Healing Hearts
Rated; M for Mature
Pairing; HunterXAmy(HiccupXAstrid)
Author; Nightstar Fury
Disclaimer; I do not own anything HTTYD related-not the movies, shows, shorts, or series. I also don't own any of the songs that I may or may not use in the story. Everything belongs to its original artist or creator!
43; Underway
{Normal POV}
The night was long and it was hard, mainly for Hunter. He was sicker than any of them thought and they were worried for him more so after he spent nearly half an hour in the bathroom puking everything five to ten minutes. Hunter had a fever, he was coughing hard, he couldn't sleep and when it threw up it sounded like he was gagging on it or forcing it up. It wasn't fond memories for original five Alpha Wolf unit members because it reminded them of when Hunter was coming down from the drugs that day in the gym. The only difference was that he wasn't shaking or falling into seizures this time, not that it made it any better he was sick at all when they were in Iraq. What made it worse is that he refused to allow them to get the medic to find out what was causing it all. As morning came around, Hunter fell asleep a little after 6:30 am when the alarm had been set for. Feeling like he needed it, they shut the alarm off and let him sleep a while longer.
All of them had gotten up and went to breakfast while he slept, and when they returned, he was awake. As they entered the barrack, Hunter was dressed properly having showered and shaved although he still looked like death with the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Hunter was sitting at his desk eating a granola bar with a yellow powerade, he noticed when they came in and looked over at them.
"How was breakfast?" Hunter asked.
"Pretty good. Eggs, bacon, toast, coffee." Eric replied calmy, "How are you feeling?"
"Let's just not even go there. I'm surprised I'm keeping down the granola bar," Hunter muttered tiredly.
"Still feel sick, don't you?" Heather asked gently.
"Yeah, better than last night but still pretty shitty. Called Mom, this was her idea," Hunter said motioning to the granola bar and powerade. "Eat light and keep it to small meals all day she says," he added with a roll of his eyes and sigh.
"How's everyone back home?" Glenn smiled some.
"Good. Amy's already miserable without me there," Hunter sighed a bit, "I told her that hopefully this shouldn't take long. One thing that seems to remain consistant is the target location, he hasn't moved much and always returns to the same spot if he doesn't move," he mentioned.
"Well, this should be easy then," Daniel remarked.
"No, it makes it harder actually. Please tell me you haven't been out of war so long you've forgotten to take into account this particular type of tactic?" Hunter stated as they looked at him confused. "He knows he's a target because of the other teams being sent after him, those teams failed and three didn't return. He moves slightly, but always returns to the same spot? That has trap written all over it in big bright red letters."
"So when's that meeting with the base leaders?" Sam asked him.
Hunter checked his watch, "In about fifteen minutes," he said putting his arm back down.
"Do...we need to come or just you with them?" Cassandra inquired.
"Just me, you guys can stay here and relax until I get back. It's really just going over the plan with them and setting times up for those small recon and contact missions leading up to the big one. Once we establish a secure location that won't change, that's when we'll move in for the capture." Hunter told them firmly as he tossed the wrapper away and stood up from his seat, he grabbed a folder from the drawer and tucked it under his arm. "If you get bored while waiting, I brought chess, checkers, and playing cards. They are in the bottom left side drawer. Bottom right has couple more powerades and snacks, help yourselves." he added.
"Always looking out for us, aren't ya?" Timothy asked smiling.
"Pretty sure that was my job as team leader. I should be back soon," Hunter stated as he slung his gun strap on his shoulder and then left the barrack with Toothless in tow beside him.
"You really think this is a trap set by enemies?" Stewart asked.
"We're not the ones who think it, Hunter does and ten to one, his gut instinct is never wrong. I do have to say that this sounds pretty...easy after he said it the way he did," Eric stated.
"Not following," Stewart titled his head a bit.
