A Changing World
Act 2
Chapter 4: Freedom Bound
A/N: Happy new year and welcome to 2020 everyone. You know the drill by now.
Hirshja: "More work" why the hell would hiccup accept that "deal" which he gets nothing out of.
Look, Raven shouldn't have nearly as much leverage over him as she does. You seem to have completely forgotten about that kid who can also make portals, and he's gotten literally nothing out of working for her that he couldn't get elsewhere as a result.
What you did with Raven here makes sense until you realize that she gets nothing out of aiding with Merlot. What can he provide her? Grimm? Why the hell does she want Grimm? Grimm which she will likely have minimal control over if merlot decides as such.
If you ever want to be published this kind of stuff can and will prevent you from making a significant amount of money.
I understand that it's "your story", but as soon as art is released to the public, it will be judged by the public. To think otherwise is immature. It's ok you to either take the criticism and use it or just ignore it.
…
Alright, I've got four things to say on this.
First, I explained what happened to the kid who can make portals - only to other places in Remnant by the way, unlike Raven's semblance for those who don't know - in A New World. Though it was brief and you may have missed it so I'll say it again here.
He was adopted by the police chief - Niall Anderson - and both moved to Patch. They're still there, but I cringe at that whole plot line and they aren't planned to show up in this story.
Second, Raven wasn't making a deal with Merlot for Grimm. I have no idea what made you think that. She portals to him with the goal of him not sending more Grimm with aura to her tribe unless he wishes to die. She didn't need to do this, as Grimm can't hurt her. This is all for the sake of her tribe and staying in power, as her tribe could revolt against her if she didn't. Bottom line is she is being cautious.
Third, I'm not doing this for money. This is a hobby that I enjoy. Nothing more.
Lastly, I've been listening to your criticism and explaining my reasoning for the things I've been doing here. If you wish to discuss this in future chapters, I would appreciate if you could do so via pm's.
I'd like to avoid the start of each chapter being five hundred words dedicated to responding to your reviews as people are here to read my story, rather than all this. That might be rude, but it's the truth.
Sorry for the long message everyone. Here's the chapter.
…
It was noon when Hiccup finished his assigned work for the day.
He had been awoken by Raven at dawn and told to clean all the guns and ensure the armoury was well stocked in preparation for an upcoming raid.
After informing Raven that he was done, she had proceeded to inspect his work.
"Looks alright to me. Tomorrow, however, you'll be making copies of that crossbow you have."
"Why? You planning on killing large dragons or something?"
"Just get whatever you need to make them," Raven replied before turning on her heel and leaving.
…
"If you still want to talk about when I killed Drago, now would be a good time Gobber." Hiccup said, his words announcing his arrival as he entered the forge tent.
Gobber looked up at him from his work. "I did at first, but you seem to be handling it well. Unless you're not." He paused and stared expectedly at Hiccup.
"I feel okay, but that honestly scares me. I'm wondering if I'd be okay with killing anyone else."
"Trust me, I've seen people who are okay with killing outside of self-defence. You're not one of them, Hiccup."
"What people have you seen that are like that?" Hiccup queried.
"Well, only one really. Alvin the Treacherous. There was a group of raiders that was going after your grandfather, who we called Old Wrinkly at the time.
Their plan to kill him succeeded, but they failed to escape before we caught up with them and they decided to surrender."
"What happened next?" Hiccup asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
"Getting to that. Stoick, who was then practically the chief, asked Alvin to lock them away. The next morning, they were found dead and Alvin was banished after confessing what he did."
"Huh-" Hiccup's scroll vibrated with a message. "Ugh, sorry Gobber. Duty calls, as usual."
After reading the message, he spoke again. "You able to handle all of those weapons? I'd like to help, but I'm being summoned."
"Go on laddie. Leave it to ole' Gobber." He grinned.
Stepping outside, Hiccup almost bumped into Astrid. "Hello."
"Hey, babe. Seems you're done all that work huh."
