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dreamer213 · 4 months

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Broken Machines: Between The Shadows

Chapter 11: Talk To Me

Penny: I’m sorry but could you repeat that?

Penny asked, sitting upright in her bed. She had just woken up and hadn’t even gotten out of bed to wash up yet, pajamas and fluffy bedhead evidence to this as she stares intently at her scroll while on a video call with her boyfriend. Said boyfriend sighs softly before repeating his statement as instructed.

Whitley: My father forced me on a dinner date so he could a campaign donation out of the girl’s father.

He says matter of factly, knowing there was no real way to sugarcoat that information.

Penny: I see, that's what I thought you said….…WHAT!

She screams, absolutely outraged by what she just heard! Penny already had a low opinion of Jacques Schnee for his personality, actions, and overall demeanor. Truly there was no one Penny thought worse than him and yet every time she heard more about him her disdain for him grew. She wouldn’t say she hated him really, that was too strong of a word, but her patience for the crooked businessman was wearing thinner by the day.

Penny: What is wrong with him!!! How could he do that without your permission?!

Whitley: He’s a schemer, he’ll use any and every tool at his disposal to get what he wants. The girl wanted time with me, and her father had something my father wanted, so he made it happen.

Penny: But you’re his son, his biological family!

Whitley: And both titles are not mutually exclusive. At least in my case.

He states completely nonchalantly as per usual, acting utterly unaffected by the disrespect he’d received from his primary parental figure. Penny’s about to argue but can feel a hiccup coming on. She knows that a person could be both someone’s child and a tool in various ways, she herself was that by definition. Growing frustrated, Penny sighed and moved on to the other thing that was bothering her about this situation.

Penny: So, who was it?

Whitley: Hmm?

Penny: Who did you have to have dinner with?

Whitley: I’m not sure I should tell you that.

Penny: Wha? Why?!

Whitley: Penny, darling, you are a wonderful and caring person. Truly one of the most, if not the most, lovable people I have ever met. Buy my dear you are also very very strong and very emotional.

Penny: And? What are you implying?

Whitley: I’m just saying that telling you the name of the girl with that high of an interest in me might not be the safest thing. I mean you’ve taken down full-grown men with ease; I don’t want to think about what would happen to a teenage girl if she got on your warpath.

He jokes. honestly Whitley knew Penny wasn’t the type to respond to jealousy with rage but talking around the situation was the best way he could think of to soften the blow.

Penny: So, you think I would hurt her?

Whitley: No, but it’s best to not tempt fate.

Penny: Whitley!!!

Whitley: Okay, okay I’ll tell you. Do you remember Octavia’s little “friend group.”

Penny: Yeah?

Whitley: It was one of those girls, Seraphina actually.

Penny: Seraphina…That Seraphina!

Penny’s eyes go wide, a hot ball of fury blooming in her stomach. Out of all the ill-behaved girls in that group it had to be the most vulgar of them. Recalling how causally and thoughtlessly Seraphina had sexualized Whitley the first and only time she’d spoken with her, Penny felt a tinge of worry overlapping with her anger.

Penny: Did…did she do anything?

Whitley: Pardon?

Penny: Did she do anything to you? Anything…inappropriate?

She asks her voice soft and full of sincerity. Penny didn’t want to think of the worst-case scenario but knowing how Seraphina viewed Whitley and how little control he likely had in the situation she couldn’t help it. Sensing her concern, Whitley decides to stop with the games and clear the air before she gets carried away in the what-ifs.

Whitley: There were attempts of flirting and touching, she even followed me to the bathroom-

Penny: (gasps)

Whitley: -But! That was it. I managed to keep her at bay for whole the night without causing a scene. Nothing happened.

Penny: Really?

Whitley: Yes.

Penny: Okay.

Letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding Penny felt the ball of rage deflate as relief washed over her. Her heart was still pounding but her mind felt at ease that the worst-case scenario hadn’t taken place. Seeing the calm expression blooming on Penny’s face Whitley decides that now is the time to reveal his surprise.

Whitley: But I must admit, I don’t make it through the night myself.

Penny: Huh?

Whitley: I had a little help from some…unexpected friends.

He chuckles and then explains how he ran into Esther and Octavio and recruited their assistance during dinner.

Whitley: There was only one thing they wanted in exchange.

Penny: And that was?

He doesn’t answer, but soon a text message notification from his number pings on Penny’s scroll. Opening it she finds two mobile numbers, one for Esther and one for Octavia. Penny’s eyes widen in confusion on delight as her gaze shifts between the message and the video-fed of Whitley, who was casually smiling at her through the screen. His night of struggling to maintain his dignity and chastity had paid off well.

Whitley: They’ve been looking for you for a while and I promised to give you their contact info if I got the chance. It’s up to you whether or not to use it.

Penny: I…thank you, Whitley!

Whitley: No problem, dear. Now I have to get back to work.

Penny: On a Sunday?

