Unintentional Hero

Author: Nightstar Fury of Nightstar Productions

Rated: M for a variety of things that will happen

Pairing: Hiccup/Astrid

Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD

9; Cut Short

Gerald had given Camille permission to stay home one full day from school on the occasion the Hayden was home and most of that day was spent just a sister happy for her brother being home and talking to one another about anything they couldn't over the phone because of time constraints or shitty service. Gerald had stayed home too, happy his son was home even if for a couple weeks. However the next day, Gerald was back to work and Camille back to school though she very much didn't want to go because she felt like she'd lose time with her brother but he promised her they'd hang out afterwards. It was currently about an twenty minutes before school let out and Hayden was there with Toothless waiting for her to get out. He was laying in the grass with his draconic friend, eyes closed when he felt two shadows over him. Cracking an eye open he saw it to be Ethan and Dylan.

"Ya know for a while, I didn't believe at all that you'd joined the army Haddock." Dylan said.

"Didn't know they let useless twigs in." Ethan added.

"Shouldn't you two be in class." He remarked as he sat up now and got to my feet and Toothless stood to growling a bit at the boys. Hayden was only at the school to wait for his friends, army buds, and Cami. They were going to all relax in the school field for a while when the bell rang.

"Whatever only fifteen minutes left any who." Ethan shrugged.

"Saw you on TV the day that private got killed." Hayden flinched a bit, they were talking about Oivind.

"Sorry about your friend, Haddock...Can't imagine what it's like to be so useless that you couldn't even save him." Dylan chuckled as he and Ethan high fived one another.

"Shut up." Hayden said clenching his fist beside his leg.

"Oh, I'm sorry...Did we hit a soft spot, Sergeant Haddock?" Ethan mocked. Hayden fought the urge to punch them both out and he knew he couldn't.

"HEY! Leave our Sergeant alone..." Hayden looked to see Theo, Eli, Daryl, Luis, and Mike Valesti who was another one of the members in his squadron.

"Ain't nothing to do with you. Haddock is an old friend of ours." Dylan chuckled.

"I'm fine guys. These two are just idiots who have nothing better to do with their time." Hayden stated.

"Aw come on, we can take em..." Daryl grinned cracking his neck.

"That is not what we stand for." Theo mumbled.

"So you're really a Sergeant? That's impossible to achieve from a mere status of Private." Ethan remarked.

"He earned that title, why don't you back off and leave our CO alone." Eli huffed.

"Why don't you make us?" Dylan and Ethan said together.

"Just give the order, Sergeant and we'll make them." Lennox stepped forward, Hayden faced them.

"Stand down." Hayden said, his friends stopped looking at him. "I order you to stand down. We are soldiers, we defend our own even if we don't particularly like them. We do not fight ourselves or each other...No matter what."

"Couldn't of said it better myself, Sergeant Haddock." Came a familiar voice, Hayden turned to see Drill Sergeant Ramirez coming up with a smile.

"Drill Sergeant!" Hayden said quickly and offered a salute from a quick position stand at attention.

"As you were, Sergeant Haddock. You graduated from Basic, you don't gotta call me that anymore or be so formal." DS Ramirez chuckled patting his shoulder.

"Out of respect sir. What brings you to the school, recruiting?" Hayden asked.

"Actually, I was looking for you. Heard about what happened before you went on leave, took a bullet for yer teammate did ya?" Ramirez said softly.

"Yeah he did, saving my life actually. Was climbin the chopper ladder, Haddock saw the guy about shoot me and he jumped in the way taking it in the arm. Fought the guy and jumped the ladder as we got away, he held on handed the whole flight back to base." Matthews smiled.

"I heard from Ritka about it. Pretty ballsy there, Sergeant. Its going all around Fort Dreki what you did for Matthews. And you rushed back into heavy fire to pull out Private First Class; Jason Tarelto who was unconscious after an explosion." Ramirez mentioned.

"Yep he did. Hayden lives by 'no man left behind'. He led the entire mission perfectly." Theo said smiling.

"What did my brother do?" Cami asked, Hayden hadn't even realized the bell rang and now Cami, Avery, Rachel, TJ, Seth, and Felix were out there with them.

