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
17; Promises Kept
Oh, memories for him were flooding in as it was graduation day for all the new privates of Fort Titanwing. He loved seeing them all dressed in their BDU's and holding their guns, preparing to walk out for the ceremony that started in twenty minutes and that would be similar to his own graduation only they hadn't picked one soldier to lead the company this time. Given Hayden was Lieutenant, he was doing it again. He was in fact very proud of the entire Nightwave squadron: they'd aced all their training because of his help. If they didn't know what to do or were struggling, he showed them his way which they caught onto pretty quickly. Among all that training, he was the lead dragon trainer too so that made his days very long and tiring but honestly he loved it. He hated to be bored and doing nothing. So far in the base, ten new people had become dragon riders under Hayden's training. As far as rules, they had to do exactly as he said or he'd kick them from the dragon training program and Major Masons had given him the power to do just that.
Yesterday had been family day, and a lot of the new privates loved seeing their families. Hayden and his squadron were allowed to invite theirs too but Gerald couldn't get the time again since it'd been a Friday but promised they'd be up for the graduation which was today so Hayden was excited to see them again. Another person who didn't have her family yesterday was Jasmine, Oivind's little sister-who Hayden had invited to stay in his barrack while the other parents were with their families. Jasmine was like a little sister to him since Oivind had not only been one of his best friends but a brother too, Hayden had already seen the stations for the privates of Nightwave and as it stood right now, Jasmine was being stationed in Murderous Isle and Hayden was about to fix that. "I'll be back," he told Theo.
"Where ya going?" Theo asked curiously, "Grad starts in fifteen minutes."
"I know, I'll be back in time. I gotta fix something..." Hayden made his way over to Major Masons and offered a salute.
"Ah, Lieutenant Haddock. What brings you over? Everything ready for the ceremony?" Masons asked with a smile.
"Yeah, it's fine...I had a request," Hayden said and Masons arched a brow at him.
"Alright, go ahead," Masons replied, facing him fully now. Hayden took a breath.
"I request you re-station, Private Flinvor to the Alpha Fire squadron to remain based here at Fort Titanwing," Hayden stated firmly.
"Can I ask why?" Masons asked slowly.
"I made a promise to a very dear friend of mine to protect his sister, and I don't intend to break it. If you station her to Murderous Isle, then I'm reassigning myself and resigning as your lead dragon trainer." Hayden informed him with a serious look in his eyes. Masons sighed as he understood: a lot of the bases around the Archipelago remember the ceremony that Hayden held for Oivind when he was killed in action while deployed to Afghanistan.
"Very well, Lieutenant Haddock. I'll let her stay here but she joins your squadron and stays in your barrack. Is that alright with your team?" Masons said.
"Like they will argue with me. Thank you, Major Masons," Hayden said, offering another salute as he returned to his spot.
"What were you doing?" Lennox asked.
"We have a new member to Alpha Fire..." Hayden remarked, when they looked at him confused: he only motioned to Jasmine who was standing pretty quietly in her position and looking nervous.
"Did you...change her stationing?" Ritka asked.
"Damn right I did. I made a promise and Hayden Haddock doesn't break his promises, ever," Hayden said firmly with his arms crossed over his chest while his squadron just stared at him. They knew what he was doing and why he was doing it. It was in his eyes that he was hell bent and determined to stay close to Oivind's little sister. When the clock struck 2pm, Hayden got them ready. "Titanwing Company, Fall in!" he ordered as they all formed together in their six different groups. They stood five by five then one on the outside left corner since there wasn't a way to make a perfect square with twenty-six privates which didn't make any sense and Hayden hated that. Alpha fire lined up behind the six different squads, so did the DS's with the exception of Hayden who was leading again. "Aten-SHUN!" He called, they fell to attention, "Shoulder...Arms!" He added, guns were brought to their shoulders and waiting. "Forward...MARCH!" Hayden commanded and they all began to move through the trees.
