> Clockwork Dreams > by Madforce Entertainment > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > prologue: Truck Kun > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Here’s your order.” I gave the customer their cup of coffee, to a middle-aged woman. “Thank you.” She said, taking her coffee before walking away. My name is Alex, and I’m just a guy working as a barista at my local coffee shop. I’ve been working here for a while now, and I don’t have anything else planned. It was just a comfortable job, in a normal comfortable life, I looked at the clock and it was lunchtime. “Hey, I’m going on my break,” I informed my boss. “Okay, don’t be too long.” My boss told me. I left the shop to look for lunch, “See ya.” and I walked to my favourite subway shop. As I walked I saw a penny on the floor. “Hey, find a penny, pick it up and throughout…”  I heard a horn, I turned and saw a truck coming towards me at high speed. It was too late to try and dodge The truck hit me, but I didn’t feel it, or my mind wouldn’t let me feel anything, I saw the world spinning around me. “What happened?” I saw the hard ground coming towards me, and I hit the ground hard, and I felt joints of pain shoot through my body. At that moment my world was just pain.  I couldn’t move my body hurt too much, I saw the penny I picked up before. “Is this it? Is this how I die?” My eyes were closing. “No, I can’t close them!” But I couldn’t fight it, I closed my eyes and accepted death. “Looks like today isn’t my lucky day.” I can hear birds singing. Why do I hear birds? I slowly opened my eyes, and I was blinded by the sun. Ahhh. I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision. I managed to clear my vision. Man that was bright. I looked around me. “How did I get here?” I noticed my voice sounded different. “What’s with my voice?” I looked down at my body. I was wearing a completely different outfit. I was wearing an olive green German-styled dress with a black hem that is striped with emerald green. The abdominal region is black with four golden buttons with matching buckles on my shoulder straps, also I was wearing an off-white blouse with puffy shoulders, frilled flared cuffs and vertical black lining down the front centre, of my collar piece that does away with the green accents and is instead finished with a black ribbon in the form of a power button at its centre. I wore black long-legged pieces that run up to my thighs. There was a green stripe that runs down the sides, with a large green circle at the top and a small one at the bottom, both outlined with gold and capable of lighting up too. The knee piece of her legwear is heavily defined to look separate from the leg pieces. There was also a pair of black low-heeled metal boots with the tops hidden by the lower part of her leg pieces. My outfit was completed with a pair of black lacy cuffed gloves with golden stud detailing on the knuckles. “What, I wasn’t wearing this!” I yelled in shock. “What happened to my uniform!?” I looked at myself and saw….breasts?….breasts?…..BREASTS! I don’t have breasts! “Wait, are they even real?” I touched them and they felt real. “Epp, what the hell.” I put my hands on my head. I had long hair?! I ran my hand through my hair and it was very long, maybe too long. “I’m I wearing a wig or something?” I try to pull it off, only to hurt myself. "Gah!" “Okay, this doesn’t feel like a wig, or is this glued on? I need to have a full look at myself.” I stood off the ground, I looked for a round, and my legs felt weird like I was walking on stilts. “Whoa!” I would like to take these boots off but I don’t want to walk around barefooted. I saw a lake. “Perfect!” I walked to the lake wobbling every step of the way. “I'm going to kill whoever did this to me!” Soon I arrived at the lake and saw my reflection. I saw a young woman with long curly orange hair that came down to her chin with a small ahoge on top inwards at the tips along with a black fabric bow under a pink metal bow that has a golden outlined green orb. The phone remains and is more prominent. She also had bright Silver eyes, light skin and freckles. I remember this person, her name is Penny Polendina from RWBY. “Penny? Have….have I become Penny?” How was this possible?! I pinched my cheek to see if I was dreaming. “Ow!” Okay, I’m not dreaming. “How did I become Penny? I mean, I was hit by a truck!” Ideas flew into my mind trying to make sense of this situation. "Did I get isekai'd? Or did someone put my brain into an android? Or am I in a VR game? Or….” My head begins to spin. “Okay, I need to….” I heard screams from three young female voices. Was someone in trouble?! Without thinking I ran to where the voices came from. I soon arrived at where the screams came from. I saw three young girls in a treehouse, being attacked by a black fared wolf with a bleached white mask with red markings and claws. “Is that a Grimm!?” I saw the Grimm forcing its way into the treehouse. Something inside me compelled me to run towards the Grimm. I don’t know what was going on here but something came out from my fingers, and I felt something come out of my back.  