Whitley: The dinner interrupted me from finishing up something I needed to get done so I could come see you today.

Penny: Oh, so…no date this week?

Whitley: No.

Penny pouts, this wasn’t uncommon given Whitley’s packed schedule but the reason behind this week’s derailment had her feeling a bit miffed. How unfair that a brat like Seraphina got to go on a date with Whitley when she, his own girlfriend, couldn’t without the right timing and lots of planning! All because her dad had the money to buy his time off of Jacques!

Penny: Hmmm.

She grumbles, Whitley chuckles at her adorable sour face.

Whitley: I know but look on the bright side. You have two lovely little lady friends to keep you company in my stead.

Penny: That true, but it still doesn’t make me miss you less.

Whitley: Me either, I’ll call again tonight. Love you.

Penny: Love you too!

They both blow each other a kiss and the call soon disconnects leaving Penny all alone in her room once more. Looks over to her closet to stare at the outfit she’d picked out earlier in the week in case of a last-minute date and sighs.

Penny: It’s been hanging up there for a few days; it feels kind of wasteful to just put it back.

She muses somberly, with her day off now open the outfit had no purpose. It was a shame as she tried to experiment a little, pairing a long yellow cardigan with a blue dress with white polka dots and fastening the matching belt around the waistline. She’d even walked around in her yellow boots a bit every night to break them in so they could be added to the look. Now there was no reason to even put it on.

Penny: Maybe I should just go spend the day with someone? Be who?

Her options without Whitley were not great, Team FUNKI was still practicing for their upcoming concert, Uncle James was always buried in work, and Winter practical went missing in action whenever she wasn’t on duty. In fact, the only person she knew was free and go somewhere was-

Penny: Wait.

Penny sits upright and jumps out of bed; she puts on her slippers then rushes out her bedroom. Jogging down the stairs and heading to the kitchen, she finds her dad making breakfast. Hearing her coming Pietro looks up from his skillet to greet her.

Pietro: Morning Sweetpea!

Penny: Morning Dad!

She chirps before rushing up to him and giving him a soft tackle hug.

Penny: What’s for breakfast?

Pietro: Just eggs and bacon, we’re outta pancake mix.

Penny: Yeah, and a lot of other stuff too. That’s why you’re going shopping today, right?

Pietro: Yup!

Penny: Can I come with you?

That gives the old man some pause. Now Pietro knew about his daughter’s relationship and how she acted when it was time to see her little bae so this sudden shift in plans meant something must have happened. So, he calls her on it.

Pietro: What about your date?

Penny: It…got canceled.

She says trying not to huff again in frustration. Seeing her pout makes Pietro chuckle as he presses on.

Pietro: Well, what happened there?

Penny: Jacques happened.

Pietro: Oooooh.

Penny: Yeah. And if I talk about it anymore, I feel like I’m going to scream!

She huffs, eliciting another laugh from her dad.

Penny: So, may I please go shopping with you?

Pietro: Of course, Sweetie! Now sit down, food’s about done.

Penny nods and skips over to the dining table. After they have breakfast, the father-daughter pair clean up the dishes and get dressed for their errand. Pietro takes a bit longer to get to the front door as he packs tote bags onto his chair to carry their groceries. When they’re all set Penny and Pietro leave the house and take the city bus to head to the market. You see, Pietro despite his great intellect was a very simple man. He liked to get his bread from the bakery and meat from the butchers when he could manage it. Sure, he could go into a big box store and get everything in one go but that wasn’t how he liked to do things. As someone who put their heart into their craft, he preferred to patron others who did the same. That’s what the bags were for, reusables for holding different products from familiar stores.

As they go from shop to shop Penny watches Pietro be greeted and greet the people inside with the kind of familiarity that takes years to develop. The staff at the general store know him by name, and the bakery already has his usual order set aside for him in by the time they walk in. She even offers Penny a couple of free cupcakes.

Valora: They’re from a test batch for a new flavor. Give it a try!

Pietro: Ah, thanks Valora. You’re too sweet.

Valora: It’s nothing, I was looking for test runners anyway.

The kind elder woman holds out the treat to Penny with a smile. It was a vanilla cupcake with powder pink icing and topped with a candied strawberry. Simple but cute, like something a sweet little girl would ask for as a treat while out with her parents.

Penny: Octavia would love this…in fact.

Penny takes out her scroll, opens the camera app, and snaps a few pictures of the cupcakes before taking them gently. She thanks the baker before taking a bite. The coating on the strawberry breaks with a soft crunch, the icing is peach-flavored, and the inside is filled with a soft peach jam. It’s an interesting tasting treat as it’s very sweet but somewhat tart. It’s a very summery flavor and Penny really enjoys it, easting about half before offering the other to her dad. As the two share sweeties Valora looks on with a satisfied smirk.

Valora: It’s good?

Penny nods yes, lips in a tight smile to keep her mouth full of baked delight from falling out.

