I'll Be The One

by Nightstar Fury

All Hunter Haddock wanted was a semi-normal life, but he was the President of the United Islands' son. The night he saved a couple of fellow students on his college campus, after finding out that they are members of a gang; he's thrown into a new world and his life changes forever in ways he never imagined it could. Rated M. Paring; Toothless X Hiccup.

48. Chapter 48

I'll Be The One

Chapter 48:

=Hunter's POV=
[Tuesday, 4/30/2019-9:30 am]
[Archipelago; Sleipnir Island]
[Abandoned House]

I've found out that being captive is a lot of do as I say or get your ass beat. I've been with these people now for two full days; I was taken Sunday at 6 pm, that's the last time I remember looking at my phone before I knocked out. Monday at 6 made a full twenty-four hours, and today at 6 pm, unless I was found; it would be forty-eight hours. Upon arriving to this island; it was mostly abandoned except wildlife, flora, and some rundown shacks or abandoned houses. I knew we weren't on the mainland anymore, and this place seemed to easy going to be considered one of the islands around the mainland. I didn't know where I was, and that sucked because it made escaping a lot harder. I had woken up in transport by boat; we were thirty minutes away from what I heard while they thought I was still out. The time had been just about 8 pm when we reached the island I'm on. My head was killing me at the time; still is.

I was taken into a log cabin house, arms tied behind my back and being held by two people. There was also two behind me, and one in front. I mouthed off the first chance and was beaten for it. Afterward; I got taken below into some cement cellar. I got tied to a chair securely and watched them set up a camera and talk amongst themselves. I never got dinner, and I stayed up all night because obvious, I didn't trust any of these people. I never met who was behind this until Monday morning, and I don't know who he is either. I only see the light blue eyes of an older man; it's in his voice that he's older. I was told right away by this guy that it was an honor to meet me, and I'd live as long he got what he wanted. Was I scared? Not really. I set my kidnapping alert in place as soon as I realized what was happening.

I knew dispatch would get the call from my phone, and someone would put it together. I knew they'd find my phone, and I knew it would be brought to Dustin's attention that a call to emergency services was placed and my number would be the one he saw. I knew my disappearance would trigger my friends and boyfriend, and I knew they'd all work together to find me. Of course; I was going to do my best to help them along. Monday night ended with me getting my ass beat again; I woke up a few hours later and it was dark, so I knew it had to be nighttime. I was given a mini water bottle and one of those microwaved dinners meant for a kid as my supper. Once again, I stayed up all night and did nothing further to get a beating. My body hurt like hell as it was from the two I already got, and I was still recovering from the transplant surgery.

My attention was pulled when the door opened bringing in workers and their leader. "Good morning," the man in charge greeted.

"Is it morning? Hadn't noticed since you're keeping in a blasted cellar!" I snarked.

"Come now; I feel this is pretty cozy, yes?" the man asked.

"Could do with some TLC…Make a bit homey," I shrugged. "So what's the deal here? Just gonna keep me locked up until you get whatever it is you want?"

"No, we're going to put you to work while I get whatever I want. So get up," he ordered.

"I'm thinking no," I replied.

"You weren't being given a choice," snapped one of the men.

"Okay, then I say no," I repeated. "I ain't doing a damn thing you say,"

"I have ways of making you," the man in charge remarked.

"Then do it, but I ain't agreeing to it willingly," I scoffed.

"How about another beating?" the man threatened. I paused; I didn't really think I could take another one right now. I tightened my fist, but sighed.

"Fine…What do you want?" I glared.