I can feel something attached to…swords? Penny’s swords! I have her strings and swords? My swords flowed around me like a swarm, I didn’t know how I was doing this, but I knew what I was doing. The Grimm looked at me and charged towards me. I moved my hands and the blades flew towards the Grimm, I twitched my figures and my blade twisted and turned in the air. The Grimm was sliced into pieces. The Beowolf was reduced to dust. “Did I just do that?” I looked at my hand and I saw the 10 strings attached to the 10 swords. “Wow, I am Penny Polendina.” But I heard more Beowolf’s coming, “Shit.” I ready myself for the attacking wolves, I saw 5 of them slowly approaching me. They were analyzing me, looking for an opportunity to strike me down. “Stay calm, I know these things feed off negativity.” The first wolf charged towards me. I move my fingers and my blades dance to my movements. It’s like I’m a puppeteer and my blades were puppets.  My swords sliced and carved the first Grimm, I heard the Second Grimm coming at me from my left. I moved my left hand, and my blades flew towards the Grimm. I felt the blades cut the Grimm into pieces. “This is strange.” I continue to fight the Grimm, using my blades. I slay the Grimm until none are left. After I killed the last Grimm my body was exhausted. “Wow, I can’t believe I just did that.” I sat down to rest, I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I sat for a second when the three girls ran to me. “Are yall okay?” One of them asked me. I looked at the three girls. The first was a white-skinned girl with a red-head about medium length with a pink bow like mine, her eyes were red with hints of yellow. She wore a green shirt, blue jeans with a brown belt, and yellow and red boots. From looking at her, she looks like the former. “Yes, I’m okay,” I answered the redhead. “Are you sure?” I looked at the second girl. Was pale skinned with light pink with purple. Her eyes were green, and her outfit was a white shirt with pink stripes, a dark pink overcoat, and a yellow skirt, she also had pink boots with yellow belts. She looks like an inspiring singer. “Yes, I'm fine,” I replied to her. “I’m a little tired.” “Well if you say so.” The third girl said. “So how did you control those blades?” I look at the third girl. She was about the same age as the first two. Her skin was tanned, and her hair was dark purple, her eyes were also purple. She wore a black hoodie with a lame shirt, green camo shorts, back boots, with marching claim socks. From looking at her, she’s a Tomboy. “Well I use these strings attached to my fingers, and that’s how I control my swords,” I explained to the tomboy. I saw my swords laying on the ground. “I better put these away.” I waved my hands, and they folded back in my backpack. “Hmmm,” it was strange, I've never done this before, but it’s like I’ve been doing this for most of my life. “Coooool!” The girl said to me in unison. “Teach us.” They asked me still in unison. That’s actually both impressive and creeped me out a little. “Ummm I don’t think….” I heard something coming, something big. I looked and a Ursa Major came towards us. “Oh no!” I turned to the girls. “Run home! Now!” I ordered them, and the girls followed my order and ran home. I summoned my blades. I used my strings and my blades came to my side. “Come on big boy,” I said, ready to fight the Ursa. The Ursa roared at me and charged towards me. I pointed my hands at the Grimm and my blades flew towards the Ursa. Some bounced off the bony bleached Armor, and a couple of blades pierced its back furry body. The Ursa roar as it continues to change to me. I rolled out of the way and pulled back the blades that bounced. The blades returned to me, and I faced the Ursa, who was circling me. I stood back on my feet, and my blade’s returned to me and continued fighting the Ursa Major I only managed to kill it. I was about to put my blades away when I felt something jump me. "Gah!" I was trapped under a heavy creature. “GET OFF ME!” I demanded, I struggled to get free I managed to push my arm out and I summoned one of my swords. But it cuts my strings, “Shit!” I felt it stated my arm with its boney Claw. I felt pain And I screamed, I felt tears coming from my eyes. *it hurts! so much!* It felt like my arm was getting ripped off! No, it was getting ripped off. “NO STOP!” The creature didn’t listen to my begging and continued to pull, “STOP, STOP, STOP!” Then my arm came off, I was in Shock, my brain didn’t feel it. But the moment I saw my arm laying on the ground, I screamed at the sight. “My arm!” I screamed. “Please somebody help me.” I whimpered. I was in so much pain... *I'm so scared.* I don't want to die again! The creature stepped off me. Not like this! I crawled to my missing limb. I can hear it behind me getting closer. No... Next thing I knew the creature flipped over, and I saw The Grimm, it was THE. HOUND! From Volume 8! My heart was racing from fear and anxiety. It grabs my neck and picks me up off the ground. The hound pulled back its free claw, in my mind I saw my second death. Just as it threw its claw towards me, it was cut off and howled in pain, dropping me. Huh? I looked and saw a woman with long hair that looked like the night sky. I saw a long cross-guard rapier in her right hand. Who was this? She didn’t look like she was from RWBY. I saw her raise her sword to the Hound. “Vail creature!” I heard her hiss. The pain and blood loss was causing my vision to fade, and I passed