The night air was cool and dark, no light shone from the horizon, and dark, heavy clouds covered what little slivers of light that the moon gave off. Wind pushed its way in between trees and cars and homes, airing the world with its cool touch while drops of rain skipped and hopped with it.
Two figures lay under a thin blanket in a small apartment on West street, Clearwater, Florida. One was much bigger than the other, but both were breathing deeply, evenly. That is, until something started beeping angrily, as if scolding a child for sleeping in.
Matthias groaned as the pager on his side went off. It was three in the morning, and after almost twenty four hours of no sleep, he had only laid his head to rest four hours ago. Sitting up, he grabbed the small clip off of his hip and glared at it with bleary, blue eyes.
EAST COAST, LEVEL ELEVEN BEAUFORT SCALE, FOUR.
He hated level elevens. They consisted of exceptionally high waves. The foam levels were always insane… driven before the wind. Very large amounts of airborne spray severely reduced the visibility… and victims panicked more than ever in weather like that. He could only pray that the four that were out there weren't panicky or really big. But usually he prayed like that in vain.
Sitting up, he groaned with a stretch and leaned to the side, kissing the smaller figure's forehead before scribbling out a note to leave on the table beside him. He quickly threw on his jacket and grabbed his gear bag off of the table in the living room. The tall man swiped his car keys off of the table and stomped out the door with his heavily booted feet. Cursing, he blocked ran through the heavy rain and got into his cheap, beat down Volvo and took off speedily.
He arrived at a gigantic building, the great sign outside the large building read USCG AIRSTATION. Flashing the card with his ID, he entered when the board lifted off from in front of him. Parking, he walked swiftly inside and walked straight into the meeting room.
"Is anyone else available, or are you just not confident?" Matthias demanded, slamming his bag on the table.
"Everyone else has failed. You're all we've got left." A taller man, pale hair and bandages over his eye from his last mission. The captain, Gilbert Beildshmidt was one of the best in their league. His last mission, just over the Florida coast during a hurricane had knocked him in the head, giving him a serious concussion and rendering one of his red eyes temporarily useless. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, this made him unable to go on duty.
"I see. How far out are they?" Matthias asked, instantly beginning to adorn his gear. Pulling his bright orange jacket on, and then the small instant floatation pouches in his gear belt. He checked his phone- a recent purchase for its waterproofed design- and tucked it into his bag. Sighing, he slung it back over his shoulder and followed Gilbert as they went out to the hangar. A great, red, search and rescue copter stood wet, tall and proud as it awaited its new passengers. Great puddles of sea water had gathered beneath it, showing its recent voyage above the raging ocean. Two men were already standing in front of the helicopter, both adorned in the bright orange rescue gear. One was quite tall, standing at no less than six feet, while the other was the polar opposite, no taller than five foot five.
"Matthias! Thank God yer here!" The tallest one said, jogging up to him and giving him a bear hug. His southern accent rung off of the hangar walls as he spoke. Matthias returned the gesture with a strong pat to the back.
"Alfred. How many times have you flown out?"
"Eight. Goin on nine." Alfred said, looking at his friend with a frown. "Kiku, Herc and I 're the only ones who can keep it stable. Wish the trainin' regimen was better these days, n' everyone could."
"I'll tell you what, I wish the same. But I think it's more the experience working for you and I… rather than training." Matthias said, turning towards the plane and seeing a much smaller man standing next to Alfred, his jet-black hair hidden by the helmet with headset. "Kiku. Good to see you so bright and early in the morning." The blonde said sarcastically.
"Ah, yes. I wish I courld say the same." The man said in a thick, Japanese accent. "But I haven't srlept in arlmost 24 hours."
"Same. I had just got to bed when I got the call. Alright! Let's get going, sooner we finish, the sooner we sleep." Matthias said with a grin, indicating towards the copter.
"Yes sir-ee." Alfred said, jumping up into the cockpit and sliding on his helmet and switching on the mic. "Check one-two. This is Hero, You there HQ? Haha, that rhymed…"
"HQ here, Hero in." The static voice of someone with a faintly Italian accent came over the radio. "Is all equipment ready?"
"Yessir, Lovi! Alright. We're taking off again in thirty seconds." Alfred announced as the passengers readied their gear.
"Roger. Don't call me that. It's Lovino. Good luck."
"Thank youuuuu." Alfred muttered, flipping switches and beginning the propellers. Kiku joined him in the side taking up his side of controls and the engine kicked on instantly.
Matthias jumped up next, joining two men who were already in the passenger's area. He noted the small blonde tuft of hair peeking out from one helmet, indicating a small ponytail at the nape of the slightly taller man's neck. The one next to him had bright green eyes that couldn't be mistaken even through the orange of the goggles that covered Bonnefoy and Antonio Carriedo.
"Heya guys. Bout time we were put on a mission together again." Matthias said, sitting next to Antonio. "It's been a while since it was just us three."
"Not since our first year." Francis laughed slightly. The three felt the lurch as the helicopter took off from the hangar. Holding tightly to the handles, the three quickly put on the rest of their gear. Matthias cracked his neck to the side and popped his knuckles. "That says a lot." He said as the coms came on.
"Ready?" Alfred's voice asked from their headsets.
"Oui, oui~." Francis said, putting up a thumb to show his answer. Antonio nodded, snapping his goggles in place for the last time.
"Alright, we're five off from the scene, be ready ta dive." Alfred's voice said over the com. "And be careful, this storm is escalatin' pretty bad. Wouldn't be shocked if it became a hurricane. Don't do anythin' that'll get ya hurt, ya hear?"
"Roger. We'll be ready. Just keep high enough from the water, Don't risk the wind." Antonio said back.
"Roger that."
The tension was high as the three waited by the open door of the helicopter. The wind was whipping and lashing out everywhere, making the helicopter have to fight for balance. Rain pelted the sides, and the three felt the water seeping in before they even could dive over. Waiting, they listened intently for orders.
"We see you're coordinates. Your set go." The voice of Lovino came over through the helmets of every passenger. The tension grew only that much. Matthias felt a knot building in his gut… he didn't like how this felt.
"alrighty boys. Get ta gettin'. Be safe, we'll be waitin'." Alfred finally said after the small eternity of time. The three rescue divers nodded, and then moved to the doorway.
"Drive safe. We'll be back." Matthias said, and he leaped out. Antonio and Francis gave their own thumbs up, before following closely.
This chapter is officially redone. :D Please tell me what you think of the edits, or just the story otherwise. Thanks!