"I knew you'd see it my way," the man smirked. If it was just work; then fine. I needed to give my body time to recover, and maybe I could find another way out.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[Thursday, 5/2/2019-2:00 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Archian House]

There had been no luck in finding Hunter. There had been multiple livestreams where they helplessly watching Hunter be forced to work, and if he slacked or refused; they'd hurt him. Even punishments as awful as being whipped once or twice. Hunter didn't just take it though; they watched when Hunter fought back and even knocked a few out. They had made their demands as of Tuesday morning, though. The man who spoke said he wanted all the items seized during gang busts. That meant money, drugs, alcohol, weapons even. The man informed that Hunter would stay his captive until he got what he wanted. The last stream ended Wednesday night with Hunter so weak and tired that it made him physically sick; it showed him shivering, hungry, beaten up, puking a few times, then trying to rest on the ground, no blankets, padding, or pillows.

"Salvatore, we can't just give all that stuff back!" Dustin tried.

"It's my son's life over objects! I'm not bargaining with it, Director. Hunter has been captive for four days and you see what they are putting him through!" Salvatore argued. All of a sudden, the phone rang and everyone was quiet.

"Get the tracers on," Tallon said as he went over to answer it. When he was giving a thumbs up, he lifted the phone. "Archian House," he answered.

"Give me the president," came a voice. Tallon looked at Salvatore, holding it out to him. Dustin mouthed the words; put it on speakerphone to him. Tallon pushed the button as Salvatore came over and took a deep breath.

"This is President Haddock," Salvatore said.

"Get that boy up and working!" the leader ordered.

"He refuses," the man informed.

"Make him!" the man demanded.

"He's sick, sir. He can't work in this state," claimed another one.

"Oh, boo hoo," the person in charge said sarcastically.

"Leave my son alone!" Salvatore demanded.

"You're in no position to make demands when I have him as my captive. I stated two days ago what my demands were, will you be honoring them?" the man asked.

"We're working on it. I want to make sure he's okay," Salvatore said.

"You've seen the videos; he's alive," the leader huffed.

"No. I have seen you working and beating him like he's some kind of training equipment. I want to talk to him before you receive anything…" Salvatore ordered.

"Start up the live stream," the leader stated. Not more than a few moments later; it did as they were able to see Hunter tied up still.

"Do we have anything?" Dustin asked.

"We're combing through everything, Director," an officer reported quietly. The man tapped Hunter's cheek a bit as he raised his head looking exhausted and annoyed.

"What do you want?" Hunter mumbled.

"Phone for you," the man held it out.

"What the fuck you want me to hold it with? My mouth?" Hunter asked, motioning that his arms were still behind his back. A guard socked him in the side of the face. Hunter's head went off to the side as he took a few deep breaths, spitting out a bit of blood before rolling his head back to it's original position. "You call that a hit? My fifty-year-old Godfather hits harder," Hunter scoffed.

"Odin above, Hunter..." Gregory sighed. "If you'd shut up; it might save you getting hit..."

"He doesn't make it easy," Salvatore sighed as well.

"Shut up. Gods, you're so annoying!" the guard snapped.

"I haven't even gotten started," Hunter remarked. "You ain't worth the effort," he said.

"Cocky brat," he was backhanded this time.

"Getting real sick of your shit. When I break out of this; you're going out first, Al," Hunter muttered. The man laughed, getting closer to Hunter's face.

"What are you gonna do, boy? You're tied up. But hey, if you can get me down from your current position; I'll give ya full meal for dinner tonight," then man grinned.

"As you wish," Hunter shrugged before his eyes narrowed. Hunter leaned the chair back and slammed it down, breaking his legs free from the wood legs. Hunter stood up, whipping his body left and knocking the person next to him away and then running backwards to push the man against the wall; he ended up breaking the chair completely and the man was knocked out. Hunter jumped up, bringing his arms around front of his body, though still tied. Hunter crouched low, kicking the man who challenged him onto one knee and then slamming his connected, balled up hands into the guy's face. The man went unconscious after his head hit the cement ground hard.

Grabbing the pocket knife off the man he knocked out, Hunter cut his ropes and went to bolt out, but stopped when he heard a gun being loaded. Stopping, he turned to find the leader pointing it at him. "Careful now, Hunter...While I admit your brains and combat skills are stellar to take down people twice or even three times your size; I doubt you can do much against a gun at point blank range," the man stated calmly. "I don't believe you wish for everyone back home to see you die. You need me to get home, and I need you alive to get what I want. So, how about we help one another out? Hm?"

