Through The Ups & Downs
Couple; HarrisonXBriana
Rating; Mature
Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD or any songs I might use! Also, from this point in the story and in future chapters, I do not own the character; Ella(Eira) Solveig. She belongs to my good friend, ShadowSpirit020.
24) Exciting Surprise
{Harrison's POV}
[9/30/2015-Zone Two; Camp Arifjan-4:20 pm]
My gut instinct to follow the female Night Fury known as Nightstar now had been correct. I got the feeling there was more to a second Night Fury showing up when Nightstar grabbed me from the sky when I fell off Toothless after being rammed into by her. Nightstar tried to carry me off in the Southwest direction of the camp, and oddly enough, I knew that Briana had gone missing that way two weeks ago. I didn't understand anything at first except that Nightstar calmed down when I said my name and Toothless's to her, then she wanted me to follow her, so I decided to do it. Something inside me said that it would be worth it, and by the Gods, it had been.
I found Briana! I hadn't even intended to do so but this Night Fury led me right to her! I had never been happier in my entire life. I learned then and there that Briana and Nightstar bonded to one another, then Briana sent Nightstar to find me for help because she couldn't move on her own. I was proud of my girlfriend for remembering what I told her about how smart Night Furies were, knowing that all they needed was a little information and a direction to fly in. However, I had to sit down with Colonel Dunbar and a few others to explain how I found her. Wouldn't this be fun? Dunbar rode my ass earlier, but Aaron got him off my back and told me good job.
So much had to go into the MIA situation now. The first thing is that Briana was no longer missing in action, she got found, and that needed to get reported to the states and her family. However, there was more to it than that. First, they needed Briana's story about what happened, but since she was being looked over for injuries and being treated; they were going to get my story of how I found her. So, here I was, standing in Zone Two near the soldier barracks, dragon stables, and bathrooms with Colonel Dunbar, Glenn, Aaron, Wind Rider Platoon, Briana's unit-I always forgot what their name was, and two Night Furies; Toothless and Nightstar. Honestly, all I wanted to do was see my girlfriend, but I knew they wouldn't let me in there right now while she was getting a complete physical done.
"Well, Mr. Haddock, we're waiting," Colonel Dunbar asked.
"Hey, keep your uniform on. I don't take orders from you; I receive them from Major Hagebak and Lieutenant Belmore. Or have you so soon forgotten that the dragons riders of Arc Isle Army are only here to provide dragon support and you don't command our position at this base," I retorted with a scowl. I get he wanted answers, but I just got back.
"Private Haddock, while I do agree with you on that matter. You rescued a missing in action soldier after being ordered not to interfere with. Both militaries have their way of doing thi-" Aaron started.
"I had no intention of disobeying your orders, Major Hagebak. I was unaware of this until AFTER I followed Nightstar to the location where I found Private Grayson, and I wasn't exactly going just to leave her behind," I informed as Aaron sighed. "As I said, I will be more than happy to explain if you would only allow me a moment to put my dragon away and Briana's, then we can move this discussion to a more secure area as most military protocols would demand to be done," I added.
"Briana's dragon?" Glenn asked.
"Nightstar, the female Night Fury. I'm afraid I don't know much about the situation regarding that, but I know a bond when I see one. Miss. Grayson told me on the flight about the bonding and a little of what occurred after the mission where she got separated from the others. For the time being, I will have Nightstar stay in the stall next to Toothless, and I wouldn't advise anyone to approach her as she's very hostile to others," I enlightened as I led Toothless toward the stable and put him inside, then removed his dragon's saddle and placed it down. "Alright, come on, Nightstar. Right here next to Toothless," I said while opening the next stall but Nightstar didn't move.
I looked at her, and she seemed afraid and looked back to the direction that Briana went with the medics, whimpering sadly. "What's wrong with her?" Thomas inquired.
"It's the bond. Nightstar knows that Briana is hurt and the instinct to protect is high. Toothless and I have it too, it's why he tried to protect me from Nightstar earlier. Dragons are fiercely loyal once bonded," I let him know as I moved closer to Nightstar. "It's okay, girl. I promise you're safe. Toothless will keep you company, and I'll check on Briana. She's okay, you saved her life by coming to get me, and everything is just fine now," I soothed Nightstar. The dragon crooned with her head down as put my hand out with the palm up. "You can trust me," I vowed.
At that moment, Nightstar pressed her nose to my palm with her eyes closed and warbled softly before licking my cheek affectionately. After that, Nightstar went into the stable I had opened up before and sat down to relax. I smiled and grabbed two small barrels of fish for Nightstar and Toothless, then exited the stables and stood before Thomas, Aaron, Glenn, then my friends. "We'll take this to my office. Aaron, Glenn, would you be good enough to join as well?" Thomas asked.
"That we will. The rest of you, resume your duties." Aaron ordered the remaining members of Wind Rider Platoon. "And mind your distance from Nightstar, was it?" he added, and I nodded to him. "Haddock is the lead trainer here, so do as he suggests and leave the Night Fury alone,"
"Yes, sir," they replied, and then I walked away with Thomas, Aaron, and Glenn. I somehow felt like this was going to be a long afternoon suddenly. I didn't care, Briana was safe, and I'd make sure nothing took her from me again. Reaching the office with the other three, I began telling them everything about where Nightstar took me, then finding Briana. Afterward, I explained that Briana got separated after a blast and taken for three days before she escaped and had been running between villages for the last week days before ending up where she was with a hurt ankle, then bonding to Nightstar who she sent to get help.
That's what Briana told me; she bonded to Nightstar then after two days, she told Nightstar to find a man named Harrison and another Night Fury with the name Toothless. Briana also mentioned which direction to fly in. That's why Nightstar wanted me to follow her because Briana sent her dragon to get me for help knowing I would understand what Nightstar wanted me to do.
