I had no idea that one interaction would lead to-well, this.

Pack: It's strange yet fascinating really, the people we run into end up joining the league one way or another. *to RZ* Conviant or not, life seems to always have a game-plan.

RZ: *Nods* Hearing this, I agree with you. I now wonder how Ricky and Ish are apart of this.

Grizzly: Only way to find out is to wait...

Grizzly held his teddy bear close to him, sighing.

Grizzly: Pack-*Pack looked over*-Thanks, for-for being my best friend.

Pack smiled as he brought the bear in a one arm hug, his pendent showing.

Pack: I'm glad I was able to meet you too, I'm glad your my best friend Grizzly.

Both smiled as RZ looked on smiling.

Meanwhile, TCF Bank Stadium...

Tua looked on at the Viking's Megacore, glowing in the temporary Vault. He learned so much, so much left to learn. He smiled behind his armor, admiring the glow-a glow that he could feel the team's dedication...even though the preseason was, not like the glow.

Tua: I have a bad feeling the Vikings won't be doing good at home.

Marty: *turns to him* Looks like it but-I think their minds are on the new stadium. You've seen the blueprints, it looks so epic!

Troy: *smirks* Heh, think they got inspiration from the Bucs with that ship. That'll be a fun game between the two, battle of the ships.

Ash had to chuckle at the name, nodding.

Ricky: I heard it's gonna be the first closed roof stadium built since Ford Field.

Tua: So, it's been a decade and a year since one was made. Interesting, it actually was suppose to be retractable but-This is Minnesota so it won't last.

All nodded fast cringing.

Ish: NOOO WAY, we do not want a repeat December 12 2010. Bolt told me what happened afterwards and when I called I could still hear the VENOM in his voice from the background.

Ash: I remember you telling me that.

Tua: Besides, think it's best to have it indoors. Higher chance of a Super Bowl-

Marty: Unless your New York.

All laughed, remembering this year's Super Bowl was in a Winter location of New York City.

Tua: Well whatever happens next for this team or the others, I'm looking forward to this season. I can tell it's going to be epic.

They all agreed with him...No matter what happens, or what comes; no matter what foes come their way, they will be ready to defend the league and their friends. Tua smile grew as he looked up.

Tua's Thoughts: Don't worry you guys, we'll take good care of your teams and the Rusherz.

He wanted to make sure THEY HEARD, let them know their team's were in good hands with the Guardians now here.

THE

END

And Tua's story is finished, next up is Ricky :)!