"When Hunter runs missions, he doesn't just charge in blindly. He takes everything into account. Terrain, ranges, how many enemies, weather, types of weaponry, all that before actually letting us get to where we were ordered to. Hunter lives by the line, 'if it's too easy, then it's too hard'." Daniel informed.
"Meaning that if the mission seems too easy then it's actually going to be hard as shit or likey a trap so he never just barges right in until he distinguishes what we'd be up against. That's why his mission success rate is through the roof, Hunter doesn't endanger his soldier's lives needlessly. It's another reason why Hunter told the president that this would take time to complete, Hunter isn't going to run us in there based on information of previous soldiers who failed the very same mission." Axel stated calmly.
"So, that's why he wants to use the contact and recon missions before going through with the actual mission? He thinks it's too easy to just go based on other information that isn't his own findings?" Stewart asked while sitting on his bed.
"That's right. Hunter thinks right now that this target moves slightly but always returns to the location that the other teams reported him to be in. Every one of those teams failed and three never came back, there's gotta be something wrong with the information we're being given so Hunter isn't going to repeat their mistakes by just sending us right in. He wants to check it out first and take a few missions to ensure it doesn't change before making the final move." Eric told Stewart.
"Clever indeed, very smart tactic. He goes off instinct rather than the word of others," Stewart smiled a little. He was actually proud of Hunter for such a skill to possess, ensuring facts and safety while getting the job done. Hunter might not have wanted to be in the military, but he did amazing in it and never let personal feelings get in the way. It was in this that Stewart realized why his son was called a hero, because Hunter was a true soldier.
(Hours Later)
Most of them were just lying around and relaxing, Cassandra and Heather were playing cards when Hunter returned with Toothless to the barrack. Although, he looked anything but pleased and that was never a good sign if Hunter was in a bad mood. He went straight to his desk and tossed the folder down before planting himself in his seat and lying his head down on his arms.
"I...take it the meeting didn't go well?" Glenn asked.
"What was your first clue?" Hunter remarked.
"You...coming in mad..." Axel pointed out.
"Glad you all know me that well. No, the meeting sucked and no one likes to listen. Fortunately, I've got the president on my side and he personally radioed in to tell them that this mission was mine and they were to do as they were told for anything pertaining to it." Hunter sighed closing his eyes.
"So everything all planned then?" Timothy inquired softly.
"Yeah after an hour of arguing about it. First recon is tonight at 2100 hours, and yes...prepare to be up all night. We're going to where the other teams were sent for location just to check it out. We're not moving in, we're not engaging anything or anyone, no meeting up with contacts. It's JUST to check things out and verify if any of the information in this," he held up the folder, "is correct." he finished now.
"Alright, what are we looking at so far?" Eric asked.
"This location is set two hour drive away and rumored to be heavily guarded by Iraqi soldiers. Some reports say twenty, some say fifty, one reported seventy. Hence why I want to check it out because I don't trust a word in this," Hunter said.
"What else can we go off?" Heather asked.
"Not a lot. I can't really plan anything off this until I confirm location of target. That is the purpose of tonight, we'll be taking a chopper to a support base that is only half an hour drive from the supposed location. We'll grabbing a jeep from them and then getting closer to likely walk and get a better idea of what we're dealing with here. Also, if this turns out to be the location of the target, we're moving to the support base to continue carry out the mission from there. I'd rather be closer to keep watch than farther where things can change." Hunter informed.
"Orders understood, Captain," they nodded to him.
"Good. After lunch is over, I expect you to come back here and get some more sleep. Gonna need it," Hunter told them. With another nod of understanding, he looked back at his desk and continued to comb through the folder. Pulling out only things he needed to verify from the other teams. So far, it wasn't much they'd be doing but at least they had a starting point. Confirm targets assumed location. Once they knew that, they could move on.
