Chapter Text
Three weeks had passed since the gang defeated Belos and the Commandos and Hunter had to do rehab physical therapy. His progress was remarkably fast and the exoskeleton proofed extremely helpful in the whole ordeal but nonetheless he still just started his process of getting better. The ICDA and especially Ryan where unbelievably helpful but nothing was able to outshine Willow. She did everything she could to lessen the pain and aid in his progress. Gravesfield was no more and all former residents were forced to settle in surrounding villages and cities while Gravesfield was transformed into a training ground for regular ICDA units. Now called the Gravesfield training and testing site it served the ICDA for basic training of new units aswell as the testing of established units and sometimes even of new technology or tactics. A large stone sculpture in the center of the complex was engraved with all the names of agents lost during the now called "Connecticut Incident". Hunter would start his basic training of three months in one week but was exempt of all physical duties due to his injuries still needing healing and his exoskeleton being well beyond capable of meeting the fitness criteria. The exoskeleton persisted out of something supporting his lower back and legs aswell as going up his spine up to the head. It was directly embedded into his flesh and used a small battery pack and coordination computer in a small package on his back linked up with his brain. The gang had split up about a week after Belos' end because the Noceda family had to find a new home while tending to Luz' trauma regarding her attack of the Commando Captain. Willow and Gus on the other hand stayed with Hunter for the time being. They still saw each other on a regular basis but Luz found it difficult to visit the site of their battle. Hunter had tried numerous times to assure Luz that she had done everything right but she wouldn't listen and just stare at him with an empty gaze. Only Amity and professional therapists could help her and get any expressions out of her now.
"5 days till basic training starts buddy!" Ryan called from the next room as he prepared breakfast for all of them. He, Hunter, Willow and Gus were placed in barrack together until Hunter could begin basic training. After that Ryan would become an assistant instructor on Gravesfield while Willow and Gus would move in with the Nocedas. "Ugh... don't remind me." Willow pouted as she came up to Ryan. "Nah. It's cool. I'm kinda exited you know?" Hunter answered to Willow but she didn't seem impressed. "It's going to be great. You will top your class and become a representative for inter species relations. All the good stuff" Ryan elaborated and brought breakfast to the table. As they started eating Gus also decided to give them a visit sleep drunkenly taking a seat and plowing down on the scrambled eggs. "Wow. Hey there don't you choke on that." Hunter remarked while laughing. Ryan and Willow tuned in and Willow asked "What interesting peice of human trivia have you found this time?" Gus slowly raised his head and, visibly shaken, told them "Did you know that roughly 75 years ago the whole world was at war and millions of innocent people were killed just for being different...?". After a short period of awkward silence and asking looks resting on Ryan he told the group of the two world wars and conflicts following those up to the war on terrorism. Hunter didn't seem to bother all that much but Willow and Gus were terrified that the ICDA would do anything similar in the future or even come to the Boiling Isles and occupy the land. Ryan did his best to ensure them that such things would never happen but even with Hunter's help wasn't able to 100% convince the two. Although winter was approaching rapidly most the days still were sunny and the sky was clear. The temperatures on the other hand did indeed indicate the changing seasons and so Hunter and Ryan had to wear a thick extra coat of clothing while taking their daily 5km run to test out Hunter's prostheticsand keep Ryan fit. Hunter's breath formed small clouds as they slowed down reaching their resting point. "What does it feel like shooting these rifles?" he asked as he turned to Ryan who was visibly surprised by the sudden question but nonetheless answered "Well you feel the recoil and how there is this pressure from the small explosion inside. But don't you worry. All the shooting won't be a problem to you. I've come to know you as very adaptable and a quick learner ... so trust me when I say that." Hunter felt satisfied and honored by what Ryan said but one particular thing about shooting still bugged him "But what does it feel like shooting at something or worse someone?" he asked expecting a similar answer from Ryan but he just shrugged "Not now... Maybe some time later...". The rest of their exercise happen in silence and the mood was killed for the remaining day. Hunter didn't knew that all that was such a big issue for Ryan but he would respect his friends boundaries. That evening he was sitting with Willow looking out of the window into the clear night sky with stars sparkling. "Hey... Are you sure you want to serve the ICDA...?" Willow asked while putting her head on his shoulder. "Yes. I am. And even if I wouldn't it's too late to opt out now regardless." Hunter answered but Willow kept pushing "But you were there when these Commando people betrayed you and Luz. Luz is really not doing grat you know. Maybe if we could all be together again that would help her.". Hunter sighed "Willow we've been through this... First of all the Special Commandos didn't betray us they just had orders given to them that exceeded our clearance levels and thus we couldn't understand. Also I'm sure that this was all a big misunderstanding. Secondly Luz has to accept the professional help because we tried everything and it didn't work. We're no therapist and certainly no psychologist okay? I know it hurts you to see her that way and believe me I too hate too see her hurt but we have to move on. Don't you want to go home to your parents?". Willow didn't answer just standing up turning and going upstairs to her room. Hunter immediately regretted everything he said and was sure to have seen some tears on her cheeks but he couldn't change the past. What he could change was the future by protecting the people he loved and cared about by joining the ICDA. Although it was a long way until he would serve with Ryan in the USFC his start in the BCF (Blockading and Screening Force) was a big chance already though. He stayed by the window for some more time staring into the night sky before succumbing to the urge to go to bed.
4 Days left 'til basic training:
They were visiting the Noceda family today well at least Hunter, Gus and Willow were because Ryan had to attend a meeting at Gravesfield. The bus ride was silent since Willow was still mad at Hunter and Gus took her side in the matter. So he was forced to look put the window during the whole ride. He saw Gravesfield as they passed the other kost fences and signs telling people to back off and that behind lies surveilled ground. Following that were ruins of the houses damaged in the fight that were to far away from Gravesfield as to be incorporated onto the new facility and thus just burned to the ground as to help keep the story of gas explosions up. Sadly after that just came a barron wasteland of brown grasslands and forrests it was autumn after all. They arrived in Ferguson and while disembarking were greeted by Vee and Camila. The group entered the rudimentary building and went up the stairs until they had reached the flat of the Nocedas. They entered and saw Amity cowering by Luz' side looking even paler than usual while Luz stared into nothingness. They all talked a bit and after some time lunch was served and even Amity came to sit with them. After eating Hunter took the opportunity to approach Luz "Hey Luz..." he started but didn't get an answer. "I'm starting basic training in a few days and probably won't be able to see you for a while you know..." but Luz would still not even look at him. He started to explain his motives the he did to Willow which after he was done suddenly triggered a response from her. She turned her head and stared into his soul before mumbling "No... Don't do it... You're burning... I'm hearing your screams...". Hunter was puzzled by this but tried to explain how he wasn't the Commando and they were in a safe space and soon Amity joined in prompting Luz to regain herself for just a moment an look at them with endless pain and suffering in her eyes while mouthing >love you< at Amity before falling back into her state of empty stares and sudden head shaking. Having witnessed that Hunter was gutted he couldn't understand how Luz had gotten unto that situation. For the first few days after it happened she was fairly normal before the ptsd kicked in. He didn't want to end up the same way and most of all Luz to get better. The ride back home was spent cuddling with Willow and reassuring Gus that he would be okay no matter what while doubting every single word he said...
3 more days until basic training...