Hunter didn't say anything, but he looked annoyed. However, he was smart and knew better than to test this man's word. The leader said he'd shoot him, and he would even if it meant no longer having leverage to make Salvatore deliver what he wanted. Hunter closed his eyes, putting them up in defense and tossed the knife to the side, barely missing a guard's neck. The blade stuck into the wall.

"Why you little-," the man growled.

"Oops," Hunter said, not really caring. "It slipped," Hunter remarked casually.

"That's a good boy," the leader smirked as Hunter's arms were grabbed and the man got close, lifting Hunter's chin a bit. "Ooh, a fiery spirit; I love it. If you keep this up, we may have to have a different kind of fun to make you behave,"

"I wouldn't advise you do that. I'm only being this cooperative because I'd rather not have to hurt anyone. You can take away whatever food and drink you want; I don't care. However...If you touch me once...I'll fucking kill you. Despite what you've done, I can turn the entire situation around to be in control anytime I want. I'm just biding my time until the professionals arrive, but don't think for a second that just because you have me captive you have any power," Hunter warned.

"You'd never make the front door!" the man in charge yelled. "I have the gun on you!"

"You act like I should be scared," Hunter moved closer, having the gun at his forehead. "Go ahead. Shoot me. Lose your leverage to get what you want. Everyone is watching after all. Go on...Do it," Hunter invited.

"Ugh!" the man pulled the weapon back, glaring at Hunter.

"You ain't gonna do shit, so shut the fuck up and let me tell you something, pal. I can kill you here and now. Alright? I can make everyone working here do as I say and be home in two hours if I so choose it. Everyone knows that when you have the leader captured or dead; the rest turn their loyalties to the person who took over. The reason I don't is because I trust my search party to get me out legally, whereas if I take control of this...Anyone in my way is gonna end up beaten into unconsciousness or dead. I'd rather not resort to that because it's not something I want to do. But I will if necessary. As I said...You have no power over me," Hunter retorted coldly. "Now that you understand where you stand in all this...And are a pussy because you won't kill me..." Hunter sat down in the metal chair with his hands behind his back.

"Tie him up, and let's use handcuffs! We don't need anymore escape attempts," the leader stated. After ten minutes and Hunter was re-secured in his hold, the leader approached with the phone.

"I'll take that phone call now," Hunter remarked, glaring. The man set the phone between Hunter's ear and shoulder.

"Hello?" Hunter said.

"Son!" Salvatore said quickly.

"Hi, Dad," Hunter replied.

"Are you alright?" Salvatore asked.

"Pretty sure you saw all that, so I'm doing fine. Getting annoyed and bored of playing good hostage, though," Hunter muttered.

"I love that you think-," the leader began.

"WOULD YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP! Odin almighty!" Hunter glared. "Dad...Can we hurry it up with finding me. Patience is running dangerously thin. You know I have a short fuse, and it's about to blow..."

"I know...I know, son. Please try and hold your temper...I know what you're capable of doing if anyone sets you off. We're doing everything we can to bring you home, son. I promise," Salvatore assured.

"I had no doubts, and I know you're doing your best. I'll see what I can do about helping out. Unfortunately, I have no idea where I am," Hunter said.

"I-I know, Hunter. You're doing great. Just hang on. I love you," Salvatore managed, trying not to cry.

"I love ya too, kiddo. Don't you give up now," Gregory added.

"We're coming for you, Hunter. I swear it," Tallon got in.

"I love you. Don't worry about me; I'm good here, for now," Hunter's voice got farther away as the phone was taken.