out. Was this a dream? Was it a nightmare? Will I wake up in a hospital bed? To be continued….. > Chapter 1: Recovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I must have slept for several hours before finally waking up. I let out a groan after waking up, my body felt sluggish. I tried to remember what had happened. “Ohhh man my he-” Wait why can’t I feel my right arm? I slowly turned my head to the right and saw my arm slowly being reattached to me, by dark blue strings. From seeing my arm, I began to panic and hyperventilate, I could feel my heart beating too fast. I was soon having a panic attack! I can feel something coming up his throat, and vomit comes out. “OH….OH GO…” I vomit again. I heard a door open and saw a woman with fair dark skin and Night blue eyes, she was wearing a military uniform that male royalty would wear. I noticed her hair and the sword, it was the person who saved me from the hound. She looked at me with a stern expression on her face. I gulped and feasted the puck from before, She stepped towards me and her expression changed from stern to calm. She reached her hand to me and I flinched. Her hand touches my face gently. “Calm yourself.” She said to me with a gentle tone. “You need to let my strings reattach your arm.” Feeling her hand on my cheek calmed me down and my heart rate slowed down. The woman moved from my right side to my left side and embraced me in a hug. “But…your outfit,” I said, with Penny’s voice. "Shhh, it's fine, It can be cleaned.” She said to me, “You were very brave to fight the Grimm.” After hearing her words I began to feel tears inside my eyes and began to cry. The woman gently squeezed me. The tears and vomit ruined her outfit, she stroked my long carrot-coloured hair. “Let it out, you have nothing to be ashamed of.” I continued to cry and sobbed heavily. After a few moments, my tears stopped. The woman embraced me. “How do you feel?” She asked. "B-Better..." I replied sniffling, my cheeks turning red. She held a tissue to my nose. “Blow.” I blushed and blew his nose into the tissue. I remember when my mother did this for me. “Thank you,” I sniffed again, I saw the woman’s outfit covered in my vomit and tears. “I-Im so sorry, I’ll pay….” The woman placed a figure on my lips making me blush. “Shhhh, you do not need to.” She said to me, I was confused why this lady was being so nice to me. “Why are you doing this for me?” I asked the woman. "I'll tell you later, but first, let's get you cleaned up," The woman stood from the bed. I looked at my vomit-covered self. “Wow, I look terrible.” The woman giggled. “Your arm is almost attached, I shall run a bath, and get you some clean clothes.” "OK..." I saw the strings sow my arm back to me, and I was amazed by seeing this. "How is this possible?" I looked at the woman who was about to leave the room. “Wait,” I called, and the woman looked at me. “What’s your name?” I asked my savour. "Luna," She answered before leaving the room. Luna...what a lovely name... Like the moon. I thought to myself, I lay back on the bed, letting the strings sow my arm back on, slowly I can feel my arm becoming a part of me once again, feeling my nerves reconnect one by one. This was crazy, my arm was ripped off and now it was being sewn back like nothing had happened. Was it a medical breakthrough or magic? But thinking about it I was turned into Penny, so with that logic anything was possible. At this moment I noticed something odd about this bed. I investigated and saw it was made of strings. “Huh? Am I on some kind of Hammock?” I heard the door open again, and I saw Luna enter the room. Still wearing her ruined outfit.  “Time for our bath.” She told me, stepping towards me. “Thank you, but what about my arm?” I asked, pointing to my arm. “Fear not,” Luna said, I saw her move the strings and wrapped them around my arm like a ball.  “Wow, that’s cool,” I said seeing the ball of string. “Ready?” She asked, offering me her hand to help me off the Hammock. “Yes,” I replied, taking Luna’s hand. She helped me off the Hamic, I looked at the Hammock and it looked like a dreamcatcher. “Why does the Hammock look like a dream catcher?” I asked Luna, with a raised brow. “To protect you from the Nightmares, they targeted you after you lost your arm,” Luna explains. "Nightmares?" I was confused by Luna’s answer. “You mean bad dreams?” Luna looks at me with a confused look. “No, they’re Grimm, have you never heard of them?” My eyes widened. “No, I haven't heard of them.” “I see,” Luna said, rubbing her chin. “I shall tell you more about them, come.”  