Chapter 6 Scars
Whitley felt the warm sunshine on his face. He was sleeping on the couch, while a slug was face-first in buttery biscuits, snoring up a storm. Whitley was known to be a light sleeper. Sometimes, he would wake up to the slightest sounds. It was moments like this that made him appreciate sleep.
He woke to the smell of bacon and eggs. Slowly he was still wearing the clothes he had on from yesterday. Looking around at his surroundings feeling safe in the house. Whitley nudged his slug to wake him up.
"Uh, is it morning already," Burpy cried out. Whitley rolled his eyes and held out his hand for the Slug to hop on and crawl on his shoulder.
"Yes, but it sounds like breakfast is ready,"
Whitley yawned but looked at the makeshift bed that was the couch. It was a mess and it would have been rude to leave like that. So he folded the blankets and fluffed the pillows. Afterwards, everything looked the same as before.
"I can't say the way I feel, but…" Whitley tried to find the words, but nothing could compare to it.
"Safe? Yeah, I think that's the word you're looking for," Burpy said. Whitley agreed and walked into the kitchen seeing Alice cooking eggs and bacon. With many more assortment for breakfast. Sitting at the head of the table was Grunkle Jimmo.
"Good Morning Whitley, come for a quick bite before you leave," He asked. Whitley nodded and sat by his Grunkle. He noticed by his Jimmo hand was the book of Shanes. What was he up to? Alice quickly set down a plate. Whitley accepted, he nodded at the food seeing how warm and fresh it was.
"This looks amazing, thank you, great aunt Alice," Whitley said.
"Don't worry about it, now eat up. You need to put some meat on those skinny bones," Alice said. Whitley didn't argue and started eating the bacon and eggs on the table. Digging into it with pure bliss. Jimmo glanced at Whitley and couldn't help but think how polite the boy's table manners were.
"So how did you sleep," Jimmo asked. Whitley smirked and looked at the bacon on his fork. Then back at Jimmo showing a genuine smile.
"Like a rock," He answered.
"So did I, man we were out of it," Burpy said, making Whitley laugh.
"You can say that again. So where is the rest of the Shanes?" Whitley asked. Alice turned around and took a seat. In front of her was a nice plate of sliced tomatoes, with some salt and pepper on them.
"Bill and the kids, sell small crops in the local farmers market, So they have to get up early and set up the stand,"
Jimmo let out a tired sigh gaining Whitley's attention. He could see something was eating him up inside but what the heck was it?
"Are you okay?" He asked. Jimmo nodded and pushed the book to Whitley. He turned to see Alice looking at him and nodded at him. It was time for the boy to know.
"Whitley you know who sent Burpy but do you know why?" Jimmo asked. Whitley was a bit confused.
"To give back the book and show who my real family is, right?" Whitley said with a bit of uncertainty. Jimmo opened a page in the book. It was a giant family tree. So many Shanes, the thing was humongous, with so many names, this tree could be tracked for hundreds of years.
"Woah, talking about tracking your roots," Whitley said. Alice huffed and crossed her arms.
"This book has every name of Shane who's ever lived, And each one did their time protecting Slugterra with their life!" Alice said. Whitley found the question of how important a Shane was.
"I don't understand, how could this secret world rely all on one person? Aren't there cops or law enforcement?" Whitley asked. Jimmo let out a laugh and put a hand on Whitley's shoulder.
"It's not about power to control, The Shane is the name of hope. It's through that hope you can stop anything, I've been protected, Alice and Arthur helped, even if Alice was married into it," Jimmo looked at Alice as she sipped on a cup of tea, reminiscing.
"Best years of my life," She said.
"We pass the torch to the next generation, As I did to your father, Whitley, you need to know the reason why Burpy is here. It's because your father fell in the line of duty," Jimmo said. Alice looked away in sadness and Burpy well he didn't want to think about it.
Whitley paused and had a timed face. "I'm sorry for your loss,"
"You okay? Whitley you can be honest with us," Jimmo asked. Whitley looked at the two and let out a sigh.
"I'm sad to hear he's gone but that's just it, Will Shanes is just a name to me. I didn't know him so I don't have a connection to him, even if he was my father," Whitley honestly said, not trying to be rude. Jimmo nodded his head.
"It's alright Whitley we understand," Jimmo said. Whitley felt safe as he was not judged. Burpy was saddened by the news if only Will could have seen his son now. Maybe then Whitey would have cared more. Whitley wanting to change the subject, cleared his voice.
"Uh, So who's next in line, is it Uncle Bill?" Whitley asked.
"Nope, Bill lost his trigger finger when he was young. Can't shoot a dang blaster. Tilly and Cricket are too young. Bill's wife Nancy is in jail," Alice crossed names off the list. Leaving only three left.
"So it's going to be either Jimmo or Alice?" Whitley asked. Jimmo closed the book. Alice glanced at Whitley who was more confused. It was time for the truth.
"Whitley, we can make it but…" Jimmo trailed off.
"We ain't the spring chickens we used to be, but I can still kick butt!" Alice said, shaking her fist and showing off a kick. Only for Alice to regret that.