Valora: That’s a relief, I had to sub a few things out here and there. What with that bolt head locking up the boarder-

She stops herself, slapping her hand over her mouth and excusing herself back to the kitchen. Penny looks puzzled by her words, but Pietro quickly leads her away to head to their next stop. But as they carry on with their errand Penny picks up on a common topic of conversation, complains about the border situation. This wasn’t uncommon to hear at all with how much the whole world was shaken when Beacon fell but it seemed the context of the heightened security was slowly becoming twisted.

Blame for the constrictions and slowing of supply chains was being placed on Ironwood. This wasn’t exactly wrong, but the decision had its reasons! There was a dangerous force running loose in the world with nothing but malicious acts in mind. It wanted nothing more than to rain chaos and cessation wherever it went.

Penny: It’s not like he wanted this but what choice did he have?! After what happened to Beacon, even what happened to during the tournament was already-

Penny stops in her tracks and grabs her stomach, her waist burning from the memory. Her injuries were a part of the beginning of it all, a smokescreen to cause confusion while the real nightmare unfolded. She knew the horrors it would bring onto even the most innocent or irrelevant.

Seeing her discomfort Pietro suggests they stop at a nearby park bench to catch their breath, Penny agrees. It takes some maneuvering to get their groceries situated without dropping anything. In that organizing, Pietro finds he’s forgotten something at the last stop they made. Since it’s not too far away Pietro leaves Penny behind to go retrieve it. Alone again, Penny can feel the melancholy rolling in. All day she had tried to look at the positives no matter how pessimistic things had gotten but that was a hard task to do alone when people around were in just as bad shape. Whitley was forced on a horrible date, the tension in Mantle was still high, and even her fellow huntsman friends were too busy preparing their concert to hang out with her. It’s sad but couldn’t a protector have someone to lean when she was down?

Penny: Maybe I’m being too greedy. I shouldn't beg for attention whenever I feel lonely, I’m not stuck in the lab anymore! I can go where I want to, do what I want to do and talk…to who I want to.

Penny pauses and pulls out her scroll, looking back at Whitley’s text from the morning. In her quest to chase away from worries and get outside, she’d neglected to address the two people who’d been worrying for her. Though her relationship with Octavia had started as a quest for more information on her investigation Penny had quickly grown fond of the plucky girl from their first meeting and Esther had merely triggered her protective instincts but even after she still wanted to know more about her. They were bright spots in a very dark place, and they were still seeking her out. For what Penny couldn’t be 100 percent sure but leaving resolved would be irresponsible for a protector of the people like her. So with much consideration, Penny dials one of the numbers. A soft instrumental song plays in her ear for a few seconds before a familiar clear but delicate voice replies when the music fades.

Esther: Hello?

Penny smiles, eased at the sound of her green-haired friend’s voice.

Penny: Hello Esther! How are you today?

Esther: What-PENNY!

#fanfic #rwby fanfiction #rwby #penny polendina #fanfiction #beta testers #whitley schnee #cute #angst #sorry it took a while #pietro polendina

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dreamer213 · 8 months

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Broken Machines: Between Shadows

Chapter 6: Corporate, Crime, and Colleagues

Being busy is a normal part of life most people just fall into. Be it because of schoolwork, actual work, chores, or a hobby, things just get backed up and need to be tackled in way too short of a deadline. And unfortunately for the two youngest high-ranking workaholics in the Atlas range, today was one of those days.

Whitley, up early as usual, had just gotten through his backlog of work that morning when Hannah knocked on his door.

Hannah: Young Master?

Whitley sighs, pockets his scroll and gets up from his desk to open the door for her. But when he sees her it’s clear something is very very wrong. Her expression is sour, and her face is slightly green from uneasiness, not something you want to see on your service staff so early in the day.

Whitley: What happened this time, Hannah?

Hannah: W-well, Master had a guest over last night.

Whitley: Yes, I’m aware. And?

Hannah: Well, it seems he’s made a…little messy in one of the guest rooms, and the cleaning crew is having trouble tidying it up.

Whitley: Are they running low on supplies or was there some property damage they can work around?

Hannah: N-no, it’s not that.

Whitley: Then what’s the problem?

Hannah: It’s…not easy to describe. Honestly, it would be easier just to show you. Please follow me.

Whitley sighs again before stepping out into the hallway and letting Hannah led him to the aforementioned guest room. As they’re approaching Whitley can already tell this was going to be unpleasant to deal with. The cleaning crew was standing outside the room dawned in protective smocks, industrial duty gloves, and masks. They all looked horrified but were completely clean as if they couldn’t even attempt to enter for fear of meeting some horrible fate. A foul snitch permeates through the hall, the only indicator of what’s got them so spooked. The moment Whitley gets a whiff of it his stomach drops, he knows that smell and immediately understands why everyone’s being so cautious. Still, he needs to confirm his hunch before calling in backup.