"I have indeed Milady. Unfortunately, it seems like I have just as much work every day for the rest of the week. She wants me making more railgun crossbows."
"That's unfortunate. So what are you going to do about it?"
"Well, I don't know yet. I'm going to be heading into town right now. Ren sent me a message saying that he wants to talk to me at Haven. Coming?" she nodded. "Then let's go."
…
"So as an update, Jaune, Yang, and Qrow are missing. Gobber is busy in the forge and Raven is the worst. Any news on your end? Hopefully, you have some good news." Hiccup said, addressing Ren and Nora.
They were standing in the Headmaster's office at Haven Academy. "Perhaps you can start with the Goliath in the room. Why are Taiyang and Violet here and who is that?" Hiccup asked.
"Hiccup and Astrid, this is Miss Altan. Miss Altan, this is Hiccup and Astrid." Simon introduced. "She is the new Fall Maiden. Taiyang will be escorting her to Vale to help teach her to use her new powers."
"That won't be fun. I speak from experience by the way. A lot of fire was involved at the time." Hiccup commented.
"It's a good thing Salem is gone though," Violet commented.
"Salem?" Arslan asked.
"An immortal who would be trying to kill you if she were still alive. Luckily for you, she was killed in an… uncommon fashion."
"…Okay. Um, have you ever taught anyone before sir?" Arslan asked, turning to Taiyang.
"Yes, my eldest daughter. In fact, you remind me of her in many ways. I remember your fight against her during the Vytal Festival. You did well there."
"Who is your daughter sir?"
"Yang. Blond hair, blue eyes, quite strong. She's a friend." Ren interjected.
"Oh, her," Arslan muttered.
"Is that a rivalry I see?" Taiyang grinned. "As I said, you're like my daughter."
Violet spoke up next. "If you need me, I'll be outside. Ren, Nora, Hiccup, and Astrid, follow me. We need to talk."
She led them outside, into the courtyard in front of Haven.
"What do you want to talk about?" Hiccup asked when she stopped walking.
"First things first, did you know that the Branwen Tribe dominate the forests east of the city of Mistral - a territory larger than the city itself?"
"I didn't, but like a bunch of things I've heard recently, I shouldn't be surprised. Just get to the bit where you tell me what you want me to do."
"We want you to spy on the tribe and tell us anything that can help us disband it." Violet said.
"I can't help you. Raven has me working significantly more in the forge for the foreseeable future. Not to mention the fact that she'll notice if I start asking questions all of a sudden."
"If you work in a forge, you access all of the weapons used by the tribe, correct?" Violet asked. Hiccup nodded. "Then tell us what types of weapons are used and how many. Problem solved."
"In that case, I can tell you that most use either handguns or rifles. However Raven wants me making more weapons." Violet nodded.
"Also, the tribe is getting ready for a raid."
"A raid where?" Ren asked.
"I don't know. Never asked. All I know is that she always has me make sure the armoury tent is stocked and each gun has been cleaned before and after each one."
"Try and find out, if possible." Violet replied.
"I'll be sure to do that." He murmured. "But I have a question of my own. Why are you here? You could have told me this with a few scroll messages."
"You remember Faunus First?" Violet responded.
"The spy organisation that is working against the White Fang? I remember."
"Yeah, Merlot and the Branwen Tribe aren't the only cause of trouble in Mistral. I'm here because of them." she replied.
Suddenly, a roar from something above them reached their ears, along with a massive shadow, prompting all four to look up.
"Seems like those soldiers are here. We can finally find our fearless leader." Nora grinned, alongside the others, who followed suit.
"Let's go back inside and tell Simon the good news," Violet suggested.
…
Merlot was watching his centrifugal machine at work when his guard burst into the room.
"Boss, there's an Atlas Military airship in the sky. They might be looking for you. What are we going to do?"
Merlot pondered an answer for a few moments. "We're going to move my equipment and research away. That's your job now, Jack. Then the Grimm will be killed and all our guests will be moved elsewhere." Merlot replied.
