Chapter 5 Who Is Will Shane.
Whitley sat at the dinner table with many eyes looking at him. He would say this was an uncomfortable moment for him, but knowing him, and especially in his old house, this was sort of a cakewalk for him.
All the shanes were looking at Whitley. Bill and Jimmo would always have awkward glances at the boy; Cricket and Tilly had expressions of amazement, thinking of how such a rich person was sitting at the end of their table.
However, Grandma Alice sat at the other end, giving Whitley a death stare. Whitley tried not to make eye contact with anyone there but found it hard. Burpy, standing in the middle of the table, had a disappointed face, looking at all of them.
"Will you guys say something, he knows that his father is Will Shane,"
"Sorry Burpy, it's just... man. We never thought we would see you," Bill said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Whitley asked. The room began to be tense, and Jimmo had a sad glance at the table. Bill decides to speak up and offers the first friendly hand to Whitley. Even though a bit of his index finger was missing.
"I'm sorry for the bad start, but when you were born. Your mother, Willow, didn't want any of us to be involved with your life…" Bill paused and let out a sad sigh. "Every time we asked Willow if we could visit, she said that it was best that you didn't know about us,"
Whitley was shocked, why would his mother do that? His hands gripped the arm's rest.
"Why did Will Shane leave?" He asked. The question took most of them back. Jimmo decided to take over the conversation.
"You read a little bit of that book, right?" Jimmo asked.
Whitley nodded, "But nothing too far, I just know that Slugterra exists,"
Jimmo nodded and opened the book Gently; he laid the book in front of him. Whitley glanced inside the pages, seeing his grandfather, who is much younger, standing next to a younger Jimmo. There was also a young woman with brown hair who was wearing glasses. And standing right behind them was another older gentleman who wore a strange cowboy hat. He had blue hair and shockingly green eyes.
"That's your grandfather, Nicholas Schnee, and right there was me when I was younger. That's also your great-aunt Alice and your great-grandfather Arthur Shane, are you familiar with how your family became wealthy?"
Whitley knew of his adventurous grandpa, who is more of a Huntsman than a businessman.
"Yes, he ventured deep into the harsh mountains of Mantle, finding large dust deposits," Whitley answers truthfully. Burpy then walked forward, showing a happy smile.
"Well, that's not all of the truth," Burpy said.
"Yeah, boy, you better listen because what you're about to hear is gonna blow your mind!" Alice shouted. Whitley wondered what she meant. How could this man possibly warp his world any further?
"Your grandfather Nicholas did go on an adventure in the mountains. Unfortunately, he almost got himself killed, falling into a large canyon it wasn't for my father, Arthur Shane, who saved his life, he wouldn't be around to make your dust company, the hole he fell into led to Slugterra,"
Whitley began to listen but didn't like where it was going.
"Arthur and Nicholas didn't have the greatest first meeting. It was during one of Nicolas's great expectations. He was cut off from his team by a wild freak snowstorm. That man must have frozen to death if it weren't for his luck. Nicholas saw Slugterra, and he wanted to exploit it and all of its natural resources. Arthur was against it. He almost took his life that day, Nicholas pleaded for his life, big, and that he needed these materials to save the world above him. So Arthur took the time to listen,"
"My grandfather pleaded that doesn't sound like him at all," Whitely said.
"That's why your granddaddy was a two-headed snake; he was just mad that he couldn't get with me, so he had to go up and ruin other people's lives!" Alice shouted. Bill put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Mom, please calm down,"
Whitley quickly ignored the outburst, staring at Jimmo. "I don't understand what this has anything to do with me."
"Please, young man, let me finish. Nicholas explained that the situation in the surface world wasn't going so well and the creatures of Grimm were starting to become more ruthless, so he decided to show your grandfather Nicholas the large dust deposits above, it was then a deal was struck, that Nicholas would keep his silence, and Arthur would continue the right direction for supplies, So long as Nicholas would keep his mouth shut about Slugterra," Jimmo said. Whitley's eyes widened in fear.
"Wait, then that means my family fortune is built upon lies, then that means that all this it was…"
"Hush money so Nicholas didn't spill the beans," Alice said. Shook his head and stood up on the table, putting his hands on his hip.
"I'll tell you those Schnee should be called schemes, there's nothing but lowdown scoundrels who look down on others," Cricket, then felt a small hand pull on his pant leg, the young boy turned around, looking at his sister. Tilly shook her head, trying to correct her brother.
"Cricket, our guest," She said. The wild child looked at Whitley, seeing a displeased expression. Awakaldy crawled back into his seat.
"Sorry, no offense to you," He said. Whitley let out a sigh.
"But if all this is true, then how did Will meet Willow?" He asked.
"Your grandfather used to bring her down to Slugterra. Kind of a show pony business, it wasn't until then that Will met Willa when they were younger," Jimmo said.
"Oh man, I swear those two were inseparable back then, always got into trouble when they were younger, always blamed me. Those were not good times," Bill said, trying to reminisce about the good times yet quickly regretting them.