Me and Luna left the room and walked to the bathroom. Thinking of a Grimm called Nightmare, was a little frightening, but Luna did say she would tell me more later, so just for now I’ll have to wait. I followed Luna through a huge house. I was stunned to see this place looking so much like the Schnee Manor from RWBY just with more focus on the night tham than a pure show white. It was kinda intimidating, Luna stopped walking and I stood too. “Here.” She said opening the door, and I was greeted by a humid steamy room. This must be the bathroom. Inside the room was a huge bathtub that was on the floor big enough for a few people. “Wow, that’s huge!” I said in amazement. “Yes, I love to swim in warm water.” Luna giggled walking into the bathroom I followed and Luna closed the door behind me. As I steeped in to the bathroom, I could see that it had greek insparations. The floor was white tile and was raised along one wall were a floor sunked bathtub that looked like it could comftably fit four pepole sitting in it. Along the walls a mosaic depickting a stary night whit constalations, a few clouds and a cresent moon above the bathtub. In the corners were a column halping frame eche wall and along the bottom of the walls the mosaic was white like the floor giving the entire room the feeling of being on a cloud high up in the night sky leting you bathe among the stars. It was beautiful. “Will you need help?” Luna asked. I turned to face Luna “Hmmm? What with?” I asked back. "With removing your clothes and bathing," My jaw dropped. “Umm, N-no.” I replied, sweating a little and not from the steam, “l can remove my clothes.”  “Very well, let me know if you need help,” Luna said to me. “Okay, let’s do this.” I tried to remove Penny’s outfit but his arm started to hurt. “Ahhh.” Luna heard me and I heard her walking. "Let me help you," She offered, “Your arm still needs time to heal.” I sighed I couldn’t argue with Luna. “Okay.” I let Lena help me remove clothes piece by piece. This was making me nervous, mostly because I was a woman now. I prayed I didn’t have any male parts. Soon Luna started taking off my underwear, and I began to run red. “Are you okay?” Luna asked, seeing me blushing red. “Y-yes I’m fine,” I replied, I can feel my cheeks getting warm. “Crap, this is like an ecchi anime!” “Would you like to do this part yourself?” Luna asked me, standing up, showing me she was still in her bra and pants. “Y-yes please,” I said, taking the opportunity to finish undressing myself. “I’ll remove them myself.” “Fair enough,” Luna said with a smile. “I’ll just place them in the basket, with the others.” I saw her take our dirty clothes and put them into a wicker basket. I stood away from Luna to remove the underwear. This is kinda weird for me to see. I took a deep breath and removed the underwear. To my surprise, it was all female parts and not any male parts. “Thank god.” That would have been hard to explain to Luna, I stared at his new body, and I only saw Penny’s body. Wow, I’m a woman now. I saw the bra was left to be removed, and thought, How can I remove it with my arm like this? I looked at my arm with the ball of string. “Do you need help?” I heard Luna ask, from behind me. I blushed a little and knew I was gonna need help again. “Yes please, my arm is just a little sore.” “I understand,” Luna said to me, beginning to unclasp my bra. “This won’t take long.” As Luna finished unclasped my bra and it fell to the floor, letting my breasts hang free. “Thank you.” It felt odd having breasts. I would...*examine*...my new body later. “Ready to bathe?” Luna asked me. “Yes…” I turned around. “I’m….” Blushed to see Luna’s body, she was gorgeous... Simply gorgeous. “Is something wrong?” Luna asked me, snapping out of my thought’s. "N-no!" I blushed heavily, I had been staring, At my saviour's body. I looked down at her lower half and I saw a scar on her left leg. Like the lag was reattached once before. Luna noticed me looking at her leg. “Wondering what happened to my leg?”  I nodded quickly “Yes.” Better admitting that than admitting I was staring at her impressive body. “My leg was cut off many years ago.” Luna explains to me, “And like your arm, It was reattached to me.” “Really?” I asked in surprise. “So did you create this technique to reattach limbs?” I wanted to know more.  “No, I learned it from a Sherman.” She told me. "Oh?" I was impressed by hearing this. “So you used the same trick on me?” "I did,” Luna answered. I looked at my arm. “That’s pretty cool.” I heard Luna enter the bath. “Come, but Submerge your arm last.” She introduced me. I blushed heavily but obeyed, I stepped into the bath, it felt amazing. I sighed in relief, “Keep your arm up.” Luna told me, I did as I was introduced again. I kept my arm up. "Good.” I sat down to keep myself up. “Now slowly place your arm in the water.” I placed my arm into the water and my arm felt discomfort. “Ahhhh.” "Careful now," “What’s going on with my arm?” I asked with more discomfort. “Using the warmth from the water, we’re restoring the blood flow throughout your arm,” Luna informed me. I nodded and relaxed. “Keep rubbing your arm,” Luna told me, and I began to rub my arm. My arm started to feel better but it still felt uncomfortable. I sighed as the pain ebbed. “Feeling better?” Luna asked me. “I’m feeling better now,” I replied, still rubbing my arm. “Good,” Luna said, smiling at me. “How long does this last for?” I asked, continuing to rub my attention on my arm.  “A few days,” Luna replied.  "A few days?” I asked, “That's good," I sighed, I can deal with this for a few days. I looked at the string ball. “And how long will this stay on?” I asked, pointing at the string ball. “A few days as well, think of it like a ban-aid.” I nodded at Luna’s answer. I should be able to stand having this on my arm, as long as it doesn’t get in my way. “Here, I’ll help you clean you off.” I saw Luna with soap and a washing cloth. I blushed thinking of being washed by this beautiful woman. "Thanks...But I think I can handle it by myself.” I said, a little shy about having my body washed by someone else. “Okay if you insist.” Luna passed me the soap and cloth. “Thank you.” I took the soap and cloth and started washing myself. Starting with my face, it was weird feeling Penny’s face instead of mine. But I guess I should get used to it. Sooner or later, I moved down to my chest. I was getting nervous, I touched my breasts.  