Disclaimer: I don't own any of the copyright intellectual properties shown in this fic. I'm merely writing this for fun. Enjoy!
For What It's Worth
1.4
As he stared, broken empty sockets stared back at Whitley Schnee. The power armor he'd spent the last month making non-stop had stopped looking majestic in his eyes. With his mind back in reality, Whitley could finally see the result of his hard labor without rose-tinted glasses.
The armor now dubbed as the Mark 1, was a rough and clunky contraption that barely resembles the sleek sophistication Whitley had envisioned with the drafts littered across the drawing boards. Its exterior was a patchwork of dull, metallic plates, seemingly forced and haphazardly riveted together. The surface was riddled with dents and scratches, and long before his crash, the surface of the armor had already looked like it had been through a series of battles.
The bulky frame was more cumbersome than sleek, making it look like the worst outcome in mixing a suit of knight armor and an antique diving suit, rather than the high-tech marvel he knew it was. The proportions were off, instead of an imposing figure it comes across as a lumbering giant that struggles to stand upright without any outside help. The joints appeared stiff and awkward, lacking the fluidity one would expect from advanced technology.
The paint job was uninspired, seeing how there was none to begin with. The only source of paint in the armor mainly came from the pristine white paint of the former limousine which was only in small spots across the power armor. The primary color was a drab metal gray, with rust spots and uneven patches that suggest neglect rather than a deliberate design choice.
In terms of functionality, while it does offer some heavy-duty protection and vacuum-sealed interior lining the suit felt more like a conventional vehicle forced into the size of an unreliable suit of power armor. The bulky design makes maneuverability a challenge, and not to mention the exposed areas that housed the power source hinted at a vulnerability that belies the intended purpose of a powerful technological suit.
Looking like it was thrown together in a rush, a desperate effort to survive rather than a masterpiece of engineering. The overall vibe was more of desperation than innovation, forced to build by the growing pain in his mind giving in to its demand to please it. The Mark 1 highlights the struggle of its creator, not knowing how to balance the builder and his power rather than an ambitious individual who wanted to create something good.
The eyes of the broken headpiece stared at Whitley, telling him that its mere existence was pain. Begging him for a reason why it had to exist in the first place. Once it had a purpose as the little machines scattered across the manor, serving people. Now as a Frankenstein creation, it looked at Whitley begging him to end its misery.
Grabbing his specialized tools, Whitley could only oblige.
—-
Having spent the whole day dismantling his power armor and returning it to its former kitchenware forms Whitey found himself once again inside the kitchen the next day. Cup of coffee in hand the heir slurped his coffee without finesse, mind clearly troubled.
Klein, the family butler, waited patiently for the child to speak.
"How'd they take it?" Whitley began after the second refill.
"The staff was confused at first but thankful nonetheless at seeing their kitchenware back. Despite the irregular appearance. They also wanted to thank you for giving back more than what you took." Klein Answered.
"Since they needed functionality over appearance I didn't bother making it look Brand new so long as it did its job."
"Any reason you gave almost twice the amount back?"
"Well…I was compensating since the mechanics weren't getting their limousine back." Whitley replied embarrassed.
"I figured as much. I had already ordered a replacement so no need to worry. I'm sure you're not taking it anytime soon."
Whitley made a noise hearing that statement but didn't answer. A bout of silence greeted the two albeit a comfortable one. As he finished his last cup of coffee, Whitley didn't move from his seat. Thrumming his fingers against the cup, staring at the wall as he did so. Waiting for Klein to finish up cleaning. Soon enough Klein took his spot sitting in front of the heir.
"What's on your mind, Whitley?" Klein began.
"I'm…at a loss," Whitley answered back. "Our talk yesterday gave me a lot to think about. I had a lot of time to reflect on my actions as I converted the armor back to its different forms."
"And what is it that brought you back here so soon? I at least expected you to return here at least a week."
"Well, for starters you were absolutely right that I shouldn't take other people's stuff because it's just wrong. Plain and simple and not up for debate."
"But?"
"But…"
"Come on Whitley, I won't know what to tell you if you don't tell me what's bothering you."
