Countdown to the Draft

Part 3: Heart of a Lion

March 9, 2014...

The cold evening weather of the near end of Winter blew across Canton, few brave souls walking around the area. Amongst them, one bundled up so much you couldn't see his face...except for the ruby red colored, puff eyes filled with tears. THE WORST NEWS he'd gotten had drove him to wander the cold streets for hours on end.

He stop, taking a whiff of the air and turning to a restaurant, BENDER'S TAVERN.

?: Didn't Tua said his mom worked there? Well with her cooking skills she must of rose the ranks fast...are they open?

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Tua's mother was looking over the cash register as Tua worked on his homework. It had been a routine for him to come to his mom work and do school work and/or help his mom. His mother had become one of many of the Tavern's top workers, eventually becoming one of the head leaders. Hence why she was double checking all was in place when the Tavern was closing up for the day.

Tua's Mother: Tua, how are you doing over there?

Tua: So far so good, I will say geometry is one of the easiest lessons in algebra.

Tua's mother: *chuckles* That is very good to here. Your Great Grandmother was a geometry pro in her school days, geometry and fractions were her favorite lessons too out of algebra...only things she actually liked from that course.

Both laughed as the sound of a bell rung.

Tua's mother: Oh sorry, *looks up* We'r-*shock* MY GOODNESS!

Tua looked up and dropped his pencil at who had entered and removed the scarf.

...Beast was shaking in place, tears falling from his eyes and he sniffed.

Beast: *Sorrow* I-I'm sorry f-for coming when yo-your closing b-but-can I come in?

Tua's mother went into Mama Bear mode and went over followed by Tua. She knelt done checking the Lion Rusher over.

Tua's Mother: What happened? Are you okay?

Beast: *Sorrow* -raspy breath-..Not-not right now. I-I just got the worst news in the world and I-I just, needed some air.

At that moment his stomach growled.

Tua's Mother: You look like you were out longer than just needing air. Tua, bring him inside, I'll need to make some calls but once I'm done I'll get him something warm to eat.

Tua: Got it.

Tua lead Beast inside as his mother went off, taking her cell phone and made started making calls. He sat Beast down and got a good look at him. Beast's eyes were full of tears, red and puffy from the long duration.

Tua: Beast...what happened?

Beast took a breath, shakenly breathing out.

Beast: *Sorrow* W-We lost William Sr.

Tua eyes widen, his heart breaking of the Lions loss of their owner; he heard his mother gasp overhearing this, the phone up to hear ear.

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Beast: *sorrow* I-It just started as a bug, b-but then his condition just got worse. Turns out i-it was pneumonia and-and today he-he-he was gone. He was su-suppose to have his 89th birthday in five days and-and...*trails off*

Beast sighed as his ears fell flat, Tua's mother placing a bowl Soup Du Jour in front of him as the Lion Rusherz held a warm cap of hot chocolate. Tua patted his back in comfort.

Tua: *sorrow* Beast, I'm so sorry for you and your teams loss.

Tua's Mother: You have our condolences. I can see why you needed some time outside.

Beast: *Sorrow* Thanks you two, I-I promise I'll pay for the-

Tua's Mother: No. Don't think about it right now. Besides my boss heard the news recently today too, so when he heard you were here he told me to just take care of you. We'll figure this out later but for right now, please relax.

Beast: *weak smile* T-Thank you. -sighs- I-I needed this.

Tua eyes widen at the thought of someone, or alot of someones.

Tua: Are the others in the know?

Beast: I-I do believe so. News must of reached the HOK fast so they would of heard.

Tua's Mother: But, do they know where you are?

Beast sadly pointed to his NFLComm which was blinking, prompting Tua to open a screen in his NFLR.

Meanwhile, HOK...

Ish: -sighs- Alight, got the date of the service and the location. You guys get in touch with Beat yet?

All shoke their heads sadly. The word of the Lion owner's passing had indeed reach their ears, all in sorrow on his passing and the team's loss. Upon hearing Beast went out after hearing the sad news, the rest of the Guardians had joined in to keep an eye out for him and to prepare for assisting the team during this sorrowful time.

Fang: *looking at the map* No. But he looks like he's at Bender's Tavern.

Marty: Okay, that's good. Tua's mom works there, so high chance Tua and his mom are taking care of him.

At that moment, a screen appeared as RZ answered it.

Tua (screen): Hey guys. I take it you heard.

They nodded upon seeing Tua on screen.

Ash: Yeah, we did. Beast is there right?

Tua (Screen): *nods* Yeah, my mom made him a meal since he haven't had one all day so he's eating right now.

RZ: That is good to hear...*concern* how is he? We know he's heartbroken but, how is he?

Tua turned his head before turning back to the screen.

Tua (Screen): Eyes are red and puffy, but the tears have stopped for now. Looks tired, but he's been wandering around all day.

Thor: We heard he just left the area of Detroit after he got the news, was wondering what he was doing.

Tua (Screen): Yeah. My mom is wondering if you guys want us to bring him over or if you want to pick him up?

Grizzly: W-We'll pick him up. Know your mother had a long day of work, but tell her we appericate the offer.

Pack: And we promise to make up for the meal she mad-

Tua's mother (screen and to the side): NONSENSE! I already talked to my boss and we wish to talk about on another day, not during such a sad time.

Tua gave a smile, as did the others when they heard her.

Grizzly: *small chuckle* Got an amazing mama there Tiny.

Tua (screen): Yeah, I'm really happy she's mine.

Bender's Tavern, later...

Beast was fast asleep on the booth seat, bowl empty and drink gone as Tua grabbed them and went into the kitchen to clean them up, seeing his Mother cleaning the kitchen wear used to make the meal.