"How sweet…Now, I trust you'll have what I want, Mr. President. I'd hate for you to lose your son because I will kill him, contrary to his belief that I won't," one of the men put a gun to the side of Hunter's head and everyone held their breath in fear as Hunter just rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Bring me my demands. You have until Saturday at midnight, or your precious child joins his mother,"

"You'll have it…You'll have it…Just leave him alone!" Salvatore begged. The call ended, and then the video stopped. Now it was a full threat; bring what they wanted or Hunter dies and they didn't put it past these people to kill Hunter live.

. . .

[Friday, 5/3/2019-10 am]
[Archipelago; Sleipnir Island]
[Abandoned House]

As soon as the video ended yesterday; they forced Hunter to get back to work until 2 am. Hunter was exhausted; he tried not to sleep a lot because these people couldn't be trusted. Hunter has barely eaten, and all this stress and lack of food and sleep was making sick. Just for fun; these people chained him up and used him as target practice. Missing on purpose, but Hunter did get cut a few times. They punched him and let Hunter just hang there since 7 am this morning. Around 9:30 am; they let him down and got him back to doing hard labor.

I gotta figure out something before tomorrow night. I gotta help the others find this place, but I don't even know myself… Hunter thought while doing dishes. It was common household work, but somethings were harder and next to impossible on his own. Hunter had managed to beat a few people into unconsciousness over the last five days; he even escaped twice, but was quickly caught and beat for his attempts.

"Get to work over there!" one man yelled.

"Oh put a cork in it. I'm fucking working…" Hunter mumbled as he finished the dishes and got to work on everything in the kitchen and main room. Hunter took care of all the bedrooms and guest bathrooms. Hunter was trying to take in as much as he could to report back because he knew the leader had him recorded for live stream while he worked. Hunter could attempt to pass messages that he hoped would be deciphered. The last few days were hard to make that happen since he was being followed relentlessly, but this time; it was just guards watching him from one spot. Hunter tried to find anything.

Okay…We're on remote island that has to be at least two hours from the mainland. A lot of rundown shacks in a wooded area. This place has to be some kind of log cabin inn or lodge…A lot of guest and bathrooms…Not sure what the others can use in that, but I'm sure it might get them farther than wherever they are now. Hunter thought. Now, the question was how did he relay the information to them without getting caught by his captors. Hunter continued to clean, taking in details to relay back to the others and hoping to Odin they could figure out the clues he was leaving. Hunter knew his time was running out; there was no guarantee they'd let him live even if the demands were met.

. . .

[12:30 pm]

"Hey, boy! Make our lunch," called one of the men watching him.

"Fuck off, make it yourself," Hunter retorted coldly while finishing up the kitchen, which now sparkled and smelled great.

"You do what we tell you to do!" another scoffed.

"I do what I want to do," Hunter countered earning him a hard backhand across the mouth. "I swear to Odin…" he started, which got him hit again.

"When ya gonna learn to shut yer mouth, boy?" a few grinned.

"Probably never," Hunter replied cockily. "What's the matters, boys? Can't handle a sarcastic twenty-two-year-old?" he asked. "Couple days ago you were beating me because I wouldn't talk, now you beat me because I am? For fuck's sake, make up your minds," he rolled his eyes. "Why don't you just shut the hell up and stop telling me what to do?"

"Yeah? You want another beating?" the man shoved Hunter a bit.

. . .

[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Archian House]

As every day since it happened; the forces were hard at work to find Hunter. There was a live stream going; it had been since 11 am when Hunter was seen just scrambling around and cleaning everything. It didn't seem like he was giving them any trouble to avoid getting beaten up again; probably a smart move on his part too. As nothing major was happening; they all focused on their work more. When live streams happened; they all tuned in more to try and listen for any hints or clues to the location. No such luck, but perhaps one of these times; it might come up or that was the hope at least.

All of a sudden; they heard trouble start and watched as a group six surrounded Hunter over a dispute about him being ordered to make lunch for them. However, what really got them was Hunter refusing orders and the man asking if he wanted another beating. Hunter recovered from being shoved.

"You ready for yours?" Hunter countered.