Whitley: Please God, let it be just a small pile on the bedsheets.

He prays, before opening the doors to the guest's room and peeking in. His eyes go wide in pure horror as he gets a glimpse of the mess inside. The smell hits him at full force causing him to double over and gag, stomach threatening to empty onto the floor. He pulls back slamming the doors shut before turning to Hannah.

Whitley: Where is the guest?

Hannah: In another room down the hall, asleep.

Whitley: Okay, make sure he gets rehydrated when he’s awake, and give him soft easily digestible food for the rest of his stay.

Hannah: Yes, sir!

Whitley: Thank you. Now I’m going to call the hazmat company to clean this up. When they finish take everything out of that room outside and burn it.

Hannah: Everything?

Whitley: Yes, not even the strongest industrial cleaner is going to get that level of snitch out.

Hannah winces and then nods her head in agreement, walking away to inform the other staff members of their new orders. Whitley calls up the cleaning specialist but just as he finishes the call, he gets a message from his father. A demand to summoning him to an in-house conference with some of his business associates. Or more accurately a meeting with a bunch of corks brushing aside the worries of middle management who know good and well that they’re toeing the line of legality on multiple fronts. And Whitley was going to play rear guard in case someone lost their temper, again.

Whitley: As always, there is no peace in this house.

He muses before walking back to his room to make preparations for the meeting.

Meanwhile, in Mantle, Penny is assisting in another emergency involving the robberies. The military detail for Hemlock Steel was making its way back with the shipment but two small explosions stopped them midway. The first detonated directly under the armored van’s engine causing it to blow up along with the front of the vehicle. This also caused a fire that quickly spread to the interior. The shipment truck stopped immediately after the blast, the soldiers inside leaped out to aid their comrades. Just as they were getting everyone out the second explosive went off. Though this one was just a flashbang, it still managed to temporally blind and deafen the soldiers in range. By the time most had regained their senses, the shipment truck was gone, and they had to call back up for transport back and to tend to the wound.

Which is where Penny came in.

It's hard to keep her anger in check as helps her fellow soldiers into medical vans, carrying a few who couldn’t stand and guiding others whose vision was still impaired by the second blast.

Penny: Okay, just take a few more steps.

She said softly, right hand set steady on the shoulder of a soldier and the other firmly grasped in his hand as they walked carefully on the icy terrain. He was a young man, a newer recruit barely nineteen years old, and already wore heavy prescription glasses. But they had shattered in the first blast, a reflexive blink being the only thing to save his eyes from direct damage. Until the second blast.

Penny: That’s it, now put your foot up onto the step.

She directs the man as he steps up and into the medic van, shaking while still grasping Penny’s hand tightly. He’s unsure in his steps but thankfully manages to get in safely where military EMTs get to look after him along with the other injured. Penny lingers for a moment to watch as they check his eyes, the meager reactions and dilation as they shine a light into them being clear indications of damage. Penny couldn’t help but be hit with a sharp twinge of pity for him. If it could be healed naturally it would take a while, leaving him somewhat blind for the duration. But if the damage was great enough to necessitate treatment via cybernetic or even complete ocular transplant then he would never be the same again. As one who’d had her whole body replaced aside from a few key organs, Penny knew just how foreign those new parts could feel in both good and bad ways. But she couldn’t dwell on it for long, there were still others in need of help before the cold or their injuries got to them.

Penny: Just focus on getting everyone home safe. Everything else is secondary.

She tells herself, pushing down the heavy emotions swirling around in her head as she returns to the wreckage to grab the next patient.

Back in Atlas, Whitley is sitting in the middle of a corporate battlefield. Accountants, lawyers, and descent-minded middle-upper management begging for clarification on discrepancies in budgets and complaints from both employees and customers while Jaques's team of well-bribed broader members deflected all wrongdoings.

The issue of missing money is the first to send everything into disarray, accountants terrified of possible tax issues demand to know why spending was so high. The most senior of them, Jeffery Hayward was especially vocal, reminding the board of the “cost-cutting measures” Jacques had put in place and how hard the finance and legal department had worked to make it happen without any of the four kingdom’s councils interfering.

Jeffery: We had protests around office buildings for months, White Fang members used it as an insight incident to justify the murder of multiple executives and a few board members! Men who were here when this company came to be and stood beside our founder lost, all for the sake of these policies! Policies that have not only damaged our company image with the masses but provoked multiple lawsuits from workers! Yet The Head of our massive enterprise has allowed spending to get this out of hand! Can someone please explain to me hoe this is remotely feasible?!

He shouted from across the long oak wood boardroom table, red-faced and clearly incensed. The Head himself however seemed unmoved and instituted of responding looks over to his son sitting in the chair to his left. He wasn't going to bother with this. Eyes cold with boredom, he stares Whitley down in a commanding way, giving the boy silent permission to speak. Catching his cue Whitley rises from his seat with papers in hand, ready to rebuke the claims. The forums were doctored to hide the truth, obviously and his selection was simple to act as a buffer between the two sides. Because who would dare question the young well-spoken future head of the company?

