I hope you guys like this chapter. Also, need an editor for this fic PM if you are interested. Also sorry for the name typo. It's Shane not Shang my bad.
Chapter 2 Slug in the House
Burpy hopped throughout the house and only two words for the place.
"Wealthy snobs," Burpy said. Not to mention the cold color palette in the house was so bland. Burpy was happy to find out that almost all the doors in the building were unlocked. It made it easier for him to snoop around.
"Can't believe he asked her of all people, Will you sure did suck with you're the judge of character. Willow of all people and after what she did to you. I don't know how you could even forgive her," Burpy thought. The last time Burpy saw Willow, partner Will and Willow were exactly on the best of terms. He kept hopping around the rooms trying to find her. He passes the door only for it to slam open hitting Burpy and flinging him across the hall and into an expensive vase.
"Aw, Slug me!" He yelled in his new prison.
Whitley had woken up as the morning light had entered his window. He wore his normal white pajamas and got out of bed. just himself in the same thing he wore yesterday. Well, there weren't too many options for him, but he always tried to change his tie. His choices were black and gray in a sarcastic way. He couldn't help but think how riveting it was.
Whitley looked at his desk, on it were gears and strange little curiosities. He would always take part in and modify machines in his free time. It was a hobby that his father didn't like but he kept doing it in his privacy. He glanced at the mirror and adjusted his black tie. He put on his smile.
"It's Showtime," he mumbled out loud,
Walking out of the door he headed for the kitchen. He walked until he was at the large dining room table. He sat down and pulled out his scroll. He was about to read the news notification. When a man walked up to his side. An older gentleman who wore a butler's outfit. He was bald on top of his head. While the hair on his side was red, cut short, and styled out.
"Is there anything you need to master Whitley, in this fine morning," He asked with a gentlemanly composure.
"Just eggs Benedict, and bacon today Klein, Also a glass of orange juice," Whitley said. Klein gave a nod.
"I shall inform the chefs today, sir," The Butler said, as he walked away. Now that he was alone. He could take in the site of the empty dinner table. Almost everyone had their meals in their rooms. It was a very long time ago when they all ate together here, but now that his sisters were gone, the only person who truly ate here was him. Whitley opened his shi scroll and watched a video.
His eyes wide, and as he read the headliner.
A hole in Atlas walls, how could this happen?
Whitley continues to scroll through the headliners. He always thought this kingdom was invincible. That atlas was so high above the sky, that no Grimm could touch it. Yet it found this to be strange.
A fireball shot from Mantle to Atlas? Reports and footage of a crazy fireball.
Whitley clicked on a video. The video started with two adults messing around. The first man was wearing a raggedy outfit, while his face was patchy. The other was a tall man with black hair and a slim face. Wearing a black T-shirt with a skull on it.
"I'm Johnny Knox, and welcome to dumbass, My friend is so drunk, he can't see straight," Johnny said in an excited tone of voice. Whitley knew this was one of those weird Internet shows that probably wasn't gonna take off anytime soon.
"Dude I'm so drunk I think I'm starting to see that manhole cover move," He pointed out. The camera then panned over to where he was pointing he could see the manhole cover and was starting to vibrate.
"What is that!" Then without warning a pillar of fire erupted and popped out of the manhole cover, like a bottle cap.
The video ended when Johnny's face blurred past the camera. Whitley would have shut it off as a gas leak, but the way the fire just moved said otherwise.
"Master Whitley, your breakfast sir," Klein's voice snapped the young master from his daze. He set the breakfast platter in front of him.
"Thank you, Klein, that will be all for this morning," Whitley said. The Butler gave a kind bow.
"Master Whitley, your father wanted to see you in his studies," Klein said as he walked out of the dining room. Whitley gave a big sigh as he put on his fake smile.
"Let's see what Father wants, I'm sure he's not gonna discuss the late news that happened today," He said, trying to relax. However, he did wonder how something broke through those dust shields. Those walls were made to withstand Missiles yet something broke through them.
Well, Whitley did have one thought, last night it was warm, something that was on and every cold night in this house.
By the edge of the Atlas border Atlas soldier and Scientist, we're looking at the damage done. They were taking readings of the area and studying footage. Most official atlas officers wore white consisting of a black color scheme outlining it.
A man walked forward to one of the scientists. He had short brown hair and teal-green eyes. He wore a sleeveless Atlesian Specialist uniform that consisted of a white sleeveless double-breasted coat with red and blue accents with ornate detailing shaped to the form of wishbones, a broad tail with red lining, and a four-leaf clover pin on the lapel. His belt had a rabbit's foot keychain hanging off it.
He walked to a person going over their notes. The female scientist spun around and acknowledged his presence.
"Hello sir, sorry didn't see you, special Officer Clover," She apologized. He had a simple smile and raised his hand.
"At ease soldier, just want to know if you got any clues on what happened here," Clover asked.
"Yes of course sir, we've been going over the scanners and footage, and we couldn't find a route of origin to where this possible attack came from,"
"I wouldn't say attack," Clover said, making her pause.
"I mean the only damage done was to the shield, no one got hurt, and the fireball moved out of the way, of every building it came across," Clover then pointed upward to the sky. When the fireball hovered over the city.
"Whatever tried to do this wasn't attacking anybody I think he wanted to get in…and from the looks of it, Probably in a hurry," Clover said. The scientist cleared her throat.
"Uh sir, I don't know if this helps, but something strange did happen two hours ago," She said, not believing what she saw.
"And what's that?" Clover asked.
"When the hole was open, there was footage of a small Ravgener, it must have gone, I guess nobody noticed it in the air," She said. Clover knew what a ravager was, or a small grim that took the form of bats.