"You know, before your mama started drinking the liquor bottle like it was a pacifier, she was quite the adventurous young woman and skilled warrior," Alice said, complimenting her.
"Cousin Whitley, from the pictures that I saw, Aunt Willow used to be considered family around here, not to mention she was so pretty," Tilly said.
"Yeah, that's true. Willow was such a nice girl to your father was going to even ask for a hand in marriage, but Nicola didn't agree and had the two separated, that was a sad day for all of us," Jimmo said. Then he held his head down in shame.
"I should have tried hard to get your mother back with us, but your grandfather already had the marriage arranged. Will was heartbroken for a while," Jimmo raised his head and glanced up at the young teen. "But us Shane's, we don't give up, your father would sneak up in Atlas every single day. Just see your mother for only one hour or night. Even when she had kids, he still visited her,"
"What he would? This wasn't just a one-night stand," Whitley asked. Many of their family members gasped.
"Of course not. Us Shane ain't players!" Alice said.
"Trust me Whitley you'd father Will was the utmost gentleman around," Bill encouraged with a wink.
"Hey, Dad, what's a one-night stand?" Cricket asked.
"Will talk about it when you're older," Bill quickly inquired, making the young man sulk in his seat.
"Whitley, Your father truly loved your mother, they plan to run away together to Slugterra. When they had that affair, they were gonna run away that night. He was even going to take your sister's to Slugterra. Your father had an excellent escape plan, but after a while, we waited… We waited…" Jimmo was having trouble getting the words out of his mouth, remembering the bad memory.
"Your mother never showed, it was then that you're father left for Slugterra. I swear the poor boy was strung out for years," Alice said, shaking her hand. Even Cricket and Tilly had a sad look.
"Uncle was always so nice but looked so sad," Tilly said out loud. Whitley felt a burning rage within him. He had one question, now knowing that his father was truly dead and that he had abandoned him. Burpy sadly glanced down at the table's surface, never knowing that part of his partner's story.
"After a while, we sent the book of Shane to Willow to show where your heritage came from. We ended up getting a letter back. Your mother instructed us never to contact you ever, that we were from two different worlds, and that you didn't need to be a part of Slugterra. She said you were going to be happy and have a luxurious laugh and a loving family. So we never bothered to ask how you were doing. We respected her wishes,"
Whitley gripped his armrests. His head lowered so no one could see the anger, his breath was erratic, and his teeth were grinding. Everyone at the dinner table looked concerned at the young man. Jimmo slowly reached out to try and to get his attention or snap out whatever was transpiring.
"Whitley, are you-" Jimmo was caught off guard. When Whitley stood up and slammed his hands on his table. Even the two children flinched as Whitley slammed his hands, Burpy knew what was happening with all that burden of dry pain, facing a load of problems, all that was going to take to set it off was a spark.
"SHE LIED I WASN'T HAPPY! I WASN'T RAISED LIKE A NORMAL CHILD! EVERY DAY, I WAS ALONE WITH NO ONE EXCEPT MY FATHER, WHO BEAT ME UNTIL I WAS HIS REFLECTION, AND MY MOTHER, WHO DIDN'T CARE AT ALL UNLESS SHE WAS OUT OF A BOTTLE!"
Whitley's voice echoed throughout the house. The silence that took over the room was thick. Whitley's throat was sore, having never screamed like that. His eyes stared at the white cloth beneath him. That color was always meant to be purity. Now, every time you look at it, you can only think of the bad times that happened to him. Tears began to drop onto the cloth while Whitley realized what was happening as he was breaking down.
Trying to speak through each sob.
"I have no friends because they're all them are too afraid to talk to me… my sisters think I'm just a brown-nosing snob who just wants the family fortune… all I wanted was a family who loved me," Whitley fell to his knees sobbing uncontrollably. Billy quickly rushed the kids out of the room. Jimmo and Alice were both glued to their seats.
Whitley fell backward, his back hitting the wall, as he cut his hand on a piece of wooden furniture. Still crying like his end was now.
"I just wanted to be happy… please don't look at me," Whitley said, sobbing his heart out. Jimmo, without hesitation, got off the table and began to check on the young man, looking at his hand and trying to bring him up.
"It's alright, you don't have to be ashamed. Let me just take a look at that hand you hurt," Jimmo said. Alice quickly brought the first aid kit set up by Jimmo, who took the white cloth and wrapped it around the wound.
"I'm, I'm…" Whitley was silenced by a fairy, gentle hand on his shoulder. Alice gazed upon the young man with a kind, sympathetic front, something that was a foreign concept to the young abused child.
"It's alright, young man, this isn't your fault, just hold still and let us treat that wound on you," Alice said. Jimmo is currently trying to get a fit around the young boy's hand. The old man was breathing nervously, and sadly, he looked so disappointed in himself for not knowing what was happening in that mansion.