Whitley: The additional costs are from new expenses for necessary procedural and equipment overhauls in several departments due to changes brought on by changes in the closing of borders and loss of communication with a portion of our global facilities.

Jeffery’s anger calms for a moment as he processes the boy’s words. But it soon returned as more questions arose.

Jeffery: But this is simply too much of a discrepancy! An increase this high in over only a year is-

Whitley: Is necessary when the entire of the Atlas shipping fleet had to be switched from manned aircrafts to remote control aircrafts. There was also the cost of production of the new ships, the severance and retirement pay for the long-term pilots who were dismissed. One of whom’s family we are still forwarding a monthly salary and providing health insurance coverage due to the pilot going missing during his final delivery. Not to mention the added inflation on all of this due to Vale’s current economic and institutional restructuring.

He rebuffs elegantly, cutting off Jeffery and stopping the conversation in its tracks. Bringing up two tragedies, one of which directly relates to the company on a public level and the other on a practical level, gives the high-spirited pause and makes the bloat in cost seem more understandable. But this was just the beginning. Just like before Jeffery comes back with another fallacy in the situation and as the rest of the room looks on Whitley continues to stand his ground. It’s a war of attrition and the young man had more than a talking point and patience to win.

Unfortunately, Penny isn't so lucky. Just as the medics finish patching up the last of the injured the sound of loud stomping breaks through the icy winds. Sensing danger, Penny steps away aside and fires up her boots. She jets up into the air and looks in the direction where the sound is coming from, focusing in with her enhanced vision. What she finds is a horde of Ursai grimm coming their way! Most of the group is made of ursa minor but their numbers are high and the one ursa major among them was massive, towering over the other even from the back of the herd.

Penny: This is bad. At the rate they are traveling, we’ll only have five minutes before they reach us and less than fifty before they get to the city if they bypass us. Better cut them off now while we’re still out of sight.

Penny thought, activating her aura and focusing in on the ursa major before descending back down. She doesn't land immediately, instead, she hovers above the area steadily putting herself in a position where everyone can see and hear her.

Penny: Attention!!!

She shouts, and everyone stops in their tracks to look up at her. Giving of this air of authority Penny quickly briefs everyone on the situation.

Penny: A horde of Ursai is coming in from the east, twenty minor and one major!

The area irrupts into loud murmurs at the announcement, many of the injured looking frightened, and the able-bodied and uninjured quickly pick up their arms as Penny continues.

Penny: All the injured and incapacitated need to retreat, now. Everyone else, stay and prepare to engage. We’ll cut them off before they can reach the main road or city lines.

With no time to complain or even think the trooper replies with a simple “Yes, Ma’am!” before going to work. Within moments all the injured had packed into medical vans and were heading back to the city while the active soldiers ready themselves for a fight. As the horde comes into view, the soldiers form a firing line and take aim. Penny, still in the air, signals to those on the ground to hold.

Penny: I’m going to take down the major to break their formation, focusing on minors before they break away from the group.

The soldiers reply again with another “Yes, Ma’am,” and retrain their sights to the smaller Ursa minors. Just as they get into firing range Penny flies directly at the Ursa major. Discharging all her swords, Penny sends them flying at all four of the beast’s limbs before kicking it directly in its mask-shaped outer skull, hurling it back and onto its stomach. Confusion spreads through the horde as their leader falls to the ground, giving the soldiers a clear shot as they open fire. The ursa major doesn’t get a chance to get back up as its limbs lose all function from the deep cuts Penny slashed into the joints. It only gets a few seconds to flail about before Penny fires an energy blast at it, obliterating the large beast’s head in one blow. As the rest of its body crumbles away Penny refocuses onto the ursa minors. Almost half had already been mowed down by the firing line while a few had managed to break away. So, with a quickness like no other, Penny gives chase. Not a single one of these grimm were getting to the city on her watch, even if she had to fight them off by hand!

Busy in battle, Penny unknowingly misses her lunch call with Whitley. Not that he could answer, the meeting running so long that they had to have food brought in. The quality and quantity of which causing another agreement, one Whitley had to agree for while everyone else ate. By the end, the boy was exhausted and in much need of some reprieve but as always things don’t go his way. As his father’s seeing off his colleagues, promising to go out with the man and his associates for drinks that weekend, Olga approaches him. Her face is strewn as she tries to tell him something, but he just brushes her off. Sensing her disposition Whitley looks over at her and motions for her to wait at the side. She does just as the last man goes out the door and Jacques re-enters the manor.

Jacques: Gods, that was exhausting!

He signed, taking off his clip-on tie and tossing it to one of the maids who catches it on reflex. He stretches his arms as if he’s just had the most troublesome day, a low yawn escaping him as he does so.