"And? Did it get in," He asked.
"No sir when it saw the hole, it just stared at it and… ran away," She said.
"You think a creature of Grimm was scared?" Clover asked.
"All I'm saying is what I saw,"
Clover had a pondering look on his face. He walked away from the hole in the dome. He couldn't help but wonder how a man could do this. it must've been quite an impressive semblance. Then he got a notification on his scroll, and he answered it.
"Clover, did you find anything?" Ironwood asked.
"Apologies but we found nothing, we might as well look into the city, some of the cameras may have caught something with the fireball dissipated, like a little object, fell out of it," Clover said.
"Do whatever you can to find it. I'm sure you'll make better headway in the city," Ironwood said as he ended the call.
Walking back to a bullhead ship that was parked outside the grassy fields, four individuals were waiting for him by the flying ship bay door. This team was the ace operatives, the best Huntsman, and the huntresses Atlas had to offer. They are each unique in their fighting style and personality.
The first is a young man, who was a Faunus with long greenish-black hair tied in a bun and blue eyes. His trait is a dark gray canine tail.
His name was Marrow wears an Atlesian Specialist uniform that consisted of a white double-breasted coat with silver buttons, dark blue accents, a collar, and shoulder flaps with matching cuffs that had two silver buttons. The coat's tail splits, allowing Marrow's tail to move freely. He has a dark blue belt with a silver buckle around his waist with a dark blue pouch on the right side. He has a red ascot tied around his neck. Marrow wears a red shirt under his coat. He wears dark blue trousers tucked into his black knee-high boots.
The tall young muscular woman next to him was Elm with brown hair in a short ponytail, light brown skin, and brown eyes. She wears an Atlesian Specialist uniform that consists of an open white, one-sleeved crop jacket with dark blue accents, shoulder flaps and collar, and a dark gray armor shirt. She has silver vambraces over her forearms. On her back, carries her weapon.
The next who sat alone was Harrit wears a red belt around her white pants and went barefoot save for some martial arts footwraps alongside dark blue calf plates that covered the tops of her feet, the plates had three red straps tied around them; the soles of her feet are appropriately dirty as a result. She also has a silver hoop earring on her right ear.
Harriet is a dark-skinned young woman with platinum blonde and brown hair shaved on the sides and dark pink eyes.
She wears a very short-sleeved Atlesian Specialist uniform that consists of a sleeveless white double-breasted vest with silver buttons and dark blue accents. It has a white and dark blue collar, a dark blue short-sleeved t-shirt, a red tie, and white shorts. She wears dark blue chaps that presumably connect to the tops of her shorts. The chaps expose the inner part of the thighs and the backs of her calves. She also wears blue fingerless gloves and dark gray trainers with black accents and a white stripe accompanied by red socks. She also has white calf pads and dark blue knee pads as well. There are also dark blue straps fastened around the top of her vest. The blond portions of her hair are styled in a way that resembles a rabbit's ears.
The tall man who stood silent was Vine. He had short shaved gray hair, deathly pale skin, and light blue eyes. He had several tattoos, including a third eye tattoo along the center of his forehead and chin. He wore an Atlesian Specialist uniform that consisted of a white double-breasted, partially unbuttoned coat with a broad tail, navy blue accents, collar, and shoulder flaps, a red sash running diagonally over his left shoulder meeting a second red sash around his waist under a large blue belt, and navy blue fingerless gloves that go up to his brachium. He wore navy blue pants tucked into a pair of navy blue thigh-high boots with steel toe and heel plating, a small pouch on the sides, and kneepad detailing. He wore beaded necklaces around his neck and beaded bracelets around his right arm alongside two silver bands, one small, one large on his left forearm.
"Well everyone, it looks like we're heading to the city,"
"Great that's not like a needle in a haystack," Harrit said in sarcasm
Whitley walked through the halls until he stopped at a wooden brown door. He took a sigh and opened it. This was his father's study. The books shelves lined the office from right to left. The room had a nice white rug that led to the end of the room. Which was elevated by three steps above. There was hand made desk and glass table in the middle of the room. While two sofa couches were on each side.
The room was decorated with fancy art pieces, and books that were related to the Schnee family. Well the king jewel to this, prideful crown was smack dab behind the deck. The wall had a big portrait of Jacques Schnee standing there with a stoic face.
Whitley thought it was always a bit much. This office was meant to flare of power. The desk was three steps up to show that his father would look down on the guest. However, sitting in his chair, having a glass of brandy.
"You wanted to see me, farther?" Whitley said.
"Yes shut the door," Jacques said as his cold eyes looked at his son.
"Son, I want you to understand since your sister left for Vale. It is up to you to hold up the family name for the time being until she gets back and stops her foolish ambitions," He said, taking a look over some work files.
"Yes, Father," He said. It made sense Weiss left home to be a huntress. That only left him to look after the family business. So it was up to him, I mean why bring him to all the company meetings and annual business trips? Why hang around so many rich snobbish people who looked down on the rest of society?
"Good, now I want you to be in tip-top shape tomorrow, we have a couple of big investors coming around to the house and I want to give a good impression on them, but you'll be there to be a good host,"
Whitley was a bit surprised, this was an important role. It should be his father to do the honors. However, would he ask why his father wanted him to do this? No, he would just listen.
"Of course Father," Whitley said.
"Good, consider this to be a test. Your two sisters have been proven to be unreliable to be the next successor to the company, but you might have a better shot at it. If you keep up your good behavior. You might be in front of the line," He said with a smirk. However, Whitley put on his fake smile. Yet he could use this to get back at the two that left all alone. Then the would-be begging to come back to the family.