Jack nodded and left the room. Not long afterwards, the machine stopped spinning, its job complete. Merlot took the test tube that contained 'white' energy, from the machine with a smile. "Now to store this aura away," he muttered to himself.
Leaving the room, he decided to speak to two of his guests. "I'm afraid that as a result of things out of my control, you will be moving elsewhere. I wish to know what you think of the accommodation so far. If you don't like it, then perhaps some changes can be made." Merlot smirked.
"Where are you taking us?" Yang demanded.
"As of this moment, I know not." Merlot admitted. "But rest assured that when I do, I will inform you both."
Merlot then held up the test tube of aura he was holding. "As a matter of curiosity, which of you can tell me what this is?"
"That's aura," Qrow said.
"Correct. But not just any aura. Aura extracted from blood. Human blood." Hearing this, Qrow and Yang both paled.
Merlot smirked again. "And when we move elsewhere, I will be interested to extract aura from you both in the same way. Anyway, I hope you both enjoy the rest of your stay here. I have other matters to attend to." With that, Merlot left the room once more.
…
"Hey." Jaune heard her try to get his attention.
"Hey!" Ilia repeated.
"What?" Jaune snapped.
"Oh, you can speak. I was starting to think you were mute."
"Is that it? You've been trying to get me to talk, just to say that? Do me a favour and leave me alone." Jaune said shortly.
"I was going to say that this could be a good time to try and escape." Ilia suggested.
"And how do we do that?" Jaune asked, staring at her with an eyebrow raised. "We're both restrained and the door is probably locked. Besides, it's hopeless."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean my team would have found me already if it were possible to escape. But they haven't, so that means they're probably dead."
"You're training to be a huntsman?"
"Was training to be a huntsman. A medic too, but a lot has happened recently. Anyway, just drop this. We're not leaving."
Then Jaune fell silent, and no amount of speaking on Ilia's part managed to get him to reply in any way.
…
The airship had landed outside Haven and General Mondschein had headed towards the school, surrounded by a group of four soldiers, the rest remaining with the ship.
The General was now inside Simon's office with the rest.
"I was informed by Weiss Schnee that Mistral was currently spread thin in the number of Huntsmen and Huntresses available and that a Jaune Arc has gone missing. Is this correct Headmaster?" General Mondschein asked.
"It is, General."
"There are two others who are missing. Yang Xiao Long and Qrow Branwen sir." Hiccup added.
"Who are you, young man?" Mondschein asked.
"I'm Hiccup. This is Astrid. That's Arslan, Violet, Taiyang - Yang's dad and teammate of Qrow. Lastly, Ren and Nora, who are teammates of Jaune."
"Jaune's our team leader," Nora added.
"It's nice to meet you all." He said before the General looked at Hiccup again. "Weren't you that councilman who asked for the CCT be repaired while in Atlas?"
"People still remember that?" Hiccup sighed. "I was hoping that had been forgotten."
"Welcome to the high life." The General grinned. "Anyway, let me know where you want my men stationed. Otherwise, I assume patrolling the town of Mistral would suffice."
"Helping by acting as security for the local police station would be most useful. There was an event a few months back, where a sizeable number of the police were killed during the night. As a result, officers were brought in from other towns to fill the gap. Not to mention the previous Headmaster had been frequently sending teams on suicide missions, causing a significant decline in numbers there as well." Simon told him.
"I will assign my men immediately." The General replied.
Simon nodded. "Good. That is all General. It will be a pleasure working with you."
The General nodded before he and his soldiers filed out of the room.
"So, out of curiosity, how bad is your control over your powers? If you don't mind me asking." Hiccup said, addressing Arslan.
"I'd rather not say," Arslan muttered.
"Bad enough that each of her teachers needs to have a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. Just in case Miss Altan gets angry and spontaneously combusts." Simon supplied.
Arslan flushed at the admission. "Can I go talk to my team before I leave?"