"OW MY HIP!"
Whitley's eyes widened as the realization began.
"You want me to go down to Slugterra and fight off villains and monsters!" Whitley said. "But I can't do that!"
"And you don't have to, Whitley, we are not forcing you to do this. You have a choice in this, we just needed to ask," Jimmo said. Whitley was touched not by being chosen but by the fact he had the choice.
"I-I-I-I… I'm sorry I can't. I'm not a fighter," Whitley said, feeling ashamed that he had gotten these nice people's hopes up. Jimmo had a kind smile.
"It's alright Whitley It's not your fault. We are giving you a choice, you're just finding out about this today! I'm not expecting you to say yes. I would be going," Jimmo said. Whitley glanced at the old man.
"But you said-" Whitley was cut off by Jimmo.
"I'm old, not useless. Whitley it's your choice, and we will respect that," Jimmo said. There was silence in the room as Whitley needed to know. If this was truly fine to say no.
"Would it be alright if I could still visit you guys, that you won't push me away,"
"That's crazy talk, you will always be welcome at this house!" Alice said. Whitley felt a small smile appear on his face. Feeling safe that there was a place he could turn away to. Whitley glanced at them all and nodded.
"Well, I'm glad I was able to give your book back, Burpy. I thank you for showing me a true family. I just need to go to the other house, I think I need some time to myself, and time that won't lead to me being interrogated by a psychopath," Whitley said. The only one who truly wanted to argue against his decision was Burpy.
"No!" Burpy said. Whitley was surprised at how bold the slug was being.
"Burpy you have to go with Jimmo, I'm not going to Slugterra," Whitley said.
"I don't care, I was sent here to protect you and that's all I'm going to do. I am here for you and I will protect you. You will never get rid of me because I will always be by your side. It was your father's last wish and I will respect it until the very end," Burpy stated. Whitley didn't know what to say but there was no arguing, he opened his palm. The Slug hopped onto it and crawled up his shoulder. Whitley smiled even when trying to leave someone would be by his side.
"Just finish up your breakfast, almost forget if there's any trouble at your house or you don't feel safe take my card and call me. I will be there and the Shanes to will be there," Jimmo said. Whitley nodded knowing he still had the call card. From Jimmo.
"I won't forget it, Grunkle Jimmo," Whitley said. The two shared a comfortable amount of silence. Jimmo couldn't help but see his nephew within Whitley.
"Burpy keep a close eye on him," Alice said. "This boy got the knack of getting into trouble,"
"Well, I have to go, goodbye," Whitley said, putting on his hoodie while the slug hid within it. He slowly heads out for the door and, looking back, sees Alice and Jimmo smiling. the truth was he didn't wanna leave. That wouldn't be the case if he had stayed there, and if his mother or stepfather found out. There could be consequences for the Shane family. He didn't wanna bring any of this hell to them.
Opening the door being greeted by the cold air of Mantle. Closing the door behind him, saying goodbye to a family. He glanced back at Burpy he smiled.
"You really wanna stick by me even though you know how messed up my life is," Whitley said.
"To the ends of this world my friend," Burpy said. Whitley nodded and he began to walk down the streets to the transport station. Unknown to Whitley, a man was following from behind, taking a swig from his flask.
To say the trip back was hard would be a lie, with the allowance that he had he could buy his own house. Still when seeing those cold gates that lead to the Schnee manner he stood still.
Whitley didn't want to go back but he had to, his father was gonna be back in a couple of days, and his mother, who knows when he was going to see her again when she was on one of her drinking benches. Burpy could see the uncertainty and his partner's eyes.
"Are you okay we could turn back right now, no one would know," Burpy said.
"That's the problem. The family has so much money so many people they can just hire to take care of their problems. Even if I tried, they tracked me down, or worse they would hurt the Shanes. I have to suffer so they can be safe," Whitley said sadly, knowing he wasn't going to get a happy ending in life and that he was bound to be living in a shadow.
"That's rough and unfair to you, Whitley," Burpy said his truth.
"That's my life, well there's no delaying it now. I have to play my role," Whitley said. He was about to put the past code into the gate when the sound of rusting and clanking snapped his attention. To a young man approaching them, he was wearing an electrician uniform. He had a mustache and he covered most of his hair with a red cap. Burpy quickly hid in Whitley's hoodie as the stranger approached him.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I was called to do a routine checkup around the house. I heard there was a possible gas leak that could've led to a flaming spark above this property, from the city council," The man said. Whitley glanced at the uniform, looking at his name tag.
His name was Henry Steel, Whitley assumed this man was probably called in by his father or one of the house help. Whitley did note that Burpy did make quite the entrance.
"Are your folks around so I can get their permission to expect this house,"
"Well, they aren't gonna be here for a couple more days, but as far as I'm concerned, I am more than in charge of this house. So you have my permission to come in," Whitley typed in the code and the gates opened. Henry smiled and nodded at the young man.