"I know, it's just that…well, I also came to another conclusion."
"That conclusion being?"
"I hit a roadblock."
Klein mulled at Whitley's words, trying to understand what specifically was it that made the heir come to such a conclusion. "Can you elaborate?"
"You know I fell from the sky right?"
"Yes."
"The reason I fell from the sky was because the jet boosters of my armor were right beside the fuel source," Whitley explained to the butler. Said man nodded his head for the heir to continue his explanation. "I was so caught up in finishing the jet boosters that I failed to do a quality check, specifically I had failed to install a coolant system of sorts which in turn led to the jet boosters overheating, which was literally beside the fuel, then exploding."
"Which then led to you falling in your mother's garden." Finished Klein.
Whitley winced at Klein's word. Klein on the other hand couldn't tell if the unsavory facial expression was because of the heir's failed equipment or hearing the mention of his mother. Klein would hazard a guess though but he kept his tongue.
"The Mark 1," "Is that what you're calling it now?"
"Uh-uh, anyway back to what I was saying, the Mark 1's interior was built by conjoining the electrical systems of the limousine and the numerous kitchenware. The exterior was built by smelting the metal of both the limousine and kitchenware. I know it's impressive that I was able to do all this inside a single room but it's also the reason why the Mark 1 had such a horrible quality."
"And the quality of your final product is the roadblock?"
"Yes! Because theoretically even if I was able to get every electrical appliance inside this manor, big or small, whatever I build will have the same quality of the Mark 1."
"Because none of the appliances were meant to be, whatever it is you intend to build." Klein finished, fully understanding the heir's dilemma.
"Exactly!" Whitley exclaimed dramatically. "I don't know what to do Klein, it doesn't matter what I want to build because it will always end up like crap!"
Whitley slumped exhaustively in his chair, despite the distraught child in front of him Klein couldn't help but chuckle. Said child looked at the butler disbelievingly hearing his laugh and then giving him a glare.
"Well, I'm glad someone's having a good time at MY misfortune." Whitley said exasperatedly while rolling his eyes.
"I'm sorry young master, I didn't mean it like that," Klein answered mirthfully. "I merely found it humorous because I happen to have a solution for your problem."
"Oh yeah?" Whitley said, unbelieving. "What's your solution then huh?"
"First, a question!" Klein started, his joyous expression the complete opposite of Whitley's. "What is your full name?"
The heir groaned, his hands going over his face. Not bothering to give the butler an answer instead continuing to glare at Klein. "You know playing along will get me to spill the beans faster." the butler said with a smile, Whitley's attitude not affecting him in the slightest.
"Uhhhh fine, my full name is Whitley Schnee. Happy now?" "Yes, I am." "Okay, then what's the solution then?"
"The solution is in your name, young master."
Whitley's eye twitched, Klein's smile not helping his mood not one bit. "What?"
"Your name, that's the solution." Klein said once again matter-of-factly, his smile turning smugly.
The heir's eyes twitched more at the butler's nonchalant answer as if it already fixed everything.
"Oh yeah, my name!" Whitley said with fake enthusiasm, his hand smacking the side of his face. "Of Course! Why didn't I think of that!" Whitley stared a bit more at Klein with the fake smile on his face. After a few more moments the heir's fake smile dropped and his annoyance was back. "Alright, I'm lost. What does my name have to do with my dilemma?"
This time it was Klein's turn to drop his smile and sighed dejectedly. "You know for someone who can make technological miracles you sure are clueless at times." "Excuse you?"
"Your name is Whitley Schnee, SCHNEE, arguably the most powerful name in Remnant. Or at least this side of Remnant. In terms of your dilemma what I believe you need is a factory, and this is where your name comes into place."
"Is my name supposed to give me a factory? Is that what you're getting at?" Whitley snorted his reply.
"In a way, yes." "Explain."