(2100 Hours; 9 pm-Iraq Time)
As he had suggested, they all went to lunch for 1 pm and then returned to get some more sleep until dinner time at 6 pm. After that was over, everyone called home to check in on loved ones before beginning to get things ready for the mission by checking over their guns, getting anything they needed to the chopper pad to be loaded on their ride to the support base. The flight would only take an hour at best and then they'd grab a jeep for the remaining drive to a place they could just watch things and figure out what they were dealing with. As the time reached 9 pm, they were on the pad as Hunter was doing a check to make sure they had everything they needed before giving the command for them to load up, when everyone was secure inside along with Toothless, Hunter gave the order for the chopper to take off.
Once in the air, Hunter was just holding the piece above his head to stay standing in one place as they could all tell he looked deep in thought with a far off look in his eyes. They wondered if he was alright, Hunter did get sick for about twenty minutes after lunch before falling asleep and then again right before dinner.
"Hunter, are you sure you're feeling alright to go through with this tonight?" Heather finally asked to cut through the silence between all of them.
"I'm fine. I saw the medic half an hour before we left to get something for the nausea and fever. I don't care how I feel right now, I want this shit done and over with so I can get back to my life back on Berk..." Hunter stated firmly.
"So I take it then you plan to return to you discharge status?" Sam asked him.
"Damn right I do. I said it one and I'll say it a final time. I never wanted to be here. Now, I'm not saying that it was awful and nothing good came of it. I did make friends, I found love, I met Toothless and had some good memorable moments that will stay with me forever. But that doesn't mean I want to continue to do what brought me equally bad moments such as seeing friends die, killing people, losing love, losing my leg, continuously plagued with nightmares. However, no matter good or bag the memory being in this service has brought me, I will always stand up for what is right and defend the people I care about. Soldier or civilian. If this requires me to act as a soldier, so be it. But when it's over...I want to go back to normal life, work my job, and just enjoy life. I don't know what else I'll do, but I want to do things that I chose to do, the life I choose to live and not the one a selfish man decided to force on me. I'm done talking about this," Hunter looked back out the chopper window, a look of irritation in his eyes now.
The remained of the hour flight was silent, no one wanting to make him angry. They knew he needed his head in the mission, it was top priority to accomplish and dangerous if not focused on completely. Arriving at the support base, Hunter opened the door and climbed out and then waited for the others as the leader of the small support base came forward towards them.
"Alpha Wolf? Led by Captain Hunter Ostberg?" the man asked.
"That would be me. And you must be Major Nicholas Rollins, yes?" Hunter put his hand out to shake the Major's, the two did so before disconnecting their hands.
"Yes sir. And might I say it's an absolute pleasure to meet you," the major smiled at him.
"I'm not sure what the pleasure of meeting me is, but regardless. You have the jeep ready?" Hunter asked.
"It's being fueled now for you and one of the soldier is going to bring it right here. Is there anything we can provide for your mission. Water, MRE, binoculars?" Major Rollins inquired calmly.
"No, thank you. My soldiers and I have all we need except the jeep, how much longer?" Hunter stated.
"Ten or so minutes. Got a little behind with things because of a situation where enemy forces were getting a little too close to base," Major Rollins enlightened calmly.
"Do you require back up support? I can send for extras from the MOB if you do? I know there are only two companies stationed here," Hunter asked.
"No, we should be alright. I know you got your own mission and it's top priority at that, don't worry about us." Major Rollins smiled to him.
"The mission of the soliders is as follows: We are warriors and members of a team. We will never accept defeat. We will never quit. We will never leave a fallen comrade. We stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the Barbaric Archipelago in close combat. We serve the people of the Archipelago. We are guardians of freedom and our way of life. We are Archipelago Soldiers." Hunter stated firmly as they all looked at him now, "All do your respect, no mission is more important than another because in the long run," he began as he leaned against a post with his arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed contently, "In those words, there is no 'I', Major Rollins because there is no I in the word team. We as soldiers do not do things solo, we're always in a group and we always have each other's backs. We're all here for the same cause, same goal. The same missing: protecting the people we hold close to our hearts back at home, and we also protect each other and stand united as one force in the face of our enemies in order to provide a safer world to live in, for peace among all."
