Ricky and the NFC West
Part 4: Mob Squad
Ricky. Ricky.
Ricky moaned as he sat up, seeing Freefall on the side of the couch.
Ricky: *tired* Huh, what? What happened?
Freefall: *small smile* You fell asleep, been asleep for about an hour. Figured you were tired from the events.
Ricky stretched as he yawned.
Ricky: Yeah your right. I needed this..*looks around* Are the others-
Freefall: They are currently looking at the security footage of the stadium. Their back at the HOK, last thing we want is to overwhelm Rampage after going through that.
Ricky nodded, agreeing that the Ram Rusher needed some space before seeing the others.
Ricky: How is Rampage?
Freefall: *Warmly smiles* Still sleeping, he's slowly getting some color back so good sign there. Once he wakes up and is conscious in mind we'll go home.
Ricky: Good. -sighs- I was not expecting any of this to happen, I never thought any of that could happen.
Freefall: Just comes with working with us Rusherz, you get use to it. Trust me there are times you humans put us in very strange situations, so basically even even-
?: Freefall.
Ricky and Freefall turned to see Pete Carroll walk out of the elevator.
Pete Carroll: Finished talking with the Rams, their happy to hear Rampage is going to be okay. Peck told me to tell them the word and their sending all footage from the game to the HOK as we speak.
Freefall: *smiles* Thanks coach. Sorry for putting you in this position.
Pete Carroll: *smiles;shakes his head* Nonsense, I'm always ready to help you guys out in any level of emergency.
Pete Carroll turned to Ricky with the smile still on his face.
Pete Carroll: Must say wasn't expecting to see you, but at least this will give me a chance to thank you guys for helping Freefall.
Ricky gave a small smile. Pete knew EXACTLY who he was, he was one of the coaches that knew their identity. Ever since they meet Bud Grant, RZ showed them the people who knew who they were so they had an idea on who to talk to in-case of emergencies-THAT was helpful given the current situation. Pete was one of them, then again he was a disciple of the great Bud Grant.
Ricky: It's no problem but, wish it was under better circumstances.
Pete Carroll: It could have been alot worse, but I agree with wishing it was under better circumstances.
A beep was heard as Freefall looked at his watch, smiling.
Freefall: Good news boys; Pick-Ax just responded, Rampage's regained consciousness and is aware of his surroundings.
.
.
The three walked down the hallway to the first aid room, Freefall looking over the medical records. Ricky had to admit he was in awe at the Seahawk Rusher work.
Ricky: *awe* So focused.
Pete Carroll: *chuckles* This is child's play to what I seen kid, I've seen him do alot of medical procedures and even then I'm still surprised.
Ricky looked to Freefall, who was making sure he watched where he was going as he looked over the information.
Pete Carroll: I had no idea what I was getting into when I joined the NFL. Oh boy the stuff I've seen and been through, especially when two of the Rusherz are the doctors of the teams. Jerry Burns said it best when I became head coach of the Seahawks back in 2010 "Be prepared to have a strong stomach with this Rusher buddy". I knew he wasn't kidding with the stories I have heard in my years before, I heard one time he had to surgically remove a bullet from Stallion RIGHT in front of his team.
Ricky nearly tripped hearing this.
Ricky: Just..how much do these guys get hurt and sick?
Pete Carroll: Lost count, but severe injuries are not common thank goodness.
Ricky let out a sigh of relief he had no idea he was holding.
Ricky: Good...um, how, how do you deal with them getting sick? They look so-frail.
Pete understood fully well why he was asking that given the recent events.
Pete Carroll: Just like of we got sick. Rusherz however get hit HARD. Think it's because of how they are built. Heh, Freefall even asked me why some people want to get sick for a day off if it means suffering like that.
They heard Freefall chuckled, he heard them even as he was looking over the medical files.
Freefall: You humans still astonish us. *turns to them* I know I might had turned some heads with my occupation, but if it means helping the others I'll go all in.
Both smiled as they saw their destination.
.
Rampage wearily looked around, having finally opened his eyes and seeing Peck and Pick-Ax. It didn't take long for him to find out where he was.
Rampage: *weary* S-Seattle?
Peck: *relief* Rampage, thank goodness your awake. And conscious too!
Rampage: *weary* Peck-Pick-Ax.
Pick-Ax: Freefall, Ricky, and Coach are heading over so don't worry.
At that all three came in with Freefall running over seeing Rampage awake.
Freefall: *calm* Hey Rampage. How are you feeling?
Rampage: *weary* Tired, bit dizzy...*weakly smiles* I am so happy to see you all, I-I thought you guys would never find me. How did you?
Ricky: *stepped forward* RZ sent me to Peck for something and the two of us were sent to see what was going on with your disappearance...Let me tell you we were horrified when we saw you were INSIDE THE STADIUM WALL. Called Pick-Ax and we got you out.
Pick-Ax: Had to pick my way to you in the wall, sorry for the hole in the wall.