Jacques: Someone fetch me my cinder box, I’ll be in my study. Don’t disturb me.

He commands, the staff present reply in unison with a respectful but monotone “Yes, Master.” Jacques huffs proudly at the display of obedience and leaves, the tension in the room deflating once he’s footsteps can no longer be heard. Now in the clear Olga rushes over to Whitley, the sternness in her eyes now mixed with a hint of anger.

Olga: Young Master! You need to come with me right now!

Whitley: What is it this time Olga?

He says in an aspirated tone, emotionally unwilling to take on any more tasks but unable to refuse. This attitude soon shifts into one of urgency as Olga clarifies her request.

Olga: Something has happened in the Mistress’s bedroom!

Whitley: What!

He exclaims, voice full of shock and worry at the prospect of something happening to his mother. Without any delay, Whitley and Olga head to Willow’s wing as quickly as possible. During the walk over Whitley’s mind races with possible scenarios that could have befallen his unfortunate and at times barely coherent mother. Thankfully none of them comes to pass as when they arrive Whitley is greeted by the sight of his mother in her bed asleep. She was dreaming peacefully while on the other side of the room stood, Yuko and Mary. Mary was standing there with her usual uninterested glaze while Yuko was holding down another maid in a tight grip. The young woman had her head down, her long dark blonde hair obscuring her face. Mary is the first to spot them and quietly strides up to them.

Mary: Evening Young Master.

Whitley: What’s going on Mary?

Mary: Mistress was experiencing more headaches then usual and decided to go to bed early tonight. After I put her down, I called for Olga and Yuko to help me tidy up “the usual mess.”

Her gaze falls to the floor, looking pointedly at the stray empty wine and bourbon bottles start on the floor. Whitley scowls at the sight and, not wanting to think about it, presses Mary to move on.

Whitley: Yes, and?

Mary: As we were cleaning that girl over there, I believe her name is Tabitha, came to the door with a basket of fresh laundry. She insisted on putting everything away herself, so I let her come in. But not long after I heard something fall from the closet and when I looked, I found her hiding this behind her back.

Mark holds up a silver brooch with a large red jewel at its center.

Whitley: That’s!

He takes the jewelry from her hand and holds it gingerly. He knew this brooch well for it once was pinned to the shirt of a man he deeply admired. The last person to make him feel secure and at peace before Penny. This was his beloved grandfather’s brooch; one he wore often when out of his armor and had been a treasure keepsake for his mother. One that never left her room since his death, store away in a jewelry box she kept at the back of her closet. And yet.

Whitley: How dare!

Whitley maintains a neutral face as he takes the jewelry piece and puts it back where it belongs. Pulling the jewelry box off the shelf, he stared at it for a moment. It was an old silver box shaped like a grand piano, a birthday gift for Willow after she’d gained an interest in the instrument all those years ago. It had no lock but why would it need one? No one was foolish enough to touch something so valuable and meaningful to the literal inherent of the estate. At least no one with sense.

Whitley: Yet some people are just so rotten even that doesn’t faze them.

He thought bitterly as he gently placed the brooch back with the other jewels and returned to the box to its hiding place. When he turns back around, there’s a burning anger from him that puts everyone but Mary on alert. Seeing any other Schnees this irritate was cause for concern but seeing the normally calm and courteous Whitley like this? That was almost mythical and completely unpredictable. Without a word, he walks toward the door, stopping at the door front then turning back to pointing out to the hallway. With his blazing gaze, he conveys a simple demand “Outside now,” which all four maids follow immediately, Yuko carrying Tabitha out by her arms as the attempted thief drags her feet. Whitley gently closes the door behind, eyes trained on his mother’s sleeping form to make sure the noise does wake her. On out in the hallway, Whitley marches up to Tabitha and Yuko.

Whitley: Hold her up.

He orders, Yuko complies and lifts the girl up onto her feet.

Whitley: Tabitha.

Addressing the theft, Whitley expected her to look up at him and try to explain herself. However, it seems that despite being shameless enough to steal a beloved keepsake from the person she’d called Mistress she somehow was too ashamed to look at the woman's child as he confronted her.

Whitley: Tabitha, look at me.

His voice was cold and menacing, his tone sending frightened shivers down the blonde’s spine. Scared of what could come to pass if she refused, Tabitha slowly raised her head though her gaze stayed on the ground. Annoyed by this Whitley tilts her head up by her chin using his index and middle fingers. He held her face so that her brown eyes have no choice but to stare into his deep blue which now bore terrifying hollowness as they stare back. It was so harsh Tabitha felt like she might cry. For a moment, the vast power difference between them became clear. Despite seeing him near daily most of the staff never fully recognized how much Whitley had grown in the last few years. His dignified demeanor and attitude made it hard to see him as anything more than the proper little young master. But right now, they could see he wasn’t the little boy he’d used to be but a young man with far more strength than most would ever realize.