"Amazing things since graduating Basic and he is about to be recognized for it too. That's why I came lookin for ya, Haddock. Got a few people I want you to meet. The principal said I could meet ya on the field with yer friends but saw ya here so I came over." Ramirez smiled.

"I don't...need recognition sir. Just doing my job." Hayden mumbled.

"Nonsense boy. Come along now, you're friends are welcome to come too." Ramirez said. A little surprised at the order, Hayden just nodded and followed beside him. Soon after his friends, and army buds did the same. Toothless stayed beside Hayden while Dylan and Ethan curiously followed to watch as well. Reaching the field, Hayden saw DS Aumnsav, and a few other officers he recognized from Afghanistan. They hadn't really come all the way to Berk, had they?

"Ah there he is. Sergeant Hayden Haddock of the 33rd Fury Fighters Division. Enjoying your leave, Sergeant?" Said Colonel Jacobson.

"Of course, Colonel Jacobson. I haven't seen my family and friends in ten months, well actually almost a year given I didn't see them for the ten weeks of training other than half of family day and an hour after graduation before deployment." Hayden responded.

"Well we won't take up your time then. I actually extended my leave to be able to see you here before I return to Afghanistan. We all heard about your acts of bravery during that ambush before your leave began. Why don't all of you go take a seat on the grass for this. You're about to see a true soldier be recognized for his actions." Col. Jacobson stated to his friends. All of them went to sit down on the grass and watched as Hayden just stood there, a little bewildered by what was going on. "You Sergeant Haddock, have you brought your dress clothes by chance?"

"Sir, yes sir. Always in the bag with my dragon." Hayden responded formally.

"Grab them and change, this is a formal ceremony." Col. Jacobson said. Hayden offered a nod as he grabbed his clothes from Toothless's bag. "On the double, Haddock!" Hayden kicked in gear rushing into the school to change then back out in the formal wear he'd worn for his Basic Training graduation. Black pants and shoes with a dark green long sleeve button down, gold buttons and brown belt, atop his head was the black officer hat.

"Soldier, Aten-SHUN!" DS Ramirez announced. Hayden snapped to attention quickly, "Hand...Salute." Hayden raised his hand, then place it back down before the command 'Salute' had been finished. "Parade Rest." DS Ramirez ordered calmer. Hayden's feet spread shoulder width apart with his hands behind his back, the right in the left with open palms. DS Ramirez stepped back, Hayden noticed on walking out that he saw his father there too and Cami was explaining that she had no idea what was going on either.

"About, face!" Hayden turned as he was now facing his family, and friends. Col. Jacobson stood slightly behind. "State your name, division, brigade, regiment, battalion, company, platoon, squadron, and unit for me soldier." Col. Jacobson ordered. That was a lot to remember but Hayden wasn't worried.

"Sergeant Hayden Haddock of the 33rd Fury Fighters Division-26th Riddari Brigade-15th Sharpshot Regiment-1st Dragon Battalion-Wing Defenders Company-Dragonfire Platoon-1st Alpha Fire Squadron-Strike One Unit, sir!" Hayden named off.

"Very good, Sergeant. Mind is sharp as ever. Now...Do you know why I stayed and send Drill Sergeant Ramirez to locate you for me?" Col. Jacobson asked.

"Sir, no sir." Hayden responded still remaining completely still and looking nowhere but straight ahead.

"Well I will tell you, and all assembled here to bare witness to this moment. Since your joining of the army at the mere age of sixteen to now you have showed exemplary example of the seven army values we strive each soldier to uphold every day of their lives. Sergeant you joined the army October 2016, and now we're in September 2017, you've been in the military for almost a complete year and since the day you started, you have excelled in all you do. You push yourself to your limits and beyond to achieve victory. And if it's alright with you...I'd like to share some of your achievements with your friends and family. Permission granted, Sergeant Haddock?" Col. Jacobson asked.

"Permission granted, sir?" Hayden responded a little unsure, what had he done that earned him such recognition?