Rampage was silent there for a while, till finally-
Rampage: *wearily* I'm Just glad to be out of there.
Ricky felt something off with that line for some reason.
Ricky's thoughts: Why does it sound like it's just more than about the wall?
Freefall caught onto Ricky's thoughts and reaction immediately.
Freefall: Out of the wall or- is there something else on your mind?
Both Rusherz and the coach looked fast, Rampage looked away there realizing that Freefall and (upon seeing his reaction) Ricky caught what he said and how he said it.
Freefall: That line, there's more to that is there. Not to mention you don't seem too worry about a hole in a stadium wall. Is everything okay?
Rampage bit his lip, keeping his eyes away from the others...Ricky eyes widen seeing they were filled with FEAR. He eyed to Peck on Rampage's face and the Cardinal Rusher looked closely.
Peck: *looks closely* Are you-afraid?
Rampage flinched there and that was enough of a answer.
Pick-Ax: *Worried* Rampage...why?
Rampage: *Wearly;hesitant* I-I just-I thought the stadium was coming alive and-well I turned and there were the-*trails off*
Ricky knew right then and there why he was acting this way.
Ricky: Um, Freefall? *Freefall looks over* Do you mind if me and Rampage talk alone for a bit?
Freefall: Y-Yeah. I need-to talk to the others alone for a bit as well, call us when your done.
Ricky smiled as Peck, Pick-Ax, Freefall and Pete walked out.
.
As soon as they were away from the room Pick-Ax slammed his weapon to the wall in frustration.
Pick-Ax: *frustration; some tears* Dang it...I-I knew he wasn't over that incident yet.
Peck: *slumps against the wall* He's good at hiding it.
Freefall sighed, Pete going on his knee and comforting the three.
Freefall: He's AFRAID of his OWN STADIUM...today was just full proof of that.
Pete Carroll: This is bad. If he's scared he won't be able to protect the team, or even be there if...-sighs- I'm gonna need to make some calls regarding this. If-If what I heard about the Rams is true, I pray this will help him.
All three looked at the coach confused.
Pete Carroll: *to himself* Well better tell them-*to the Rusherz* I got some news from the owner, regarding some changes coming to the league. With recent events from the team-
...
THERE ARE PLANS FOR THE RAMS TO RETURN TO LOS ANGELES.
.
Ricky sat next to the bed, Rampage sadly looking at him on what the Guardian would say next.
Ricky:-I don't blame you for being afraid.
Rampage: *Weary; shots up* You no-*dizzy* Whoa, no bad idea.
Ricky: *helps him lie down* Yeah best to stay laying down. But yeah, I know it's not easy. I know the reason too-You got Blitzed from a, Stadium Blitzbot?
Rampage: *weary* Yeah-happened when I was protecting two bullies who were not suppose to be there. I- I thought I was going to be okay after I talked about that with the others but-Don't get me wrong I love St. Louis But -sighs- Every-time I still see the Blitzbot looming over me and being shackled in chains.
Ricky nodded.
Ricky: I know the feeling all to well.
-Rampage slowly smiled.
Rampage: *weary* I-I figure you would, given few months back. Gonna be honest it's, kinda nice to have someone who gone through a similar experience. Ash yeah but-she wasn't trapped in armor, she was tricked by words. I'm glad she wasn't involved being Blitz or I-I can't think of the trauma she would be in as well.
Ricky nodded as he gently brushed his head.
Ricky: Listen, you need someone to lend a ear to just call me okay. Or the others. You don't need to hold it in.
Rampage: *weary* Thanks.
Both were quiet for a while.
Ricky: Hey, you still need some time to clear your head?
Rampage: *weary* Y-Yeah. Hey, you got your phone on you right? *Ricky nodded* Can I see it?
He nodded handing him the phone. A few presses and soon, some music started playing. Ricky noticed the song immediately as Rampage sighed in content.
Ricky: You a fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers?
Rampage: *weary* And a few others. I actually have a hobby of collecting vinyls, records, albums, and CDs.
Ricky: *interested* Interesting.
Rampage: *weary;smiles* Yeah. Oh boy when a new one comes out I was all on getting it. Guess it started when I went shopping with Vince Ferragamo, who returned from a one year venture with the CFL team the Montreal Alouettes. We had alot to catch up on and we were able to during the 1982 season began. We had a BALL catching up, talking and laughing and him telling me his adventure. We stopped right next to a record store, and that's when the magic happened-
Los Angeles, December 16, 1982...
Both Rusher and Player walked down the sunny streets of LA.
Rampage: Vince you have to tell the others about these players, if they want to continue to play we'll be happy to host them.
Vince Ferragamo: *smiles* They already know, the Bombers talked NONSTOP about how Bud Grant is working with the Vikings and is best buds with the Rusher there.
Both laughed as they went into Grandia Room club..there music started to play making Rampage freeze in his tracks. Vince looked up seeing a new face in the band industry playing on, making Rampage smile as he tapped his foot.
Rampage: Hey, this is a good rhythm. Never heard this band before. Hey Vince, what the card say?