Whitley: Collect your things from the maid’s quarters then turn in your resignation. You have one hour to leave this manor and never return.

Tabitha: But-

Whitley: And if you fail to do so I will have you arrested for theft and blacklisted across the kingdom before you can even post bail. Do you understand?

Tabitha nods in the affirmative erratically and Whitley finally lets her go. His gaze doesn’t leave her as Yuko lets her go, causing the blonde to fall to her knees before scrambling back up and running away.

Whitley: Yuko.

Yuko: Yes?

Whitley: Make sure she does as told and drag her out if she doesn’t follow through.

Yuko: Yes, Young Master.

Whitley: Olga, tell the head maid of Tabitha’s dismissal and why in detail. Don’t leave her any room to talk her way out of it.

Olga: Yes, Young Master.

With that, both maids leave to carry out their new orders. This left Mary and Whitley alone, the maid giving the boy a knowing look. It wasn’t often that she got to see the boy bare his fangs in person but when she did it only reminded her that she’d back the right one. The young heir could be just as cruel as he could be kind when needed, it’s one of the traits she’d first spotted in him. A testament to the type of leader he’d become when the time was right.

Whitley returns her look with a scoff before leaving, his mood utterly soured. He disliked acting harshly but had no mercy when ruthlessness was deserved. Still, the whole situation left a bad taste in his mouth as he wondered what could have happened if his mother had been awake to see such a scene.

Whitley: She’d would’ve been in hysterics if she’d seen that. Gods knows how she is about Grandfather’s things.

He muses as he strides back to his room, foreseeing another of work coming his way when arrives he takes the long routine back to prolong the inevitable. In his steps, his mind wanders to happier things, specifically the lovely redhead he’d been dying to see.

Down on Mantle’s streets, Penny is also taking the long way back as she finally heads home. Taking down the rest of the ursa minors took longer than expected as a pack of beowolves came in behind them. Now after getting back and getting all the reports done Penny’s workday is over and she could some much-needed rest!

Penny: Can’t wait to get home! I need something warm to eat, soft pajamas, and a nice bubble bath.

She mused, a tired yawn escaping her as she turned a corner. She’s walking past a retail store when she spots a familiar face up ahead. Decked out in her usual bright colors and roller skates in front of a burger shop was Neon Kat, holding a hefty bag on her tail while both her hands rested on her hips as she argued with a man on the street.

Neon: For the last time Mike, I am not interested!

She shouts, looking at the man, Mike, with obvious disgust. Mike doesn’t take this lying down and shouts back.

Mike: Bullshit! I know you want me!

Neon: Like Hell I do! You’re a piece of shit!

Mike: Ha! Says the slutty cat!

Neon: The fuck did just you call me?!

Mike: You heard me! Everyone knows you rotate through your dickbag teammates on the daily.

Neon: You son of bitch! Don’t you dare bring my team into this!

Their bickering attracts stares and whispers from passersby, but no one moves to intervene. Tired but not wanting her reckless friend to get in trouble, Penny goes to break them up. As she’s approaching Mike raises his hand to strike Neon, the cat faunas too caught up in yelling to notice. But as he brings it down, something grips on his wrist tight. It’s Penny’s hand, holding his wrist with strength that threatened to snap it in two.

Mike: What the-

Penny: Leave my friend alone.

Mike: Let go of me, you crazy bit-

Penny: Leave now before I make you leave.

She states eyes a glow as she grips him a little tighter. The pressure sends a wave of pain down his arm and Mike's face pales. She lets go when he pulls away, backing up into a wall before taking off in terror. Situation handle Penny turns Neon to check if she’s okay.

Penny: Are you okay Ne-

Neon: Penny Pop!

But it’s unnecessary as Neon quickly latches onto her in a bear hug.

Neon: What’s up girly! Whatcha doing around here?!

Penny: Walking home, I just clocked out for the night. What about you?

Neon: Gettin dinner for the gang.

She brings her tail around and shakes the bag of food in Penny’s face.

Neon: My period just started, and it gives me mad red meat and cheese cravings. And since it’s payday I thought I’d be nice treat my boys too!

Penny: That’s…more information than I really needed.

Neon: Whateves. Hey, you wanna come back to the barracks with me? We’re having a jam session to prep for a concert we got coming up.

Penny: Team FNKI’s performing again?

Neon: Yeah, Bossman Iron Pants says morale had been tanking all over town and asked us to dish out some of our special brand of funk to people’s spirits up!

Penny tilts her head, getting the jest of what she means but losing bits of it among the slang.

Penny: Bossman? Do you mean General Ironwood?

Neon: Duh! Who else would I mean?

She chuckles, promoting Penny to roll her eyes and lightly shove her off her shoulders.

Neon: So, you in or what?

Penny: Sorry, Neon but I have to get home soon. My dad’s making pasta for dinner, and I need to get there before it gets cold.

Neon: Aw, what! That’s so lame!