When the smoke went off with a bang, Hayden forced himself to remember that it was graduation and not war. He was still having trouble dealing with it but he knew he'd be alright in time. They made their way out in quick march to the field before the screaming crowd. "Welcome parents and friends of the 88th Visithug Infantry of the Titanwing Company! Before you coming onto the field our your about to become graduated privates led by Lieutenant Hayden Haddock, commander of the Alpha Fire Squadron to the 33rd Fury Fighters Division stationed in Afghanistan!" the announcer yelled out on the loudspeaker. Reaching the field, Hayden had them halt and stand at parade rest for the remaining duration of the ceremony-which went a lot like his. Speeches while DS's were handing out graduating diplomas to say they completed BCT. As it came to a close, they all shot off their guns and Hayden nearly flinched at the sound. Some of his men did the same too. Only those who came from war would fear hearing such sounds again. Hayden led them off the field and finally it was over.
Now all the new privates were taking off their guns and leaving their barracks to see their families for pictures and more but he noticed that Jasmine was purposely being slow as if she really didn't want to go out there to see her family. He didn't blame her: they forced her in the military. Hayden left the barrack and walked outside as he saw Avery and Camille running towards him. "HAYDEN!" they yelled together and with both arms he hugged them tightly-kissing Avery lightly on the lips, and planting a kiss on Camille's forehead afterwards. Gerald and Seth walked up next and shook Hayden's hand.
"Where're Felix, TJ, and Rachel?" Hayden asked.
"Summer jobs but send their love," Gerald replied.
"LAD!" came Gobber's voice as Hayden hugged him instantly.
"Shit, hey uncle Gobber! Didn't think I'd see you today!" Hayden smiled.
"Couldn't not come see the graduation of the soldiers you trained. Besides, I missed ya," Gobber chuckled. Oh, this day had just gotten a whole lot better with Gobber there. "How ya doing?"
"I'm alright, just living," Hayden said in response.
"And...everything else, how ya doing on all that?" Gobber asked him, Hayden knew what he was talking about. The last time they'd spoken when he unloaded about his state of mind. Gerald and the others looked curiously.
"Taking it one day at a time..." Hayden said quietly, Gobber nodded to him and ruffled his head.
"So are we actually going to get to enjoy some time with you or are you being shipped out again?" Seth asked.
"I haven't heard anything about deploying right now so I'd say we're safe to hang," Hayden chuckled as his eyes scanned the area to see Jasmine walking out of the barrack slowly towards-he assumed-her parents. He really wanted to say something to the father but held his tongue: it wasn't his business. Hayden and his family, girlfriend too all sat on a blanket on the grass relaxing and talking about how the last ten weeks had been with him training the privates and being a dragon trainer, Toothless was laying in the grass too with Hayden against him. After about twenty minutes six more people walked on to the field towards them and those were: Rachel, TJ, Felix then Dylan, Ethan, and Heather. "Why are those three here and what are you doing here?"
"Oh yeah...uh...Rachel and Ethan are dating now..." Avery mentioned as Hayden's eyes widened at the news: she was dating that asshole? What was next, Camille dating Dylan? Oh he'd lose it.
"Hey Hayden. We left work early and drove out to see ya." TJ smiled shaking his hand.
"And you had to bring them?" Hayden rolled his eyes as he shook Felix's hand now and eyed the other three.
"Ethan drove...so we kind'a had too." Felix shrugged.
"Whatever, just sit down and don't cause trouble." he warned Ethan, Dylan, and Heather and they did so. Another hour passed and they were all actually getting along for once.
"Lieutenant Haddock!" Tarelto called out to him, he looked over and saw him motioning to Jasmine who was being...yelled at by her father.
"You call graduating as a private an accomplishment! Hah, never heard of anything so ridiculous!" the father stated, Hayden watched as Jasmine looked like she was about to cry with her head down. They weren't standing very far away, maybe six feet or so.