"Sorry for the delay, I'm just an old man. It's OK to cry here you're safe, and that's all you need to know you're safe here," Jimmo said, reassuring with every ounce of grit he had. Whitley, still trying to fight his tears, felt an odd warmth begin to surround him for the first time in his life. He believed those words, looking at the house that surrounded him. He felt safe. Burpy hopped off the table quietly, got onto Whitley's shoulder, and gently rubbed his head to his lower jaw.
"It's okay. You don't have to back to that house, you're safe here, your fam-" The Slug paused on the words, knowing family was a touchy subject, but he knew deep down that this was Whitley's real family "No, this is your family, and I'm gonna tell you something right now Shanes will always protect each other no matter what even if the gates of hell opened up right now we still protect each other because we're family,"
Whitley began to cry softly as Bill came into the room with a blanket and trapped it over the young man's shoulders, trying to comfort him while gently patting the young man's back.
"That's alright young man, just let it out," Bill said, only having a worried look. Whitley glanced around with his watery eyes. No one looked at him with scorn, while the Shanes only worried. This wasn't some high-class society that he was locked in but a humble family.
Whitley left lost and scared, not knowing what to do or how he would do things, who was he, it was clear that he was born on the shines, but was he, Did he earn that name or Schnee mantle? Certainly not after this. Why would his brother show his face anywhere?
Whitley stood up and held himself, the Shanes in the rooms made some space for the young man. Then he gently picked up Burpy and set him on the table.
"Whitley, what are you doing?" Burpy asked. Whitley walked to the kitchen door frame and paused.
"I just need space from everything," He said quietly. Burpy, with a concerned look in his eye. Hopping to the other side of the table. Whitley just stood there, lost in their thoughts.
"Whitey this your family, you can talk to us and me," He answered. Bill tipped his hat downward and decided to intervene.
"Listen, Whitley, we may not know what you've gone through, but we are still here for you and will help you out, that's the Shane way," Bill said in a happy tone. Whitley looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes.
"Where was that way ten years ago when I was still in that house," Whitley said coldly. Bill let out a sad sigh but understood where the boy was coming from.
"I know we weren't there for you, but we're here for you now you reached out to us. Will do everything we can to make you feel safe, you were always family to us. We just trusted Willow,"
Whitley looked away and faced the door. "You put that trust in the most irresponsible person in the world. Why should I trust you?" Whitley then walked out of the kitchen on the path out to the house.
Bill was silenced but wasn't offended, taking a shameful step back. Burpy was going to hop to his friend but was stopped by Jimmo's hand. The slug glanced up at the old man, seeing a sad expression on his face.
"Jimmo, what are you doing?"
"That boy needs some space, I think we all need to think about our next steps carefully," Jimmo said wearily. The pain in his eyes, while the hunch in his stance said he was in pain.
The anguish of not knowing that you've let someone be hurt unwillingly, even if they weren't responsible, they still could have tried harder to save the boy who was locked away in the flying castle.
Unknown to them, hiding away in the corner was a nosey Cricket and curious Tilly. They watched Whitley storm out of the house, and they wanted a word with him.
The sun had set on the icy plans of Atlas's surroundings. The city under the shadow of Atlas. It was thankfully warmed with intricate heat duct systems that kept the city warm constantly. However, it could have been managed better.
Whitley, even wearing his black hoodie, did feel the nippy air. He walked down the streets trying to clear his mind, but his heart had betrayed him. The pain within his heart drove him mad with anger.
So many years just to be raised to be the perfect bot to take a disgusting company he didn't even want. Whitley was able to see an old wooden bench, the metal rusted, and the wooden paint chipped away. He wouldn't argue a seat was a seat.
Whitley let out a sigh and rested his hands on top of his legs. What was to come from all this? The boy who wanted a family only to be swarmed by it just an hour again. The dream was there, and he turned it away. A small sniffle was caused by his sadness while tears began to leak from his eyes.
All of his blood was a lie, but that's not what hurt, what hurt was that his real father had just left him, that he was a mistake to be forgotten. The tears kept running down with no sign of stopping.
"Why did you leave me," Whitley cried. The tears kept pouring as he cupped his face. This was the truth he believed. Raising his head, he couldn't bear to feel this pain. Until then, the sound of steps approached them.
Whitley raised his head, seeing two familiar children standing in front of him. Tilly and Cricket have worried looks on their faces.
"Please go away," Whitley mumbled, only for the two to sit next to Whitley, completely ignoring his words.
"Sorry about that cousin, but when a fellow Shane is in trouble, we always help," Cricket said.
"That's right, we won't leave you, now. Why don't you tell Professor Tilly what's wrong," She pulled out a notebook and a purple pen with a fuzzy ball with googly eyes on top of it.
"I don't think you're qualified to hear them," Whitley said in a deadpan manner.
"That's just your sulking talking. I'm sure if you open to us, we can understand," Cricket flashed his smile, but Whitley wasn't convinced in the slightest.
"No," Whitley said. Cricket wasn't even put off in the slightest as he continuously poked at Whitley's arm. Each time, the young boy's patience was pushed.