Tua's mother: How is he?

Tua: Fast asleep, but even then you can see he's still hurting from this loss. *cleans the dishes* Don't blame him given how much William loved this team and how protective he was of him. *small smile* Made him a whole car because he wanted to make sure he got to locations safely.

Tua's mother made a small smile at the mention of that, knowing her son told her and their family of his adventures with the NFC North a few months back. He sighed.

Tua: *washes them* Today worn him our emotional wise, Fang and Liberty are picking him up so they should be here soon.

Tua's mother: *dries dishes handed to her* Very good to hear. Poor lil Lion needs the rest with what's going on the next few days.

Tua: *finishes* Yeah, i got word from the others that he and Martha's kids are going to be helping run the team and Ford company operations with their mom.

Tua's mother: She is taking over operations?

Tua: *nods* Yeah, Martha is going to be taking over. I hope she and her kids are doing okay.

Tua's Mother: *finishes;nods* I hope she and the children are doing well too, losing your father is a heartbreaking ordeal...but, 89, that is a very good number.

Tua: *Small smile* Yeah, he defiantly lived a good life.

?: (door opening) Pardon us?

The two came out of the kitchen seeing Liberty and Fang bundled up.

Tua's mother: *warm/small smile* Hello you two. It's always good to see you, but I do wish this time it was under better circumstances.

Liberty: *warm/small smile* Yes, thank you two so much for this.

Tua: Good timing on our end. Mom was about to close up for the day when he walked in. *eyes the booth* He's sleeping over there.

Fang went over quickly, but quietly. Beast was still sound asleep, Fang gently nuzzling his head with a soft purr.

Fang: Oh Beast, I'm so sorry. William was a amazing owner for your team. *looks over* I promise once things are stable we'll be able to properly talk but for now.

Fang went into the pockets of his jacket, taking out a wallet with his team logo on it. He took out some bills before handing it to Tua's mother.

Fang: Consider this a tip for the fantastic service.

Tua's mother: *surprised* F-Fang dear you don't need to-

Liberty: *Small smile* Please Mrs. Tupola. This tip is for you. We can talk about the amount for the meal another time, but this tip is for you.

Tua's mother nodded, Fang handing her the bills as she slowly smiled.

Tua's mother: Please, keep us posted. And again, I am sorry for the Leagues loss.

Liberty: Thank you.

Fang gently got Beast on his back as the two walked out waving goodbye, Tua and his mother doing the same. Once they were out, Tua sighed as he slumped on the chair.

Tua: Oh these next few days are going to be rough for him. *looks at his mother* Mom, I might be late coming home this week. Me and the others are going to be attending the service-

Tua's mother: *nods* Completely understand. However, I want you to do me a favor that day as well, to bring something for them.

Tua eye rose in curiosity at this.

Few days later; Detroit...

It was still strange to see the Rusherz in any other clothing besides their uniforms. In fact it was a sight to see Peck and Fang wear clothing. All were dressed in black as the Guardians came in, armor on and in the Lions colors.

Troy: Man, this sucks. As much as this is important it still sucks.

Ricky: Agree...oh there are the Fords.

Martha and her children, Martha, Sheila, William and Elizabeth, were thanking the people for coming; Beast was right next to him, having calmed himself before today had arrived. It was there Calvin Johnson walked over.

Calvin Johnson: I'm so sorry for your lose. Mr. Ford was a great man.

Martha Firestone Ford: Thank you Calvin. I'm sure he would be very happy to see all you here today.

Calvin Johnson: *small smile* If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask...*looks over* Sure the Guardians will do the same.

They nodded as they walked over.

Ish: Sorry for William's passing. He was a great Lions owner, and he certainly will be missed.

Sheila Ford: Thank you six for coming today-*sees something in Tua's arms* OH! Is that for us?

In Tua's arms was a bouquet of white Daffodils, forget-me-nots, and Gentians; he nodded as he gently handed it to Martha.

Beast: Ah! A Fa'aaloaloga.

Calvin Johnson: That's a formal presentation of gifts from Samoa culture correct?

Tua: *nods* My Great Grandmother had a book of flower languages; The Daffodils represent not only rebirth, but it's also his Birth month. I figure that would be perfect for this bouquet since it's his birthday month.

Martha nodded as tears feel with a small smile.

Martha Firestone Ford: Y-Yes. It is, he would of love the gesture.

William Ford Jr.: *looks closely at it* I see the Forget-me-nots are in this too. Saw the Rusherz bring them in on occasions like this.

Martha Ford: It's in the team colors too. There some Gentians in the bouquet as well.

Elizabeth Ford: Even the ribbon tying it is in the team colors, it's beautiful.

Tua was softly smiling behind the mask..then he felt some wrap around his leg. He looked down seeing Beast with a weak smile on his face as he watched the Fords and Calvin look at the bouquet.

Beast: Rebirth, Remembrance, Gratitude. *Looks up* Those are the meanings for Daffodils, Forget-me-knots, and the Gentians. G-Good choices.

The lion Rusher could tell Tua and the others were all warmly smiling at him.

Ash: His mom let us borrowed his Great Grandmother book for this.

Tua: I'm glad they love it.

Beast: S-Same...thanks for coming. Let's just...hope this is the only one this month.

...Beast had a feeling this was not meant to be true. Even so, Tua went down and hugged him, before the group walked inside.

Beast's thoughts: William, keep watching over us and visit sometimes okay? AND, don't go chasing after anyone who has the gulls to hurt me like in the 70s.

Beast gave a tiny smile at the thought.

To Be Continued...

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9 WEEKS TILL THE DRAFT