Chapter 3: Who is Whitley?

Winter sat in the general Ironwood headmaster's office behind his desk, with a large window showing the view of Atlas. On the left of the desk was Clover standing like a soldier.

Ironwood sat down at his desk looking at one of his loyal subordinates. Winter glanced back at the general with a blank expression ready to receive orders.

"Winter I'm glad you made it, I was hoping for your help," Ironwood said with a calm tone with a hint of joy.

"Yes, I'll do anything that you require," Winter said. Ironwood nodded and glanced at Clover. He noted to his general and pulled the remote from his pocket. He clicked a button revealing a hollow screen, showing the fireball incident.

Winter knew of it and was hoping they would put her on this case, and it seemed her prayers were answered as she was probably going to spearhead as usual with all of the general ironwood operations.

The screen then changed to a familiar site for Winter. It was her house and she had a puzzled look at why they would show her this.

"Winter the footage we're about to show might be a little strange," Clover said. Clicking a remote playing the video. Winter watched as a strange fireball hovered over the place where she once called home.

"What is this? You don't believe I had anything to do with Atlas's walls failing. Do you?" Winter asked. What did this fireball have to do with their house? Surely her father couldn't be behind such terrorist behavior towards the kingdom. However, she thought it was unlikely the place where the fireball started and ended had no sensible connection.

"Of course not, it's just we need you to investigate the manner," Ironwood said. It was then Winter realized what she was here for she could easily walk into the house without any need for paperwork.

"We tried to get in and do a search, you're little brother almost let us in but you showed up last minute and kicked us out," Clover said, making Winter let out a knowing sigh.

"Hmph I guess Whitley doesn't blindly follow my father's every move," Winter said in surprise but Clover found that to be a bit cold. Honestly from the way she described your brother was a weaseling coward who did things behind people's backs. However, the first encounter he had with the young man gave off another impression.

"Winter I know I'm asking a lot but I am ordering you to investigate the household," Ironwood said. Winter took a deep breath, she hated that place. Where every decision she made was being manipulated by a cold businessman. There was no family and she was happy that Weiss got out of that house. The paperwork alone to get that house with the authorities would take ages. What would be the point anymore?

"I'll do it," Winter said with a determined glare in her eye.

"You don't have any conflict with going against your family?" Clover asked.

"With all due respect, my family ceased to function a long time ago. This is my duty to protect the kingdom."

Whitley slowly Opened his eyes, seeing he was staring at the ceiling.

"Why am I down on the floor," Whitley thought, then he quickly remembered what had happened and jolted up from the floor, looking frantically around the room to see if that small creature was still there. The only thing was a broken glass jar and he left it on the floor.

Whitley couldn't believe what he saw, it all seemed impossible. A creature like no other and I was able to speak needless to say it was quite an overwhelming experience. The door to his room opened to reveal Klein who immediately had a worried expression on his face, seeing the scene in the room.

"Oh master Whitley, are you alright there? Please let me help you up,"

"Wait I'm fine, I'll just get myself up," Whitley dusted off his clothes and looked at Klein with a worried expression.

"Uh, Klein, did you happen to see a small bug come out of my room?" Whitley asked nervously. Klein was a bit confused by the question.

"I'm sorry sir but didn't," Klein then sneezed, his eyes changed from a soft blue to a bright violet, and the old gentleman's body language had changed into a softer and hunched-over man. Whitley knew what was happening, it was a Strange case of semblance. Klein was able to alter his entire personality on a whim for many identities lived within him, specifically the number seven. However, in any other case that would be seen as crazy, but each personality was a gentle serving servant, with their personality quirks.

"Oh, Master Whitely, since you were little I'm so happy you've taken back your hobby of entomology."

I remember how adventurous you used to be in your mother's garden," Klein said in a sweet, caring voice. Like he had turned into a mother hen.

"No Klein it's not that, I found a little pest in the house and I was just trying to get him out. Could you let me know? If you find anything," Whitely said in a calm voice wanting to regain his composure. Klein smiled and nodded but his face showed uneasy.

"Well I'm not going to be here tomorrow, I deeply apologize sir,"

Whitley felt a sense of shock, why wouldn't their Butler be here? It was almost considered as family as well, it was more of her two older sisters who saw Klein as a father figure. Whitley would always see him as a butler for the family.

He would always be stuck in Jacques's shadow. However, it was important that at least somebody was there, tomorrow. It was Whitley's fifteenth birthday.

"Why won't you be here?" Whitley asked, sounding betrayed.

"I apologize, Master Whitley, when your mother wants to go on another trip down to the shopping district it's going to be an all-day event of sampling wine. I think she is trying to get away from the house for a while. not to mention, that she requested a chauffeur. I'm fulfilling that role," Klien said in a regretful voice. Whitley wasn't surprised at least he would still have his father.

"How surprising…" Whitely said in a sarcastic voice. "Well thank you, it looks like it's going to be me and Father Tomorrow,"

Klein gave an awkward silence to the young man which didn't go unnoticed by him. He turned his attention toward his Butler with a very concerned expression.

