The Six Sectors

Chapter Four - Wheatley

Wheatley belongs to me.

Getting back to the forest was a beginning to become easier than 17-year-old Wheatley Hanity-Spydos would like. He knew every tree too well, and if was to get home, he was going to have to-

             "Two hours." Wheatley looked up into the trees to see his best friend, Cicada Greenleaf. Cicada's green lower half was hard to miss, and the Gryllitaur had their mask on. The two were almost too different - Cicada was almost like his mother, in fact. He didn't mind that, really. 

            "What?" Wheatley asked, confused. He raised an eyebrow. Cicada sighed. "You've been gone for 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 20 seconds." the Gryllitaur clarified, hopping down next to him. Wheatley rolled his eye and optic. "What kept you?" Wheatley looked at him. "I had to get my arm repaired after that capture assault from Ijetix's Collectors. It was pretty beat up." He explained, holding up the bag of cookies. Cicada sighed with relief as he hopped by his friend. "Y'know your family and I hate it when you leave the forest. Especially with the assaults becoming more frequent. Your test comes soon. You'll be able to prove yourself to your aunt, the Chief." Wheatley didn't bother to correct him. He knew Cicada was right. 

           When he had first gotten to Lerivia when he was ten, he had been found and brought to the tribe for questioning. After learning of his origins, Chief Aerizat allowed him to stay as long as he proved himself to be worthy of Lerivia's protection. Wheatley had agreed, and with him being 17, he only had a year left to prepare. Wheatley smiled at Cicada. "Don't worry about me, Cic. I'll be fine." Wheatley began to run backward on the grass. "I'm a Hanity. We aren't known for letting up on something." Wheatley turned with a smirk and began to run back to his family's farm, where his mother harvested fine silk from silkworms and spiders. Soon, he spotted the thatch hut and ran through the long grain, panting. "Mom!" Xae Spydos, a pale spider woman with 6 arms - two of them brown spider arms -  and four crimson eyes, looked up from her weaving. Her red lips curled into a smile, and she got up, her belly showing how close she was to ending her 3rd trimester. Wheatley ran to her and she hugged him. "Wheatley! You've returned!" She soon let go as he put the cookies down. 

            "Yeah, the fix took a bit." 

            "Thankfully not too long." Wheatley looked at the source of the deep voice. It was Aeris Spydos, the husband of Xae and Wheatley's adoptive father. The  cervitaur had tannish orange fur on his lower half, and emerald orbs that seemed to sparkle in the sunshine. Wheatley composed himself, standing straight and clearing his throat. Aeris padded over on the stone path. "The child will be born soon. Your baby brother. I need you here while I work." Wheatley nodded, not looking away. Xae picked up his pack. "What is in here?" She asked, opening it. "Oh, some cookies from the lady at the forgery who fixed my arm. I gave her metal materials in return." Wheatley explained as Xae took a bite. "Mm!" she hummed, smiling. "These will be a perfect snack. Thank you." Wheatley nodded as he went to his room, the inside simply decorated. He opened a wooden door and walked into the simple room. A white bed sat in one corner, and a breath-and-fluid apparatus, for when he disconnected his tubes for sleeping sat by it. A dresser and shelf full of books were also in the room, all handmade - same with the desk, chair, and bed. He called this his room. 

           He went to a drawer and opened it, pulling out a wet-spotted, light blue blanket that looked like it came straight out of a hospital. Wheatley felt his eyes begin to water and he flopped onto his bed, letting the tears fall. 

"I miss you, Mother."