"Come on, tell me, Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me," Cricket continued his nonstop talking while Tilly got into Whitley's face and began writing down her notes, studying his expression.
"The patient seems to be suffering from Daddy issues," Tilly noted, which made Whitley groan more. He let out a disgruntled sigh and tightly crossed his arms. However, it didn't cease the two children's antics, only making it worse. Cricket, with a frustrated growl, began to pat Whitley's shoulder.
"Oh, come on. I don't know why you would hate such a cool guy like Uncle Will. He is the coolest guy around. Any kid would be lucky enough to have him as their father," Cricket said. Whitley found that was the last straw that broke the camel's back.
"I want to believe you, but how the hell do I know if you're telling the truth or not!" He yelled. Tilly began to write that down. Cricket looked surprised at the young man.
"I mean no phone call, email, not even saying hello to me once! I know my mom didn't want him in her life, but I did," Whitely said, slumping back into his painful stance. There was a long moment of silence. The two kids sat alongside the young man.
"You know when Uncle Will used to visit us when all of us were asleep. He would just stare up at the sky, but the Atlas Kingdom pretty much blocked all the night sky. One day, I asked him why he looked up at the sky when there was nothing to look at," Cricket said. Whitley momentarily found himself listening to the boy's story.
"One day, I asked, and he said that there was one star that he could always see up there. He said it was so bright and spectacular that he wished she could just hug it. I didn't know what he meant back then. Now I understand you were that star. You may not know your father at all, but that doesn't mean you can't start now, and the first thing you're gonna learn is that he loved you," Cricket said with a bright, happy smile. Whitley glanced down at the floor and stood.
"I want to believe you, but how do I know it's true," Whitley said. Tilly and Cricket both look down, worrying that they cannot show the proof. Whitley looked at the children and got out of a tired sigh.
"Look, it was nice to meet you, but I think I just need to go back to Atlas. I gave back the book, that's all that matters," Whitley said.
"No cousin, wait!" Tilly shouted. Whitley began to walk only to see a familiar face approaching him from down the road. Whitley's eyes widened, but that expression turned into annoyance.
"Oh, come on," He said out loud. Robyn Hill had her sights right on the young man. Behind her was a young woman with short and messy swept, styled white hair and olive eyes. She has sheep ears as her Faunus trait, with a small hoop earring on her left ear and a small bell earring on her right ear.
Fiona wears an olive green sleeveless coat with dark brown lapels with the Happy Huntress' Brooch on the left lapel. She sports a long-sleeved green shirt with a white-orange trimmed breastplate over it. She wears an orange belt, which holds her coat tightly around her waist. She also wears dark brown pants tucked into gray under-the-knee boots with the tops folded over, revealing the white lining. The soles and toes of the boots are a darker gray.
Whitley huffed in annoyance and turned around only to see coming the other way two other huntresses approaching.
One is a tall, tan-skinned woman with masculine features and short dark green partially spiked hair, beige eyes, and tattoos on her nose and forehead. She wears a cocoa brown coat with dark brown lapels and white trim and hem detail over a light beige long-sleeved top. She wears artichoke green and white armored pads with emerald green straps on her arms alongside brown gloves. She sports a pair of brown trousers tucked into black boots with emerald green cuffs. She also wears a light gray and pale green breastplate that sports the Happy Huntress brooch emblem in the center.
The other is a fair-skinned woman with medium blue hair, a long butt-length ponytail wrapped in white bandage-like fabric, and yellow eyes. She wears a dusty brown coat with a small split in the rear, dark brown lapels with the Happy Huntress' brooch emblem on the right lapel over a gray waistcoat and dark brown top. She also wears dark brown shorts alongside matching forearm-length gloves.
Also wearing gray armor padding over her forearms and the backs of her hands. Alongside a pair of gray thigh socks, dark brown thigh-high boots, and an orange scarf.
Whitley was going to cross to the other sidewalk but found the road to be suddenly busy. He cursed his mind, knowing what this was: a shakedown.
Worried, he backed into the bench, seeing Robyn was on the warpath, he would stay calm. Besides, he knew how to take a beating. Looking behind the two, he protectively stood in front of them.
"Whitley?" Tilly asked worriedly.
"Just stay behind me, they want me, not you," Whitley said. The two glanced at Whitley but took more cover behind him.
Whitley waited as Robyn approached her, now surrounded by the happy huntresses. Whitley put on his showman man's smirk.
"How can I help you-" Whitley was shut up by being detained on the floor, Robyn had pinned the boy to his stomach and was trying to resist but found a knee digging deep in his back. Whitley let out a gasp but still stayed stronger. Even dirty and covered in mud, Whitley had some dignity he refused to shout.
"Why the hell are you here!" She asked.
"Maybe you should ask nicely," Whitley said, making Robyn tighten her grip on his wrist.
"I'm not asking twice why the hell an Atlas elite is here, I'm going to ask one more time if you don't give me a straight answer with my semblance," Robyn said. Cricket and Tilly both ran toward Whitley, only for both of them to be grabbed by the back of their clothing.