"He's going to be there right?" Whitley asked.

"Your father has decided to leave for a business trip, to mistral,"

Whitley was surprised that his father was gonna leave him alone on his birthday. Though he would always have short appearances, and then immediately go back to work. Whitley took a deep breath and straightened out his shirt.

"Excuse me, Klein, I need a word with my father,"

"I'm so sorry, Master Whitley, I don't believe I clarified. Your father has already left," Klein said in an apologetic voice. The young man was glued to his floor as he looked down with sadness.

"Oh… I understand," He muttered. Klein wished to speak to the young man but found a raised hand gesturing to him to stop talking.

"Please leave me be," Whitley orders as he sits in his chair. Klein wished to speak out to the boy but could see he needed some space.

"As you wish young master Whitley,"

Klein closed the door and left the young man alone. Whitely sat on his chair but he did not cry or shout in anger. He sat alone letting out a sad sigh.

This was usual for him, any big family celebration, he would always be the only one there. It would always just be him in this damn house. He was Schnee, one of the richest people in the world and yet he would be alone. He had no friends; anybody at school was too afraid to be his friend. While also being the least notable in the family. What was to stop him right now from leaving this place and never looking back? To be free from that Schnee shaodw that loomed over him.

He would always be scolded for tinkering with machinery, always dirtying in his hands with black oil. His father had punished him to make sure he would never do it out in public. So his favorite hobby was always trapped and confined in his room. What he wouldn't do to just step off Atlas for one day.

Whitley took a deep breath and stood up, right now he pushed those thoughts aside he needed to find that talking slug. He looked at the glass jar shards and picked them up one by one. No broom only the hand to hold the sharp glass. Maybe he could just stop thinking of all the bad and focus on this one thing.

Up above the ceiling, Burpy watched this moment play out as he had to protect the boy.

The Slug knew no one should live like this.

The next day… was not as eventful as Whitley wanted, he woke up and wasn't greeted by Klein today. Most of the help had taken the day off. Which means he was the only person in the house.

This wasn't the first time he was left time alone, it wasn't fun but on his birthday it hurt deeply. Whitley got ready for the day and was dressed in the usual attire.

He spent the morning searching every room and corner. The hall, kitchen, dining room, and guest rooms, even dared to look in his father's office. Yet he found nothing.

Eventually, he would find himself sitting on the stairs of the main entrance. He sat there alone and hours had passed with no sign from the Slug. Maybe he should have check the garden again.

"Uh, maybe all of this was a dream, I was probably seeing things, there was no talking animal. I'm just crazy," Whitley thought, gripping his head in frustration. It was then he heard the front door click. His eyes snapped open seeing someone walk in. He thought maybe it was his father or even mother. However, it was someone else.

"Winter!" Whitley said in shock.

Winter had walked in with a straight stance but glanced up at her younger brother. Her face was cold and lacking any emotion. Whitley could tell just by her face that she didn't want to be here but the question was why. Her older sister glanced up at her little brother.

"Whitley," She said simply. No hello or greeting, just an acknowledgment of his existence.

"Where is father right now?" Winter asked.

"That's what's she asking about, no hello little brother, sorry I haven't seen you for five years! It's my birthday!" Whitley thought angrily. However, he would keep his composure and put on that fake smile.

"Well welcome dear sister, tell me. What brings you back home?" Whitley asked.

"That's classified," Winter said, putting her hands behind her back. Then with a cold glare that made Whitley flinch. "You still haven't answered my question,"

Whitley gripped his fist and looked at the floor. "He's on a business trip in Mistral and Mother is out on one of her drinking vacations,"

Winter was relieved to hear about that and walked right past Whitley.

"Great to see you too," Whitley said sarcastically. Winter was looking around all the halls and rooms but found nothing out of place. It was as if nothing ever changed when she left.

"I already checked the outside but I found nothing, so any sign should be at Mother Garden but I better look in every room just in case," Winter thought. However, before she could look into the first room. Her young brother was behind her with a studying gaze. Winter found it to be annoying.

"Can I help you, Whitley?" She asked in a strict tone of voice. Whitley narrowed his eyes and wasn't pleased with her presence.

"I just don't understand why you ran from home, only to come back here," Whitley was being snobbish but how else was he supposed to get an answer out of her military sister? Winter invited the comment and looked at the next room.

"Yes well, I'm here to visit home, that's all," Winter said. Whitley wasn't convinced at all; it was clear that day that she was trying to find something.

"How does it feel to run off to the military and work under the great General Ironwood," He asked in a calm voice with a small hint of sarcasm. Winter didn't even flinch but they walked to the south side of the manor.

"Still you have yet to ask the question?" Whitley said.

"Quite liberating but I have to ask you, how does it feel being farther lap dog? I'm sure you'll make a nice worker in the mailroom," Winter said in a harsh tone of voice. Whitley didn't budge for he had heard worse.

"Well stay in good grace, and you stay out of trouble. Something I think you figured out," Whitley said. Winter shook her head and moved throughout the building. Whitley gripped his hand with a low bow. She said it was like there was another option for him to get out of this house.