"I understand…" Whitley then knew he had to put the cherry on top of his Sunday plan. "I deeply appreciate the opportunity."
The smile that appeared on Jacques's face was what Whitley needed to see. Be the perfect puppet then break away from the strings when the time is right. However, there was one thing he had to say. Maybe his father did remember. His birthday was coming up. Maybe he would remember just once.
"Good…" Jacques said. Whitley turned around and began to walk towards the door. The young teen paused and looked at his father seeing a displeased face looking at him.
"Whitely one more thing, ever come into this office again without knocking. You'll get a proper smack across the face. Do you understand young man," Jacques said with a low tone of irritation. Whitley gulped and didn't want that treatment, the first time it happened it left a scar on his wrist.
"Yes sir," Whitley said as he walked out of the study. The young teen walked and let out a deep sigh. He was on edge but he should be able to cover tonight. This would be the beginning of something special. Right now he would work on his introduction to the guest. No longer would he be trapped by his father's shadow.
Unknown to him a Slug was peeking its head from behind a painting. Burpy could hear the whole conversation and gave a sympathetic look to the young Schnee.
"Ah poor guy, I wish I could help But I have to find Willow. I'm sure she's here," Burpy thought.
While he walked to his room, the sound of ice hitting glass rang throughout the hall. Brupy looked at the end of the hall to see the person he was looking for.
It was Willow wearing her hair in a low ponytail over her left shoulder. While some strands were over her face. Her attire consists of a white cravat secured by a silver brooch set with a red stone, as well as a light purple jacket with light sleeves, a wide belt around her waist, and a matching pencil skirt with black tights and slippers. In her right hand was a bottle of wine. The other is a wing glass with a big ice cube in it. Empty of course.
Whitley noticed her too and didn't bother to say hello. Walking right past her not even batting an eye. Willow poured herself another cup and drank from it. Even when he passed her, He could smell the expensive wine and hard alcohol on her. It was a smell that he hated.
To him, it was the smell of failure of not being there. Willow continued to walk and shot a hard glare at Jacque's study. Willow was going to grab another bottle from the cellar. Burpy quickly followed behind, this was his chance. To get her to notice him.
Willow was walking to the cellar and ready to pick up another bottle. She walked down the steps. There were rows of wines. She walked over and picked out a bottle. Willow didn't care what she grabbed, she hoped it would get the job.
Willow then felt a little tap on her shoe, She glanced down and gasped as she dropped her glass and bottle.
Her eyes widened and a familiar face waved at her. Kneeling to the floor she covered her mouth with her hands.
"Burpy," She said in a terrified voice. The Slug smiled and nodded his head. It was good to see an old friend again. Burpy hopped on her leg and onto her shoulder. Willow was taken a little back, yet she knew all too well how close Slugs could get.
"If you're here then…" Her eyes widened so slightly, that it was as if the answer had already been said. "Where's Will?"
Burpy held his head down in sadness and back at Willow. Even though she would never understand him, that look spoke more than enough. Willow felt tears running down her face, which shouldn't have happened Will would never lose.
"Will please no, you can't be gone, you can't be," She sobbed.
However, she didn't want to face this truth. So instead she took another swig from a random bottle off the wine rack. Burpy tried to comfort her but was brushed to the ground. She ran off to hide back in her room. Leaving the slug all alone. Burpy tried to follow her up the stairs but was stopped when looked at him.
"Just go back home! I want to be left alone!" She shouted at Burpy who was surprised at this sudden harshness. She slammed the door and ran away. The Infurnus didn't know what to do as he was left all alone.
"But you and Will used to be so close," Burpy said. He wouldn't give up if Willow didn't read the book then he'd find somebody who could. He hopped up the steps and pushed his way through the keyhole. If Willow wasn't going to help then maybe somebody else would.
Willow ran towards her room and shut the door. She didn't want to open it. Then that cruel world could touch her again. The man she was forced to marry, she had two children with that man, a horrible man. She couldn't bear to bring another bloodline of Jacques into the world.
She knew of Slugterra but knew it wasn't her place to live. That place is beyond words but it had one thing that made her happy. A certain man who helped her with so much. She gently set down a bottle and walked over to her dresser.
Opening the bottom one and uncovering a book from the clothing. It had a leather cover and the spine of it was decorated with gemstones. On the cover was the symbol of the sun. She opened the pages of the book until she stopped at the last page. Where jammed between the pages were pictures. She was fourteen years younger, in that photo. Next to her was a younger Will Shane kissing her cheek.
Willow couldn't smile because she wasn't the happy woman in the photo. Then she quickly pulled a letter from the back cover of the book. She slowly opened it up and read the context inside.
"My dearest Willow, I hope you see me soon. I know things have been rough in your life and you've been ignoring me. I just hope you told your husband the truth. I don't blame you for not telling me you were married but I wanted to see him, you know. Please right back to me when you get this."
She took a deep breath and grabbed the bottle of wine while taking another stiff drink. The pain she felt needed to go away. However, the only thing that worked was drinking until she passed out. Picking up the photo she cried again. Falling backwards onto her bed staring at the ceiling with sad eyes.
"I'm sorry Will but I can't help you, neither can he…" Willow said, passing out from another drink. Unknown to her there was a second letter poking out of the book. On it said 'To Whitley'
Clover walked through the streets of Atlas, he was on his scroll looking through footage of the past. Vine and Marrow were following behind. They were both worried about this strange attack. What could have caused this?