I gasped from touching them. “Are you okay? Is it your arm?” Luna asked me in concern. "I-I'm fine!" I said, my face flushed red. “Here let me help,” Luna said, and she started massaging my arm. “Eep!” I can feel Luna’s hands on my arm. It felt nice and weird, maybe the blood fly wasn’t fully restored. “Easy….” Luna pursued for a moment. “I believe I don’t know your name.” What name should I give her? Should I call myself Penny? My old name? Or make up a new one? “Pen-Penny!” I suddenly answered, why did I give her that name? “Pen-Penny? That’s an unusual name.” Luna joked with me. “Sorry, I meant to say just Penny,” I explained blushing, idiot! "I see. A lovely name," Luna continues to massage my arm. “Not as lovely as yours.” I thought out loud. “So you like my name?” If I had cat ears they would be pointing up to the sky. “Yes,” I replied, blushing some more. “It reminded me of the moon.” I saw Luna's smile grow bigger. “Thank you, I was named after the moon goddess.” She said to me Finishing massaging my arm. “How does it feel?” "It feels OK," I said, moving my arm. “Wow, that's amazing.” “Don’t overdo it,” Luna told me. “Thank you, Luna.” I thanked her. “You welcome Penny.” I blushed a little from being called Penny for the first time. It felt strange to be called a girl's name and kinda felt alright. I and Luna finished cleaning ourselves, and we moved on to our hair. Having longer hair was another strange thing, and completely unnecessary, I might have Luna cut it for me. Something to consider for later. “Penny, let me wash your hair.” I looked at Luna, who had the shampoo in her hands… I never had anyone wash my hair before. I couldn’t Decline Luna since she was ready and had poured some shampoo into her hands… “O-OK..." I turned so Luna can wash and have full access to my long hair.  She began to gently wash my hair. I can feel her fingers running through my hair. “Why does this feel good?” Something about it just felt...nice and relaxing. “Your hair is beautiful Penny,” Luna said, continuing to wash my hair. “Thank you,” I said enjoying Luna washing my hair, I just relaxed as she continued washing. Maybe I shouldn't have it cut after all, Luna washes the soap out of my hair. “Thank you, Luna, do you want me to wash yours?” I asked Luna, offering to Wash her hair. "If you wish, don't overdo yourself,” Luna said, giving me the shampoo. "I won't," I put some shampoo in my hand, Luna turned her back to me, and I began to wash Luna's night-sky hair. It was beautiful. “Your hair is beautiful Luna.” I complimented Luna’s hair. “Hmmmm, Thank you, Penny,” Luna said, I can see her enjoying my washing her hair. I noticed my arms were not hurting as much. “How do you make it look like this?” I asked washing Luna’s hair. “It’s become my Aura and semblance,” Luna said, in bliss. “You're good at this.”  I blushed again. “T-thank you..." I finished washing Luna's hair. Luna was Beautiful. “Well, time to get out.” I saw Luna stand, and I turned my gaze. Don’t know why considering, we just bathed together. “Penny, are you coming out?” She asked me. “Y-yes,” I replied Blushing, I stepped out of the bath, Luna ready to catch me just in case.  After I got out of the bath Luna gave me a tallow. “Thank you," I wrapped it around myself. “Once you have dried yourself off, I have some old clothes for you to wear,” Luna said to me drying herself off. "Thank you," I dried off my body, and wrapped the tallow around me again. "It's no problem," Luna replied. We finished drying ourselves, and I noticed Luna was already dressed. She was wearing an outfit similar to her previous one. “Wow, you’re fast,” I said, impressed by Luna’s fast-dressing speed. “Indeed, I am quite fast.” She grabbed some clothes and held them out for me. “Here, I think this will fit you.”  “Thank you, Luna.” I took the clothes. I was unaware that it was a dress, and it looked cute. A very cute dress for a cute…I gulp for a cute girl, I blushed heavily. “Oh god! This is too much!” What was I supposed to do?! “Penny, are you okay?” Luna asked me.  "I-I'm fine...just tired..." I replied, but my tummy growled. "I see, Well the chefs will cook whatever you want,” Luna said to me. "Thank you," I took a deep breath, “Okay you’ve got this!” I dressed in borrowed clothes, but I couldn’t button myself up. “Oh no.” “Need some help?” I heard Luna ask me. “Yes please.” Luna button me up, and I can feel the dress tighten. “Hmmm, did this swink?” Luna tried harder, squishing my chest. I was having some trouble breathing. “Um, Luna….” I felt Luna put all her strength into buttoning me up. Luna managed to button me up. "There! Finally!" Luna said in Triumph. I was breathing heavily. “This is….kinda tight.” Luna looked at me and blushed. “Maybe I should unbutton you a little.” "M-maybe..." I can understand the dark side of dresses now. Luna unbuttoned a couple of buttons and I can breathe again. The tops of my breasts were visible, but I did care at the moment. I saw a mirror and stood in front of it. I saw Penny in the mirror with a light blue with a dark blue ribbon around the waist. I looked so cute like this...I was turning myself around, I just needed to do that. “It looks good on you,” Luna said to me, I turned to her and she was holding light blue shoes, one for a prom. “Thank you, Luna.” I was about to take them, but Luna stopped me. “I’ll put them on you.” She told me, kneeling. “Here Penny, place her feet inside.” I nodded and placed my feet into the new shoes. Putting on these kinds of shoes, felt odd, but I felt nice wearing them. “I feel like a doll.”  