"I didn't even want to be here, you made me join!" Jasmine said back.
"So you could do your family proud like your brother couldn't!" Nope. Now it was his business. Hayden stood up firmly and made his way over. "But you're gonna fail as usual. You wanna make us proud: bring home a war medal. Didn't they teach you any respect here? Come on, Jasmine. Salute me, I'm your superior. I'm your father, respect me!" Jasmine closed her eyes tightly when she saw her father's hand raise to her but the hit never came and when she looked she saw Hayden there holding her father's wrist.
"You raise your hand to her again and I'm gonna do more than salute you," Hayden stated in a low tone. The area was falling quiet now and turning to watch the scene between Jasmine, her father, and now Hayden-who had involved himself.
"This is between me and my daughter. Stay out of it!" the father sneered.
"I don't care, she's on my time right now and I believe you have overstayed your welcome. Now I'm going to ask nicely: please return to your vehicle and leave these here premises," Hayden stated firmly. But the father didn't seem to like that as he used his other hand to swing at Hayden-who released the man's wrist and ducked to block it then stood up and pushed Jasmine behind him. The father tried again but swung around as Hayden pushed him a bit and he stumbled. "This military isn't about making people proud of us, it's about defending the people we care about. I don't appreciate you coming here and putting down your daughter-who has done incredibly here-down. And for the record...speaking about your son the way you do is despicable. He died a hero and I would know because I was one of the last people to see him alive. Oivind was a very good friend of mine and was taken much earlier than he deserved but he died saving fifteen other people in his squadron. He was an excellent soldier and I won't stand here and listen to you run that name through the mud! He is more of a man that you will ever hope to be. This is the last time I'll ask. Please return to your vehicle and leave!" Hayden ordered again. The man clenched his fist then walked away after glaring at Jasmine and she winced a bit. "Go on now, get!" Hayden said again.
Hayden stood in parade rest watching the man walk away to the parking lot and driving off out of the base ground. Hayden then faced Jasmine, "Thank you, Drill Sergeant."
"You're welcome. Are you alright?" Hayden asked. She nodded, then saluted him and prepared to go to the barrack. "Private Flinvor." Hayden said and she faced him sadly. "Why don't you come sit with me and my family?" Hayden offered.
"I-I don't want to intrude..." Jasmine said quickly but Hayden smiled.
"You aren't, trust me." Hayden told her, she walked back towards him and over to the blanket where his family and friends were. "This is Private Jasmine Flinvor, Oivind's little sister," Hayden introduced her.
"Hello. I'm Avery, Hayden's girlfriend," Avery stood up to shake her hand.
"I'm Camille, Hayden's twin sister," Camille beamed happily.
"And we're his closest friends on Berk. I'm Seth, I'm his cousin and these are Rachel, TJ, and Felix," Seth grinned.
"I'm his father," Gerald said calmly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Jasmine replied with a soft smile now. Hayden sighed some: at least she was smiling again. He couldn't believe her father almost hit her and that's why he stepped in: he wouldn't tolerate that.
"Well done, Lieutenant Haddock," came Major Masons' voice. Hayden saluted him and got one back.
"Thank you, Major Masons. You know I don't deal with that shit and I won't let it happen when I'm around." Hayden replied.
"I know ya won't. So this is your family?" Masons asked.
"Yes sir." Hayden nodded firmly. As Masons was about to speak again there was yelling again, "Oh what now!" He looked to see a pink and red with some yellow Nadder come rushing through. "Great..." Hayden sighed.
"Well, Haddock...You're lead trainer. This is all you," Masons said and rushed off.
"Real mature..." Hayden mumbled, "Alpha Fire, fall in!" Hayden commanded-his men stood up and rushed to him in formation. "Get these people out of range, behind the safety glass! On the double!"