Clover couldn't help but think that a Grimm just ran away. Something was up. Then he was at the spot where the fireball moved up into the sky. Taking a deep breath he watched the video and looked up at the sky.
"If that thing moved up, where did it go?" He asked out loud.
"Clover we found something," Marrow said as he held up his scroll. "Harriet found something in the suburban areas. Our little fireball went there."
Clover took the scroll from Marrow's hands and watched the flame move along. Into the residential area, specifically the upper class residential that place had cameras everywhere. Then you could see the fireball moved and hovered and dissipated over the Schnee mansion.
"Oh boy, why do I not like the feeling of this?" Clover said. Vine calmly approached this lead.
"Sir, shall we order a warrant as soon as possible?" He said with a calm demeanor.
"We would be better off trying to break through the doors. The paperwork we need to be a mountain load just even get past the gate," Clover said, then he scratched his chin and put on a smile.
"Then it's a good thing we got somebody you can walk through the front door," Clover said.
"You want Winter to look into the matter, doesn't she hate her family?" Marrow asked out loud.
"I hear it's more her father, but yes, that's gonna be the plan," Clover said.
"She is on a mission right now. It's gonna take her a week to at least get back here," Marrow said.
"That's true but that still doesn't mean we can at least try to investigate the estate," Clover said, flicking his clover pin. "Besides, I feel like it's gonna be a lucky day today."
Whitley was in the main lobby, trying to practice his welcome speech. This was an important time for him. If he did this right, you could earn a good sway with his father, maybe here at the company in his next choice of heir.
There was a knock at the main door making the young man jump. It was strange, the guest shouldn't be here for a few more hours. So who was it?
He opened the door only to see an older man probably in his late sixties, He had gray hair that was tied in a ponytail and a big bushy beard. He was muscular for his age, he wore warm brown pants and a gray button-up shirt. Though when Whitley looked into the man's eyes he couldn't help but feel a familiarity with the stranger. They were the same icy blue as his. Though many people shared eye color he simply shook it off.
"Ih their young man, my Jimmo Shane, and well I was hoping to talk with Willow. Is she here?" He asked in a gentle voice.
"Why do you want to meet her," Whitley asked.
"Well… we're old acquaintances," Jimmo said. He took a deep sigh and guessed this was probably some weird friend of his mother.
"I'm sorry she's probably not in the best condition right now," Whitely said. The man's eyes were wide and slightly surprised, yet there was a familiar disappointment as if you already knew when he was coming here.
"Well uh sorry to bother you then, do you think there's a damn wheel that should be you know not so intoxicated," He said trying to be as polite as he could. Whitley's eyes looked down at the ground with a little disappointment.
"I've never seen or not drunk before," Whitely said. Jimmo's fist gripped slightly. To the young it appeared, the man had been disappointed, not in him, but in the person in discussion.
"Why did you want to see her?" Whitley asked. Jimmo softened his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Well your mother was an acquaintance of my nephew and recently I'm afraid that he may have passed away. I was just wishing she knew, and discussed some personal matters," Jimmo said. Whitley took a deep breath this wasn't some person trying to pull a scam or anything. He looks like an honest man.
"I…I… would suggest coming around that possibly the early morning that's when she starts, but she's not knee-deep into the bottles," Whitley said. Jimmo was very thankful and knew what to plan around tomorrow.
"Thank you, young man, I don't believe I got your name?" He asked.
"It's Whitley sir. Whitley Schnee." He said politely. The strange man smiled at him. Whitley felt it was a gaze of joy. it appeared Jimmo was happy to see him, even though this was the first time he ever met the man.
"Are you okay, sir," Whitley said.
"Hey sorry about that, it's just you remind me of my nephew. I deeply miss him," He said with a sad chuckle. Whitley could see this man was hurt at least maybe tomorrow would be a better day for him.
"Well thank you for your time today, young man," Jimmo said as walked away from the door and headed for the gate. however, before Whitley could close the door. Jimmo had a sudden reminder.
"Oh by the way, I don't know if you heard about any strange fireballs lately, but I'm a little bit of an investigator down in Mantle. If you see anything or find anything here is my card," He pulled out a white small piece of paper. Whitley took it from his hands and could see it had his number written down on it while also his address.
"Oh uh, I don't handle any business transactions. That's mostly my father," Whitley said in a casual voice. Jimmo then gave a soft chuckle.
"Then I guess it's a good thing, you're here, Mr. Whitley take care now," He said as he walked towards the front gate. Whitley would just throw the card away, but he felt something special about this. It couldn't hurt to have somebody's contacts so he simply put it in his pocket. Closing the door he tried to shake off what was happening. He had a speech to prepare.
Unknownst to him from above the selling was an orange slug who couldn't help but overhear the conversation. Then he took a curious glance at Whitely.
"He does look oddly familiar," Burpy thought as he crawled all over the ceiling. Maybe he could ask him for help. Whitley took a deep breath and was about to begin his welcome introduction to the manner. However, before a single word could be uttered there was another knock at the door interrupting the young man.
"Aw great who can it be now?" Whitley said in a frustrated tone of voice. He opened the door again, expecting to see Jimmo standing there. Yet when he opens the door.
He was welcome to the site of the most elite warrior team in Atlas. The ace ops were standing right in front of him. Whitley was a bit taken aback. All of them were looking at them, but it was the leader of the group who stood in front. Clover Ebi that he had a calm demeanor. Whitley quickly cleared his throat and decided to be more gentlemanly today
"Hello sir, how can I help you?" Whitley said.
"Hello this young man, my name is Clover. I represent the Atlas Special Forces," He said with a kind smile. Whitley still had a confused look on his face. Why were they here?
