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
61; Final Straw
He was still. No thoughts, no words, no actions. Hayden was on his knees-visibly shaking with silent tears falling from his eyes after having witnessed what he did: Anderson saved his life not once, but twice. He got shot for him-three times and then pushed him out of the way of being hit with a grenade. Anderson was...even smiling and saluting him. Hayden eyes were just wide with shock, he...couldn't believe what just happened but he did know one thing: every single bit of his sanity was gone. Tightening his hands to fists he raised his head to the sky and yelled out, "ANDERSON!" At this: Boggs, Evans, and Greenhalgh rushed over thinking Anderson was hurt but they didn't see Anderson anywhere, just Hayden on the ground-in a position that reminded them of when Hayden had to leave Ritka behind when he died.
"Hayden...what happened?" Evans asked. Hayden never answered, he stated silent a moment or two as he finally stood with his head down and and eyes closed.
"Anderson is dead." Hayden said coldly.
"Where...is his body?" they saw him clench his fists tighter.
"Gone, can't be recovered...gone in a grenade blast." he replied emotionlessly as he walked past them after taking his gun and vest off, in his hand was Anderson's tags.
"Haddock...let's not...do anything rash now..." Greenhalgh said to him.
"I'm done. I am so fucking done with all of this..." Hayden stated coldly, as his sadness quickly turned to absolute rage: the three officers looked at one another worried. "I've fucking had it. Oivind. Steven. Eli. Daryl. Jason. And now...Anderson. All of them are dead because of this fucking war and I've watched every single one of them die. Ritka with an RPG, Matthews getting shot and blasted, Lennox taking a bullet for me, Tarelto shooting himself in the head because you couldn't take it anymore, and now Anderson who died saving me not once...but twice. I just can't do this anymore, I'm done. I can't..deal with this anymore so I'm going to end it. You won't use the biggest weapons we have...Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything rash. I'm just going to show you what happens when every remaining bit of my sanity disappears."
"Haddock, stand down..." Boggs ordered.
"Fuck you and your standing down. I'm done running. You all wanted to know how I ended the war in Afghanistan-you're about to find out. TOOTHLESS!" Hayden called out, his dragon raced to his side as he got on his back. "Call back your soldiers if you don't want them getting caught in my attack," Hayden warned coldly as Toothless took to the sky and hovered high over the base, "Alpha mode..." Hayden commanded, his dragon split his back spines and took on the blue glow-Hayden cupped his hands to his mouth while Toothless opened his and the two of them let out an ear piercing roar together forcing the enemies to stop their attack to cover their ears. The soldiers of the base all began to step back to a safe distance, Hayden assumed that Evans gave the order to fall back.
Without warning, every dragon in base began to rise up and hover in a large group behind Toothless and Hayden. "Oh this can't be good..." Theo said from where his spot was as they looked up to the sky where Hayden and the mass of dragons were.
"Fire, Toothless." Hayden ordered, Toothless charged a blue blast and fired it right in the center of the enemies-after his blast, the other dragon began to circle overhead of the enemy group, firing random blasts into it. Nadders and Razorwhips would shoot spines and fire. Gronckles and Zipplebacks were trapping them so they couldn't run in rings of fire. There was so much going on, so much smoke as Hayden flew right into it without a care in the world. There was gunfire, and yelling, a lot of confusion too but finally aside from blasts: it became silent on the battlefield. The dragons returned to base and set down but they never saw Hayden return, or Toothless and they worried if he was alive after all that. After twenty minutes, a shadowed figure emerged from the smoke reaching right in front of Lieutenant General Evans and threw down an enemy soldier who had his hands bound with rope and was forced to his knees by Hayden who had a very cold, angry look on his face. The three officers didn't know what to say or do, "Say it or die," Hayden commanded the man with his pistol to the back of the man's head.
"We...surrender," the man forced out shakily.
"And the rest are either dead, knocked out, or have already retreated and won't be bother us again," Hayden retorted putting his gun back in it's holster on his hip. "Anderson promoted me to Lieutenant Colonel before he died, he told me to lead to victory. So I did. This is how you win a war: you don't show any fucking mercy. This is how I stopped the war in Afghanistan, I lost my shit and didn't show mercy. By all means, take all the fucking time you need to sign the treaty or whatever-but wrap this shit up because I'd like to go home...there is no longer a war to fight anymore." That being said, he crossed his arms over his chest and walked away with Toothless beside him. No one said a damn word, who could? Hayden actually lost his shit completely on a much larger scale than when he had in Afghanistan.