Penny: Maybe to you but it’s not to me. Good night Neon.

She waves Neon goodbye before continuing her trek home.

Neon: Hey wait!

Neon rolls in front of her, blocking Penny’s path.

Penny: What is it?

Neon: Just give a sec! I still owe you for scaring off that douchebag.

Penny: It’s fine, Neon, that’s my job.

Neon: Still! You’ve had me and my crew’s backs for a minute now and feels like I owe you something for all the trouble.

Penny: It’s really not a problem, you and the rest of team FNKI are my friends and comrades. I’ll always be there for you if you need me.

Neon: See, that’s what I’m talking about! You’re just too damn sweet, Penny.

She chirps while pinching Penny’s for her unbelievable cuteness. Penny lets her have her fun for a few seconds before brushing her hand away.

Penny: Quit it.

Neon: Sorry, couldn’t help it. All those freckles on your chunky cheeks just makes your face look so squishable!

Penny: Okay? If that’s all then I really should-

Neon: No wait! Just give me a second to think.

Neon takes a moment then comes up with a brilliant stupid idea. She turns around and kneels down in front of Penny, putting her hand behind her back with her palms facing up.

Neon: Jump on!

Penny: Excuse me?

Neon: Get on, I’m gonna blade you home!

Penny: Seriously?

Neon: Yeah! It’s the least I can do!

Penny: You do realize my skeletal structure is made of metal, right?

Neon: Yeah, I know. But I also know you don’t weigh half as much as you pretend you do. Now get on!

Penny: (sigh) You are truly infuriating Neon Kat.

Against her better judgment gets on her back. She wraps her arms around Neon’s shoulders and neck and puts her feet onto her hips. Once she’s securely on her, Neon asks Penny for directions to her house. She enters her usual route into Neon’s scroll, and they set off. It’s a surprisingly quaint ride as they roll the streets at a leisurely pace.

Neon: Having fun back there?

Penny: A little, I haven’t been on someone’s back like this in a while.

Neon: Really? Not a fan of piggybacks?

Penny: No, it’s more out of independence. After I started walking, I just preferred to move on my own. Before that, I was mostly sedentary so when I got the chance to move on my own I got overexcited and I didn't really rely on anyone for transportation.

Neon: Cool, walk your own path sister! But don’t forget that there’s always a helping hand there if you need it.

Penny: I know.

They continue rolling down the streets when Neon gets another bright idea.

Neon: Hey, wanna see something cool?

Penny: Sure.

Neon: Okay, hold on tight!

Penny: Wait, what are you going to-WHOA!

Penny shouts as Neon activates her semblance, propelling them forward at a high speed under a haze of rainbow light. Despite being used to high velocity from flying Penny had never moved like this on the ground. She can feel every bit of wind resistance, every crack and bump on the sidewalk as they glide through town. It’s a bit terrifying but also thrilling! Penny can’t help but smile as they zoom, Neon laughing aloud when she catches her grin. Before she knows it they’re right in front of her house, Neon taking a few spins around a light post to slow down before coming to a full stop.

Neon: Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our destination, please take all bags and luggage as you depart, and thank you for riding the Neon rails!

She quips while putting Penny down, the girl giggling as she gets her feet on the ground.

Penny: Thanks Neon! That was so much fun!

Neon: Any time girl! Hit me up if you’re ever looking to party, peace!

Penny: Bye Neon.

She waves her goodbye while Neon throws her a peace sigh before rolling away. Home at last, Penny gets out her keys and unlocks the front door. She walks in and is welcomed back by the scent of tomato sauce and garlic bread, her dad hard at work in the kitchen.

Penny: I’m home!

She announces, catching her dad’s attention as he’s pulling the garlic bread out of the oven.

Pietro: Welcome back, Sweetpea! You ready for dinner?

Penny: You know I am! I haven’t eaten since this morning!

Pietro: Well then put your bags down and set the table. I got a whole pot of spaghetti and extra big meatballs!

Penny: Okay!

She chirps, pulling off her backpack and sitting down to take off her boots. Her mood had lifted so much higher from where it was, she couldn’t help but kinda feel lucky.

Penny: Despite everything, today was very eventful and exciting. I got a lot done, protected many, and even had a little fun. Give them circumstances, this is as good as a day like this could get.

She thought while placing her left boot to the side. Before she starts on the other one Penny hears a notification come in on her scroll. She opens and once she reads the words on the screen, she can’t help but jump up in joy! However, her landing falls flat as the height difference between her barefoot and single boot leaves her off balance, making her fall to the floor. But that barely faxes her as her giddiness sends her into a giggling feat, eyes clouded over and absolutely lovestruck as she re-reads the text.

Whitley: [Are you free this weekend?]

#fanfic #rwby fanfiction #penny polendina #rwby #whitley schnee #pietro polendina #neon katt #jaques schnee #fanfiction #angst #cute #beta testers #sorry it took a while #broken machines

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