"Aw, I see, how does the manner owe your occasion?" Whitley asked. Clover smirked and needed to word his sentence correctly. Harriet just wanted to barge and get this over with but knew she would probably get scolded by Clover.
"I don't know if you ever heard, but you've seen the news recently correct that crazy fireball that broke through the shields," He said. Whitley gazed at the man with a knowing gaze.
"Yes I've seen the videos, but what does that have to do with here?" He asked. Clover could see there was a smart kid from the stories you heard from Winter. They were the opposite.
"That's a good question, you see we were able to track where that gust of fire went and surprisingly it headed for this residential area,"
Whitley was surprised and didn't know what to say. Were they just warning people about this that there could be some deranged man with a crazy fire semblance? Then it dawned on him. Could this person be here?
"So I'm assuming that you might think that there is an individual here," Whitely said. Clover smiled and gave a calm nod.
"Yep, I just wanna do a routine check around your state and make sure everything's all right. You're not under investigation, we just wanna make sure," Clover said. However, when the leader of the ace ops tried to enter the door moved slightly. Whitley had a nervous look on his face.
"Don't you guys need a permit?" Whitley asked.
"Come on kid," Marrow said, making the boy narrow his eyes at them.
"Listen you spoiled brat, the safety of the kingdom comes first before your rich family does understand!" Harriet said, crossing her arms. Clover shot her a heated glance, while Elm quickly covered her mouth. She had an embarrassed smile.
"Sorry about her, she can get a little heated about the job, but yes we usually do need a warrant, However, we just want to be safe and check every house in the area," Clover said with a gentle tone of voice. Whitley did wish they did the proper way, but it was for their safety. Maybe his Father wouldn't mind if they just checked.
"Oh… just go ahead and make it fast, I'm sure there's nothing in the house but better be safe than sorry,"
Clover smiled and appreciated the honest look the boy gave them. Yet before he could take a step the sound of a stern and strict voice echoes throughout the hall. Whitley's face turned into fear as he turned around to see his father Jacques standing at the top of the staircase.
His father marched down the steps with a heated glare.
"What do you think you're doing, letting these soldiers into our house," Jacques said. Whitley couldn't find the words to say. what would he say to save his skin to not get locked in his room or be punished? However, it was Clover who spoke up.
" I apologize, Mr. Schnee. I budged in your door. Your son was simply trying to stop," He said. Making Jacques gaze directly at him. Whitley was surprised as he glanced at the man. Clover then gave a sneaky side glance to the kid and winked at him.
Whitley quickly wasn't along with the lie.
"Yes, I was that I told you, Mr. Clover The Schnee door is not open to you! Now good day sir," Whitley said. It appears the lie had worked, and Jack was quickly glaring at Clover.
"Is that so? Now tell me why did James send his hounds to my doorstep," he asked with a heated tone of voice.
"Well, sir I'm not sure if you heard about that random fireball breaking the walls of Atlas. Apparently that fireball had last been over this area,"
"Yes everyone's heard of it, but that still doesn't mean you have any right to come near my house without any proper paperwork. Now leave my property or shall call the authorities!" Jacques said wanting nothing more than these ruffians out of his house.
"Hey, we're just making sure your house is harboring some crazy fireball-wielding maniac!" Marrow said. Doc quickly ignored the fanus and glared at Clover.
"Do you let your dogs talk for you, sir,"
Whitley shrank a little inside that comment was extremely unneeded. The special ops glared at the rich man, but their leader clover quickly settled them down.
"We're not here to start any trouble we just want to make sure that possible that could be in your house, I mean your estate is huge," Clover said. Elm took a step forward.
"Please sir we're only looking out for people's safety," She said. Jacques narrowed his eyes and scoffed them off.
"Well identifying job now please leave my house or else," He said. Clover wasn't afraid and neither was his teammates.
"Anticipate us to be back with a warrant and if you don't cooperate with us, you might be looking in a month in jail time," Clover said then turned his head towards Whitley. "It was nice meeting you Whitley, sorry to barge in. You have a good day,"
They began to leave as Whitley closed the front door. Taking a big exhale. Jacques quickly put on a displeased look with his son.
"I'm sorry Father they just barged in," Whitley was cut off by Jacques.
"That's no excuse, you will get your act together under me. A Schnee doesn't fall under pressure, do you understand me," He said in a strict voice. Whitley tensed up and nodded.
"Yes sir,"
Jacque quickly recomposed his ice-cold demeanor.
"I don't want another slip today if so expect extreme punishment," He said, Whitley gripped his hand tightly.
"Yes sir,"
Jacques then moved up the steps and continued his own business.
"Uh, Father I just have something to ask it's about my birthday-,"
His father didn't answer as he kept walking up the stairs. The sound of silence spoke its volume as Whitely decided to go back into his room.
Burpy watched the whole thing and quickly followed the boy. not even need for him to help him and his mission but to see if he was okay.
—-
The day has slowly turned into night. While Whitley was dressed as sharp as ever. He was in his room and looked at the clock on the wall, today would be his chance to make his name. He walked over to his mirror to adjust his black tie.
He walked out of the door and strived towards the main lobby. Walking down the steps keeping himself calm.
It was then he heard the knock at the entrance and the servants opened the door to reveal a very well-dressed man. With slicked black hair and a fine-thin mustache. He wore a black suit and a red tie. With him were five other business partners from his father. Whitley didn't care about these people, they all appeared in suits with no faces to him.