"Hmm, better a worker than being given orders from a man who couldn't keep the walls of Atlas up," Whitley said though the pace Winter was walking stopped. Then she spun around and glared at him.

Whitley was waiting for a comeback from Winter. He wonders what remark she had.

Smack!

Instead of words that were flung his way, a hard slap across his face had sent him falling on his butt. Whitley found his heart beating in panic as he looked up at her older sister. The person was his family and to protect him. He felt the burning of his skin as a red mark was left on his face

"That is enough, don't speak of matters you don't understand. When you hide behind Father's awful shadow!" Winter said in a brash voice like she was talking down to one of her subordinates. Whitley didn't want to stand for this and got up.

"I am calling the police, it's clear that you aren't even allowed to be here!" Whitley quickly reached for his scroll only for it to be smacked away by a strong hand. The device screen cracked on the floor. Whitley found a sharp blade pointed at his throat. The young man froze and could see the blazing fury in Winter's eyes.

"You won't halt an important mission. Now Whitley I mean this! go to your room," Winter said. Making the young sibling walk back in fear. Winter followed behind him.

Whitley didn't like this, being threatened. None of this was okay, he wasn't a fighter. Then when they reached his room he opened the door. A forceful hand shoved his back making him land on the floor. Whitley quickly glanced up at his older sister. She had a displeased face and looked at him.

"What is wrong with you, Schnee's we don't act like Huntsman!" Whitley shouted in anger. Winter only looked at her brother with more disappointment.

"Whitely you don't act like Schnee, your puppet for father. When you learn to cut your strings then you're a real Schnee,"

Whitley felt his heartbreak, did she think he hadn't already tried? No, he wasn't a Schnee because all did was hate this family name. It was more of a burden than a cherished family crest. Whitley didn't thrash against the door or shout at the top of his lungs like a spoiled brat. He was just silent and unable to do anything.

He sat alone at his desk, what hurt more wasn't the slap but the face she didn't even care about, or possibly worse didn't even understand it was his birthday today. Taking a deep breath he held his head down. Burpy watched the boy from the ceiling and had enough of this high treatment.

He crawled through the vent of the ceiling and went on a personal mission.

Winter had walked through the halls and had almost checked every room. Nothing was out of the ordinary, though to her dismay, it was a nightmare. Nothing had changed since the day she left. A testament to how horrible this family was.

Looking into the personal central garden. There was no evidence at all. She wished there was some form of a trail she could find, but there were no scorch marks or mysterious wreckage. It was all normal.

Winter in a stressful manner pinched the bridge of her nose. This was getting her nowhere, not to mention Clover's report didn't leave a good feeling.

Walking by a familiar painted portrait, she only shakes her head in disgust. She never wanted to come back home and with no sense of evidence. She probably wouldn't stay here for long.

Still, one place she didn't check was her mother's room. There was no ability her drunk mother was capable of such a thing, but it was worth looking into. No stone would be unturned.

She opened the door to find it wasn't locked. This was different because usually, her mother would always be so private. Opening the door it was a complete mess. It would always be clean or tidy here but it was nothing out of the norm. Closing the door that concluded her investigation of the house. No clue to lead her to the fire that broke Atlas's walls.

It was time to depart from this old house of painful memories.

"I wonder if I should let Whitley out, perhaps this will be a good lesson for him to finally get them out of that soft rich boy attitude. Oh, who am I kidding it takes more than that to get the stink of Jacques off him," Winter thought. Walking into the lobby, she opened the door to the outside.

A strange feeling had taken over her. Winter felt a little warm. The heat was spreading behind her, then it became too hot. Then the smell of smoke entered her nose.

Then it was scorching. She turned her head around to see her back coattails were on fire. She quickly tried to pat it out. However, due to where the fire is placed, it is very hard for her to reach the burning part of her clothes.

Winter ran outside in a panic. her entire career of military missions and constantly finding grim. This was the first time for her to be set on fire.

Then she glanced at the water fountain that decorated the front lawn in this beautiful manner. She knew what she had to do and with a quick jump into a cold dive of water. The fire went out and left Winter completely drenched. Her net hair was ruined and the clothes she wore were ruined.

Looking behind herself, there was no one. She grabbed her sword and pointed to the open doorway.

Someone had just attacked her but she didn't hear or see anyone. There was someone here and this individual was mocking her. Her suspicions were more than true, behind the door was Burpy laughing at the payback.

Winter stood up and marched to the door. Burpy peaked from behind the door to see a very angry woman fast approaching. Burpy gulped and was about to run for cover when the sound of steps behind him tensed up.

Winter stopped her movement seeing Whitley blocking the door. He had a displeased face and glared at Winter.

"I've already called the authorities," Whitley said calmly. Winter, huffed in frustration, this was supposed to be a quick scouting mission now the authorities were getting mixed up with this.

"Still father's little spineless weasel," Winter said. Whitley wiped away any anger on his face and gave a cocky smirk.

"You know my dear sister, if you really wanted to take a swim, the pools in the backyard. Have a nice day,"

Slam!