"Lieutenant General?..." Jasmine asked slowly.
"What...happened?" Theo finished the question.
"Anderson...is dead-Hayden lost it," Boggs answered.
"Everyone just...go back to your barracks or offices and please...leave Hayden alone right now. I never...want to see that side of him again," Evans ordered to those around and on the radio. Strike One nodded as they returned to their barrack, they passed Hayden's tent and saw him just sitting on his bed quietly, staring off into nothing with Toothless beside him-laying his head on Hayden's cot and warbling sadly for his rider and friend.
(A Month Later)
An entire month passed bringing the soldiers to October and for Hayden is sixth year in the army and now with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel-as given by Anderson before he died. As ordered, no one bothered Hayden and he rarely came out of the office unless it was for a meeting where he still said nothing at all-he'd just stand there with his arms over his chest and a very distant, cold look in his eyes. The Iraqi war was over: everyone was going to be going home soon. Hayden had been called to the office of the Lt. Gen. Where he knew he'd see Boggs and Greenhalgh too. Walking in, he didn't bother saluting. "What."
"Hayden. You were the last one to see Anderson alive, to talk to him-did he...have any last wishes?" Evans asked slowly.
"Yeah. For me to tell his wife he loved her, and to take care of his kids...Why? No wait, let me guess...You want me to tell her, don't you? That her husband is dead and there is no body to bring home to bury?" Hayden remarked coldly.
"He asked you," Greenhalgh reminded.
"I don't need to be reminded, alright? I was there. I know the protocol, just tell me when I'm going back..." Hayden stated.
"Alpha Fire ships out in a week. From here, a layover halfway, then to Fort Dreki-which a plane will be taking you to Berk International," Boggs replied.
"Fine then, am I allowed to leave now?" he asked.
"Not just yet. You...forced the enemies into giving up in a uncontrolled rage when Anderson died. Just like in Afghanistan when you girl was hurt...though I'm sure you're already aware...your mental state in all this didn't go unnoticed. You're being removed from all active duty, effective immediately. After all that has happened in six years, we don't feel you are stable enough to handle anymore, unless you can prove otherwise?" Evans mentioned.
"I could prove I'm fine-I don't care, the wars are over. And I doubt they'll start again..." Hayden remarked to them.
"You are still a member of the army, you'll be stationed in Berk and can continue working as a Drill Sergeant and dragon trainer and of course you keep your rank: you don't have to stay on base though. Can live anywhere ya like as long as it's in the Archipelago and you report to work when called for it, as well drill the first weekend of every month." Greenhalgh said.
"Fine by me. I don't care either way..." he prepared to leave.
"Lieutenant Colonel Haddock...when you get home, you know the drill. Psychiatric evaluations for all soldiers returning from war and we do hope...you'll be alright. I know how close you and Anderson were..." Evans said.
"I know the damn drill...And don't worry about me, I'm always alright." Hayden huffed as he walked out and returned to the barrack, walking in. "We leave next week. Make sure you're ready," After that he walked out again returning to his office and just laying down. Off active duty because of his mental state, it was fine by him. He never wanted to do this shit again, fight a war and lose everything he'd become friends with right before his eyes. The only thing he was dreading about going home was facing Maria, Brenna, and Liam-telling them that Anderson wasn't coming home and had died. Of course it had to be him, Anderson entrusted him to be there for his wife and kids because they trusted him like he was family. Odin help him be strong enough to tell the Anderson family about the loss; he knew she hadn't been told yet and she wasn't going to be happy about finding out a month later. Hayden looked down at Anderson's tags in his hand, he clutched them tightly taking a deep breath. He was going home in a week, he'd finally be home again. He just hoped it was enough...