However, the man leading this wave of suits was Rumpel Michael Stiltskin. A leading person in the clothes, and branding business, and his company is extremely profitable with its stylish outfits that have always been special around the world. Whitley understood that he wanted to partner up with this individual.
"Well, this meeting might be quick. I don't plan on making friends with this Jacques fellow," He said to the other in a flamboyant voice.
"Hello, Mr. Stilskin, my name is Whitley Schnee. I'm here to help with the introduction. Please follow me to the dinner table," Whitley gestured to follow him. While they were walking through the hallways, Whitley made sure to keep his back to the guest and forward to the front so that way he would be showing competencies knowing where he was going.
"I do not do business with children. Where is your father?" Stiltskin asked.
"He will be in the dining room tonight. Please I hope my introduction has not ruined anything today, sir. We Schnees are here to help you sponsor your next big clothing line," Whitley said. Then soon passed the many illustrated paintings of the greatest achievements of the Schnee.
Whitley knew how to make a power play right now he was laying the bait hopeful this man would take it.
"Hmm, it appears you're family does, yet I still wish to talk business with the real person in charge of the company, what does a boy like you know about accomplishments, you're nothing like your sisters, from what I've heard," He said with a sassy remark. Whitley didn't have to turn around to see the mischievous smirk on the business owner's face. Yet he would still keep his cool.
"Oh well, I guess I'm a late bloomer. I mean right now success from what I know can't be just given only earned," Whitley said. They were just a couple of steps away from the dining room table. That's when he could depart from this ridiculous man.
"Well I have to say I hear companies doing extremely well at these times I hope that your business continues to succeed. I'm sure if you… if you… Have any questions," Whitley began to lose his focus as he felt like something had just crawled in front of them and a very fast motion. Stiltskin noticed the delay and didn't know what was up with the young man.
"You were saying something," Stiltskin said. "Not surprising your attention is on something else rather than on a more important matter than me. Your sister's military genius while your other is already becoming a great warrior and a singer,"
"Right well, here the dining room, I'm sure you and my father have a lot to talk about," He said with a courteous smile, opening the door for the man. Stiltskin huffed at the boy and walked in, while his suits followed. Whitley closed the door and held his head in a stressful manner.
He sarcastically rolled his eyes and mocked the man who just insulted him with his poor imitation of him.
"Oh look at me I'm Rumplestiltskin. I hire children to work in my factory. What are workers rights? I'm an idiot," Whitley said. He knew he wasn't gonna be allowed into the room. This was his father's business and frankly, he probably wasn't on good terms with him right now after what happened this morning.
Walking down the hall he glanced at the end and could see something small rush around the corner. So he wasn't seeing things. He ran down the foyer that led to the grand staircase to see nothing. So where was it or was he seeing things?
It was small and red so had to be some sort of pest. Whitley did realize there was a pest in the house.
If Rumple Still Skin ever found out about it, it would be the laughingstock of the rich Society and the family name would be embarrassed. Quickly he went to the kitchen and grabbed an empty jar. He would find a way to capture this rodent.
This was his job, he also didn't want the paid help assistance, he didn't want them to find out that way rumors wouldn't spread about such an embarrassing thing.
"Time to make this house clean," Whitely said as scoured the hall where he saw this creature. He thought maybe it was a bug but it was too large and its colors were too bright. It could've been a rat. He didn't see any tailor or scampering legs.
The young man walked around with a jar ready to catch something.
"Come out wherever you are," Whitley said, scouring the floor, looking around the corners of the tables, trying to see where it was.
Then he saw it, moving his eyes ever so slightly up seeing a small orange and red creature standing at the end of the hallway, looking directly at him with strange special eyes. Whitley was disgusted or appalled by the creature's appearance, but he stared in awe at what he could see.
Whitley stood still like a statue, he wasn't very good with animals, but seeing the strange thing, maybe he could direct it toward him. Quickly he hides the jar behind him
"Uh oh, how does Mother treat one of her pets? No, that's too silly even for me," Whitley clicked his teeth like he was trying to get the attention of a dog.
"Come here, whatever you are," He asked in his polite tone of voice. Burpy had a look of interest on his face, he slowly approached the young man hopping to him. Whitley's jaw dropped as a sudden realization came to him. This animal perfectly understood his command.
Burpy was soon close enough to see the jar that was in his hand and realized what he was trying to do. Whitley, now being so close, could see how much life was in this creature's eyes. It was almost like a person staring right back at him.
However, he could tell this Slug was looking at the objects in his hand, with worry. quickly, he tried to capture Burpy in the jaw. Though his attempt was in vain as the slug was just too fast for him to catch.
He ran to try and catch it. Burpy would've been tense, but right now he was about to run circles around this kid. Whitley was immediately shocked to find out that this sluggish creature was very athletic as it hopped onto a table and flung itself onto a staircase railing.
"Hey get back here!" Whitley shouted. Burpy hopped through the halls, hopping over tables and ducking under chairs throughout the long hallways, making a more difficult for the young man to follow. Whitley wasn't one for athletics, but he was certainly more than intelligent.
When Burpy turned around to see if the boy was still there, he was surprised to see he was gone. Burpy stopped moving and wondered where he had gone.
"That's strange I could've sworn he was right behind me," Burpy thought. His question would be soon answered as a shadow loomed over him. Quickly he hopped out of the way. As the jar slammed on the floor. Whitley had a smile on his face even though he missed, clearly outmaneuvered the small beast.
"Well you might be as swift as a fox however, I'm more clever like one," He said with a smirk. there was no malice behind his voice, almost like he was enjoying himself. The Slug smiled back and ran away.
"Oh no you don't," Whitley said, chasing after the slug. However, this Chase wouldn't last long as Burpy had found himself in a corner.