That was the noise that he made when he harshly slammed on the door. Whitley took a deep breath and glared at the wood almost like he could still see Winter standing there. Burpy couldn't tell if he noticed him, the slug compelled himself to take one sneaky step away from the young man.

"Where do you think you're going," Whitley said looking down at Burpy who jumped a little seeing the boy easily spot him.

Whitley knelt to Burpy, and very slowly he offered his open hand for Burpy to crawl on. The Slug looked up at the young man and hopped on his palm. Whitley wasn't afraid of this creature; he was surely taken by surprise when he heard it speak, but he was more fascinated by it than afraid.

"Come on I won't hurt you, you tried to speak to me?" Whitley asked. He wanted to hear that slug speak to see what this sentient creature knew and also to prove to himself that he wasn't going crazy.

Burpy looked down at the hand but glanced at Whitley. It was more looking into his eyes. The Slug knew those were the eyes belonging to a kind person. He hopped on Whitley's hand, smiling at the gentle boy. Whitley was able to see the life behind the Slug's eyes. Reminded this was more than just an animal.

"Uh please tell me you can speak?" Whitley asked.

"Yeah, I can speak,"

Whitley was startled a bit but still kept his cool. This was happening to him a talking Slug was real. He encountered intelligent life that wasn't human or Faunus.

"Incredible," Whitley said, amazed at what he saw.

"Sorry for spooking you earlier, I just wanted to talk to you," Burpy said awkwardly scratching the back of his head. Whitley was surprised he wanted to talk to him. Why?

"What are you?" Whitley asked. The small creature smiled at the young man.

"Well, I'm a Slug. A special creature from somewhere far away. My home is called Slugterra… and you are Whitley. I've been watching you for the past two days," Burpy said in a prideful tone of voice. Then the slug realized how creepy that sounded.

"Heh, heh heh," Burpy awkwardly laughed. "it's more of a noble cause than creepy,"

Whitley was trying to figure out a lot talking to magical creatures. Being spied on and now he was standing in the middle of the lobby, with a confused expression.

Where Slugterra was, it didn't sound like anything familiar to him. The most important question being posed here is why Burpy was watching him and what was it doing here.

"Why are you here? He asked. "Or a more important question is how did you even get in?"

Burpy was about to speak, then realized the police were coming to the house soon. The slug had to hide himself quickly; if not, the entire world of Slugterra could be exposed to the surface world.

"We need to hide fast, the cops are coming! I can't let other people see me" Burpy said. Whitley had a smug smile.

"Why are you smiling?" The Slug asked. Whitley smirked at the Slug.

"I didn't call the cops," Whitley said. Burpy was a little stunned at what he heard.

"But you said-

"I said what needed to scare off my militaristic sister, besides, I also saw what you did to her Mr. Firestarter," Whitley narrowed his eyes at the Slug. It was hilarious when he saw her sister jump headfirst into the fountain position, only raising more questions for the young man. Were the fires that broke down Atlas's walls connected with such a little creature? How could someone so small create such big waves?

"Uh, maybe we could discuss it over some food?" Burpy stomach growled. Whitley let out a tired sigh.

"I guess a little snack couldn't hurt, besides, despite being small you're very loud," Whitley said as he began to walk towards the kitchen.

Bringing along his little companion to a round of treats. Whitley glanced at Burpy but was surprised to see how happy the slug looked.

"Why did you do that? burn my sister's clothes?" Whitley asked. Burpy glanced at the boy with a kind face.

"I didn't like the way she was treating you, Where I'm from, people from Slugterra should always treat each other with decency. Just thought I'd give her a taste of her own medicine," Burpy said he was worried that he might've crossed the line. Instead, there was a look of shock on the young boy's face as if that was the first time anyone had stood up for him.

"I don't know what to say…" Whitley said.

"Heh don't mention it. Besides, it's your birthday right, let's go ahead and make an enormous cake and stuff our faces. Then we talk business," Burpy said, crossing his little arms.

"You know that doesn't sound too bad," Whitley said. Maybe he could have some reconciliation.

"Oh yeah! It's a party!"

After a long gruesome hour of cooking, Whitley eventually gave up and found a store-bought mini-cake in the fridge. It was clear that it wasn't for his birthday, it was probably one of the ready-to-go treats in case one of the family members had asked for it.

"Hmm thought there would be a big cake?" Burpy said.

"This is fine, I enjoy crêpes more than cake so I'm not too disappointed,"

He took the snack cake and a small red birthday candle from a drawer. Then walked to the dining room and sat at the end. All the while holding Burpy in his hand, thankfully, once he sat down, he set the slug on the table.

"So now that I know, I'm not going crazy," Whitley jokes. Burpy laughed at the joke, the young man was a bit surprised. The laugh was genuine and kind, it wasn't forced like what people usually do around him. Looking at the unlit candle on the small cake.

He let out a sad sigh for someone so smart he did overlook the minor problems.

