A Changing World
Act 2
Chapter 9: Eastbound
A/N: Alright, there's one thing I need to address regarding a review from hirshja.
Astrid being part of the attacking team is all to do with her nature and family line. Her whole thing is that a Hofferson is meant to be fearless in a fight. This is at odds with Hiccup's desire to keep her (and his friends) safe.
He is usually okay with her being in a fight, but if she gets hurt, he will step in.
It's why Drago is dead after all.
As for not asking his friends for help, well he thought he could handle Banesaw by himself. Not to mention that he removed his earpiece, meaning he couldn't call for help even if he wanted to.
All that said, I really should have noticed the other mistakes you brought up in your review, so how about this: I send you future chapters when they're ready to be beta read and you help spot glaring mistakes with them.
I improve as a writer and you (and everyone else) get to read a better-written story. Win-win.
Send me a PM if you're interested.
Now though, a spot of damage control is in order.
…
The hologram display in front of where General Mondschien was currently standing beeped, drawing his attention.
A moment later it came to life, the blue figure of Captain Taylor filling the display.
"General Mondschein, sir. I have a report for you."
"Let's hear it then, Captain Taylor."
"Two bullheads were seen heading towards Mistral. They were believed to be White Fang."
"Did you hail them to find out?"
Taylor shook her head. "They took off from a known White Fang base sir. Besides, we were occupied in preparing a team to search the base for any survivors after it was blown up."
"Were you successful?"
"We found survivors, but they got out by themselves sir. They're currently on Captain Smith's ship."
"Very well, I shall set up a patrol to intercept them if the chance arises. Dismissed Captain Taylor."
"Yes, sir." She nodded before she disappeared.
…
Weiss, Hiccup, Astrid, Gobber and Raven were standing in Jacques old office at the Schnee Manor.
Raven looked at each of the occupants in the room for a few moments at a time.
"So Hiccup, before we get started on this deal, care to explain why you were on that airship? You didn't answer my question earlier." Stated Raven.
"He told me he wanted to make a deal to send Dust to your tribe on your behalf. I refused and sent him to the Atlas Military with a delivery of rare Dust." Weiss lied.
"You don't have people to do that?" Asked Raven, her focus now solely on Weiss, an eyebrow raised and expression doubtful as she spoke.
"It was attacked. Hiccup and Astrid were captured and the Dust was stolen by the White Fang as seems to be the usual. They and their dragons were the only ones who remained when the airship arrived."
"I got hit over the head during the ambush." Added Hiccup, hoping she would accept the half lie.
Raven nodded. "Let's talk more about this deal."
"There's no need for that. You saved me from being taken hostage by the White Fang and killed my sister's murderer. I am willing to supply you with any Dust you need."
"Very well, we're done here." Raven brought a portal to life.
"I'll be sending Dust your way tomorrow. Pleasure doing business with you." Smiled Weiss. She held the smile as Raven nodded and left via the portal, where it died a swift death.
"You owe me for this Hiccup."
"I thought you said that you would supply Raven with Dust."
"Not for free, but I wasn't going to charge her. I'd like to stay alive, thank you. So you're going to make up for it - any time you can - just as long as you do it."
"Alright, I will pay you back in any way I can. It won't be long before the tribe goes on a raid. If all goes to plan, I'll be able to get at least some of your Dust ammunition back."
"That would be a start." Commented Weiss.
"I could also make weapons for you after Raven is captured."
"I accept your proposal. Speaking of weapons, shall I get started on your requests now?"
"Just a minute Weiss. I need to talk with Hiccup in private first." Said Astrid.
Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Hiccup's left hand and strode out of the room with him.
"Mind telling me what made you panic about Raven earlier Hiccup?" She asked, tone curious.
"Not my proudest moment, but I didn't want to fight Raven again. I only did it the first time because I was angry. Besides, I'd like to avoid getting another scar."
"It's only fun if-"
"-You get a scar out of it. To quote my younger self. 'Yeah, no kidding. Pain, love it'" he snarked in reply. This resulted in Astrid swatting at his chest, smiling in spite of herself.
"Call me next time Raven shows up, okay? I'm with you Hiccup." Said Astrid a moment later.
"Astrid, we both know I wouldn't let you get involved. You'd be just as likely to get hurt in a fight with Raven as I am."
"Then how about we get better prepared? We have Weiss offering to pay for improving my axe. Why not ask for amour as well?"