Holding the two was Joanna Greenleaf, the bigger one of Robyn's group.
"This is officially Huntnessmen's business you kids need to go," She said. Whitley glanced at Jonna with a heated glare.
"Let them go!" He raised his voice only for his arm to be twisted more, making him grunt in pain.
"So these kid's friends of yours, that's funny last time I heard you Schnees don't have friends," Robyn mocked.
"Let him go, you big jerks!" Cricket snapped. Moving like a rabid raccoon. Tilly simply put on a displeased face and crossed her arms.
"This is a mockery of justice, I am very unhappy with you all, now let my cousin go!" Tilly shouted, and she quickly covered her mouth. Now understanding, she spilled the beans. Many of the others had puzzled faces. Whitley had just heard Tilly have the answer: he wasn't a Schnee, so why wasn't he angry?
The sheep faunus of their group walked up to Tilly gently. She had a soft front to that of a mother.
"I'm sorry, but could you say that again?" Fiona asked Tilly to cover her mouth with both hands and shake her head. Robyn glanced down at Whitley.
"I'm going to ask a question, and you're going to respond with a yes or no, got it," Robyn said. Whitley then laughed and forced an answer through his teeth.
"Okay, you got me, I'm not a flying purple kangaroo," Whitley found his arm twisted way harder as he held in his scream. As long as Robyn's attention was on him instead of the kids, it would be fine.
"Alright, alright, you win. I'll tell you the truth," Whitley yelled out, yet he was surprised that no one came towards his shouting. Robyn sternly looked at Whitley's back.
"I'll tell you only if you let those two kids go, got it! They have nothing to do with this," Whitley said. Robyn raised an eyebrow at the deal given.
"Why should I trust the word of Schnee when it's not worth a damn! The kids stay until you tell me the truth, or I break both your arms," Robyn argued back. Whitley growled in anger.
"Someone is going to call the cops if they see you breaking a kid's arms!" Whitley quipped. Robyn smirked, only for one of her happy huntresses to walk toward Whitley. It was the one with the dark blue hair, Whitley noticed her hands were glowing and immediately knew what it was.
"That's not going to happen," She said.
"That's right, Mays Semblance can cover large areas in an invisible field, so scream all you want, but nobody is going to see us. However, if you're going to scream, I'll put you down before you can make a peep," Robyn said, picking up Whitley from the ground and still holding him.
Whitley tried to think of his next plan of action but came to a dead end. Robyn wasn't here to make a deal.
Cricket thinking quickly came to a sudden epiphany.
"Wait, don't hurt Whitley, I can tell you the truth about all of it," Cricket cried out. Whitley looked at Cricket. Robyn looked at the boy while still holding his arm behind his back.
"Alright, so shorty, what do you know," She asked. Whitley didn't look at Cricket he just accepted what would happen next. The young farm boy could see the sadness in Whitley's eyes and took a deep breath. Johana put down Cricket, her other hand still holding onto Tilly.
"I know who you are, Ms. Robyn, but I have to ask what they say about your semblance, can you make sure I'm telling the truth," He asked. Letting go of Whitley. Robyn knelt and glanced at the young boy.
She then extended her, "Trust me, I know if it is true,"
Cricket glanced at Whitley and flashed him a kind smile.
"Don't worry, Whitley, I know what I'm doing," He said. Whitley didn't feel betrayed but wounded by what this boy who had just met him was planning. Would this boy risk the secret of another world just to free him?
Cricket took Robyn's hand, and a strange green aura took over. Connecting the two hands in a bind of truth.
"Alright, here's the thing. Whitley came here to visit us because he's my uncle's son, not Jacques's son, and he came because he wanted to see us," Robyn's eyes widened in shock as Cricket stood firm and unafraid.
"That's, that's true," Robyn said, alarmed at the information that you heard. It was mind-boggling now, understanding this wasn't some underground money scheme but a family affair. A family affair that she harshly crossed. Whitley could see how Cricket didn't exactly lie but twisted the truth.
"Okay, I understand now, I can see this all is a big misunder-,"
"I'm sorry, but I'm not done yet," Cricket looked at Whitley with a happy smile.
"Whitley, the truth is we all wanted to see you so bad, but Aunt Willow didn't want you to know about us, so we kept out of your life. That still didn't excuse us for not trying harder. If we'd known what was happening, I know we would have taken you away from that place. I know Will Shane would have ripped Atlas apart for you. So if you find it in your heart… Please know that we're sorry," Cricket said, then casting another glance at Robyn, wanting her to make sure that it was only the truth. She felt awkward that this was happening she had bullied a young boy who was suffering at worse hands.
"It's the truth, all of it," Robyn said. In a matter of seconds, Whitley fell to his knees as he broke down in front of all of them. Dreams that would have been true, Holidays that would have been magical, and people that would have loved him. A family that protected him was all possible for him. Why did the truth have to hurt so much?