"Forgive me, I didn't grab a lighter let me…" Whitley words trailed off as the top of Burpy's head lit up like a match. Though he did amuse the fire on Willow was started because of Burpy but not the literal lighter.

"Here let me," Burpy said as he gently tipped his head toward the candle wick. Making a bright orange light. "You know I think you're an excellent host,"

"Oh, you saw that… I tried my best," Whitley said awkwardly.

"Well, your dad was wrong about you know, from what I saw that guy got a couple of screws loose in his head," Burpy said. Whitley wanted to agree, but it was foolish not to do what his father wanted.

"Yeah, he did," Whitley quietly agreed. Burpy could see the sad look on the young man's face and gave a puppy dog look at him.

"Well cheer up, today's your birthday so blow out your candle,"

Whitley felt a sudden epiphany hit him. The Ace Ops need to investigate the house and the sudden walls of Atlas being broken by fire. The whole he quickly put that idea down I mean, how could such a small creature break down kingdom defenses? Something that alone an army could do.

"Well, aren't you gonna blow out your candle?" Burpy asked, snapping Whitley out of his daze.

"You're right just lost my thoughts,"

He closed his eyes and put out one candle. It was a little childish to wish for something but in some strange turn of events he believed his wish was answered. The wisp of smoke rose into the air leaving only a Boy and a Slug.

"So Burpy was it? what are you even doing here?" He asked.

"Well you see I need to find a book, you see my slinger he was a human like you and he lost his life before he went away. He asked me to find a book that your mother has," Burpy said. Whitley only had more questions.

"What's a slinger?" Whitley asked. he did, however, like the name of it. It sounded like a Huntsman, but more fluid and simple.

"Well, a slinger is sort of a Huntsman, and slingers sling slugs like me you see I'm sort of ammunition. When a Slug like me is fired from a blaster, we morph into powerful forms! A Slinger protects Slugterra," Burpy said. Whitley felt like he was living in a fairytale right now. Surely this wasn't real, and even if this little creature's claims were true, how could it possibly have broken through the walls? However, this location he mentioned sounded mystical.

"What's Slugterra," Whitley asked "And what does this have to do with my mother,"

"Whitley what I'm about to say can't leave this room. Only a handful of people up here in Remnant know about Slugterra, do you understand," The Slug said in a serious tone of voice.

"Surely You're jesting," Whitely asked. Burpy only put on an anxious face.

"Please promise me you won't tell anyone," Burpy asked. Whitley could see how serious the little creature was and decided it wouldn't hurt to keep a secret. it would be only adding on to the vault that he carried.

"Alright, your secret is safe with me," He said kindly, bringing his face towards the slug. even though he had witnessed the small creature's power of flames. He oddly trusted it. Burpy nodded, seeing the serious look in Whitley's eyes.

"Thank you. SlugTerra is a hundred miles beneath the surface of this world, a secret subterranean world that's way bigger than you can ever imagine... Whitley your mother was one of the people who knew about Slugterra and my partner Will Shane gave the book to her,"

Whitley was stunted at the idea but a world beneath their feet sounded far-fetched. What untold riches and fortune could be down there. The most important was the idea of the adventure of discovering somewhere completely new and alien. Will it be just grand to explore it? The Idea of Willow being interested in anything did make Whitley question the story.

"Look, my mom is a drunk. I doubt she would be intrusted with something of that importance but if you are so sure about this, I guess... I... I could help," Whitley said, making Burpy smile in joy.

"I do have to ask what is inside the book?" Whitley asked

"Well Whitley it's no normal book you see slingers protect like Terra but there's one family that's been doing it since the beginning and they're called the Shanes. You see I have to get that book because inside of it is a letter and it's gonna tell me who the next Shane is going to be. The next protector of Slugterra,"

Whitley didn't know what to think. A passing of a torch to some in this city. Maybe he could help. I mean why question everything that was happening today, a literal small magic slug that could breathe? The fire Slug was standing on his dining room table right now.

"Why the Shanes, is there no law enforcement down there?" Whitley asked.

"No, there's plenty of good folks down there trying to keep the peace but the people down in Slugterra look up to a Shane. That name brings some hope to them. So right now I'm looking for some hope. Can you help me out?" Burpy asked. Whitley let out a reluctant sigh.

"Well… alright but I still doubt this man would even go near my mother. She's not very responsible," Whitley said. Burpy smiled and hopped onto Whitley's shoulder, the boy slightly jumped at the sudden movement.

"It does matter, all that does matter is Will Shane trusted her with the book, I think your mom was friends with my Will Shane," Burpy said.

"What makes you think that?" Whitley said.

"Well… a long time ago I saw your mother with Will, a couple of times actually, I think your family was close friends with the Shanes. Especially some older guy, he had like a big white bushy beard, I think his name was... like Nicholas or was it Nicolai,"

Whitley gave a loud gasp, did he mean Nicholas Schnee? The founder of this family's great prospects. The man who made a giant dust company. Whitley had never met his grandpa because he passed away before he was born.

"You mean Nicholas Schnee! That's my grandpa, how do you know this?" Whitley asked.