"Thank you, I follow you," He said. Whitley nodded and led the way into the Schnee manner. Henry kept his distance inspecting the gate or so Whitley thought.
"Watts I'm in," Billy said disguised as someone else. He tapped his earpiece.
"Good, try and find anything suspicious, corded, and come back here immediately," Watts said.
Watts had his scroll opened as he had taken control of many of the outside surveillance cameras on the property. He sat at a coffee shop table outside. There was a big smile on his face.
A woman walked by his table with a coffee pot. She had blue hair tied in a ponytail and purple eyes, she wore a green coffee uniform and looked like she had a miserable expression. Her name tag said, Gloria.
"Would you like another cup of coffee?" She offered. Arthur Watts nodded. After she left he glanced back at his screen.
"Try to remember Billy, don't give yourself away. If you kill that boy all of Atlas will be swarming to find you, not to mention what Jacques would do if he found out his pet project and suddenly killed over," Watts said.
"Don't worry doc, I'm just here to give the best customer service," Billy quietly said on his radio. Whitley spun around with a raised eyebrow.
"Did you say something?" He asked.
"Just was going to ask if you want to see the paperwork, Not many people tend to enjoy that," Henry said.
"I could look it over when you're finished with the job but I doubt I'm the right man for it," Whitley said. Burpy was able to peek out from Whitley's hoodie.
"Jeez, that guy gives me the creeps, like a wired handyman!" Burpy said. Whitley hid his smirk. The smiley face was genuine. Happy to have his friend by his side. Whitley opened the door and held it for Henry.
"Oh thanks but I'll go around the house first if you don't mind," He said with a smile.
"I'll meet you at the dining hall. It's upstairs to the left of the main lobby," Whitley informed.
"Much appalled partner," Henry said, tipping his hat.
Henry began to pretend to do his job looking around the area. Really looking for any burn marks. Any signs of ash or tracks that led to something strange. He was born and raised to survive in the worst of places. Something his father made sure he knew.
After a couple of minutes he found nothing, He took a deep sigh and glanced around trying to see anything out of the ordinary. He spun his head but his eyes quickly found something usual, in the perfect city that was Atlas, seeing something strange meant that there was something wrong. From the corner of his right eye, he could see a black crow, watching him.
Billy looked around all of the nice topiary and fountain but still found nothing.
Calmly he finished looking around the house and went into the mansion. Cloning the door behind him, he made sure he stayed hidden from the windows.
"Doc we got a problem, A crow is here," He whispered quietly into his earpiece.
"I know, just act like he's not there. He hasn't met you and you've done well enough to stay out of the spotlight right now. Just keep doing what you're doing, so get back to work Henry Steel," Watts said. Billy nodded but when he glanced up at the ceiling he noticed a strange shine, now to the untrained eye it could have been the decor but Billy knew better.
"Doc, their cameras in this house do you think, tap the system?"
"Unfortunately, I can't. It's a different code, Do you remember the flash drive stick I gave you?"
"Yeah, it's still in the toolbox," Billy said.
"Just get that to any computer and I'll be in the system, then I'll be able to see what has been happening in this house, and why a fireball showed up there," Watt informed. Billy knew what the plan was and walked up the steps. Billy couldn't help but look at the rich walls and rugs. This place reeked of the upper class but there were no severance. Why leave the richest boy in the house alone?
"Hey Doc, you personally knew Jacques Schnee the richest man in the world, what was he like?" Billy asked.
"Well technically he's the second, the richest family is Remington but he would whine like a child… But yes we did work together. He's a man who wants money beyond anything else but likes to cut corners, that company is his only true passion. His two daughters are good huntsmen, even one of them is a singer, and his wife Willow. I hear she cool as ice but she a slush,"
"That's sad and his son, what about him?" Billy asked.
"Nothing special about him, just another clone of Jacques, and that my chatty friend is one of the most powerful family in the world,"
Walking up the steps and down to the left he entered into a big hall, he passed armor stands and beautiful paintings, but stopped when he looked at portraits of the Schnee family. All of them had frowns except for one. Whitley Schnee was smiling, it seemed to be he was happy. Billy understood that the boy in the picture hadn't some grips with the terrible family he was in.
"I see the art has caught your eye but I can say their better pieces than that," Whitley said walking down the hall in a fresh suit.
"Apologies, my semblance tends to get me distracted, It's called hyper-observation, I tend to pick apart the small details. It helps with my job surprisingly," Billy said with a smile. Whitley found that to be intriguing.
"So you could look at anything and find a problem, you could pick me and figure out something?" Whitley said with a challenge. Billy looked at Whitley for only a couple of seconds and smirked.
"Well, I can tell by the way you hide your arm behind your back tell me it's injured while the slightly off-white color of the foundation under your eye tells me you have a black eye. With all this evidence, I have gathered, followed by the constant looking around from your eyes. Tells me one thing, you have not been having a good week," He said. Whitley was mildly stunned and nodded at Billy.
"You're not wrong,"
"You don't know the half of it," Whitley thought.
"But why pay attention to this portrait, nothing out of the ordinary," Whitley pointed out, even though he knew that wasn't the truth, that this was painted out of a painful moment.