Cricket ran towards Whitley and embraced him in a tight hug. His arms couldn't hold all of Whitley, but it was still a hug. Whitley hugged Crickt back. Tilly covered her mouth in shock. Running over to Robyn, she gripped her hand and looked at Whitley.
"Whitley, you are the best cousin I know, even if you're my only one," Tilly gripped Robyn's hand, wanting to make sure it was the truth. Even it was so obvious and layed right in front of Whitley. Tilly jumped at Whitley, hugging him as well.
Whitley felt his cheeks being stained with tears. A warm feeling able to break through its cool shell made Whitley feel joy for the first time his life. Yet, so much grief to come with it. All these years of pain and heartache. To feel a family's words be true, not some lie that he had to pretend it was true. The pain was always there, but having people stand for him made him feel special.
Robyn looked at her Happy Huntresses, seeing many of them were uncomfortable.
"Well, how about I get out of your guy's hair, I'm sure-" Robyn was interrupted by the sound of a pickup truck's brakes screeching near them. Then we're blinded by the headlights. Many of them covered their eyes as they heard the door open. Stepping out were three individuals, the happy huntresses prepared for battle, only to see a familiar face.
"What the heck is going on here?"
Whitley turned his head, hearing that familiar voice. The headlight of the vehicle turned off, showing Alice standing there with a frustrated expression. The hell in her eyes was intended for Robyn. Soon, the others got out and rushed to Whitley's side.
"Oh my gosh, kids, are you okay?" Bill yelled hysterically, running towards three and knelt to them. Bill paused when he saw the redness on Whitley's arm.
"What happened?" He asked silently, with a temper behind his voice. Jimmo slowly walked up to Bill and put his hand on his shoulder, calming the man.
"I think we all know what happened here," Jimmo cast a harsh glance at Robyn, who flinched at the stare.
"Robyn Hill, what is a person like you doing here? Doing one of your out-of-the-book interrogations," Jimmo asked. Robyn cleared her throat and took a step forward to them.
"I apologize, Detective Shane, I overstepped my authority, though no harm was done," Robyn said as her voice was on edge. She was nervous beyond belief, not to mention the other looked awkwardly away from their leader. No one could say it was wrong. After all, this was their combat teacher.
"You were always yearning for the truth, even on Academy Day. You always made some classmates break down. I thought I always told you some secrets are never meant to be told," Jimmo advised, even though his tone was pushing on the line of furiously yelling.
"This was my idea, Let me apologize to your family-" Robyn was cut off by a sword. Held so close to her neck, with the steady hand of a surgeon pressed against her neck. Robyn's eyes glanced down to her right.
"How are you doing, knot knees, still lonely and can't find a boyfriend?" Alice asked. Robyn let out an awkward laugh that was more out of nervous fear.
"Oh, Alice, how are you doing?"
"Old and tired."
Alice glared at Robyn but slowly lowered her blade and sheathed her blade. Looking at Robyn, she shook her head.
"Your form is still sloppy, I guess running for office makes y'all soft," Alice said. Who then walked over to Whitley to see the damage. Robyn stood awkwardly at their, knowing of Shane and the many epic disasters that had caused. Even the personal history with Jimmo and Shane, who were both teachers to Huntsman. The Ace Ops, Robyn, and anyone who had a big name from Altas learned under them. Even General Ironwood learned how to be a good gunslinger from Jimmo Shane.
"Well, I have overstepped my welcome, ah, see you later, White Shane, eh," Robyn said awkwardly. Whitley narrowed his eyes at the lady before wiping some of them away.
"You tried to break my arm, I don't think we're on the nickname basis," Whitley said. Robyn paused and gulped.
"Just get out of here, and we won't say a thing," Alice said. Robyn nodded and walked away, following behind were her happy huntresses.
"Bye, it was nice to meet you," Tilly said. Whitley shot a glance at her, seeing the blank smile on her face.
"Just trying to be nice," Tilly said. Whitley was picked up onto his feet and couldn't help but feel safe. That was something he could never save at his old home. Whitley glanced at Cricket and embarrassedly rubbed the back of his head.
"Thanks for saving me, I appreciate it… cousins," Whitley said. Cricket let out a gasp and danced his jig. Tilly felt happy and only hugged Whitley's leg.
"You called me cousin, hotdog this day is amazing!" Cricket said. Bill let out a tired yawn. Night was upon them, and no one would disagree that they all needed a good night's rest.
"Alright, everyone, let's pack our bags and go home, Whitley let's take a look at the arm there, we got some ice back home for you," Bill said, tipping his hat and gently patting the young man's back. Whitley was filled with warm feelings. Was this admiration from a father figure? Whatever it was, he felt happy.
Jimmo watched as Whitley got into the red truck, he didn't even have to think that Whitley said a single word to Robyn. Because he trusted him, People were here to protect him. He followed them into the car and sat down in the shaggy seats. It wasn't a limo, but it felt ten times better. He found himself being sandwiched by Tilly and Cricket but didn't mind the closeness.