"Well I don't have all the details but if you find that book, I'm sure some of your questions will be answered," Burpy said happily. Whitley, visibly stressed, put his elbows on the table as he rubbed his temples. Was there some family secret that he didn't know of? Maybe he should go look and make sure that no one would find it.

"That's easier said than done if I know where I was looking," Whitley said.

"Well, we can start looking into your mother's room. At least it's somewhere we can start," Burpy said cheerfully. Whitley wanted to get to the bottom of this. Some things weren't just adding up and it was clear secrets were being withheld from him. It wouldn't be the first time, but this opportunity gave him a chance to actually know what was going on and not be locked behind a door.

Whitley stood up from his chair and marched to his mother's room.

"What about the birthday cake?" Burpy asked. Whitley scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Sometimes a cake is just a cake," Whitley said. However, the boy stopped when he heard the grumble of Burpy's stomach. Whitley let out a reluctant sigh.

"Fine let's eat,"

After a moment of eating and resting the two set off to find a book that leads to another world.

Burpy could see the determined glare in the boy's eyes. There's something so comforting about it. Like he was sitting on the shoulder of an old friend again.

Whitley after walking on the other side of the house, made it to her mother's private chamber. This was the room where she drank the most. He grabbed the door handle and opened it.

To say this room has seen better days was an understatement. It was in complete shambles, and Whitley was concerned about what had happened here.

"What made her act up like this?" Whitley asked out loud.

"I don't know I came to her to ask about the book, but she just ran off and cried when she figured out that Will was gone," Burpy said. Whitley stepped on a broken bottle in the room. "I guess she didn't take the news well,"

"What does this book look like?" Whitley said.

"A brown leather book, with a star symbol," Burpy said. Whitley nodded and looked around the room. investigating the bookshelf, clearly not finding any of them that match the description. Burpy glanced down at a bottom open drawer and could see the clothes in it were stuffed into it.

"Hey look at that!" Burpy called Whitley. The boy faced the open drawer and could see how messy the clothes were put in it. Burpy quickly put the thought aside but Whitley found it strange.

The entire room was a disaster but this part of the room looked like an attempt to clear something. Whitley knelt and pulled out the drawer.

"I think you are on to something," Whitley said. Then he glared at the piled-up clothes and began to pull out the fancy attire. Slowly his hand felt a leather surface and a small metal latch. Whitley took a deep breath and pulled the item out.

Then within his grasp was a thick brown book, and on the cover was a gold star, with the letter S incorporated with the symbol. Whitley turned towards Burpy who had a happy smile.

"Is this it?" Whitley asked.

"YES IT IS! Hotdog we found it! Thank you so much! I can't stress enough how happy I am. Thank you, Whitley!" Burpy praised which made Whitldy slightly blush with embarrassment. However, he quickly put on his normal composure.

"Well thank you, so what do we do now?" Whitley asked.

"Could you read it for me, I have trouble turning the pages," Burpy said as he wiggled his little fins. Whitley cursed himself for not realizing that sooner. He stood up and glanced at the book in his hands.

"Well forgive me if I read along, I'm a little curious as to what this book holds," Whitley looked at the book and wondered what was inside of it. What were the secrets of Slugterra? How could there be a secret world right under them?

Whitley rushed back to his room and opened the door to his room. Locking the door behind him in case someone wanted to interrupt, thankful that was not a likely outcome. He sat on his deck and set the book down. He took a deep breath and glanced at Burpy.

"Alight let's see what's in here,"

Burpy nodded but gave a worried look towards Whitley.

"I hope my hunch is right because if so then… he's Slugterra's only hope,"

Whitley opened the latch and slowly turned over the cover. Instead of being granted by words on the first page. It was a thick white envelope starched in the spine of the book. Whitley pulled the envelope out of the cover and could feel it was dense. There was more than just one sheet of paper in here. He glances back and looks over the address. Then written in blue ink, right in the middle of the letter.

Said to Whitley….

The young boy's eyes slightly widened in surprise. He opened the pepper to find no resistance. It meant this envelope was already opened. Then something slipped out and landed on the desk.

Whitley picked up a photograph, and the image on it made the young man pause.

The photograph had two people holding each other lovingly, while one of them held an infant in her arms. It wouldn't be strange if it wasn't his mother. No doubt in Whitley's mind he recognized his mother. The other was a lean man wearing some sort of slim padded armor, his dark blue hair, and his tan skin having a spit curl. He had bright blue eyes just like him.

Whitley could see the baby had white hair but hadn't opened its eyes. Even if it was a young child, he could recognize that it was himself. He was stumped on what was happening.

Burpy let out a sad small sniffle.

"That's Will Shane, he's was a really great guy,"

Whitley was pulled out of his daze seeing how sad the slug was.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Whitley said, trying to bring some comfort to the slug. Burpy smiled and nodded at him.

"Thanks but I think you should read that letter, Will made sure to always write down something important, and if he wrote something for you it might be worth it," Burpy said. Whitley nodded, slowly he pulled the letter from the envelope and unfolded it. The paper was crumbled, it looked to have been touched before him multiple times.