"It's because you're the only one smiling in it," Billy said. Whitley wasn't surprised but nodded at the so-called Henry.
"Let's just the day after, I realized being a Schnee wasn't about being a happy family," He sadly said. Billy shared the moment of awkwardness but knew he had a job to get back to.
"So, uh just a heads up I was going to check up on the power, it might mess with some of the electronics, there is a small possibility, it might make a power surge, if you have any computers you can just unplug them, don't worry I know where the power box is," Billy said, sounding like he was absolutely serious. Whitley nodded and pointed to the right door.
Whitley nodded and turned around heading to the office. Billy walked in the opposite direction but quickly stopped hiding around the corner watching Whitley open a fancy wooden door.
"Bingo," Billy said.
"Just plug in that hard drive and I should be in," Watts said. After waiting a couple of minutes Whitley walked out and closed the door behind him. Billy walked to the door and opened it only to find it locked. He quickly looked around seeing the coast was clear and opened his toolbox, pulling out a simple lock pick, he jammed it into the lock. Forcing it to open.
Walking into the office, the portrait of Jacques Schnee stood proud and tall. Billy rolled his eyes but could see the white computer on the desk. He saw the outlet and plugged it back in. He tapped on the keyboard and a hologram appeared above it. Billy just plugged in the flash drive and watched the magic happen.
"Doc you're in!" Billy said, then the screen turned red as the symbol of a black queen appeared on the screen. He watched countless codes begin to run down the screen as firewalls were broken down and private files downloaded.
"Hmm interesting, it appears that the camera isn't on here, they must be on a different device, well still I can see the outside surveillance on the property, and it appears our fireball made its stop here, hmmm…but it appears Jacques left to attend a business trip a day before. So I doubt he has anything to do with this, Willow looked even more drunk when she left, even with all the help gone," Watts noted. So that left only one. Billy looked through the outside security system. Going through past footage.
It was quite surprising, after the fireball incident. The ace operatives had paid a visit, but what got his attention was that Winter Schnee had stopped by and gone inside the house but a couple of minutes later she ran out the door with her tailcoat on fire.
Billy had to hold in his laughter but his Semblance caught something, a small creature in the doorway hiding behind the door. His amusement had stopped as he stared at the creature.
"Anything out of the ordinary?" Watts asked.
"Nope don't see a thing out of place, well except for this lady running out like a wild chicken without its head! Before taking a bath in the fountain," Billy said lying. The light in the room was turned on, making Billy face the culprit who did it.
Whitley leans on the wall, with a smirk on his face. "If you think you're the only thief ever break in here, then you're wrong, sorry to break that news to you Henry,"
Billy stood up and rolled his shoulders cracking his neck. Whitley narrowed his eyes and had his finger on his scroll.
"Hold your horse muscles, one tap on this screen and it sets off the alarm system. Waste me if you want but that's not going to save you from getting out of this city, So how about you we talk and hang up the phone, please," Whitley advised, putting on his best poker face.
"BILLY what's happening-
"Looks like I have been had Doc, I'll take care of it. Besides the cameras to the place would give me away," Billy said, pulling out his earpiece. Turning it off and throwing it in his toolbox.
"If you know I was a thief, why did you let me in?" Billy asked. Whitley let out an annoyed huff.
"I've been having a bad week, so I thought you would be stealing all the jewelry and money here. It turns out you're here for something else. I wanted to piss off Jacque by someone stealing his cologne collection, the man spends a small fortune to smell like whale vomit," Whitley said in a straightforward tone. Billy smiled at the young man. Happy to know his suspicion about Whitley was right, he wasn't a clone of his father, he was clever.
However, Billy noticed the small movement in Whitley's shirt pocket. Whitley was sharp but not as sharp as him.
"My name is actually Billy, you're impressively smart, now let me ask you something. What do you know about slugs?" The question had disarmed the boy, but he still wouldn't falter.
"Oh, you mean the ones in my mom's garden that eat tomatoes-
"I mean the ones that go 100 miles per hour and they can tear down city walls," Billy said, cutting off Whitley. The boy was in total shock and didn't know what to do. This person knew what they were talking about, did he sell out an entire world? Was it all his fault? Billy could see the confusion in his eyes.
"Hey, relax I'm not here to bust you, my dad is from Slugterra. He told me many stories, I even saw slugs and held them too," Billy said, putting on a gentle smile. Whitley still had to make sure that secret was well kept.
"Prove it, what Slug broke through the shield!" Whitley answered back quickly. Billy paused then scratched his chin.
"Hmmm, it's a fire slug but way more powerful than Flaringo, and packed more heat than a Lavalynx, which means you have an Infurnus in your shirt pocket," Billy said with a happy smile. Burpy poked his head out making Whitley jump while Billy's eyes widened with nostalgic wonder.
"He's right!" Burpy said with ecstatic joy.
"Burpy no!" Whitley said.