(A Week Later)
Hayden hadn't cried since the day Anderson had died, he didn't talk much either: he stayed very calm and pretty emotionless the days from him ending the war to now when he was boarding the plan to go home. It had already been announced that the war was over over all major news stations and radio but no details pertaining to how it ended were released. Hayden didn't want to deal with that again, not right now. Hayden got on the plane after Toothless had, this plane and two more behind it were returning all the Berk residents to Fort Dreki and then from there it would be to Berk International Airport where he was sure his family and friends would be waiting for him when he got off the plane. Hayden banged his fist on the plane as the hatch closed then went to sit with Toothless calmly. It was going to be a long flight home.
(Nine Hours Later)
They had left Iraq at eight in the morning, flew about three hours to Germany for a layover that last an hour and a half, then finally back on the plane for another four and a half hours into Berk. The last hour was spent going from Fort Dreki to Berk International. It was 2pm by the time the plane pulled in to BIA and stopped at the gate, he'd already been told he had to debrief Alpha Fire since they were his soldiers technically so once he got off the plane he had to round them up regardless of what was going on to tell them good job, enjoy their leave, and report to base for work after two weeks leave. Hayden would be taking over all things related to dragon training. The soldiers began to file off and towards bag claim where families would be waiting to greet their soldiers: Hayden elected to go last, all of them were still in their BDU's as required by military law. Coming down the stairs, he remained silent as he saw his parents, Avery, Camille, and friends with big smiles and then looking slightly left of them he saw Maria-looking very pregnant with the two kids beside her.
"He doesn't...look happy." Camille pointed out.
"No he doesn't, he in fact looks miserable..." Avery agreed, Hayden didn't go right to them as he stood out of the way before taking a breath.
"Alpha Fire, fall in at attention!" Hayden commanded firmly, his soldiers obeyed and stood before him in line, "Parade rest," he said softer as they moved into position while Hayden looked over them while families watched. "Here we are, standing firm in the home we protected from the enemy. Two wars ended because of your determination. You fought hard, you fought bravely. We lost many lives-but we saved so many more: the lives of our families and friends, the people we love most are living in a safer place, and headed towards a brighter future because of the fight we fought for them. I know for me, this means a lot to be standing before you as your commanding officer. This group here, Alpha Fire is the first squadron I became apart of at sixteen years old when I joined and graduated Basic. To think I started as a Private and in six very short years, I stand before you as Lieutenant Colonel. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to work with you all, serve with you and I'm sure that the friendships and bonds we've made will never fade. So I want you all to enjoy your two weeks, then report to Fort Dreki for job assignments. Seriously, thank you for being such great friends and standing by me and all my bullshit. I know I wasn't always the easiest guy to deal with, especially those of you who were with me in Basic. See you in two weeks boys! Dismissed!" Hayden smiled to them as they stood at attention and offered him a salute.
"Yes Lieutenant Colonel Haddock!" the boys and girls replied to him before all breaking apart to separate and leave after getting their bags. Hayden, Ethan, Heather, and Dylan all walked near him since their families were together, Theo too but Jasmine's family never came so Hayden was pretty much taking care of her now.
"Welcome home son." Valora greeted but they saw Hayden's smile had dropped as he looked to Maria who had come over with the kids.
"Is Harry on another plane, Hayden? I thought for sure he'd be with Alpha Fire," the woman chuckled slightly. Hayden faced slowly now as her smile began to fade knowing something was wrong.
"Maria," Hayden began softly as Maria went to back up with worried eyes.
"He's...Oh Gods no. No no no, Hayden, he isn't..." Hayden kept it together like when he had done this with Ritka.
"I am so sorry, Maria, Gods I'm so sorry..." he said pulling Anderson's dog tags from his pocket and holding them out to her in his palm, "He asked me to tell you that he loves you and has since the day he first saw you, that he loves the kids and will always be with all of you..." Hayden saw Maria get weak in the knees, shaking-so he wrapped his arms around her so she wouldn't collapse to the ground. Hayden closed his eyes, he wouldn't break in front of his family-he couldn't.
"No! No, it's not true...please tell me he isn't gone!" Maria cried, sobbing hard in Hayden's embrace.
"Where's...daddy, Uncle Hayden?..." Brenna asked now as Hayden carefully lowered Maria to the ground and opened his arms pulling both kids against him. Maria tried to calm down as she looked at both kids now.