"So, you followed the dragon because you knew you would find Private Grayson. You still defied my orders and your commanding officers," Thomas stated.
"Weren't you listening to a word I said? I didn't know Briana would be there. All I knew is that the female Night Fury wanted me to follow her, so I did, and I had permission from Major Hagebak to leave and figure out what was going on. I am sorry if I impeded your searching, but I wasn't leaving Bri there to die while you took your sweet ass time in finding her. I told you two weeks ago that I could find her with Toothless and look where your denying me of such got you. One of your soldiers bonded to a Night Fury and sent it to get me because Briana knew I would understand what Nightstar wanted," I retorted.
"Private Haddock is right, Thomas. No one knew what Nightstar wanted Harrison to do other than follow her and I did allow him permission to do a check. I find that it's fortunate I let him go and he was led to one of your missing soldiers by a dragon she bonded with and knew how to send a signal for help. All that aside, Miss Grayson has been returned safely to base thanks to the efforts of Mr. Haddock's quick thinking and understanding of the dragons," Aaron informed.
"I suppose in the end, that is all that matters. Thank you, Harrison. You are free to go see Briana now, as long as the medical team says you are clear to do so," Thomas enlightened. I nodded and saluted the three of them before leaving the office and taking a deep breath. Finally, I could see Briana and on the bright side of things, only two more weeks until the tour was over.
{Normal POV}
[Two Weeks Later-10/16/2015-Arc Isle Airport; 2:35 pm]
After all was said and done with Briana being found alive by Harrison, everything was going to be okay when they returned to the states. Harrison had been informed that his actions were to be rewarded by the American Military Headquarters and such had been agreed by the Arc Isle Army officials as well. Briana made out with hardly any long term physical injuries; the worst of them was two bruised ribs and a grade two sprain of her ankle. The doctors caring for her said that overall in a month, she would be good as new and that was two weeks ago, so two to go still.
The best news of all came yesterday afternoon over dinner at Camp Arifjan. The tour of duty was over, and the Arc Isle soldiers were going home for one week before having to report to the USA, Fort Benning once more. It had gotten revealed that they needed more help with the dragons as more were making an appearance and Harrison having Toothless along with the rest of his team would help out exponentially. At the Wind Rider Platoon was just pulled into the Arc Isle Airport at this moment. After leaving a little after 10 pm on Kuwait time, they flew all night and through the morning with a lot of stops but small layover times and were arriving home now.
However, a surprise for Harrison's family is that Briana would be getting off the plane with her boyfriend and getting to meet his family when they got to bag claim/passenger pickup. It had been Briana's desire not to be away from Harrison as he was helping her settle with the ordeal she went through. Briana got plagued by some nightmares of her capture but nothing that Harrison couldn't handle with a few soothing words and talking her through it, reminding her she was safe now; that how Briana explained it too, she felt safe with Harrison and didn't want to lose that feeling. So, Briana didn't return with her company, she left with Harrison's platoon for Arc Isle and would stay with him until the week was over when the platoon would return the US to carry out their duties.
[Passenger Pickup/Baggage Claim]
"I'm so glad that their back!" Nate exclaimed jumping up and down holding the sign that said 'Welcome Home Harrison, Dexter, and Syrus.' Harrison had called them as soon as he got the news about being allowed to come home. Of course, he didn't tell them about Briana coming too because Bri made a choice last minute to want to go with him.
"We all are, son," Spencer smiled standing beside Viviana. Along with his family, his friends had come too. Even Addilyn. True that she was still pissed at him, she would apologize for slapping Harrison and admit that it was wrong of her to fly off the handle, but he was still wrong for not being honest about things. However, Addy was going to excuse herself from being around him for a while so she could get over him knowing that there was no chance she would get to be with Harrison.
The group gathered around saw soldiers making their way down the escalator and families began to cheer and clap for the return. "There they are!" Hailey said happily seeing Dexter, Trevor, and Syrus making their way down, then after them, it was Olivia, Chelsea, Ella, and Stephanie. Everyone was getting to their families in a frenzy of tears and hugs for the reunion.
"Big brother!" Hailey jumped at Dexter quickly and hugged him tightly.
"Syrus!, Oh, welcome home, my boy!" Shawn Jorgenson announced as he and his wife, April pulled Syrus into a hug.
"Good to be back, Dad," Syrus smiled.
"Where's Harrison?" Viviana wondered as Dexter walked over with Hailey.
"Right here, Mom," Harrison called with a smile as he stepped off the escalator and went over to greet his parents and little brother.
"I'm so glad you're here, and we get to see you for a week," Nate hugged Harrison tightly.
"Me too, kiddo. Hey guys," Harrison waved to Frankie, Regina, and TJ. His eyes fell on Addilyn and became a little confused. "Uh, hi, Addilyn," he said.
"Hello, Harrison. Welcome home," Addilyn gave a light smile.
"Harrison, a little help?" came a female's voice. Harrison looked back and saw Briana coming down the stairs carefully.
"I told you to wait for the elevator," Harrison chuckled as he moved half up the stairs and picked her up in his arms bridal style, then carried her down.
"Who is your friend dear, is she hurt?" Viviana wondered as airport staff rushed over a wheelchair and Harrison eased her into it.
"Sprained ankle and two bruised ribs. I told her to stay at the top and wait for the elevator because she only has two weeks left to go before she's completely healed and we don't need anything else happening," Harrison chuckled.
"So, who is she?" Addilyn asked.
"Mom, Dad, Nate, gang, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Briana Grayson," Harrison stated proudly as Briana smiled and waved at them. The friends and family were shocked, Harrison brought his girlfriend to Arc Isle with him for them to meet her. This was surely an unexpected, but exciting surprise.