Disclaimer- I don't have Hawkeye sitting next to me. From this you can infer that I don't own them.

A/N- I just want to say a huge HUGE thank you to everyone who's reviewed! Do you guys know how much you rock? And for being so patient. Trust me I have been screaming at Dad to sort out my phone line for the whole four months!!! Please don't hold it against me.


It was just past midnight, the witching hour, and what's more, it was twelve o'clock. Most of the personal of the 4077th M*A*S*H were asleep, except for those on duty, and a small group who had found sleep impossible. These four, Henry, Trapper, Radar and Margaret, were the only ones to attach any significance to the time.

Shouldn't he be back now? asked Radar miserably, not looking up from his coffee. No one answered. They all knew Hawkeye should have been back, and they didn't want to think about what his continued absence meant.

All it takes is a flat tyre and he could be held up for hours, said Margaret, although her voice was weak, and even she didn't believe it.

Or maybe engine trouble? suggested Henry, trying to slip in to his often joked over role as their fearless leader. Trapper said nothing, and, after a while, neither did anyone else. They all just sat, and waited.
*** *** *** *** ***

In the darkness that had settled over the land, a figure stirred. He slowly shifted each limb, carefully checking for broken bones, medical training instructing instincts. No pain was felt and a quiet noise in the distance prompted him to move. But before he could, a light burst in upon him and sent the darkness of the night fleeing.

Easy pal, came a soothing voice, with an even more comforting American accent. It's ok buddy, we're on your side.

The man relaxed as the stranger yelled and soon medical supplies were being brought over.
My bag's over there. It's got some medical supplies in. I'm a doctor. Name's Pierce.

Before the American could introduce himself or his men, Hawkeye sank in to unconsciousness, leaving his would be rescuers staring in dismay at the pool of blood that had formed under him, fed by the gaping hole in his chest.
*** *** *** *** ***

Radar jerked awake as his head slipped off his hand and was alarmed to see light peering over the horizon.
If it's dawn, than that means Hawkeye's been out alone all night.'

He looked around quickly, hoping to see Hawkeye slumped over the table, but, as before, there were only three other people in the tent. There was a noise from the kitchen which told him it must be about five o'clock.

Closing his eyes again, Radar blocked out everything from his mind. When he was with his family he could sense them just by thinking about them, and as he focused his mind on Hawkeye, he was praying he could do the same with friends.

Thoughts and emotions began to wash over him and he carefully isolated and examined each one. Finally, he found Hawkeye. His eyes flew open again as pain and horror spread through him and he wasn't even aware of the gasp that flew past his lips.

Trapper jumped at the sound and his head snapped up, eyes scanning the empty tent.
He back yet?

Radar shook his head, still shaking from the feelings he had experienced a few moments before. Trapper moved to sit next to him.
What happened?

You know how I can hear things others can't? Like the choppers?
Trapper nodded, but said nothing, sensing the young man was deadly serious.

I can hear people sometimes. Usually it's just something that happens, but if I really focus, I can do it on purpose.

Trapper's voice shook. Radar looked at him with scared eyes and he felt his stomach lurch in fear.

He's hurt Trapper, whispered Radar, suddenly seeming as defenceless as his rabbit. He's hurt and he's scared.
A shiver ran down Trapper's spine as he realised just how serious Radar was.

It's really not good is it?
A slow shake of the head was the only response he received.
*** *** *** *** ***

Darkness was all around him. He remembered how he used to be scared of the darkness. It was just after Mummy had left him. He had cried and called for her, but only the darkness heard him. Daddy hadn't come home yet, and he was all alone with the hateful darkness.

He remembered that he saved people from the darkness. Men, boys, women, children. Usually he could remember each face. Now they all blurred together and swirled around him, fighting off the darkness that was threatening to overcome him.

For the first time in years he seriously considered calling for Mummy, but some part of his mind not swallowed by fear kicked in and told him it was useless. He collapsed, body sagging to the floor. Mummy couldn't help him, Daddy wasn't there, all he had was the swirl of faces of people he had saved from the darkness.

To his surprise, he suddenly noticed a faint glow was emanating from the hazy mix of features. As soon as he saw this, he realised it was surrounding him, protecting, cradling him as a mother cradles her new born child. He felt a smile slip across his face as he saw the light was growing steadily stronger.

Eternal protection, was the last phrase that passed through his thoughts, before the light engulfed him.



I'm evil aren't I? All this time just for another cliff hanger! At least it wont be months before you get the next chapter. A few days at most I reckon. Check by Friday and scream if it's not there yet coz it should be!