"Hotdog I knew it! Yahoo! I finally found it!" Whitley found his hand to be clasped in a firm embrace as Billy was shaking it with gratitude. "Thank you, sorry for all the theatrics, you see I've been looking for a way into Slugterra, I've been trying to find the way there for a long time. You see I'm looking to reunite with my father, and I believe my screech is over,"
Whitley was stunned that was the last thing he expected. This wasn't blackmail or even extortion. My man was just trying to find a way back to his family. Something Whitley understood but still, why break in?
"Okay, but why all this? Whitley gestured to the crime and hard drive. Billy took a deep sigh.
"Look, let's just say I fell into the wrong crowd while trying to find the right place. You can set off that alarm and I go running or you can point me in the right direction because I'm going home, I'm sick of remnants," Billy said flatly. Whitley had an awkward expression.
"Here's the thing, I don't know how to get there and well… I don't want to go," Whitley said.
"What! What do you mean you don't wanna go, you're Schnee, don't you guys adventure to the ends of Remnant!" Billy said. Whitley shuttered in shame.
"Okay well, I'm technically not Schnee, my real dad is... can't believe I'm saying this I just found out recently… my biological father is Will Shane, but it's better if I was up here," Whitley said. Billy stood up straight and was a little taller than Whitley and only two years older. Billy paused and nodded.
"My old man told me, the Shanes were the best slingers around, sounds like you have more of a reason to go than even me," Billy said still Whitley didn't acknowledge it.
"Is it really better up here? Most people around the world would think this is a luxury, but I don't even need my semblance to tell you what this is. It's a prison you're trapped in. You don't wanna leave because you're afraid of what's gonna happen if you do," Billy said. Making Whitley snap at this stranger whom he just met.
"Stop it, don't talk about things you don't understand!" Whitley said. Billy shook his head.
"Tsh, I've seen this story a hundred times, the youngest to a rich, doomed to be the clone of his jackass father or be a waste of a human being, spending his life in drinks and drugs, What kind of man refuses to answer the call to Slugterra, I tell you a fool does that!" Billy said.
"Shut up!" Whitley raised his voice.
"I don't have to know you to understand your situation, why do you want to stay in place, that's going to hurt you. Listen, you could just go, leave Remnant forever, and be a completely different and free person when you get to Slugterra! Just tell me what you have here worth fighting for!"
Whitley paused at the question and stuttered on his words. Burpy quickly comforted Whitley but could see Billy still had a stern expression. He walked over to the hard drive and pulled it out. He then took a pen and paper out, writing his number on the table.
"I'm not here to start trouble but you have to make a choice, I left my contact info there," Billy walked past Whitley and glanced behind his shoulder.
"No, man can walk out on his own story," Billy said, finally leaving Whitley alone.
"Hey don't listen to him, it's your choice. Don't forget it," Burpy said.
"Yeah, it's my choice, maybe I didn't make the right one," Whitley said.
Billy walked out of Schnee's manner and now was walking on the streets of Atlas. He was sneakily able to put in his earpiece.
"Doc, I'm back," Billy said, hearing static from the other side.
"Billy, what the hell happened? Are you compromised?" Watts asked.
"Naw Doc, I just had to get out of there, that Whitley Kid figured me out I was able to scare him, but I don't think he's gonna be pushing the buttons anytime soon, he's not dead but he won't be walking for a while," Billy said lying through his teeth.
"Oh how wonderful," Watts said sarcastically. "Just come back to the safe house,"
"What about the Crow?" He asked.
"He's not following you? He's still at the house," Watts said Billy was confused why would Ozpin send his top man to stop following him? Billy stopped when the sudden realization hit him.
"He wasn't there for me, he was there for Whitley! They can't find out about Slugterra. I hope you don't break, because if so then we're all doomed," Billy thought.
Whitley sat on his bed, thinking about his conversation with Billy. Looking at his surroundings he sees the plane's white decor, beautiful but no love behind these walls. Art that had no love couldn't be called that.
Burpy began to worry Whitley hadn't moved in an hour, Whitley was just there thinking.
He hopped on the bed looking at his friend. "Burpy did make the right choice?"
The Slug thought long and hard about the question.
"You know I wanted you to go in the first place, My home needs a defender. You might be weak now, but I believe you're capable of becoming strong. So yes I wish you would go but it's your choice, that's something that I have to respect," Burpy said the truth. The young man lowers his head.
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"You really think that?" He asked.
"Whitley I'm your guardian so I want the best for you, but this place… it's not the best for you, a day in the Shane house was ten times better than Schnee's manner. They are right you wouldn't make a good Schnee…" Burpy's comment made Whitley gasp but he still was very true.
"I do think you would make great Shane," Burpy said. Making Whitley smile and glance up at the deck across from him.
Whitley wanted to be something great, a family that loved and respected him. The most important thing was to be in charge of the company. Now knowing that this worldwide economy was built on a lie to protect a secret world under their feet. He wasn't treated well here, he was never asked what he wanted to be.
Whitley paused thinking about an important question. What did he want to be when he grew up? Whitley loved to tinker with machines, explore, see new sights, and always do the right thing. Even if he was snobbish about it.