"Way back then, your father attempted to monopolize both the automotive and aviation industries of Atlas'. For a time it looked like he would have succeeded in this plan of his but with the maneuvers of certain companies with the backing of some politicians who were pro-trust-busting, your father failed in this endeavor of his." Explained Klein, Whitley's mind adjusting to the sudden history lesson. His father Jacques has always been tight-lipped when it came to his shortcomings. It felt good knowing adding to the list of his father's failures, still, Whitley was starting to understand where Klein was going.
"Are you suggesting I commandeer one of the factories the SDC owns?"
"Good heavens no. I won't assist you in terminating the many employees of our company. My point is that although the SDC does have a large presence in the automotive industry we are severely lacking in the aviation industry. At the start of your father's attempt to monopolize both he had purchased large sums of land all over Mantle wherein he built a large amount of factories, factories that to this day haven't yet been active since."
"By Oum, I get it now! I have a factory that I can use to tinker with better materials!" Shouted Whitley excitedly at the conclusion. Then he stared at Klein with a judging expression. "First of all Klein, I am always thankful for your assistance when I have a problem. Second," Whitley inhaled before speaking. "How was I supposed to know all of that!? You know father never talks about his failures!" Shouted the heir as he finished speaking.
Klein had a look of surprise for a bit at Whitley's sudden outburst, then he found himself laughing softly. "I guess you're right, I just assumed you knew. I believe I owe you an apology then master Whitley. I'm sorry for calling you clueless when I didn't know any better."
Hearing Klein's apology instantly lifted Whitley's mood. "How fast can you get me into one of these factories?" The heir said, his tone suddenly shifting to business.
"Give me a week to straighten out a plan." Answered the butler, his tone shifting just as fast to match the heir's. "Although there is something you need to do of utmost importance while I look for a factory."
"And that is?"
"Your father, since last month has been quick to anger after your instructors have reported you missing their lessons. I'm certain he won't just let you out of here, and even if we discreetly smuggle you out I'm sure he'll find a way to get you back with the numerous security companies at his call."
After weeks of shutting the world out tinkering inside his workshop, not once had he taught about how his father would react to his newfound abilities. He had done his best to avoid the man since but now he was forced to confront him if Whitley wanted continued freedom to tinker. As such the heir could only react as best he could.
"Fuck."
"Now now, I'm sure the situation isn't as dire as you believe it to be. Also please avoid swearing while I'm present."
"Sorry about that. Still, what am I gonna say to him that'll convince him to just let me go? I doubt he'll hear me out after Weiss ran off against his will, and she was the one going to inherit the SDC for crying out loud!" Whitley shouted the last sentence, his annoyance quickly turning to anger.
Calm as ever, Klein intervened before the heir blew a gasket. "Losing your patience is the last thing we need, master Whitley. A calm mind is what will help you prevail. As such, I will immediately start looking into what factories will benefit you the most. You need not worry about your belongings for I will be the one to pack them, Mr. Redburns did have an amusing story to tell about a certain someone's ridiculous request for clothing."
Whitley blushed. "I'm sure that someone was justified."
"I'm sure he was. Anyway, you have a week to come up with an argument to convince him to let you go to one of his factories."
Both stood up and went towards the exit of the kitchen, before both could leave Klein looked at Whitley. "Oh and technically master Whitley, Winter was the one who ran away, not Weiss."
Whitley let out an unmannerly snort. "Was that a joke?"
"No," Said Klein, smiling. "But if Weiss could win against an infuriated Jacques after Winter's falling out then I'm certain your victory is certain." Klein didn't bother waiting for Whitley to respond leaving the kitchen and towards his office.
Whitley on the other hand laughed mirthlessly at Klein's final words. Of course he'd find a way to sneak in his sisters to motivate him. That man was persistent if not anything else.
"Cheeky bastard."
AN: Thank you to everyone who followed, favorite, reviewed or even just read this fic. I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Anyway this chapter is a bit shorter than I would've hoped for. The reason for that is that is this coming week I have a very busy schedule in uni and quite frankly my time management went to crap this past week. I only have myself to blame. I didn't want to ignore this fic for 2 weeks straight hence this short chapter, but also in terms of schedule I plan to post a new chapter every weekend and hopefully I'm able to push through with that.
Regardless, thank you for giving me your time and I hope to see all of you soon.