"Ah, I got you now," Whitley said, Burpy only looked at him with a smirk as raised one of his little arms and gestured to come at him.
Whitley took the challenge and ran towards him. Thinking his opponent was trapped. He raised the jar of his head. I was about to bring it down only for the slug to cross through his legs, making him stumble and fall to the floor.
Whitley slowly got up and could see Burpy was across the hall and smiled at him. Then the slug stuck at its tongue and laughed at the young man.
"Oh that's it, I'm going to get you!" Whitley said as he began to chase the slug again.
Jacques was seated at the front of the lodge table while Rumpelstiltskin was of course seated at the other side. Both had luxurious foods in front of them. Jacque had his elbows on the table while his fingers were locked with each other glaring at the man across the table. As did Rumpelstiltskin.
"Rumple," Jacque said.
"Jacques," The other replied in the same plain tone of voice.
"I see business is treating you generously," Jacque pointed out.
"Why yes, it is certainly better than anything. You're coming up with your next dust brand. How is the council treating you? Poorly I bet,"
"So still running your little sweatshop," Jacque said with a mocking voice.
"Still sending workers to die in your mines," Rumpelstiltskin said back.
There was a long moment of silence between the two men as they both angrily stared at each other. Only for that moment of silence to be broken by Jacques's small giggle.
While Rumpel started to crack a smile. then he broke out into laughter.
"Oh Jacque, you still manage to crack me up!" He said laughing with him. Rumpel took a sip of his wine and greedily bit into his lobster. Jacque had to wipe a tear and nodded at his business partner.
"Yes, well I'm just glad to make one of our business partners laugh," He said. "So how goes the profit this year,"
"Well, it's alright. I have been, looking forward to the Vytal festival. I'll be one of the main sponsors," Rumpel said. "It going to bring me big bucks!"
"Same here, my daughter should be Participating in the Tournament pretty soon, I'm sure her victory will bring a win to my company," Jacques said proudly as he continued to eat his meal. Rumple gazed at him with a curious stare.
"So about your boy, what are you trying to do with him?"
Jacques gazed at the man realizing that he had found his son to be a bit underwhelming.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"What I mean is that for a successor, that boy doesn't cut it. Surely your daughters are more than capable, they have that killer intent, just like their mother. Yet when I look at your boy. I don't see it,"
Jacques took a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It's working progress, I don't need another warrior in this household, it would be better if Whitley took over the company when I'm long gone, but while the time is here I've been training him with the company," Jacques said.
"Well, I hope that goes well to be fair, I think he'll make a fine puppet for retirement," Rumple said with envy. A smirk appears on his.
"Since we're done talking about personal matters," Jacques raised a glass and gave a toast.
Whitley was running to catch this Slug and frankly, he was feeling something odd. He was having fun and the smirk on his face could show it all.
"Hey come back!" Whitley said. yet slowly lost his sense of time with the amount of chasing he's been doing but the crazy turn of events. Lead him upstairs. The Slug then hopped on the railing and slid down.
Whitley didn't want to slow this creature and did the only thing he could think of that went against all of his fancy behavior. He slid down the railing, though we did fumble the landing. He was still up to chase the slug.
Burpy looked behind himself only to bump into a glass wall. Whitley had finally caught this thing in a jar. Taking some deep breaths he glanced at the little creature inside.
"Well, you've certainly cost a lot more trouble than needed today," Whitley said with a smile on his face and a happy glint in his eyes. Though now having the Slug capture he looked at it with wonder. He wasn't disgusted or scared of it. This was something new to him. Those eyes look so alive with passion and emotion.
"What are you?" Whitley asked.
Burpy paused as he studied the boy who had just captured him. There was something very familiar about him like he was looking at an old friend. It was in the eyes because that type of blue was too familiar.
"Who are you?" Burpy thought. Whitley held the jar with wonder. The young teen heard the door to the dining room open and it appeared as if the business deal was over. Quickly he ran up the stairs and toward his room.
He opened the door and gently sat the jar on his desk. Whitley knew he had to see off their guest but he wanted to keep this animal out of his father's site. He slowly closed the door but glanced at Burpy one more time.
The Slug could only smile in that there was only one logical conclusion. Why he was sent here to Willow of all people? Why did she have the book in the first place?
"Will didn't send me here to find Willow, he made me come to find his son!" Burpy said in excitement. "Alright time to get out of this jar!"
"I have one more test…"
Whitley quickly ran down the stairs and stood up straight as the help followed the people from the meeting holding Mr. Rumple's coat. Jacques was following behind.
They passed by him without even batting a single eye in his direction. While the guest bagen to leave and the door shut. Jacques stood in front of the grand doors silently and unwavering. He took a deep sigh and turned to face Whitley.
"I heard you stumbled on you're speech,"
Whitley froze and gulped nervously.
"I apologize, Father, it's my fault I was distracted," He admitted, not wanting to bring up the tiny creature that invaded their house. Jacques spun around and carried his calm, cold demeanor.
"Is that so, you are certainly lucky that I was able to close a deal with Mr. Rumple. Now I live we should discuss your certain lack of backbone son," He said making Whitley tense up.
"But I was getting my speech ready and-," The boy was cut off as Jacques put a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, you practice will forgive me. I was under the impression that you're a Schnee."
The words hit Whitley in the gut as his father continued belittling him.
"Now that's you're problem son, you lack that ambition to go in for the kill. I have to say it, but you're just soft. You're nothing like your sisters and even your mother still has the killer's intent," Whitley held his head down but felt a sharp smack to the head.