"No man can walk out on his own story," Whitley let those words echo throughout his head. Never believed in fairy tales but wanted to go on his own. Fighting wasn't a strong suit so why not change that up? Weiss and Winter were able to fight and get out of this hell hole.
Jimmo and Alice were too young. Tilly and Cricket were too young, Bill was a nice man. However, Whitley would never forgive himself if robbed those two kids of their father. He had to go. He was doing this for the Shanes because they deserved it.
All he had to do was shoot slugs from the way Jimmo talked about it. Maybe he could do this! Whitley took out a paper and pen. Burpy got on Whitley's shoulder.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Something I should have done a long time ago, I'm running away," Whitley said with a bright smirk. Burpy glanced down seeing Whitley writing a goodbye letter.
"You're going to tell them, you're going to Slugterra?" Burpy asked, hoping that wasn't the answer. Whitley smirked like he was the smartest person in the room.
"Of course not, I'm going to say I'm running away to Mistrial, buy some tickets, and set up a false trail. When in actuality I'll be under their nose the whole time, I'm going to stay with great uncle Jimmo, and boom I'll be ready for Slugterra in no time," Whitley said. Burpy cheers up and down, finding it to be Thrilling.
"When can we start!" Burpy asked.
"We have a time limit, my father is going to be back in a couple of days, and Mother will be too drunk to care. Then we can give the slip tomorrow," Whitley said making his plan to escape Atlas.
Burpy and Whitley paused when they heard someone approaching their room. Burpy hid in Whitley's shirt pocket and coming around the corner was the family butler.
Klein walked in with his same calm pose. "Aw Master Whitley, your mother wanted to see you,"
"For what reason, my mother never wants to see me," Whitley said.
"Forgive but she was quite clear that she just wanted to talk to you about something private," Klein said.
"Oh, alright,"
Willow sat in her private space. The garden where she kept her rare animals from her famous hunts. She would always show off these animals to the upper rich in Atlas.
She poured her third glass of wine this hour. Taking a swig as she sat on her red chair. The door to the outdoor sanctuary opened as Whitley walked in with a stiff stance.
"Aw, Whitley so good to see you, please come in," She said half drunk. Whitley awkwardly walked into the courtyard of this personal zoo. Klein closed the door behind him.
"I'm surprised I was invited, I thought only Weiss could be in here. You didn't even allow winter in here," Whitley said. Willow took a swig of her glass of wine.
"Why Weiss was the only one to share my interest in hunting, for the thriller of the chase but now that's she off, I see that you might be a little confused, with everyone away. Tell me have you found anything interesting this couple of days,"
Whitley took a deep sigh and shook his head. "No, nothing at all… My birthday was quiet,"
Willow paused from her drink. An awkward face had appeared on Willows's face. This was the first time in a while she felt disappointed in herself. However, with another sip of her drink, it went away.
"That's just how the Schnees work, we grow stronger in solitude. Your grandfather would spend days alone to relax," Willow said with a stern face.
"Grandfather was nothing but a fool trying to exploit others," Whitley thought. Burpy could feel Whitley's intense anger, Burpy wished he could just pop out and tell off this lady but knew that wasn't the wise choice. Willow Schnee has lost the trust of the Shane family.
"So Whitley are you sure nothing has happened this past week, you can tell me, and we could talk about it,"
Whitley found this conversation to be strange. Why would she even want to know him? Especially now of all times. Then a sudden realization hit him.
"The cameras to this place would give me away,"
Whitley froze at the words and wearily glanced up at his mother. Did that mean she had cameras all over the place, not even Jacque Schnee was that stupid, with how many dirty deals he did. Never would he be so foolish to do that. Unless Willow did it?
Why would she do that the only thing Jacque did that could be proven is an assault. Why didn't Willow report that now then, Unless she was saving it until that hand came to her? Then she would be able to sue and take half of everything.
"Whitley, what the matter, it looks like a ghost," Willow said. Whitley gulped and calmly composed himself. He needed to get out of here now.
"Apologize but I have to cut out conversation quickly I have to go," Whitley turned around and reached for the doorknob and twisted it only to find it was locked. Letting out a sigh he turned around.
"How much did you see?" He asked. Willow narrowed her eyes at the youngest of her children. She was about to spin some yarn but she knew that Whitley was smarter than that. To blinded by love, he was more like Jacque every day.
"Enough to know you met Burpy and left the house. Not to mention you took that book to Jimmo, I saw he visited a day ago, so what did he tell you," Willow asked. Standing up with a wine bottle in her hand. There was a certain stance Willow would take, it was always a lack and foolish look. Acting like she was high-class, but this time it was different. There was a more tense aggression, like how warriors would hold themselves.
Whitley wanted to keep a calm front but he started feeling nervous. Her eyes never left him.
"What did he say?" She asked.
"He didn't say anything, he wanted to see you and ask for the book you stole from the Shanes. Then I learned about the truth," Whitley said back.
"And what's that?" Willow asked tauntingly, trying to act like she was still in control.