As the red truck drove away, a black crow followed behind.
Whitley is sitting at the same table he walked away from, only to be welcomed back. He had a bag of ice sitting on his arm while his clothes and face were dirtied up, it was nothing that a quick old wet rag could fix.
Whitley glanced at Bill and Jimmo, who sat at the table, both with stressed looks on their faces. Jimmo glanced at the young man. Tilly and Cricket both were just acting like young kids, just wanting to know more about their cousin.
"Sorry we weren't there sooner, Back then, Alice and I used to teach at the Atlas Academy. Robyn is a good person; she's just really nosey," Jimmo said. Alice, who was in the kitchen, overheard the conversation.
"Probably because she let her semblance deify her, rookie mistake."
Whitley nodded but could see Burpy hopping towards him, having a worrying glance. Whitley looked down at the slug and rubbed the top of his head.
"I didn't say anything about Slugterra to her, I know that would have done more harm than good," Whitley said. Bill and Jimmo smiled at young Whitley.
"Oh, we weren't worried about that. We know you're a good kid, Whitley, Thank you," Bill said, then had a sad look on his face. "I'm sorry somebody found the truth about our strange family,"
Cricket felt a ping of guilt, knowing he had opened Robyn to the truth. Well, the family blood truth, though it worked. That was a secret that could have done more harm than good.
"No, it's okay,"
Cricket was surprised at his cousin; he thought that the great Schnee name would be soiled, but Whitley couldn't have cared any less. Burpy could see that smile of hope set upon Whitley's face. The Slug couldn't help but see it in the boy that Will Shane lived on in his son.
"I thought I was going to freak out when you said the truth, Cricket. My whole life has been trying to be something that I didn't believe in. When you said the truth, Cricket, I felt happy that I didn't have to be a Schnee. It was liberating,"
Whitley shared a kind smile with Cricket, "But maybe next time you could tell me your plan before you do it,"
"Fair enough,"
Whitley felt a heavenly smell enter his nose, and his eyes widened. Turning his head to the kitchen, standing in the doorway was Alice, holding a silver tray of golden buttered biscuits. Everyone gasped as Alice set them down on the table. Even Burpy was drooling at the site of the biscuit.
Bill grabbed his hat and gasped. "Those are mom's feel better butter biscuits; she only makes them when anyone in the family gets hurt, I've only had them once when I lost a bit of my finger,"
"I only had them twice, when I lost those duels and ended up in the hospital," Jimmo gawked.
"Just the right amount of butter on them," Tilly said. Alice walked over to the middle of the table and set the tray. Bill's hand reached out for it, only for it to be smacked away by Alice.
"OW!" Bill cried out.
"Before you animals get into this, Whitley gets the first one. They are for the injured, then the others," Alice said. She turned her head towards Whitley like an angry owl. Only to have the face of a gentle old lady.
"Now eat up, dear, this will make you feel better," Alice said, setting down a white plate. Whitley saw the golden food placed on his dish.
"Uh, Thank you. You didn't have to," He said. Alice smirked at him and ruffled the top of his head. It was playful, and Whitley didn't mind.
"Quit you're yapping, You're a soft marshmallow but can get back up, That Shane in my book, always getting back even if it's a losing fight. Now go ahead and try it," Alice insisted. Whitley let out a sigh and took a bite. The moment buttered crumbs hit his tongue, he was welcomed by an entire world of home comfort baking. The flavor was savory yet spongy, for being a wealthy class citizen, he had never truly had a meal like this.
He was taken to a butter heaven. Whitley, however, noticed a small slug, giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes,
Without even caving into his guilt. Whitley gave the rest to Burpy, who dug in.
"Thank you, Whitley," Burpy said as the slug stuffed his face. Whitley rolled his eyes at the Slug but had a happy smile. Looking towards Alice, who couldn't help but appreciate the kindness that Whitley did.
"Hmph, just like your old man, but I think you're forgetting something," Alice turned her old cheek to the young man, "Kisses,"
Whitley was a bit surprised, but of course, young members of families would kiss grandparents' checks still, Whitley felt a bit awkward and hesitant.
"I'm sorry, but you don't really know me and-"
"KISSES!" Alice yelled, making Whitley jump and do as his great-aunt said. Whitley gave a quick peck on the cheek, and Alice let out a soft chuckle.
"Aren't you a sweetie, Now the rest of you animals can dig in,"
After an hour of joy and laughter, many of them had their fill and relaxed at the table. Whitley watched as many of them talked about their day and how life was going through some minor problems here and there, but most of all, he was sitting at a family table and felt he was a part of it.
"Uh, I'm sorry to interrupt, but may I be so bold as to ask if I could stay the night, I don't feel safe going out by myself after the whole…"
"Unwrongful police harassment, yeah, you can crash the night," Alice said. Whitley felt a small chuckle and nodded.
"Oh yeah, cousin, sleepover party!" cricket was immediately shut down when a swift hand picked him up and sat him outside in the living room.