Whitley read the context within and took a deep breath.

"To my dearest love, my Willow Tree. It has been a long time since we last talked. I know you haven't been giving Whitley these letters. Are you still afraid of your husband, how many times do I have to say this, I can help you. Make sure your daughters are safe. You said you would move here with my Me and Uncle Jimbo.

Willow, I love you with all of my heart. I know your father never approved of us, but I can't just stand by and watch you throw your life away with the wrong man… but if you truly want this… just please let Whitley know who his father is. I've sent a couple of gifts for his birthday. Jimmo told me you gave them back to him

Please just let me see our son. Well if you don't, Say to Whitley that I love him dearly and I wish him the absolute best.

Your love Will Shane.

Burpy knew it, he had found the next protector of Slugterra but he could see Whitley's hand shaking. The young man was panicking.

"Whitley, are you good?" Burpy asked.

"This can't be true, I'm not a Schnee… bastard child!" Whitley's elbow slammed on the table as he gripped the sides of his head.

"Why didn't she tell me, if anyone else finds out how the laughing stock of the family I'll be kicked out to the curb!" Whitley said. he wanted to reject this reality, but it all made so much sense why his two sisters were better than him and why they would always be on top while he was on the bottom. His mother rarely speaks to him. Was this the reason?

"If my father finds out I'm not going to be part of this family, then I'm nothing just a stop-smack!"

Whitley was snapped out of hysteria when Burpy slapped him with a surprising amount of force. The little slug jumped onto the desk and sternly looked at the young Shane.

Whitley watched as Burpy lit his body up in majestic flames.

"Listen up Whitley! Because I'm not gonna repeat myself!" Burpy said with a determination that the boys stood still with a shred of decency.

"I've only been here for three days and you know what I can tell you that this isn't a family you're treated horribly here! I get it. This is a lot to take in but frankly, you don't deserve to have all this pain being flung toward you," Burpy said. Whitley wanted to argue against it but the truth was right there. Burpy then had a gentle expression

"I need to tell you two things! I came here, looking to protect the next Shane, I didn't break down those fancy walls for nothing! The other is that people need Shane, Slugterra needs it and I can't let my hometown go down in shambles, so please just have an open mind," Burpy said, making the young man speechless. The pain in his eyes and the frustration of this information. Made Whitley so lost… nothing made sense.

"I…i… I don't know what to think." Whitley said. Burpy smiled and patted the boy's hand. There was a long silence in the room as Whitley was lost.

"Well just because everything you knew wasn't true that doesn't mean you are not," Burpy said as he humbly lowered his head. "Sometimes it's a good thing to know where you come from, Maybe you learned a little too much today, but I think you should take it easy, it is your birthday after all,"

Whitley took a deep calming breath.

"Yeah you're right maybe I should just relax, thank you Burpy," Whitley said slowly standing up. The Slug hopped on the boy's shoulder. He didn't mind but he had to process what he just heard.

He was a bastard child. However, he did realize something did sound familiar to him. He dug through his pocket and pulled out the card that Jimmo had given him.

Jimmo Shanes's

private eye.

On south 6787 Humpty Dumpty Rd.

Glancing out the window he knew they would start looking if he was gonna get any answers. Burpy could see that determination and he smiled. There was hope for Slugterra yet, he only hoped that they would have enough time to stop any bad people before the evil of Slugterra reached the surface.

In the far reaches of the remnant, there was a world, not touched by light, only consumed by darkness, the place where the creatures of Grimm would call home. A sanctuary of the unholy and wicked.

All covered and controlled by sadistic and cruel women. The person who you would call a which. In this land of Grimm was a large fortress built into a mountain at the very top a spiked castle laid on top of the mighty rock formation.

Deep with these black walls were women who sat in her. chair she studies a black orb of organic origin. Another creature of Grimm only she was experimenting on.

Her magic crackled throughout the halls. She wore a slim black dress. Her eyes were a pitch-dark black complementing her red irises. Her pale white skin almost could be said lifelessly if it wasn't for the black visible veins that popped from her arms to her sunken eyes.

Her white hair was braided so many times it looked like a spider sat upon her head. This was Salem the master of the Grimm and a powerful sorcerer.

Her face expressed that she was in complete boredom. The gears, torture plans, and goals were slowly turning, but still, they were certainly taking their time. Salem was also relieved, knowing she was a very patient person.

Still, work had to be done and Salem had plenty of it.

The grand doors to the room opened as a very sassily dressed individual walked in. He was a tall middle-aged man with a slim build and slightly tanned skin. He had short black and gray hair as well as a thick mustache and eyebrows, and green eyes. He wore a gray overcoat with yellow linings, a yellow dress shirt, and a black necktie. His pants were the same color as his overcoat. His yellow-buttoned undercoat and fingerless gloves matched his cordovan shoes, under which he wore yellow socks.

"My lady, I have something to show you," He said humbly.

"Aw Watts, what brings you here… Though from your tried look I can say you brought me something," Salem said. Watts nodded and walked over to his master. He pulled out his Scroll and displayed a video of the Atlas video. Salem raised an eyebrow at the video. She had known it was a mighty kingdom but it would fall like the others yet to come.