"Yes sir!" They nodded saluting and began rounding people up to get to the safety glass which was fire and bullet proof. The Nadder charged towards him and took to the air to shoot it tail spines at him but he back flipped and dodged them once then another wave came before he was just inches in front of her face moving in the blind spot before scratching the side of her face and hitting a pressure point making the dragon drop to the ground with it's eyes closed: it was still breathing-it just appeared to be sleeping. Hayden sighed heavily, taking a breath.
"It's clear!" Hayden called out so people began making their way out slowly now and staying behind him.
"Hayden...oh Gods you got hurt!" Avery said quickly, Hayden arched a brow then looked at his right arm-where he evidently did get hit with one of the Nadder's spines.
"Haddock's hit! MEDIC!" Ritka called out.
"Oh shut up, Ritka. We aren't at war right now..." Hayden mumbled, "I'm fine, it's just a scratch."
"But you're bleeding son..." Gerald pointed out. Hayden watched the Nadder slowly begin to get up with a snarl as Hayden turned his head with his eyes closed, hand up and palm out. The Nadder calmed down now as it sniffed his palm and then pressed its nose to his palm calmly. Hayden smiled as he scratched under her chin now while she squawked and sat down comfortably, purring at his touch. "I'll live. I've been hit by plenty of fire and spines in this job..." Hayden added afterwards.
"I'll never understand how they respond to you so well," Milstead smiled gently.
"I understand them. They are just as scared of us as we are of them. If we show them we aren't afraid, then they won't be afraid either. I give my trust and they trust in response," Hayden shrugged: the Nadder licked his face then turned its head when Jasmine walked over again. The Nadder left Hayden's side and began to move around Jasmine, sniffing her curiously. "It's okay, don't freak out. She's just getting to know you," Hayden instructed.
"Wh—why?" Jasmine asked.
"Dragons are curious creatures, she must of taken an interest in you," Hayden told her. The Nadder stepped back and squawked happily but Jasmine was confused about it. Hayden bent down and picked up a stick then handed it to Jasmine. "Throw it," Hayden said so Jasmine took the stick and threw it as the Nadder rushed off to grab it and bring it back. "I think I see what's going on now...Flinvor. Close your eyes, turn your head and put your palm out and up," Hayden commanded. Jasmine-not wanting to disobey a direct order-did as told and like with Hayden, the dragon pressed her nose to Jasmine's hand-only this time the dragon's eyes were closed. "Knew it." Hayden grinned.
"What happened?" Rachel asked.
"Like when I bonded with Toothless, this Nadder chose Private Flinvor to bond with," Hayden smiled.
"S-So I just...bonded?" Jasmine asked, Hayden nodded to her. "Now...what do I do?"
"Give her a name and I expect to see you at 0700 for dragon training tomorrow morning," Hayden told her. Her eyes widened.
"I-I can join dragon training?" Jasmine asked.
"If the dragon chooses you and bonds then there is no breaking the bond. Private or not, you keep your dragon and start training to become a rider under me," Hayden told her firmly. "She'll be needin' a name, Private."
Jasmine looked over the Nadder who was squawking contently and purring against her shoulder and cheek then smiled softly, "Swiftshot..." she finally said.
"I'll see you bright and early at 0700, Private Flinvor," Hayden nodded approvingly.
"Sir, yes sir!" Jasmine said happily. Toothless came beside Hayden now and crooned, jumping around a bit.
"Yeah yeah, I know. You're getting antsy." Hayden chuckled as he jumped on Toothless's back. "Be back in a few minutes, someone has energy to burn," Hayden rubbed Toothless's neck now, "Let's go bud!" he called out as Toothless took to the sky with a roar.
"Is he allowed to do that?" Ethan blinked.
"Lieutenant Haddock is the best trainer and rider we've ever had," Major Masons replied as they were looking up to see Hayden and Toothless heading straight up then the two leveled out as Hayden stood on his back.
