Oh boy, here we go...the finale of this series.
What happened after that fateful draft and mission to Anticoria? Did Lord Zatu go after them?
Here we find these answers as well as learn about the NFC Rusherz...to the point a mission the Guardians and the league are thrusted upon like no other.
PREPARE YOURSELF. THIS IS GOING TO BE AN EMOTIONAL STORY.
Guardians and the NFC East Rusherz
Part 1: Sheriff of a Kind heart
YOU HAVE SEEN WE HAD NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU. YOU MIGHT HAVE WON, BUT NOT THE WAR. IF YOU WANT YOUR PRECIOUS FRIENDS TO LIVE, IF YOU WANT THE PLANET AND UNIVERSES TO THRIVE ON, IF YOU WISH TO NOT LET YOUR FRIENDS WHO FOUGHT FOR YOUR MISTAKE TO EXHAUST THEMSELVES TO THEIR GRAVE.
COME ALONE.
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May, 17 2014; HOK...
The Guardians walked in for...about the seventh time this week actually. It wasn't for training, RZ gave them the week off after what happened at the draft, but they still came. It was for something else, someone else. Or, alot of someones.
RZ: *warm smile* Hello everyone, come to check on the Rusherz again?
They nodded with smiles.
Ish: Yeah, so far their all doing pretty good. Consider what they went though last week.
Marty: Scavenger was in paralysis mode for a day, but he's doing good now. Team is taking him to the book fair in Baltimore today.
RZ: *smiles* That is good to hear, i will admit i am very happy you have been checking on the Rusherz this week.
Ash: We're just happy they all seem to be doing well. Heard Soar was able to be released from the hospital yesterday.
RZ: Affirmative, he just went to New York to talk to his team and to see Liberty.
Marty: Hope he's doing well. We haven't seen him since the draft ended.
Liberty had gone back to New York to help with clean up, in fact most of the Rusherz had been with their respected teams since the incident.
RZ: You going to check on the next division?
Ricky: It's actually the last one too, the NFC East. We're going to start with Washington.
RZ nodded, about to open up the portal...nothing.
Troy: *confused* Okay, that's new. Why didn't it open up?
Tua: Maybe he's not there, but then again the others still open even when the Rusherz are not there.
RZ: That is very strange. I'll see if i can contact him, but for now perhaps it's best to start in Dallas.
Guardians: Got it!
Ish: Thanks RZ!
With that the Guardians ran into the Cowboys portal.
AT&T Stadium...
Lasso was checking over the city in his office when he heard someone walk in.
Lasso: *smiles;chuckles* I swear Jerry, I'm fine I promise . *turns around* I know I've been-*Surprised* Oh!
He was surprised to see the Guardians there, Marty giving a small wave.
Lasso: Already this division's turn? *smile returns* Heh, heard y'all were going around checking on us.
Troy: Was wondering if word was getting around. How are you doing?
Lasso: Well al'right, really thought i had a good gripe on that rope. Jerry is looking into updating that in the future. *warm smile* I should be askin how you kids are doing. Not every day you face our greatest threat.
Their smiles grew at that.
Ash: We're doing good, actually fell asleep after the draft was done. We all needed it after the adventure we had.
Marty: Yeah. I'll be honest when I guessed last year at Jr. Titian's camp about riding a space ship and football in space, i was not expecting that to come true.
That got Lasso laughing as he held his sides, remembering the footage of Cyclops reaction to that.
Lasso: Must say you really caught Cyclops of guard with that one. He actually told me during the draft to ask if you have some sort of clairvoyance.
The Guardians chuckled at that as Marty blushed.
Lasso: Anyhow, really glad you kids are checking on us. It's-
The sounds of something beeping was heard, coming closer as all turned to where they just walked in to see-
Chief: Hey Lasso, got a message from RZ something about the-*sees the Guardians* kids.
...All was silent for a while there, both staying at the other.
Ricky: *confused* Chief?
Chief: Yes?
Ish: *confused* Not to pry but, what are you doing in Dallas?
Chief blinked at that.
Chief: Um...work for my team.
Lasso heart raced as they were about to ask why when-
Lasso: Hey Chief, you might want to explain to RZ where you are. Just so he knows your al'right.
Chief, though confused, nodded with a smile as he walked off.
Chief: I'll be right back okay.
With that Chief was gone. Lasso slumped to his knees in relief as the Guardians ran over.
Ash: Lasso are you alright!?
Lasso: Yes...Shards too close way too close.