"It's only fair. I'll be waiting outside for you." Taiyang said. She nodded and both left the room.
"We should be heading back now too. We can start searching for Jaune tomorrow. I know a way we might be able to find him." Hiccup said.
"Fine with me." Ren and Nora said simultaneously before he and Astrid left.
Stepping out into Haven's courtyard, they passed Taiyang who spoke when he noticed them. "Any leads where they could be?" he asked them.
"Nothing. Raven has had me busy most of the day. Even if she didn't, how would I find Merlot? I don't know what he looks like or where he could be."
"Ozpin didn't tell you? Figures. He has grey hair and one red eye. He also had a prosthetic arm. And yes, I knew you went back to Beacon. Ozpin promised to tell me about anything you guys managed to find about Merlot. It's unsettling that he has found a way to store aura like that."
"Why?" Astrid asked.
"Because that aura has to come from somewhere, either a faunus or a human. More than one human in this case." Taiyang replied, his tone serious.
Hiccup and Astrid both paled at that. "Yang, Qrow or Jaune. Perhaps all three. This guy is taking their aura and using it to protect Grimm." Taiyang continued.
"And Raven is stopping me from helping them, what's worse is I agreed to her ultimatum like a complete muttonhead. One of these days, I'm going to beat her up."
"Get in line Hiccup," Taiyang said, bringing his fists together for emphasis.
"I wouldn't stop there Taiyang. I'd burn down her camp-wait, I've got an idea. Astrid, follow me. I've got an idea." Hiccup then set off, not waiting for Astrid to catch up.
Taiyang watched them go for a moment before taking out his scroll. "Ozpin? Change of plans. You're the one who'll be teaching Arslan. After I bring her to you, I'm going to help Hiccup and Astrid search for my daughter."
"Taiyang-" Ozpin began
"Not even you could stop me Ozpin. Don't try it." Taiyang retorted, cutting him off.
"Not my intention. I'm wishing you good luck."
"Oh, well thanks Ozpin." Taiyang hung up and sighed. "We'll all be needing it."
Up ahead, Hiccup was in the middle of a call. "So you're up for it, Ren and Nora?"
"Great. I guess I'll see you then. Also, don't forget to tell Violet the plan." Hiccup then hung up and pocketed his scroll.
Astrid stared at him. "What was that about?"
"So there's this rather risky plan I came up with just now…" Hiccup sighed before beginning his explanation.
…
"Goodnight Astrid."
"Goodnight Babe." Neo heard the words from inside the tent. She waited ten minutes before proceeding to enter.
She stepped inside, sword at the ready, where she heard his voice, the only sound that she could hear. "Not another step, Neo. That would have worked, but I've been expecting you or Roman to make a move all day, so you didn't have a chance. Also, I heard your footsteps." Hiccup said.
Neo smirked. 'Good, you're learning. Guess I'll have to wear quieter shoes next time.' she thought to herself.
"Raven wants me to make more railgun crossbows, so unless you want me to tell her about your plan to flee, I would like it if you and Roman could meet me outside the armoury tent in five minutes." He continued.
He didn't see her nod in response, but soon heard the ruffling of cloth and a small breeze before her footsteps retreated.
"You think she'll do it?" Astrid asked, having been listening in silence.
Hiccup returned the axe he had in hand to its sheath at his hip before answering. "I guess we'll see."
"Well good luck babe. Tell me how it goes in the morning. I'm going to sleep now."
Hiccup chuckled before pecking her on the lips. "Goodnight for real now, Milady."
…
"What exactly are you planning?" Roman's voice rang out, prompting Hiccup to turn to face him as he stepped into the tent with Neo beside him. "I'm curious."
"Raven wants me to make more railgun crossbows. To do that, I need two kinds of Dust. Fire dust to propel the bolts for the crossbow and lightning dust to magnetise the firing mechanism and make the bolts travel even faster."
"So…" Roman prompted.
"I'm sure you'd agree that if everyone here had one, it could make your and Neo's escape more difficult, so I'm going to set fire to this Dust."