"Oh don't you dare..." Avery groaned out. Hayden back flipped off of Toothless as the two began heading straight down for the ground. Toothless pushed Hayden with his paw making him spin around in the air with a bright smile on his face, as they neared the ground Toothless tucked his wing and moved under Hayden who positioned himself in the saddle and the two pulled up about five feet before hitting the ground, did one flip and then landed.
"Good work bud. We nailed it that time!" Hayden rubbed his head as Toothless licked his face, "Ugh...You know that doesn't wash out!" he grumbled trying to get it off now.
"You dummy!" Avery said.
"What?" Hayden asked, "Oh that? Oh come on, Toothless would never let me get hurt."
"Still...Be careful, Hayden. You're not invincible." Avery sighed hugging him and he hugged her back.
"Alright privates! Station assignments are posted on the mess hall door! Check 'em out, and make sure you're ready. Everyone shipping outside of Fort Titanwing leaves tomorrow!" Major Masons called out. The privates all left the field to go check their new station assignments and Jasmine went too. Hayden sat with his family again as Jasmine came over sadly after thirty minutes.
"Jasmine, what's wrong?" Hayden asked.
"I'm being...moved to Murderous Isle...So I guess this is goodbye," she said, Hayden stood up and shook his head.
"You're not going anywhere, Flinvor. You're staying here and joining Alpha Fire with me and the boys," Hayden told her calmly as her eyes widened a bit.
"But the sheet said..." she began, worriedly.
"I took care of it before graduation, your stationing right here with Alpha Fire." Hayden informed her again. Masons came over now nodding to what he said.
"Lieutenant Haddock put in a personal request that you stay with his squadron here and Fort Titanwing, Flinvor. You will be staying in A barrack with them and anywhere they go from now on, so will you," Major Masons stated.
"Y-You made it so I'd stay with your squad?" Jasmine asked in shock.
"Of course I did. I made you a promise, and one to your brother too. And I don't break my promises. Besides, I'm not about to lose one of my best soldiers." Hayden stated. Without warning, Jasmine hugged him tightly and he blinked a few times.
"Thank you...I promise I won't let you down, Lieutenant Haddock," Jasmine said before pulling back. "Sorry..." she said, knowing she wasn't supposed to act like that to her commanding officer.
"It's...okay. And don't mention it. So I'll see you tomorrow for dragon training," Hayden smiled to her and she nodded firmly to him. Masons wandered off while Hayden's unit: Eli, Theo, Daryl, Steven, and Jason, came over and welcomed Jasmine to the team. As the day continued, families began to leave. Hayden's stayed as long as they could until 7:30pm when it was time to go. Jasmine already moved her stuff into the A barrack, sleeping on the bottom bunk of a spare that was brought in. Only one other person got put on the Alpha Fire squadron: her name was Samantha Svendson and she was bunking with Jasmine.
"Will we get to see you again soon?" Avery asked.
"Not sure, I should be due for some leave soon. Couple months, maybe less. Depends on training, and if more recruits come in," Hayden shrugged.
"Well, you be careful okay, and make sure to call and write home..." Camille reminded.
"Yes sis, I know. I love you guys...maybe not you three though. You're only here by association of Rachel," Hayden had said the love you thing to his family, girl, and friends but excluded to Ethan, Dylan, and Heather in it. After that he said goodbye to the others, saving Avery last to kiss and hug like always. Hayden watched them leave the area and get to the parking lot then he waved as they drove off. Once out of sight, Hayden entered A barrack and kicked off his shoes to lay in his bed. "Gods, it feels good to lay down..." Hayden sighed out.
"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" Samantha asked.
"Well I got dragon training, not sure what the rest of you are doing." Hayden shrugged closing his eyes now.
"Night, Lieutenant!" The boys and two girls called to him, Hayden gave a wave and finally let sleep take him. He didn't care it was only 7:45pm, he was exhausted from the day but it was over and now things would be a little easier. He'd gotten to see his family, and girlfriend and he'd made sure to keep his promise to Oivind about keeping his sister safe. Now he could relax at little.