Vince Ferragamo: *squints; reads the card* Their called the 'Red Hot Chili Peppers'.
Rampage: *Smirks* heh, they play good for starters.
.
.
They band was packing up when Rampage and Vince walked over, the bassinet nearly dropping his bass.
Rampage: Hey there, you guys put on a nice song there.
Man: *awe* Whoa..um, thank you. Didn't know a Rusher was here tonight. I-It's a honor to meet you Rampage.
Rampage: *Smiles* Hehe, didn't think I was famous. So, mind if I ask for your names and positions?
Anthony Kiedis: *nods* Anthony Kiedis, Singer of the band.
Hillel Slovak: Hillel Slovak, guitarist of the band.
Michael Peter Balzary: Michael Peter Balzary, I'm the bassist. *winks* You can call me Flea, it's my nickname.
Jack Irons: And I'm Jack Irons the drummer.
Rampage smiled hearing this.
Rampage: So, this is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Must say you guys got a gift, I can see you making it big in the future.
The band was speechless as Vince nodded with a smile.
Vince Ferragamo: Yeah, I can see you guys going worldwide in the future. You already got some fans here tonight if that shows anything.
-The band soon smiled big.
Anthony Kiedis: Well I hope when the day comes you buy our album!
Rampage smile grew.
Rampage: Oh i so will.
Ricky: And you were true to your word right?
Rampage: *weary* Yeah...*musing* To be honest, there was one person who really got me into collecting these full force.
August 16, 1985...
Rampage: *joy* I GOT IT!
The team turned to see Rampage running in holding a album in his hands, and they couldn't help but chuckle as his enthusiasm.
John Robinson: Let me guess, you got the Red Hot Chili Peppers latest album?
Rampage nodded taking the album out and showing it off.
Rampage: *joy* YES! I've been waiting for months for this to come out!
?: *laughs* They are a very good band, must be if they got you as a fan.
Rampage turned...his smile growing large as a women walked in.
Rampage: Madame!
Rampage nearly tackled her in a hug, making her laugh more as she hugged back.
Georgia Frontiere: Why hello there my little Ram, I heard you gotten the latest Album.
Rampage looked up nodding.
Rampage: Yep! Their really good!-Well, not as good as you.
Georgia Frontiere: *Chuckles* Oh come now it's been years-
John Shaw: *smirks* And you still got it, hear you when your doing paper work. Speaking of which, what brings you to the lockers today?
Georgia smiled as she went into her purse and took out another album.
Georgia Frontiere: I saw a sale on my way over, and since our Rusher had caught the song bug, I snag these for him.
She handed him the album, a women on it and the title saying "From the Root to the Source".
Rampage: *interested* Ooo, Fontella Bass. I heard her songs on the radio recently.
Georgia Frontiere: I figure you would like to mix up your track so to speak, so i got this for your collection.
Rampage: I heard she had others before this one, I'm gonna have to look into getting them.
Doug Flutie: Seems you got yourself a hobby.
Rampage smiled to his team.
Rampage: Well, comes with working with a great women.
Georgia smiled warmly at him, Rampage looking at the new album he was ready to add.
Present...
Ricky: Madame? You mean "Madame Ram", Georgia Frontiere?
Rampage nodded as the song, "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Fontella Bass, came on at that moment on the phone. He had a smile, yet sadness was shone on his face.
Rampage: *weary* Yep, I always called her Madame when she got her nickname. She was a gem, I don't care what they thought of her back then. She was a bright beacon during those hard times, putting her heart and soul even though the world was against us.
Ricky: You believed in her huh?
Rampage: *weary;tears forming* All the way. Romance yeah not on her side, but she gave her heart to our team. Madame was generous, dedicated, warm, kind, and her voice oh DANG WHAT A VOICE. I guess working along side her my ear for music just grew...
Rampage smile fell as tears fell.
Rampage: *weary* Five years...it's been five years since she passed. Now people respect her but-Why did it take so long?
Ricky heart broke, gently hugging Rampage who hugged back.
Ricky: She would have been proud on how you handled all that happened since she passed.
Rampage: *weary* Y-You think so? E-Even being Blitzed?
Ricky: You did that protecting people, even if they were bullies. You kept protecting people even if they hurt you and still are fighting for the ones who believe in you. I know she would be so proud of you.
...
Rampage been through the RINGER the past years. Losing a owner he protected and cherish, being blitzed, and now being trapped in a confined place. Ricky wished he could do more..but, he was happy to just be a presence for him and the memories he carried listening to the music playing. Music was a object of healing, and to Rampage it was what he goes to. Whatever happens next for his team, whatever trails come their way, Ricky was gonna make sure he and the others were right by his side all the way.
Rampage gave a raspy sigh closing his eyes, as the music kept playing.
Rampage: *weary* Thank you...Ricky.
To Be Continued...
Yep, the LA process is gonna be told, and a certain CINDERELLA PLAYER will give his thoughts on the concept very soon ;).