"Atlas what of it?" She asked. Watts straightened his tie and gave a quiet sigh.

"At noon northern time, something broke the walls of the floating fortress, It wasn't one of us. I came here, thinking you would be able to explain the situation," Watts said. Salem continued to experiment on the Grimm She had on the table.

"Oh Arthur, why would you need my opinion in this situation? The walls of Atlas were soon to fail; it could've been someone with dust or a very powerful semblance. Nothing is impenetrable as Ironwood would like to think," Salem said. Watts understood the reason why she gave that answer. She wasn't an immortal being after all by all definitions of the force of nature that controlled the most powerful resource on this planet, the Grimm. Watts didn't answer with words but clicked on the video showing a massive fireball so bright and majestic that no dust crystals could even imitate what had happened.

Salem paused at the video clip. Watts was surprised this was possibly the first time ever he had seen Salem be so still. She wasn't thinking or planning, she was just surprised.

"Lady Salem are you alright?"

"That was magic," Salem simply said, staring at the video. The nostalgia in her black darkened eyes showed some pain of yearning to meet the individual who did this.

"I'm sorry my lady?" Watts questioned.

"I have never seen anyone capable of this level of magic. Even in my times, I was considered a prodigy; however, this is miraculously beautiful," Salem said. remembering the time before revenant when the people of this old world were capable of wielding such power that made their lives easier and able to fend off any Grimm. That power was robbed of them by careless and foolish gods. Salem couldn't help but smile. It appeared that the two great brothers who made this world might have forgotten to clean up all of it.

Salem began to think of the situation at hand. It was clear that Ozpin had already sent someone to look into this strange phenomenon. She needed to act fast now. Whatever this possibly could be, it could aid her.

"Watts, I need you to go investigate that city… I need to know what did this."

Watts gave a humble bow, a smile creeping up on his face. He was a scientist after all, and what better to kill his curiosity than with a mysterious fire? Something to prove his superior intellect.

"Watts bring that new blood with you as well, let's see if that new youth is useful," Salem said. Watts scoffed, it wasn't too long ago, but a strange individual had found their secret organization to take down the Huntsman Academy to usher in a new world order. However, instead of cutting a loose end, the youth wanted to prove himself to this organization, and he wasn't a fan of the kingdoms.

"You want me to bring Billy? I will say the boy is a remarkable gunslinger but he's a loose cannon. He always tends to act out and go on his hunches," Watts informed. Salem only smirked at the information she was told.

"Yes he is eccentric, but it's his little hunches that led us to sneak into one of Ozpin's precious Academy, still I can tell you enjoy working with him better than the little cinder, correct?" Salem pointed out with a prideful poise. Watts let out a reluctant sigh.

"You can read me like a book ma, well, I shall be taking my leave," Watts walked out of the room. Salem sat in our throne room and gently rested her fist on the left side of her face. she had winded the scrolling video right to the part with the fire that had just broken through the dust walls.

"I wonder who you are? You little flaming star?" Salem said. She knew this wasn't the power of a maidens, Magic was always an imitation of reality. The flames were beyond any reference of the world. It was clear as day there was still true magic in the world and she would find it.

The morning light had touched the streets of Atlas, Making this city of white shine like a diamond. A world of beauty and technical advancements. However Whitely was walking down the busy streets wearing a big blue hoodie, While he wore a black backpack. Burpy hides in the hood near Whitely's face. He didn't mind that at all, Burpy was very warm. It was like having one of those pocket warmers near his face.

Whitley glanced down the busy street and saw the floating shipyards' docking area. Burpy glanced at his soon-to-be friend and gulped.

"Are you sure, you don't want to relax some more? I mean you did take a lot of big news," Burpy said. Whitely didn't even bat an eye, he didn't want to attract attention to himself but still kept calm.

"Burpy I need to know the truth and this Jimmo Shane might have the answers I need," Whitley said looking at the card in his hand. The Slug that hid in his hoodie smiled gently.

"Well what are we waiting for, it's time for an Adventure!"

Whitley lightly chuckled, it was good to have someone be so positive. It made things easier. The young boy quickly put his card in his pocket and ran toward their ship docs. When a young boy marched down to the mantle, a dusty old crow followed behind.

Hey guys it's me sorry for not posting for a while just have been busy with school. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. So yeah Whitley's father is Will Shane. Who would have known? I like the way the story is going and I can't wait to get to the man Dr. black himself who is a better villain than Aalem in my opinion. I saw some of the ideas behind Whitley Semblance and I've got the perfect one for him so thank you all for that. I have a couple of plans like making a new chapter for Keigo Phantom's and A Hero In the Beast wars. Along with making another death battle one shot. So a lot of mumbo jumbo. Also, I saw some of the fan slug Ideas. I just also have to say Winter and Weiss are not good sisters, don't leave your sibling behind in a toxic family life where the father is trying to shape him into the next version of himself. Enough ranting I'll see you guys later.