Luna finished putting the shoes on my feet. “There, you’re ready.” I step in front of the mirror, I blushed seeing myself in this dress. “Yep I’m a cute carrot top doll.” Luna smiled at me. “How do you feel?” She asked me. “I feel odd wearing a dress like this,” I replied blushing. "Oh?" Luna asked with interest, "I would think a pretty girl like you would wear dresses all the time." I blush more feeling hotter, this was the first time I was called pretty. “Y-You think I’m pretty?” "Very much so," Luna said, “Hasn’t anyone ever called you pretty before?” She asked me again. "N-no..." I used to be a guy, nobody ever called me pretty. “I don’t usually wear dresses that often,” I explained. "That's a shame," Luna said, shaking her head, she suddenly hugged me. “You’re a beautiful girl.” I blushed out of control, this was just too much for me, my head felt warm and light. The room began to spin. “Luna…..I the” I was losing consciousness. "Penny?!" I fell back and my world went black. I woke up from feeling something moist and cold on my forehead. I saw Luna fanning me. “Luna?” I asked, still feeling dizzy. "Penny?" She asked, putting down the fan. “You’re awake, how are you feeling?” “I’m lightheaded, What happened?” I asked, confused. "You fainted," Luna said, “I think it may have been too soon for you to move.” She explained to me, taking off the cloth and wetting it again. “I’m sorry.” "Don't be sorry," I said to her. Sitting up. “Accidents happen sometimes.” Luna sighed and nodded and my tummy growled. “Hungry?” Luna asked, smiling. "Yes..." I blushed, with my hands on my tummy. “Well, then what can I get the pretty lady?” Luna asked, pretending to be a hostess. Without thinking about it she is. I blushed more, “Ummm,” I think for a moment. “Something with pasta,” I replied saying the first thing that came to mind. Luna nodded, "I'll get you something then. Would you prefer pasta with red sauce or white sauce?" “May I have read?” "Of course," Luna said standing up. “I’ll go inform the chef.” I nodded and watched Luna leave the room. stayed on my bed waiting. After some time a maid came in with fresh water for the cloth on my forehead “Hello lady Polendina, my name is Sapphire Moonlight.” The maid introduced herself to me. "Hello miss Moonlight," I said politely, I saw her blush. “But please call me Penny.” "Of course," Sapphire nodded, “dinner will be an hour,” Sapphire said to me, getting the cloth ready for my head. "Alright," I replied, relaxing with a nice cold cloth on my head. The door opened and I saw Luna returning. “I’m just checking on you.” She explained her return. “I'm okay,” I replied, feeling better. Luna smiled at me. “That’s good to hear.” She turned to the maid. “Sapphire, please look after Penny, she’s had a bad day,” Luna said to the maid. "Of course, Princess," Sapphire bowed Luna looks at me. “I have something to do, so I’ll see you at dinner.” "OK," I said and Luna left and I spent some time getting to know Sapphire. She was lovely, she even sang a little song for me, her singing voice was divine “You’re a great singer, why are you a maid with that voice?” I asked. Sapphire blushed, “Thank you My lady, but I lose the desire to sing long ago.” "How come?" I asked “It’s complicated,” Sapphire replied, taking the cloth off my head. I feel like there was something she was embarrassed to admit, but I shouldn't pray in her personal life. “Sapphire.” She looked at me. “Can you sing for me again?” Sapphire smiled and blushed. “Of course my- I mean Penny.”  Hearing the Sapphire song made me feel more at ease, to be honest, I fell asleep for a moment. Sapphire was leading me to the dining room. As we walked I saw a portrait of a family, I’m guessing it’s Luna's family. “Penny has arrived Penny,” Sapphire said, opening a door for me. “Thank you,” I said to Sapphire who just bowed to me. In the dining hall, there was a table big enough for at least 30 people. “Wow, that’s a big table.” I saw the meal waiting for me and Luna, but she wasn’t there. “Where’s Luna?” I asked. “She should be here soon,” Sapphire replied, pulling out a chair for me. “You’re seat, Penny.”   "Thank you," I said, sitting down. Sapphire placed a napkin on my lap. Soon after I was seated Luna soon entered the room… “Sorry for the wait.” She said, “Were you waiting long?” "Not too long," I said, looking at Luna, who looked tired. “That’s good.” Luna sat down and smiled. “Well then, shall we eat?” My tummy growls. “I take that as a yes.” I blush a little. “Sorry.” “You can’t help it when you’re hungry,” Luna said, smiling at me. “Time to dish out.” After she said that, the staff began to dish out our meal. Mins were served to me by Sapphire. “Thank you, Sapphire.” Sapphire bowed, “My pleasure.” I saw Luna’s meal dished out by another maid. We started eating, and It was delicious! I happily ate it all, making cute noises. “Glad to see you like it,” Luna said to me, sounding happy. I blushed, “I did, I haven’t had a meal like this in a long time.” I explained. “I can tell, you made the cutest noise I heard,” Luna said smiling. I blushed heavily. I had made noises?! “What kind?” I asked, sure I’m going to regret asking. Luna grinned and repeated my nose. I died of embarrassment on the inside, oh no I’m cute! Luna smirked at my embarrassment. After that embarrassing moment, we finished our meals. “How about dessert?” Luna asked me, smiling. "O-OK," I said, needing something sweet right now. “Great, bring out the cake please.” She said to her maid. After a few moments, they brought out the cake. It was a chocolate fudge cake, with cream and strawberries. I wanted it badly, I was served a slice and took a bite from it., “Mmmmmmmmmmm, Sooooo gooooood!” Luna giggled at me, “You did again.” "Nyoooo..." I moaned I hid my face from embarrassment and Luna laughed. “Nothing to be ashamed of,” Luna said, making her cute noises. “Why oh why am I cute!? I’m a guy for crying out loud! But I was a guy, and now I’m a cute carrot top girl!” I place my face in my hands. "So adorable~" I heard Luna say, making me blush more. “I need dopamine!” I ate more cake, and I made more cute noises. “Curse this cute body!” I was doomed to be a cute girl, but I’ll have to deal with it. “Now, how about some tea?” Luna asks Finishing her cake. I could use something savoury. “Yes, please.” Like clockwork, the maids set up a party for two with a teapot and two cups, with milk and sugar. “Wow, they're fast,” I said, very impressed by the maid's performance of their service. “Perfection,” Luna said with a happy tone, she noticed me staring at my tea set. “Penny? Are you okay?” She asked me. I turned to Luna. “I’m fine, just amazed by the service performance,” I replied. “Yes, my staff are perfectionists at heart,” Luna tells me, I can her staff glowing with pride. “I can, they take pure pride in their profession.” I declared, seeing the staff glow more. Luna smiled. “I’m glad you approve.” She picked up her cup. “Now let's enjoy this brew.” I looked at my cup. “OK..." Surely tea wouldn't make me make noises, right? I picked up my cup and took a sip. “Here goes nothing.” To my surprise there were no cute noises. “Thank god.” I sighed in relief. I looked at Luna, thinking about how she’s been so nice to me. Something at the back of my mind was asking me, why? Why was she doing this for me? "Luna..?" “Yes, Penny?” "Why are you so kind to me?" I finally asked. Luna looks saddened and drinks the rest of her tea. “That creature that attacked you,” I remember the hound attacking me. Luna paused and took a sharp breath. “It was my fault you were attacked by it.” I was stunned, “What are you saying?” I asked, in shock and disbelief. "The creature that attacked you was my responsibility and I failed..." Luna sighed I was confused, “So are you telling me you were hunting that Grimm!?” I asked. She nodded and bowed her head. “Penny, I tried to kill it and it escaped me. I found the girls you saved, and they told me what happened. I found you and that creature after it tore away your arm.” “But you killed it right?” I prayed for yes, yes it was dead, yes I can sleep safe tonight. “No, I failed to slay it,” Luna replied, with a grim expression on her face. I shot to my feet. “It’s still out there!?” I yelled. “Yes.” Luna answered, “That’s why you’re here, and that’s why I’m being so kind.” I saw Luna tremble with regret. “It’s my fault you almost lost your arm, it’s my responsibility to keep everyone safe from those creatures.” She began to cry. I didn’t know how to feel at this moment, but Luna looked like she needed a hug. "Luna..." I walked to her and hugged her. “You saved me, thank you.” Luna blushed, "It's my fault you were in danger..." She protested, with a shaken voice. “It is but you're making it right,” I said ending the hug, I noticed Luna looking at the clock she stood from her chair and straightened herself up. “It’s time for my evening training.” "Evening training?" I asked, “I train morning, noon and evening,” Luna replied "Wow," I said impressed, I could tell was devoted to fighting the Grimm, but training morning, noon, and evening that’s impressive. I remember my first fight here, and I was exulted. After defeating some Grimm, I was pretty much useless immediately after. Perhaps I could use some training. Knowing that the hound is out there scares me to no end. “Can I Join?” "Hmm...maybe once you've fully recovered," Luna replied, pointing at my arm. I sighed looking at my arm. “Luna please, I need to train just a little.” "If you hurt yourself more, you might permanently cripple yourself," Luna can see my determination to train with her. “Penny, tell me why you want to train with me?” I took a deep breath. “The hound.” I simply answered. Luna looked away for a moment. “I see, yes I can understand your need to train now.” Luna placed her hands on my shoulders. “Okay, let's train together.” I smiled with rays of happiness. “But you don’t have a weapon, so I may have to lend