"You know that will mean work for both of us right?"
"We're even now, unless you want Raven to know about you know what." Hiccup muttered dryly, ignoring his question.
"We're not even until Neo and I escape kid. But it's a start."
"Fine." Hiccup took off a glove and held a flaming hand near a crate of lightning dust. "After this, meet me in the forest between camp and the town to the north. Your ticket away from Raven awaits you there."
Roman and Neo exchanged a glance before they left and Hiccup sprinted out of the tent as soon as the crate had caught fire.
Running after the pair, the trio reached the forest in record time, using the tents to stay out of sight of any patrols. "Stop by that tree!" Hiccup called after them.
The tree in question was a large oak. Roman glanced back questioningly but nevertheless did what Hiccup suggested.
Moments later, Ren and Nora emerged from behind it.
"Ah, an escort to freedom. Now we're even." Roman grinned at Hiccup.
"You're welcome Roman." Hiccup then looked at Neo. "If all goes to plan, this will be the last time I see you Neo."
Neo brought out her scroll and typed out a message. 'Aw, and I was hoping to have one last fight Hiccup.' She then grinned and wiped away an invisible tear.
"Maybe we'll meet again Neo." Hiccup replied.
'Counting on it.' Came her typed reply.
"I hope you two have many guards where we're going. If not, Raven will be trouble when she finds out we're gone."
"Ren, Nora, you remember where to take them right?" Ren nodded.
"And where is that?" Roman asked.
"You see that huge Atlas airship over Mistral?"
Roman nodded. "Good call. Farewell Hiccup. Lead on kids."
That prompted an eye roll from Ren and Nora before they looked at Hiccup. "Good luck." They intoned simultaneously.
"You two as well." Hiccup replied before they parted ways.
Sprinting back into camp, Hiccup saw Raven was awake and approaching the burning armoury tent, before barking orders for the fire to be put out before it spread to the other tents in camp.
'It's a good thing there's lots of room between the armoury tent and the others.' Hiccup idly thought.
Checking he wasn't spotted, Hiccup proceeded to sneak back to his tent and lay down, pretending to be asleep.
Barely a minute had passed before a heeled boot connected with his side.
His face contorting in pain, he opened his eyes slowly and looking up at the figure looking down at him.
"I have bad news for you."
"W-what? What happened?" Hiccup mumbled.
"There was a fire in the armoury tent, so you and Roman will need to find Dust.
Then you will need to repair the tent, restock the armoury and make more railgun crossbows all in time for the raid next week."
"That's not going to be easy to do in time Raven."
"Fine, you get an extra week. Best get to it now."
Hiccup groaned and got up as she left. 'Well at least I know when the raid will happen now. I should tell Violet.' Hiccup thought to himself. It was a comforting thought.
"Raven!" A bandit ran up to her as Hiccup left his tent.
She turned, having not gotten far. "What is it Shay?"
"Roman and Neo seem to be missing. They're not in their tent." The bandit reported.
"Get a search party ready then. You'll go out and search the forest thoroughly at first light. They may have already set off to find Dust. Whatever the reason they're gone, it won't be easy to find them with the only light being that fire." Raven said to the bandit.
He nodded and went back the way he came. "Lucky you, you have a night in Hiccup." Raven commented as she also left.
Hiccup retreated to his tent once again. Taking out his scroll and speaking quietly, he called Violet.
"I've been waiting for your call. Everything going as planned?"
"Yeah, Ren and Nora are on their way to you."
"I'll get them into Atlas custody when they arrive." Violet promised. "Don't you worry Hiccup."
"Worrying is most of what I do Violet. Case in point this plan I came up with. Anyway, let me know how it goes." Hiccup replied.
"I will. Goodnight Hiccup."
"Goodnight Violet." He then hung up and pocketed his scroll before laying down and closing his eyes, venturing forth into the land of nod like his fiancé who was currently snoring softly beside him.