Ish: Can you explain to us why Chief is here doing his work and not at his team's stadium? Not to mention they way you reacted it seems pretty important as too why.
Lasso sighed, nodding as he got up and lead them to the couch. He sat them down as he sat across from them.
Lasso: Look, i know you kids have great hearts. But, you can't ask Chief about stuff like why he isn't at his stadium.
Tua: Why is that? Is something wrong.
Lasso pinched his noses, mumbling to himself. The Guardians realized that this...was a pretty serious situation now.
Lasso: It's a, very touchy subject for Chief. All i can say is, there are some folks that when they even just talk, rubs us the wrong way. It make us feel, something is actually very wrong.
Marty: *Catches on* Oh...this situation involves his PTSD and Anxiety right?
The others soon caught on, turning to Lasso who sadly nodded.
Lasso: The ONE THING we wish we could change on this planet is the situation Chief has been in since 1932. I know most of the others on this planet know it's not Chief's fault for the whole thing, definition and all but..we don't like seeing him hurt. And in recent years that feeling of dread is getting more and more intense to the point we're just...waiting for the whole thing to boil over.
The Guardians felt bad at the situation Chief was in, even more so that Lasso and the others were dreading the day it would snap. Lasso covered his face.
Lasso: I'm glad he still has his brother Arrow-Head, and he's still got alot of folks alongside us by his side helpin him though all this but..can't help but wish that i could do more to protect him.
Ash:..You're very worried about him are you?
Lasso: *looks up* Every second he's in that stadium. So, he's mostly been doing his work here. Those kinda folks who hurt him don't expect him working in his rival's stadium, don't know we're close friends.
Ish: I know. That is a good call on your end. We're sorry if we got you worried.
Lasso: -sighs- *small smile* First time i just let it all my worries on this. So it feels nice to just talk to someone about it. Haven't told the others don't want them worrying but, thanks.
They smiled a bit at that, then Tua's face fell to one of confusion.
Tua: Hold on, i just realized; he's still wearing his scarf.
Marty: Oh yeah! Noticed he was wearing it in the summer last year too! With the whole clone incident.
Ricky: Why is he still wearing it in the summer?
Lasso: *small chuckle* Oh yeah, security thing. Helps him with his anxiety, pets it when he gets nervous. It's one of those that you can wear all season to so that's why he wears it, not to mention he says it's suits too.
..All turned to Lasso surprised at that.
Ish:..*Smirks* You seem to know alot about his scarf, I take it you had a hand in it?
Lasso flinched a bit before blushing a little with a small smile.
Lasso: Caught me red handed. Yeah I did, ta be honest it's still new. He got the scarf back during the 2007 season.
Lasso leaned back, the red in his face gone and replacing it nostalgia and musing.
Lasso: One of the best days of our lives right there. It was two days before the 25th, his team had just won against the Vikings so I decided to pay a visit. They weren't expecting me either so it was a surprise when i came in-
December 23, 2007; Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome...
Jerry Jones (on screen): Are you sure your going to be okay? Not going to get hurt this time around or receiving a call you decided to stop a brawl between fans.
Lasso: I promise I won't go looking for trouble. I'll even let you know when I get back to the HOK Jerry, you worry to much.
Lasso walked down the halls, holding a wrapped crimson present with a gold bow on it as. He had to thank Peck again for helping him out with this one. He just hoped he would like the gift.
Jerry Jones (on screen): I worry cause I know you Lasso, your the type that jumps in wanting to make sure no one gets hurt, and yet your the one that does. Last thing i and the rest of us want is you in the hospital before the holidays...AGAIN. FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, lost count with how many scares you given us.
Lasso nervous laughed at that.
Lasso: Okay okay, I promise I'll be careful.
Jerry Jones(on screen): *nods and smiles* Alright, good. I'll see you on the next game Lasso. Hope your gift to Chief goes well, and say hello to the others for me.
Lasso: *Smiles* Will do, Happy Holidays Jerry.
Jerry Jones(on screen): *Smiles* Happy Holidays Lasso.
With that the call ended as a Security Officer saw Lasso.
Security officer: Excuse me?
Lasso: *turns around;tips hat* Yes sir?
The security officer walked over, surprise to see the Cowboy Rusher here.
Security officer: Mind if i ask why you are here?
Lasso: A deliver to Chief sir. No malice sir, not to my friend.
The Security officer nodded with a smile.
Security officer: Just needed to check. Know well you would not hurt your friends, only fiends. The team just got back to the visiting team locker room, so that is your best bet.
Lasso: *smile grows* Thank you kindly officer.