"He's gone babies...your daddy...had to go with Odin to keep us safe..." Maria said in a cracked tone as both kids began to cry as well. Hayden's family and friends just watched-feeling helpless to offer any comfort to the grieving family, or to Hayden who had again become the bearer of bad news. If Anderson was gone then Hayden couldn't of been handling it well either, the two were like brothers and they all knew that.
"What...happened, Theo?" Avery asked slowly.
"We don't know...we weren't with him at the time-but I can tell you this much: when Anderson died, Hayden lost it worse than when you got hurt and that is why the war is over." Theo replied-the others were shocked. Hayden lost it worse than when Avery got hurt? That couldn't of been good at all, and he was standing here now trying to stay strong for Maria and Anderson's kids. Maria's sobbing slowed slightly as she tried to wipe her eyes.
"Hayden...will you...do something for me?" she asked slowly.
"Anything. I'll do anything I can to make this easier for you..." Hayden replied, Anderson hadn't just died, Hayden couldn't bring back his body either.
"Can you...bring me to the hospital," Hayden pulled back from the hug seeing her worried face, "My water just broke..."
"But you're...Shit. Mom, Dad, grab Brenna and Liam, meet us at the hospital." Hayden stated as he carefully picked Maria up in his arms bridal style.
"Wait, what's going on!" Camille asked quickly.
"Her water broke!" Hayden stated before rushing out with Maria in his arms to the entrance of the airport, he gave a whistle as Toothless bounded flew over and landed in front of him. Hayden got on his back and kept Maria in his lap with her legs over the left side of Toothless's neck. "Toothless, sky!" he commanded as his dragon took off towards the sky and Hayden guided him to the hospital as Gerald and Valora motioned for the worried children to come over to them and soon all of them filed out and left in different cars to get to the hospital.
(Hospital)
Hayden had Toothless land as he picked Maria up carefully and walked to the entrance as she was cringing in pain, "How far apart are they?" Hayden asked.
"I—I don't know, I wasn't keeping track..." Maria whimpered as Hayden got her inside, after quick explanations she was taken up to labor and delivery, set up in one of the rooms.
"I'll be right outside okay," Hayden told her but Maria grabbed his hand shaking her head.
"S-stay...please stay...I can't...do this by myself..." Hayden was shocked, Maria wanted him to stay with her while she was giving birth? What could he do, she just lost her husband and was now in labor-he couldn't say no to her.
"I'll stay, just let me tell the others what's going on. They are right outside the room, I promise I'll be close. The doctor said you're only five centimeters right now and contractions ten minutes apart," Maria nodded as Hayden left the room and walked just down the hall towards the waiting area.
"Is mommy okay?" Liam asked, Hayden crouched a bit as he offered a smile.
"Of course she is. You're about to have a new brother or sister is all buddy," Hayden told him and Brenna.
"Are you going to be in there with her?" Camille asked.
"She asked me too and I can't really say no given the news I just gave her...Doctor says she's got another few hours or so, she's five centimeters and contractions are every ten minutes but definitely in active labor..." Hayden sighed.
"You had to do it again?" Avery asked.
"They always send the soldier who was given last wishes by the one KIA...Anderson asked me to tell Maria and the kids if he didn't make it," Hayden stated looking down.
"I'm so sorry, Hayden..." Avery went to hug him and he returned it. "I know this has to be hard on you..."
"I'm actually handling it a lot better than I thought I would, really...I'm okay. You guys don't have to wait here," Hayden said to them.
"We don't mind son..." Gerald offered a smile. Hayden nodded as he sat in one of the chairs with his eyes closed, thinking about everything that had happened: he lost it when Anderson died but he couldn't tell Maria that, or the kids, it would be too much and now he was removed from active duty because Greenhalgh, Boggs, and Evans knew after what he did during the last attack-his mental state was just about nonexistent. Anderson wasn't just a soldier to Hayden, not even just a friend-they were brothers, Anderson was supposed to be his best man at the wedding when he married Avery but now he was gone and Hayden honestly didn't know how to handle it. Any other death and he would of gone to Anderson for help but now it was Anderson who was dead and Hayden didn't have anyone to help him-no one could possibly understand what he'd been through. Nothing would ever be the same again: Anderson's death was the final straw-he was officially broken mind and soul.