"Thank you. With me, I have a picture of Sergeant Haddock when he started his Basic Combat Training last October..." The Colonel now took it out to show them a messy auburn haired boy with green eyes wearing civilian clothes as this was the picture taken at the recruitment office. "And here is Sergeant Haddock after his BCT graduation." He held up another for them to see the almost unmistakable changes in his. They all knew what Hayden looked like before the army and seeing him in the two pictures to standing before them now was an incredible transformation. "Sergeant Haddock in his BCT showed exceptional leadership and made top marks in all areas. He also graduated as the only Private to jump four ranks to Sergeant for his his top marks and extensive dragon training abilities. I mean he trained a Night Fury who is sitting right beside you. Sergeant Haddock earned his Dragon Wings pin when he graduated, as well the rank of Sergeant." Col. Jacobson continued.

Another man stepped forward now, "I am Sergeant Harry Anderson, I have been Hayden's squadron leader since his deployment to Afghanistan in December 2016. When I saw him, finding out he wasn't a private like the rest of his Company from Fort Dreki but rather a freshly graduated from BCT Sergeant. I was beside myself but I knew he'd do good and he's upheld that since being with us in the A barrack of the 1st Alpha Fury squadron. Sergeant Haddock leads a five man unit for patrols. He commands Private Holgerson, Private Matthews, and Corporal Lennox who are sitting among you. His other two members are Specialist Steven Ritka, and Private First Class Jason Tarelto who are currently on leave as well only on Visithugs Isle. Sergeant Haddock is a hard worker and always on top of things. His response times to any situation are stellar as well he leads his unit effectively, safely, and keeps to all protocols during any mission." Hayden couldn't believe this was happening right now. Two of his officers telling his family and friends about his achievements and for what?

"I'm not sure how many details that Sergeant Haddock may of informed you of the events that took place two weeks ago while still deployed. If you are unaware, I will tell you now that Sergeant Haddock was shot in the left arm just below the shoulder saving two of his teammates during an ambush on a secure the area patrol. He saved the lives of Private First Class; Jason Tarelto and Private Eli Matthews from certain death with his quick thinking and actions." Col. Jacobson smiled now.

"The mission was to patrol and secure an area that was spotted to have been active and turned deserted by aerial dragon guard. They were to secure the area and return to base, after two hours and clearing two sections of the area...Sergeant Haddock called in an immediate emergency extraction from the area due to being under heavy fire from the enemy. I was not present for any of this mind you but his team after returning to base told me what happened. A bomb went off as they were headed to the third sector, everyone lived and only one: Private Tarelto, was unconscious from the blast. Within moments, the heavy fire began and Sergeant Haddock moved his men into shelter while returning fire. Tarelto hadn't been grabbed when they ran, Sergeant Haddock rushed out in enemy fire to pull his comrade to safety. He called in the extraction and eight minutes later a chopper arrived to give cover for Haddock's team to board chopper and return to base. Lennox carried Tarelto while Ritka and Holgerson covered him. Matthews went after and was covered by the Sergeant himself." Anderson took a breath now.

"An Afghan soldier raised his weapon to fire at Matthews who was climbing the chopper ladder and Sergeant Haddock rushed between the line of fire to save Matthews from being shot only to get shot himself in the arm and the proceed to fight wounded with the enemy soldier on the ground. None of the team saw what happened beyond the smoke from the earlier explosion but they saw Sergeant Haddock emerge and jump on the ladder, they urged him to come up but he stated he couldn't with the one arm so he held the ladder for eight minutes as the chopper returned to base. After landing, Lennox informed anyone close that Sergeant Haddock had been shot and needed a medic state. Sergeant Haddock explained what happened before blacking out. Of course he was rushed to the medical tent and treated right away then ordered to mandatory four days rest. He risked his life not once but twice to save his teammates and that is an act of selflessness and bravery if I'd ever seen one." Anderson finished.

"And those actions...have brought him before you today to be given recognition for what he did. The life of a soldier is not easy and every day we fight the enemy, we risk our lives for the ones we love here back at home. Sergeant Haddock has displayed courage, loyalty, selfless service, bravery, leadership, respect, honor, commitment, and integrity." DS Ramirez said as DS Amunsav walked over with a flat box that was opened to reveal two medal laying in it.