"I know about everything, the secret world below our feet, the deal that Nicholas made with Arthur. Your family name is built off lies! So yes I know quite a lot," Whitley said bravely. While Burpy cheers from his hidden space.
"Go on, say it!" Burpy cheers on. Willow stood quietly waiting for the answer. The truth she feared the most, the one she never wanted to hear.
"And I know who my real father is, he was Will Sha- Smack!"
"Don't you dare say his name! You are nothing like him, you're just a clone of Jacques," Willow shouted.
Whitley fell to the floor as he was smacked very hard by a swift backhand. Whitley made sure to fall with his arms out so that he wouldn't hurt Burpy. This only caused his hands to be scuffed. Burpy poked his head from the shirt pocket.
He wanted to make sure Whitley was okay but stared at a drop of red liquid that landed on the floor. Burpy gaped and Whitley's eyes were wide. He had been smacked plenty of times only by his father, never by his mother.
Unfortunately what Willow had terribly done was forget she was wearing jewelry, specifically a large silver ring with a sharp red Ruby stone. It left a large cut across his cheek all the way, to his right lip. Whitley could only stare at the floor. Burpy gritted his teeth, he was about to leap out from this pocket and give Willow the worst hot foot ever. More so burning the lady.
Whitley stopped Burpy and covered the top of the pocket, with his hand. The words that were said stuck with him. Slowly he picked himself up and turned around. Willow gasped at the site, her hand shaking at what she had done. Instead of running to comfort her child. Willow rushed to the bottle behind her and drank as fast as she could. Trying to make the pain go away, then put down the bottle. Throwing a white rag on the floor.
"Clean yourself up,"
Whitley looked at the rag and didn't pick it up. The blood leaked from his face. Slowly looking up he didn't care. Willow couldn't even look at her son. Knowing she made a mistake. She couldn't correct it, that wasn't her child. That was Jacques's clone and nothing more or else.
"Don't go to Slugterra Whitley, it's more dangerous than you can imagine, you don't even have a semblance, and since you know about Will. You may not even have the family semblance, so just stop whatever it is you are thinking," Willow then took another drink and sat back down. Looking at her son seeing the blood gush down her face.
"Will was a man of action, you're just too soft," Willow glanced at her son with null eyes.
"Can you live without the luxury around you? Go ahead and leave this family behind with no regret. Besides, the people down there would rip you apart, so do yourself a favor and forget you ever even heard about this… if that Slug ever comes back don't talk to him, am I understood?" Whitley said.
"…" The silence from Whitley was palpable. Willow gripped her fist and towered over her son.
"Am I understood!" She yelled in an angry tone, which Whitley had heard a million times before.
"Crystal," Whitley said.
Willow sat back in her seat and looked back at her son. She waved her hand, shoeing Whitley. The young man left the room but kept a straight face. He closed the door behind him. Willow went to reach for the bottle again only for her clumsy fingers to knock over the bottle.
Crash!
Willow panicked and reached for the broken shards. I said that desperate attempts would put the bottle back together. She failed and knelt on the floor. Feeling tears falling from her face.
She shouldn't have struck her child but she didn't want it to be left alone. She had no one in this world except for Whitley, the last remnant of the man she loved.
"Will I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it! This world I couldn't just leave it behind," Whitley thought. "He's not ready for battle, I couldn't just take him there, and you know my father forbid us from ever seeing each other, but you always kept breaking that rule, now look what you did!"
Willow was breaking down the only thing she could do now was suck on a bottle. Until the pain went away.
"Will why did you make me fall in love with you, why!"
Whitley walked to his room, closing the door behind him. The blood still ran down his face, past his neck, and stained his white shirt.
"You can get out now, Burpy," Whitley said. Burpy had gotten out of the with worry, written all across his face.
"Okay let's just get out of here now! We need to get you fixed up here do you have-
The Slug wasn't able to finish as Whitley pulled a black suitcase from under his bed. He unhinged the golden locks to reveal. Wads of cash are wrapped neatly with rubber bands. Passports, phones, and a first aid kit. He opened the white box and pulled out bandages. Walking to his bathroom and turning on the sink.
He cleaned himself off and slowly put on the bandages. His right face is covered by a white bandage. The mirror reflected the truth, this wasn't a home for him. Burpy hopped on the sink and nuzzled close to Whitley.
"We have to leave now," Burpy said calmly. Whitley was silent but Burpy glanced back at the suitcase in the room.
"When did you make the briefcase?" Burpy asked. If Whitley was so hesitant to leave this mansion, why did he have that suitcase? What was the point, was he trying to leave in the first place, before Burpy arrived and dropped the news?
"My life isn't good, I'm part of the richest family in the world and I'm not happy. When I was five, I thought this was a great family, with a pristine name. However, my father took me into his studies one day, and he asked me what I wanted to be… I said I wanted to become an adventurer. Someone who went to new places and discovered the world. He grabbed my wrist and pulled up my sleeve, he took a rule from the desk and smacked me hard with it. He asked me again what I wanted to be, I kept saying adventurer, and he kept hitting me until my wrist turned purple and bleeding, until he made me say, I'm going to be running the Schnee company,"
Burpy gasped at the story, however, an intense rage burned within him the same fires that could burn down the shield of Atlas. Even the top of his head was on fire. Whitley then pulled his right sleeve showing the scars.