Security officer: Hehe, no problem Lasso. *walks away* Happy Holidays.
Lasso: *walks away* Happy Holidays sir!
With that Lasso continued on his way as did the Security officer.
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He soon heard the sounds of cheers from the visitors locker room. Stopping at the door, he took a breath before knocking.
Joe Gibbs' voice: HELLO? WHOSE THIS?
Lasso: *Smiling* Howdy and Happy Holidays! Hope I'm not disturbing the festivities, but mind if this Cowboy comes in.
..The door opened to a very surprised team, Joe Gibbs being the one who opened the door seeing the smiling Cowboy Rusher.
Joe Gibbs: Lasso?! Was not expecting to see you here, in fact we're not suppose to met till after the holidays.
Lasso: *walks in* Well I have a special deliver to a certain Rusher of yours. *looks around* Where is he?
Joe Gibbs: One moment..*loud* CHIEF! YOUR FRIEND FROM DALLAS IS HERE!
Lasso chuckled at the nickname Joe gave him; "FRIEND FROM DALLAS", always gave him a chuckle. The sounds of footsteps were heard, Chief soon appearing; Lasso couldn't help but soften his smile seeing him.
Chief, defiantly had the look of someone still recovering from shock and sorrow. It had only been a few weeks since the tragedy that took Sean Taylor from them. It was a heartbreaking loss to a man who passed way too soon, all protecting the ones he loved.
Lasso walked over, Chief forming a small yet tired smile on his face.
Lasso: Howdy Chief. You doing okay?
Chief: I'm, managing. Mrs. Stevens has been a huge help in the last weeks with, what happened.
Lasso: Heard, that women is a lifesaver.
Chief: Yeah um...*confused* sorry but, what brings you here? Our game isn't till the 30th.
Lasso: Ah yes! *holds out the present* This is for you.
Chief eyes widen as did the team, Chief gently grabbing the present.
Chief: M-me?
Lasso: *nods* Little something for the holiday, a cheer up. Hoping it can help you too.
Chief went to his knees as he opened the present, Lasso following as the team sat down. Getting to the box part of the present he opened it...his eyes filled with tears as he lifted up a burgundy and gold scarf.
Lasso: *sheepish;looks away a bit* Peck helped me with it, I did the design. I thought ma-maybe having something you can just go to when you get nervous, might be able to help. I-Its all seasonal too so you can wear it during the warm season. Know it's kinda simple it being a scarf *looks at Chief* but i-
He stopped once he saw Chief was hugging it, tears falling and a smile on his face. He saw that Chief's team had warm smiles on their faces too.
Joe Gibbs: Why not try it on Chief?
Chief nodded as he took off his helmet and wrapped the scarf around him, his smile growing.
Marcus Washington: Looks great on you Chief. You should wear it often.
Joe Gibbs: I agree, you look like you worn it all you life too. Think this should be you staple.
Chief nodded, before he bright Lasso in a warm hug tears falling on him as Lasso hugged back.
Chief: *tears* Thank you, I love it.
Lasso: Your welcome, *tears forming* Chief.
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Arrow-Head was watching from the doorway, tears falling from his eyes. He wiped them as Thor patted his back, both having smiles on their faces.
Arrow-Head: Thanks Lasso.
Present...
Marty: *tears* DANG IT LASSO!
Lasso opened his eyes from his musing seeing the kids were now in tear, smiles on their faces though.
Troy: *tears* You were the one who gave Chief his scarf.
Lasso: *warm smile* Yes, I was. And he's been wearing it ever since. Been helping him to so, it's not as bad as it was years ago. Still always will be there, but I'll do anything to make him smile more.
Ish: *wipes tears* That's a fact; always want to make someone smile, that you to a "T".
...
Lasso was the prime definition of 'a heart of gold', despite his colors being white and blue. He was worried about those he cares about, and does all he could to help them and/or to make them smile..even if it ends with him getting hurt. He was someone you would expect to be a star in a western show, the kind yet strong sheriff of a town. He was also very protective of those he cares about, Chief especially with what the Rusher had gone though the past decades, and in recent years.
Chief: *comes back* Alright RZ's in the know-*sees the Guardians red eyes;worry* WHOA what the hey happened while I was gone?!
Lasso got up and to Chief, hugging him.
Lasso: Just, reminiscing buddy.
Chief, though still confused, hugged back with a warm smile. The Guardians made the same warm smiled at them.
Chief:..I still need to be caught up; what's going on?
Ash: Just give him a minute.
To Be Continued...