"Aten-SHUN!" Col. Jacobson ordered, Hayden stood at attention. The first medal pulled was a light green with black edges ribbon, hanging from that was a red heart with a dragon breathing fire inside the red while the outline of the heart was bordered with white gold. "Sergeant Hayden Haddock, for getting wounded to selflessly save two teammates during an ambush with hostile enemies, I present you with the Dragon Heart medal," Col. Jacobson pinned it to Hayden's left side of his uniform, "And for extraordinary heroism against an enemy of the Archipelago, I also present you with the Distinguished Service Cross." This medal had a ribbon that was black with tan edges, the medal portion was a gold cross that had the crest of the Archipelago Army in the center and on a gold, medal ribbon attached under the crest it read For on the left as the right side of the cross said Valor.

Hayden couldn't believe it. He was just...awarded two medals for what he'd done before coming on leave. For saving Tarelto, and Matthews during the ambush. His sister was crying, his father and friends were shocked too. After Col. Jacobson pinned both on he stepped back to give Hayden a hand shake, Hayden shook his. "Congratulations, Sergeant Haddock." Then Col. Jacobson offered Hayden a salute and of course, Hayden returned it. "You've earned them, son. Wear them proudly and keep doing what you're doing."

"Thank you, Colonel Jacobson. I will wear them proudly and continue to protect the Barbaric Archipelago." Hayden replied. Col. Jacobson stepped back now clapping his hands. Then DS's Amunsav and Ramirez did the same, as well Sgt. Anderson joined in.

"Now go on and spend time with your family and friends, soldier. Dis-Missed!" Col. Jacobson saluted, Hayden did as well before the Colonel moved out of the way and Hayden finally relaxed his body. Standing at attention for so long was terrible on the back and legs, as soon as he was given Dismissed, his sister rushed right to him to hug him.

"Congratulations, Hayden!" She said happily. "The Dragon Heart and Distinguished Service Cross!? That's incredible! You never told us about all that whole ordeal. You said you got shot but never how it really happened."

"I didn't...think it was anything big. I did what anyone would do." Hayden shrugged.

"What do you mean nothing big, Haddock! You saved my life, you took a bullet meant for me. I never saw that guy coming..." Matthews said quickly getting to his feet now.

"I told you I'd cover you, Matthews." Hayden shrugged.

"I didn't think you'd take a damn bullet for me ya nut job!" Matthews argued.

"I'm unit leader, I did my job. Protected my teammates, now enough already...Lets just...stop talking about what I did." Hayden mumbled softly. The others didn't notice it, but his platoon members did. They hadn't seen what happened on the ground before Hayden jumped on the chopper ladder and he'd been quiet ever since that day. They didn't understand why he was so...not happy about it. He saved two peoples lives, but he never wanted to talk about it. What he did was heroic and brave. Hayden hated thinking about that day, yeah he saved Matthews and Tarelto but he killed that Afghan soldier, that...kid, he shot him in the forehead at point blank range. And it still haunted him in his nightmares that when he sees that kid on the ground, he sees himself.

"Hayden?" Avery said softly.

"Hm?" He replied.

"Are you okay, got a little distracted on us." She smiled now.

"I'm fine. Let's just get back to hanging out and enjoying ourselves while I'm home." Hayden smiled back to her, she nodded. And for the next few hours after DS Ramirez, Amunsav and Col. Jacobson left the school, Hayden hung out with his friends and sister. Ethan and Dylan left right after the ceremony, no longer caring or Rachel had a thought they were jealous of Hayden being seventeen and earning the two medals he did while Ethan and Dylan couldn't even keep a C average. All in all, it was a good day after the small award ceremony.

(A Week Later)

The last week with Hayden had been amazing. They all did so much together, and today Hayden and his platoon members who were home in Berk too had been asked by the principal of Berk High School to give a little speech of what it meant to be in the army, a soldier on the front lines. A soldiers point of view type deal. So he and the other five stood there on the stage talking about how Basic had been, and being deployed the first time, and more. Hayden hadn't been doing a lot of talking and all of them were dressed in their formals, Hayden's being the only one two show two medals. But in the silence of the assembly after an explanation about what it was like to always be on the front lines, Hayden's radio began to static up which was odd. He always had his radio but on leave if he was needed wouldn't they of called his cell? His teammates looked at him quickly.