"After, I went to my mother and told her what had happened. She was drunk at the time and didn't hear a word I said. Then I tried to go to the two people who I thought would understand. My oldest sister said that my sadness showed weakness and Weiss said that Schnees don't cry over little things. I made that suitcase, in case things got so bad, I had a way out. I'm a fool to think that this family could ever change. I guess maybe some part of me wanted to stay because there was a little hope that maybe things would turn out to be normal… Burpy I can't cry anymore at this house, I have nothing left to give," Whitley finally admitted. Burpy nodded and gave a proud smirk to Whitley.
"Then let's get the heck out of here," Burpy said.
"Their time for words and a time for action. I believe we're in that moment," Whitley said.
While the two made their plans a certain crow was able to see everything that had happened. He didn't hear a word but could see a creature like any other speaking to a very young rich person. However, the flame that came off the strange creature was a dead giveaway. This thing was part of the demolition of the Atlas walls.
Flying away needing to talk to a friend.
The night was setting upon the city. General Ironwood sat in his office. Glancing at his first Lieutenant. Winter had to give the sad news that she found nothing. Clover sat in the room listening to the story about how Winter Tailcoat came on fire.
"I apologize, General Ironwood, I couldn't find anything and also I wasn't able to continue because my little brother called the cops," Winter said.
"This still doesn't dissuade me that fireball headed to the house for what reason I don't even know, the vital festival is coming up. I still have no idea what it
could have been," Ironwood said. Clover looked at his friend seeing that he was incredibly stressed. even trying to find a warrant to go into that house was taking too much time.
Ironwood was snapped out of his thoughts when his scroll rang. He picked it up and was genuinely surprised to see a familiar contact. One that he never thought would ever call him.
"Hello, what are doing calling me?" Ironwood asked.
"Oh I'm sorry your Highness, but I got a real problem and some information you might wanna hear, I think I found the key suspect to all this, I just need more help,"
Clover and Winter watched as Ironwood nodded and surprisingly gave a glance at Winter. After a long conversation.
"Thank you for the heads up. I'll make sure to handle this," Ironwood said Hanging up the scroll.
"Sir who was that?" Winter asked, she could've sworn that voice sounded so familiar.
"That was an informant of mine, who is giving me some very interesting information… Winter, this might not be easy but one of your family members might be suspected of being a traitor to the kingdom," Ironwood said with unease.
"Of course, my father always gets himself into trouble, his money always pushing away his problems. Well, rest assured I will have no opposition to putting him away in a prison cell," Winter wasn't even surprised. This was something she truly suspected.
"It's another family member, your little brother, Whitley is suspected of traitorous behavior. I'll be bringing him in for interrogation, tonight I'll mobilize the ace operatives," Ironwood said. Winter was stunned at the accusation.
"Wouldn't bat an eye without father's permission. He's just too soft to be some criminal mastermind," Winter said. Ironwood sighed and put a picture on his screen. Showing Winter a picture of her brother wearing a hoodie, going down to Mantle on a bullhead bus.
"This might be difficult to accept, but he's our only lead. Even though your mother was at a resort, the cameras only showed she was drinking the entire time. So we have to bring him, I'm sorry. Do you have any morals or objections to this?"
Winter nodded and looked at her general. "I understand if anything I will bring Whitley in chains if I have to,"
Clover looked at Winter with a disappointed look; this wasn't some criminal mastermind. It was a child that probably didn't even know what was going on.
"I will be leading this mission, remember that," Clover said.
"Actually I'm going to need your help, Clover. we're gonna be paying a visit to an old teacher. Jimmo Shane has been visited by Whitley for what reason, I don't know, but we are going to go to the bottom of this,"
Notes: Hey, what's up, my readers, so I hope you all enjoy this chapter and hope Whitley for a better life. So, we are at the point of no return. The next chapter is escaping Atlas. So, I think I'm going to hold off from the pairing because, honestly, Whitley needs a family more than a love interest right now. Sorry for even asking in the first place. Honestly, some big things are going to happen in the next chapter. The real question is, will Ozpin find out about Slugterra, or will Whitley escape? The battle for the world has begun. Btw Willow might be a little harsher in this, but in this story, having an affair and then making sure the child of the Affair will never meet his true father is a little mean. I know that canon Willow was an alcoholic, but in some side stories, she was kind of possessive. When Weiss tried to leave, Willow wouldn't let her. Honestly, Whitley has nobody. You could make an argument for Kelvin, but he always seemed to favor Weiss and Winter more. They say the worst is being alone, that's not true the worst feeling is being with people who make you feel alone. So I hope you understand that Whitley is just as much victim or more so because While Weiss and Winter could fly away to be huntresses, they forgot to come back for their brother. So see you next Chapter and see you later. Have a good day.