"O-Of course, sir. My apologies," Major Rollins said while saluting him.
"Look, just because I am who I am and everyone know what happened does not mean you have to salute me. I'm still ranked under you, Major..." Hunter sighed heavily.
"But you're a hero," the major smiled at him. "You deserve the utmost respect,"
"No. I'm just soldier like everyone else," Hunter retorted as a jeep was heard pulling up and parking near them. Hunter opened his eyes and saw it as the soldier came out with a smile and saluted both the Major and Hunter.
"All ready for you, Captain Ostberg. New tires, ammo for the gun, full tank of guess, and complete tune up." the soldier reported calmly but formally.
"At ease, soldier. Much appreciated. Let's move, Alpha Wolf," Hunter ordered moving to the back of the jeep where the bed of it was, "Timothy, you drive. Daniel, spot him. Sam, Heather, Cass, take the back seats. Stewart, Glenn, Axel, sit in the bed with me. Eric, you take the top gun." he added.
"Yes, Captain!" they replied getting into their positions as Timothy started the jeep up.
"Have our chopper ready for 0600, that's when we'll be back with the jeep." Hunter told Major Rollins.
"Will do, Captain Ostberg. Safe mission to ya!" Major Rollins smiled as the jeep left the base exit and headed towards the location Hunter had given Daniel to direct Timothy too.
(Assumed Target Location)
Hunter had them park in a safe location out of enemy guard range and left Glenn, Stewart, Axel, and Sam back to guard it. Hunter moved on foot with his five unit members closer to the location but still kept them hidden to observe through the night. It was already almost 11 pm and they'd just gotten settled in their spot to keep an eye on things about where they were and if the target could even be seen in this area. Hunter gave the four guarding the jeep orders to check in every hour and sleep in shifts with two watching, two sleeping then switch off at the half way mark. It was 11 pm now, half way to 6 am would be three and a half hours of sleep each pair.
"What we looking for boss?" Heather asked him.
"This guy," Hunter said showing them the picture of he target. "His supposed location is that building there across from us two miles away. Let's see if he's even here, the other teams just rushed in on assumption. I'm not such a fool to repeat the same mistake. Before anymore moving in closer is done, we need to confirm he's here at all. Spread out a bit, stay with your buddy, check the angles and report in. Anyone sees him, get me an established location and how many soldiers guarding him with their weapon types. Understood?"
"Yes, Captain." they replied before headed off with their battle buddy. Eric stayed with Hunter as they set up to start looking for the target.
"You think he's here?" Eric asked.
"I think he's here, just not here," Hunter said as Eric arched a brow at him then caught on.
"Oh, you think he's in this area but not this building. We're...not checking the building, are we?" Eric looked at him nervously. Hunter chuckled a little.
"I'm glad you still remember how I work. Come on, we're moving in closer because my gut feeling tells me that he's hiding in a place you wouldn't expect trying to make us think he's in the building under heavy guard when he's probably only got ten or less protecting him in a smaller location. That's what I would do if I were being hunted so to speak. My guess is that building is just a diversion, an ambush and that's why the others had to abort the mission. If the three teams haven't been killed, then they are prisoners in that building where a trap waits for anyone fool enough to charge in. He's smart...but not smart enough. I see the game, and unfortunately for him...I play it better. " Hunter told his friend.
"Man, I've really missed having you be with us for this kind of shit." Eric smiled as Hunter just shrugged his shoulders and the two of them moved in closer than the others to get a better look at what they were dealing with. Hunter knew what he was looking for, a smaller building with an interesting amount of small guards looking like they were screwing around and not doing their jobs. An act only a man without a plan would would fall for, but not Hunter. It was finally time to get this underway and done with so he could go back home.