"Sergeant...Haddock, this is Lieutenant...Vaz...quez. Do you...copy? Ov...er?" It came in breaks but Hayden understood it fine. He lifted the radio pressing the button now.

"Sergeant Haddock here, reading you loud and...somewhat clear. Go ahead. Over." Hayden replied. A few more second of static.

"We...you back...immediate...Over." In the middle of hearing Lt. Vazquez say over he and the others heard a loud explosion over the radio then gunfire.

"Didn't catch that, sir. Can you repeat. Over." Hayden asked.

"We need you to come back immediately! Heavy enemy activity, a plane...will be at Berk International at 0700 tomorrow morning. I need...you and the rest of the platoon back over here. Over." Lt. Vazquez said as loud and as clear as he could manage over the noises in the background, Hayden even heard someone yell 'RPG!' followed by a loud explosion.

"Orders understood, Lieutenant. We'll be there. Haddock, over and out." Hayden replied slowly lowering the radio.

"What an excellent demonstration of what it's like to be called to duty. So realistic too boys." Alvin said calmly clapping. But the soldiers weren't smiling, they were all looking down and glancing at one another.

"That wasn't a demonstration, sir." Theo said slowly.

"Orders, Sergeant Haddock?" Lexxon stepped forward standing at attention. The others follow suit as Hayden looked at them.

"Pack up soldiers...We're going back at 0700 tomorrow morning. Get your rest and say your goodbyes." Hayden said to them.

"Sir, yes sir!" They saluted.

"Dismissed." Hayden closed his eyes slowly as he and the others headed off stage. Camille rushed right to him holding his arm.

"Hayden! What's...going on?" She asked.

"You didn't hear? The whole platoon just got called back to Afghanistan, Camille. That wasn't a demonstration, that was a real radio call from my Lieutenant who is overseas right now to me here in Berk. I have to pack up and leave tomorrow morning. My leave just ended...I have to go." Hayden said as he kissed her forehead then rushed out with the others. Cami stood there in shock, Hayden just got...re-deployed back to Afghanistan. She just stood there and cried as Avery and Rachel came over to comfort her.

(The Next Morning-BIA)

Standing at Berk International Airport were all the families of the six soldiers about to be sent back to Afghanistan. Camille couldn't believe it, she'd just gotten him back and now he was leaving again. His two week leave got cut short by a week and now he had to leave. Avery, Rachel, Seth, TJ, and Felix were there too in order to say goodbye before the plane boarded. Toothless had already been loaded on and now the boarding call had been made. The boys stood in their BDU's while families cried. Hayden looked at them, he hated putting them through this but this was an oath he took and he wouldn't back out of it.

"Sergeant, wait up!" Came a familiar voice. Hayden saw Steven and Jason rushing up with their bags and panting.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" Theo asked.

"Bad storm grounded planes out of Visithug, my dad flew Rikta and myself here on his Nightmare. We're riding back to Hell with you." Tarelto grinned. Hayden laughed now as he hugged them both with a pat on the back.

"Strike-One is a go for Hell." Rikta stated.

"Bring it in boys..." Hayden said as all of them took a knee, took off their hats and lowered their heads for prayer. "The time has come to once again leave our families to defend our homes. We set out over the sea to stop our relentless enemy who refuses to give up. Well we're soldiers and we never give up either. May our feet be swift, may our aim be sure, may our bodies stay firm, and our minds stay sharp. The true soldier doesn't fight because he hates what is in front of him, he fights for what he loves behind him. We are the Barbaric Archipelago Army, we stand for freedom and we will fight for it until we win! And to our fallen brothers and sisters, on your wings we will soar to victory!" Hayden called out. All of them stood up putting their hats back in. "Alright boys, let's go teach these fuckers who their messin with!" Hayden grinned.

"YEAH!" They boys cheered back as they lined up to board the plane. Hayden hugged Camille, and his father then said goodbye to his friends and cousin. Avery was last as she did something that Hayden didn't expect, she hugged him and kissed his cheek softly then pulled back.

"Be safe and come home soon." She whispered.

"I'll do my best, Mi'lady." Hayden nodded as she stepped back and he turned getting on the plane, the door closed as they watched from the window as it backed up and moved down the runway before lifting it's wheels and disappearing into the sky above.