"Keep your head up when talks to you," He said. Whitley did as he was told and looked up at the man.
Whitley could see the unpleasant look on his face. This was something he was used to he would just put on his mask and just let the comments hit him. That's all he could do.
"I want you to understand that you need more driving in your life to work for the company. It's something you need to do, Oh who am I kidding? That's why Weiss is next in line not you. I mean she's better with so many things. I shouldn't force these things upon you. Maybe it's just the way you are… Let's just forget this ever happened. I'm sure you'll learn from your mistake," Jacques said, as he had a mischievous plan behind his harsh words, wanting to make his perfect air under his total control, using doubt and targeting his other children so that this one may succeed. He then went up the steps slowly but stopped when he got to the top and turned around to face his son who was still standing there moving like he was waiting for the command to move.
"Oh, one more thing about your birthday I won't be there. I have another meeting and it's across the city you understand right beside you'll have more birthdays. It's only just one." Those were Jacques's final words as he left the room. Whitley held his fist tightly and began to slowly walk back to his room.
While walking through the hall, he could see that family portrait again, seeing that he was still the only one who smiled. The mother who would always drink and lock herself in the room, a father who only cared for the riches of the company and not the riches of the family. The two sisters who abandoned him in a house that didn't love him.
"What a swell goodnight from your father," Whitley said, in a sad voice. After a couple of minutes of walking, he made it to his room and opened the door. He glanced across the desk to see the jar was gone. While shards of glass were all over the floor.
"No, No, No!" Whitley cried out. "Where did he go?" He scrambled over the floor trying to find where it was. Something in Whitley snapped as he looked at the marble floor in anger. He fell to his knees and held his head.
"Dammit it!" Whitley shouted as he punched the floor with shards of glass still lying around. He made multiple lacerations on his hand, but he didn't care. He was stuck here and in this dead house forced to be a man he never wanted to be. He didn't cry because the results would always be the same. It would still be stuck here.
"Why can't I just disappear for good…" Whitley said.
"Ah, are you alright?" A voice called out to him. Whitley quickly got up and glanced around the room. He didn't want anyone to see his weakness, afraid that they might report it to his father. However, he didn't see anyone in the room.
"Who's there, show yourself!" Whitley demanded.
"Uh, I'm over here! Is this a bad time right now?"
He still couldn't find the voice in the room as he continued to look around himself.
"Hey buddy I'm down here,"
Whitley spun around and didn't see anyone in front of him.
"A little lower," finally Whitley looked down at the floor, seeing the familiar orange slug staring at him with an awkward smile.
"Hi my name is Burpy, how are you?" He said, waving his tiny arm at the young man. Whitley could only think of one thing as he passed out on the floor. Burpy winced at the action thankfully he didn't land in the glass, but he did take a hard fall.
"Ouch, you know maybe this wasn't as good a plan as I thought it was,"
Ozpin sat in his office, right now filling out paperwork from the chaos a certain group of his students were responsible for a high road damage. He took a long sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Team Rwby you sure are a handful, right now," He thought. Writing down another report about road damage. He did find it humorous that they were able to take down a support beam from a road.
Before he could write down his next profile. His scroll began to ring out. He picks up the phone and answers it. Opzin recognized the name on the contact.
"Why hello Qrow I'm sorry to pull you away from your mission. Unfortunately, there might be another glaring issue. I need you to look into it," He asked.
"Yea, yea, I heard about Jimmy's little problem in Atlas. I saw it all over the news. I thought you would want me to look into it." He said in a low gruff voice.
"Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you're looking into it. I don't wanna be getting anybody's hopes up, but that looked like magic to me. I saw the video there's no way a semblance could do whatever that thing did," Opzin said, taking a sip from his cup of hot cocoa.
"Is it her?" Qrow asked.
"No, what I saw from the footage was pure, Salem magic would be more colorful,"
"So what, we have another person running around with magical powers?" He asked in skepticism.
"Well, we still have no account of the summer maiden's whereabouts so that could be a possibility. Unfortunately, this is not the maintenance power. This is a foreign force to me,"
"Alright well, I'll make contact with General Ironwood and see what he's coming up with. I'll get to the bottom of this. Don't worry about it Ozpin,"
"I'll try not to, Qrow just be careful," He said while taking another drink from his mug. Hanging up the phone and glaring out of his window. The headmaster of the Academy couldn't help but think, if he noticed this then surely she did as well. Salem had always been one to capitalize off certain individuals. What would she do now? Did she even care about this fireball that broke through the walls of Atlas?
What was she going to do? Fortunately, only time will tell. It was a good thing that the young warriors in training had much more potential than he could imagine.
Notes: Hey everybody. I hope you liked the chapter. next chapter we're gonna focus on Whitley and Burpy's new friendship. I'm hoping to make this first ark called Escaping Atlas. So a cool question I have been wanting to ask is what should Whitley's semblance be? I know cliffs are hereditary, but we all know the true father is why not spice it up a bit? Also, I just want to clear up something, Dark water and Grimm are completely different. Dark water is much worse and doesn't just destroy the area. It changes it into something worse. If you haven't figured it out, already, slugs scare Grimm. Also, Jimmo Shane would make would be Whitley Gurnkle.
Also if you guys have any suggestions for Whitley semblance I'm all here for it. They're also the big question where this takes place, this taking place after Volume One and before Volume Two. Also, I've been thinking about making new slugs for the story. So if you have an idea for a slug posted in the reviews.
Anyway, the rest of the Shane gang shall also be getting a semblance. however, in Slugterra, it's called something different. You guys have a good day and take care now. See you next chapter.