Hiccup smiled broadly. "I like that idea Milady. Let's go."
"Would it be possible to ask for something else in addition to the armour I wanted? If so, I could do with a bigger shield, as well as armour for Astrid and Gobber." Said Hiccup when he and Astrid entered the room again.
"That can be done but what I have in mind for your shield won't be cheap."
"I'll make it up to you as previously discussed, Weiss. Just as soon as I deal with Raven for good."
"Very well. Follow me. No sense in delaying things." She replied before striding out of the room.
"How's it going with those crossbows, Gobber?" Asked Hiccup, speaking to him as the trio set off after Weiss.
"Not good lad. There are so many small parts to handle, which aren't great for me. That said, there should be enough parts for two crossbows."
"Well, it's a start at least. Hopefully, that'll keep Raven happy for some time. Thanks, Gobber."
"Anytime." He replied.
…
"Welcome to The Anvil. I'll be with you in a moment." The shopkeeper said automatically as he heard the door open.
Then he heard a squeal that had him looking up at the two security guards by the door and the group that had just entered the shop. An amused smile adorned his face, directed at one energetic red-headed girl in particular.
"I've never seen so many weapons and weapon attachments in one place! You've also got body armour!" Gushed Ruby.
The shopkeeper's gaze moved from the mass of rose petals that were left behind by the girl as she zipped back and forth across the shop before landing on Weiss.
Said girl coughed apologetically. "Ignore her. She'll calm down eventually. Sorry for the mess though, sir."
"No need to worry. I find it rather adorable." He chuckled.
Weiss nodded, clearly relieved. "Shall we get started on the order I sent you?"
"Fine with me. Who is going first? How about the blond girl wearing red on the right there? What's your name? Actually first, everyone who is getting their weapons upgraded or changed in any way, tell me your names."
"I'm Astrid Hofferson."
"Hiccup Haddock."
"Gobber."
"Lie Ren."
"Nora Valkyrie."
"Ruby Rose."
"Taiyang Xiao Long."
"Weiss Schnee."
"Blake Belladonna."
"Ah, another famous one. How are you enjoying your time in Atlas, Miss Belladonna?"
"It's too cold, but nice other than that." She replied.
"Do you mean the weather or the people?" He winked and she flushed red.
"Would it be bad if I said both?" She grimaced.
The man chuckled. "Not at all. Atlas has its faults, the upper classes stance on faunus being one of them. It's nice to see the SDC is different now."
Blake nodded. "Indeed it is."
Then the man clapped his hands once and started rubbing them together. "Alright. Now I was informed that five of you would be getting their weapons altered and three decided on getting armour, two of which were in addition to weapon changes. Have I got that right?"
Weiss nodded. "That is correct."
"Excellent." Said the shopkeeper. "As you have no doubt noticed, I have a large variety of weapons here. Feel free to look around in case there is anything you wish to add to your weapons, in addition to your order while I tend to those who wish to have armour made for them first."
As he spoke, two more people, a man and a female faunus with tanned skin, emerged from one of two rooms behind him, the oak door bearing the words 'employees only.'
"I take it you're all okay with that?" He added.
The group nodded as one, with Hiccup, Astrid and Gobber remaining behind as the others joined Ruby in getting a closer look at the weapons that lined the walls of the shop.
"You three, follow me." The shopkeeper instructed.
He led them into the other room that was behind him. It contained a large circular turntable with a camera directly above it and room for a scroll to slot into it.
In addition to this were sets of body armour on display around the room, as well as a team consisting of three tailors.
"Schmidt, these three require armour. Over to you." The shopkeeper addressed one of them, a smartly dressed balding man wearing glasses.
"Yes, boss." Said Schmidt.
When the shopkeeper left, Schmidt then turned to the trio before him. "I want you all to take off your shoes and step onto this turntable here. You first." He said pointing at Hiccup. "Be sure not to step in that slot there."
Hiccup did as instructed, taking off his boots and stepping onto the turntable carefully.
"You have a prosthetic leg as well as your older friend." The man observed. "Tell me, how did he lose his hand?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Said Hiccup
"Perhaps. Now stand still with your arms out." As he gave the instruction, Schmidt took out his scroll and pressed a button. There was a series of clicks, then the man raised his scroll and took a few steps back.
After another series of clicks were heard, Schmidt motioned for Hiccup to step off the turntable. He then crouched and placed his scroll in the slot before stepping away.
