Ruby: Penny, I-I don't understand...
Penny: Most girls are born, but I was made. I'm the world's first synthetic person capable of generating an Aura. *Turns her head to the side sadly.* I'm not real...
Shadow: *Taking Penny's hands in his own.* Of course you are. You think just because you've got nuts and bolts instead of squishy guts makes you any less real than us?
Penny: I don't... um... *Leans in close to Shadow face.* You're... taking this extraordinarily well.
Ruby: You're not like those things we saw back there. *Taps her chest.* You've got a heart, and a soul; I can feel it!
Penny: Ooohh... oh Ruby! *Grabs Ruby and Shadow into a hug and shakes them back and forth.* You're the best friends anyone could have!
Ruby and Shadow: *Muffled groaning.* I can see why your father would want to protect such a delicate flower!
Penny: *Releases the two, fully back to her happy self.* Oh, he's very sweet! My father's the one that built me! I'm sure you two would love him!
Ruby: Wow. *Giggles.* He built you all by himself?
Penny: Well, almost! He had some help from Mr. Ironwood.
Shadow: The General?!
Ruby: Wait... Is that why those soldiers were after you?
Penny: They like to protect me, too!
Ruby: *Scoffs* They don't think you can protect yourself?
Penny: They're not sure if I'm ready yet... One day, it will be my job to save the world, but I still have a lot left to learn. That's why my father let me come to the Vytal Festival. I want to see what it's like in the rest of the world, and test myself in the Tournament.
Ruby: Penny, what are you talking about? Save the world from what? We're in a time of peace!
Penny: *Confused* That's not what Mr. Ironwood said...
Shadow: What do yo-...
Soldier 1: (Off-screen.) Check down here!
Penny: You have to hide!
Ruby: Penny, wait! What are you doing? You don't have to go with them! We can help you!
Penny: It's okay, Ruby. They're not bad people; I just don't want to get you in trouble. Just promise me you won't tell anyone else my secret. Okay? *Gravely stares at the two*
Ruby: I promise.
Shadow: You've got it.
Shadow picks up Ruby and jumps up to the rooftop as the two soldiers come around the corner
Soldier 1: (Off-screen.) There she is!
Penny: Sal-u-tations, officers!
Soldier 1: Why were you running? And what happened to the other girl?
Penny: What girl? I've been by myself all day! *Hiccups loudly, then smiles.*
Soldier 1: You shouldn't cause such a scene.
Soldier 2: Are you okay?
Penny: *Shows off her "injured" palms.* Just a scratch.
Soldier 1: Penny, your father isn't going to be happy about this.
YOU ARE READING
Unfolding Fate
FanfictionShadows seem to have no heart, no feelings, no emotion. Yet Shadow Joker Strife is different, his heart had been changed, after seeing his family killed in front of him. He attends Beacon Academy to train so he can protect those he cares about. Fate...