"I'm ready for ya this time," the man glared as he went to backhand Hunter, but much to the surprise of the guy, the others, and anyone who was watching on the stream; Hunter shifted left and blocked the hit. Hunter locked the man's arm with his.

"Bitch, you've never seen anything like me," Hunter stated coldly as he punched the man back; he staggered and checked his lip, finding it to be bleeding. "Bring it on," Instantly, that same man went after Hunter again as they watched Hunter get put in a headlock and he struggled to break free.

"Come on, lad…" Gregory prayed. Hunter closed his eyes a second, taking a few deep breaths before his eyes snapped open and he drove his elbow back into the guy's ribs. Hunter quickly turned to twist his arm; then sock him with a left hook to the face. Hunter pivoted his food and used his right leg to kick the man away; he fell and laid there a second to recover. Hunter kept his hands up, ready as someone went to punch from behind. Hunter ducked down and kicked the attacker's leg out from under him.

"That's my boy!" Salvatore cheered.

"Hey, we trained him together; don't you take all the credit," Gregory remarked.

Someone grabbed Hunter from behind as he dropped his fist into the guy's nether regions, got free and kicked the man back. Hunter turned and kicked the man in the face, sending him to the floor in pain. Hunter saw other recovering as he rolled over the center table, grabbing a serving tray that was there. Hunter kicked a chair towards someone rushing towards him, which they flipped over and fell on their back. Hunter just started wailing on the two that attacked from either side; he used the tray to keep them back and get them on the ground from the hits. Hunter saw the original person who started everything start to get up.

Hunter held the tray as he used someone's back as a step up, he span on his knees to land a kick and then bring the tray down to the side of his head. All of them were moaning in pain on the ground, except the one who started it; he was knocked out. Hunter took deep breaths before he got down and tossed the tray aside. Hunter composed himself and went to start cooking as the leader, still masked, walked in with others.

"What's all this?" he asked.

"Oh, they decided to wrestle a bit while I was told to make lunch," Hunter lied calmly while starting a pot of water on the stove and pulling out things to make soup.

"H-He lies! He did this!" one tattled.

"Little old me? Take on six strong men like you. I think you've taken one too many hits to the head in your match. I assure you that I haven't left my space in the kitchen," Hunter retorted. "Not in the mood for a beating today, so I decided to just do as told," he added. The leader eyed carefully, but eventually ignored it.

"You six, get up. I'm deeply annoyed that you neglected your duties to watch the boy. Had I not come in when I did; he may have escaped as he's already outsmarted you and fought his way outside of this building twice! Now, shift change; the boy remains to cook and then he'll clean up the mess," the leader ordered.

"Of course, sir," Hunter nodded as the man walked away. Hunter grinned at the males getting up. "Pretty sad he believes me over you idiots. Maybe we don't fuck with me again because next time…I'll make sure you're all knocked out," he warned.

"You're dead, kid," one glared.

"We'll see about that," Hunter relied, continuing to cook as the new guards came in and the others left.

"Atta boy, Hunter…" Gregory and Salvatore said, connecting hands.

"He hasn't lost his fight," Tallon sighed in relief. They watched as Hunter looked towards the camera; flashing a small smile and wink because he knew they were watching. It was his way of saying; I'm still in this. "We can't let him down," he added.

"We won't. Hold faith, Tallon," Gregory put a hand on his shoulder. "We know he's captive and taking the beatings, but it's not just because. Hunter hasn't lost his drive to live or fight; he's tried to escape and mouthed off to them, so they try to break his spirit and finding that it's not so easy,"

"Hunter knows we're watching him, and he's doing his part by not giving up. Now, we need to do ours and get him out of there," Dustin nodded.

"We're all on his side," Salvatore confirmed. "Now, let's bring him home,"

Tallon looked back at the screen, watching Hunter just cook and ignore the others. Despite the rise of confidence; things were still on the wire and could change in the blink of an eye. Time was running out, and they needed to get him out quickly and safely. Unfortunately, they were no where closer to a location, but it helped knowing that Hunter had himself taken care of until they got there.