A moment later, the space previously occupied by Hiccup was filled by a photorealistic model of him, complete with his current attire. "Now then, what do you want your armour to look like and what do you want it to protect you from?"
"Blades and bullets mostly. But if you could make it fireproof that would be great too."
"Your semblance I presume?"
"Yeah, it's… eventful."
"Certainly sounds that way." The man nodded. "Now, what about you two?"
"Same as Hiccup, but make ours ice proof instead." Requested Astrid.
"Another semblance?"
"Something like that."
"Alright. So what do you want it to look like?"
"Is there a way to draw what I want? It would be easier to draw it than explain."
"Of course." One of the other tailors presents wordlessly handed Schmidt another scroll, this one resembling a black rectangle big enough to require a two-handed grasp.
He turned on the device and navigated to an app for drawing before handing it to him. "Feel free to make changes however you like. It is synced to the other scroll and will update the model automatically."
As Hiccup got to work with nothing more than a nod in response, Schmidt turned to Astrid. "Would you like something just like what you have on right now?"
"If possible, yes, but with the same protection I mentioned."
Schmidt nodded. "Just need to wait for your friend to finish his design. Then I can move onto the armour for both of you."
…
Two Bullheads were flying along, side by side.
Banesaw was watching the other aircraft out of the closed-door on his left when his scroll rang.
"What is it Yuma?" Asked the faunus, after glancing at the number.
"Boss, Trifa and I have just captured someone who was snooping around the shady end of Mistral. She was asking questions about the White Fang."
"Get rid of her then."
"She's a rabbit faunus, sir. Maybe we can persuade her to join us."
"Perhaps, but not likely. Bring her to our base in Mistral. I am on my way there currently."
"What about Atlas?"
"We encountered some undesirables there and had to leave when Atlas arrived in force."
"Yes, sir. After we bring her, then what do we do?"
"Tomorrow we will be making a live example of her before making a few moves. It is time for some aggressive expansion." Banesaw promptly hung up after that.
Dialling another number, he spoke again. "It would be best if we part ways now."
"Agreed. Farewell Banesaw." Said Merlot.
Banesaw hung up and a moment later the Bullhead on his left peeled away, the light from the setting sun glinting off of the aircraft and shimmering through the deep blue sea water far below while his own Bullhead continued eastwards to Mistral.
…
"I've seen many requests from Huntsmen and Huntresses, but I do believe that armour that is also a flight suit is a first for me." Said Schmidt as he watched Hiccup's completed design rotate slowly on the turntable.
"Can you still make it?" Asked Hiccup.
"Yes. It will just take longer than usual." Came his response.
"I'd like two of them." Added Hiccup.
The click of heels sounded behind them. "Why not more? I'm feeling generous today."
"Because then I'd owe you more and I already owe you a lot Weiss." Replied Hiccup
Weiss shrugged. "It's up to you. Anyway, didn't you want to improve your weapons you two?"
"Was just about to go over there." Said Hiccup. Glancing back at Schmidt, he continued. "Do you need us to do anything else?"
"No, you're fine. I will need to measure your friends, however."
"Here, Hiccup." Astrid drew her axe before handing it to him. "You know more about guns than I do. You find a good gun to use with it."
"As Milady commands." Said Hiccup as he left the room.
"Oh for Thor's sake." Exclaimed an exasperated Hiccup a moment before he returned to the room. "Blake's gone."
"That complete dolt!" Snapped Weiss. "Right, come with me." She started walking, beckoning the trio to follow.
"I can go alone Weiss. Stay here and finish our orders." Advised Hiccup, handing Astrid's axe back to her.
"Very well." Weiss nodded, at the same time drawing her scroll.
When the line connected, she spoke, sounding like a General giving an order to a subordinate.
"Klein, send someone to pick up Hiccup and ensure his dragon is ready. He's going to search for Blake. She's gone."
"Right away Miss Schnee." Replied Klein before he hung up.
Later, a horn blared to signal the arrival of Hiccup's ride. Hearing it, Hiccup handed his shield to Weiss and stepped out of the shop.
'You better not be doing what I think you're doing Blake. You know you're no match for them.' Thought Hiccup as he climbed into the waiting white car. 'Not after we failed to find Yang, Qrow or Jaune that badly.'
"Where to, sir?" Asked the driver.
"Schnee Manor, as fast as you can drive." The driver nodded and the car pulled away, illuminated by the broken moon above.