"I'm sorry, boy, but I think our guests have just about enough of all this tomfoolery. How about you just let them have a good night's sleep, and you guys can play all day long tomorrow," Bill said, cricket thinking by stroking his chin to accept the deal.
"Good night, Whitley!" cricket said. Tilly followed behind, Whitley finally noticed how strange Tilly ran as she completely kept her arm straight and leaned forward.
"Good night, cousin," Tilly said. Whitley chuckled and waved the two.
"I can set up the living room for you to sleep in, I'll be back," Alice said, leaving the room. Bill let out a big yawn and stood up, stretching his arms. Whitley could tell this man was a farmworker, but he did have a natural strength to him that was impressive. Never in his young life did he ever think to imagine envying muscles? Maybe it was the hard work he wanted, the thought of his hands getting dirty only for a process to create something always had an appeal to him.
"Well, I'm off to hit the haystack, Whitley I'm not much of a fighter, but if you ever don't feel safe, you can come to this house. I promise you, you'll be safe."
Bill smiled and left the room. Whitley was speechless but wasn't able to say his appreciation to his uncle. Out of shyness or pride, Whitley was happy, and he wanted to repay them as fast as he could. However, he did want to ask something from his great-uncle.
He looked to his right to see the kind old man that I mean yesterday revealed a secret family.
"Grunkle Jimmo, can I ask you for something?"
"What is it?"
"I want to know more about Slugterra, would you be able to show me more of that book? It looked amazing," Whitley asked. Jimmo had a gentle smile, thinking that this boy had every right to learn about his heritage.
"Of course, you can bet your bottom dollar I will show you everything in that book. Could you go help your great-aunt she might need a little help," Jimmo said. Whitley nodded and quickly went to the living room. Now, it was only Jimmo and Burpy in the room. Their happy faces slowly turned into sad frowns.
"He is our only option for Slugterra to be protected," Burpy said.
"That's hogwash, you know it I could go down there right now and straighten things up, Burpy I could send Dr. Blakk to the morgue," Jimmo said with an unriddle rage, fueled by sadness. The Slug had a saddened expression.
"You and Alice are too old, if you went there, he'd kill you. Bill can't even shoot a blaster because he is missing his trigger finger. Tilly and Cricket are too young. Willow was supposed to be the backup, but she's drunk at this point, and that's nothing to do with us. Whitley is the only one to go down there. I wouldn't be saying that if I had any other choice," Burpy said. Jimmo had a heart expression, feeling that he was already betraying a family member that they had just helped.
"You know what we would be asking him, Burpy? We would be asking him to leave his entire world for one he doesn't even know about, he can't even fight. They'll eat him alive," Jimmo said in a hushed whisper, not wanting Whitley to hear this conversation. Burpy had a stern look on his face and wasn't backing down.
"Jimmo, I can feel it in him. Whitley just needs some training, and he'll be ready for anything,"
"He'll be alone!" Jimmo yelled in a hush.
"Whitley will have me!" Burpy insisted greatly. The slug took a deep breath and showed his empathy to Jimmo.
"Jimmo, Blakk messing with slugs. He made a Slug that almost destroyed the cavern. He needs to be stopped. I- I think he's been aided by the ones…" Burpy paused, afraid to even see the name.
"I think he might be getting help from… the dark bane,"
Jimmo gripped his head in frustration, hearing this was the last thing he needed. Taking a solace moment, he glanced into the living room, seeing a bright smile on young Whitley's face, seeing how happy it was. Asking him to fight a war that he would surely be outgunned.
"We give him a choice, that's my final decision. If Whitely doesn't want to go, then I will go,"
"Yeah, I agree, given our choice. It's the right thing to do, but maybe we could have some family time before then," Burpy said. Jimmo silently nodded and left the room. Burpy could only stand on the table. War never came at the right time. It was a good thing they had time before the battle could arrive.
Burpy hopped to the living room, only wanting to help Whitley.
"We still have time,"
From the Window, a Black Crow watched all of this strangeness. Then it flew away, landing on a building's roof. The snow dampened the avian creature's wings, yet it wasn't bothered in the slightest as its gaze was still lingering on the Shanes' house.
Its red eyes stared at the next moment. In blur or darkness, the Crow had transformed into a man looking over the edge. His graying black, spiky hair stood messy, unchecked even. Blood-faded red eyes gave him an ominous look and slight stubble along his jawline. Either he was allergic to a razor or just didn't care. Along with a red, tattered cloak, he wears a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants, and black dress shoes.
This man pulled out his phone and began to call up someone.
"Hey, Jimmy, I need to know what everything there is to Whitley. I might have found our key suspect,"
Notes: So sorry for the lateness I've been busy. Just got back from vacation and starting to settle back in. So, what did you guys think about this chapter? I wanted to focus more on Whitley's feelings in this chapter. Other than that, things are picking up, Whitley has begun to beto ask what love interest Whitley should have. I like to ask bec around a family that loves him. I love cause new perspectives. Anyway, see you guys, and I hope you have a good day.