you one of my swords.” Now Luna mentioned it: where is my backpack? “Luna, where is my backpack?” ”your backpack?” Luna thinks, “I believe it was put in the coat room. Why do you ask?” “It’s not a normal backpack, it’s a shelf that holds a number of my blades.” I explained to Luna. “I see, so that explains why it felt heavy.” Luna was rubbing her chin. “I simply thought you overpacked it.” I giggled a little because it's kinda true I do have the habit of overpacking. “Luna, can I have it back?” “Of course, I’ll have a maid collect it. Also, I’m curious how many blades you can carry in that pack.” Luna turned to a maid. “Please collect lady’s Penny pack.” “Right away mistress.” The maid bows and leaves the room. “Penny, come with me.” “Where to?” I asked “The fitting room, of course, we can not train in our dresses.” “Oh yes of course.” I rub the back of my head, feeling silly right now. I followed Luna to a room with dark blue protective padded suits. They mostly look like one's sword fencing clubs used. Luna began to change next to me, I was about to undress but I couldn’t undo the buttons behind me. “Do you need some assistance?” I turned and saw Sapphire standing behind me in a training suit  “Yes please,” I said to Sapphire. “My arms can’t reach the buttons.” “Of course Ms Penny.” I can feel Sapphire unbutton the dress, it felt good being free of it. “That you Ms Penny, do you need any help with the training suit?” “No, I should be fine with that one,” I replied as I removed the dress from my body, and gave it to Sapphire. “Oh course Ms, I shall wait for you outside.” “Thank you, Sapphire.” I began to put on the padded training pants first, it felt nice wearing pants again. I smiled and put on the rest of the suit. “Okay, I’m ready.” I turned to Luna who was also finished changing. “How do I look?” “You look great Penny.” Luna compliments me. She opens another door that leads Into a training hall, with high school equipment, climbing ropes, jumping boxes, and trading dummies. I was very impressed and nostalgic for some reason. “So this is where you train?” I asked, looking around. "Yes, this is where I do most of my training,” Luna replied, nodding. I watched Luna walk to a collection of training swords, and a maid brought me my backpack. "Here you are, Ms Penny.” The maid handed me back my backpack. I took my backpack. “Thank you.” I put the pack on me and it felt right having it on my back again, I felt kinda naked without it. “Better?” Luna asked me, smiling. "Much better," I nodded, also smiling. “Now you said you don’t use your hands, can you elaborate?” Luna asked me. I decided to show her instead of explaining it. My swords floated out, responding to my will I could feel my strings attached to each blade. “Like this.” Luna claps impressed by the way I control my swords. “I see, show me how you fight Penny,” Luna asked me, using a strange trick to Set up targets for me.  "OK," I said, “how did she move the dummies without touching them?” I attacked the dummies with my swords, and easily sliced them all up. “Huh, I’m pretty good with my blades.” I thought to myself. “I see, that’s quite the performance.” Luna praises me. I smiled happily and blushed. “Thank you, Luna.” I put my swords back into my pack. “That’s how I use my swords.” “I see like your swords are puppets and you are the puppeteer,”  Luna said, analyzing my swordplay. “Now let me show you my performance,” Luna said, resetting targets with that same trick again. “How does she do that?” I watched eagerly, Luna ran to the dummies and slashed them like a belladonna, with her sword. I blushed at the beauty of her movements. “Amazing.” I gasped "Thank you," Luna said, using that trick again to reset the dummies. “Okay I need to ask.” I walked to Luna. “Luna, what was that trick?” “Trick?” Luna asked in confusion. “What do you mean?” “How do you keep resettling the dummies?” I asked, pointing at the dummies. “Oh it’s not a trick Penny, I just used my magic,” Luna explains showing me her. Magic aura. “Magic? Like actual magic?” I asked, smiling like a giddy child. “Yes, don’t you have magic where you're from?” Luna asked me. “No, we don’t,” I replied. “Magic it’s a name we give to unexplainable tricks.” “I see, how curious.” Luna hums. “Would you like to train more?” She asked me. "Yes please Luna," I replied. “I like to practice more.” “Ok, I also want to see more of your swordplay,” Luna said, giving me some space to draw my swords. “Yeah, I want to see more of your swordplay too,” I said, drawing out my swords with my string. “Well, then shall we resume?” Luna asked me once more.  “Yep, let’s,” I said, getting ready to strike down more dummies. Me and Luna trained for some time but I wanted more action. I needed to fight a living target, I looked at Luna and watched the way she used her sword. I walked to Luna after she finished her last dummy. “Luna, can we spar?” I asked. “You want to spar with me?” Luna asked me, with a raised eyebrow. “Why?” “Want to test my skills against an actual opponent,” I explained. “I can understand where you’re coming from, but you’re not ready yet,” Luna told me sheathing her sword.  “How do we know if I’m ready unless I try?” I asked Luna with my hand on my chest. “Plus you can go easy on me.” Luna thinks and nods. "Alright, but don’t overdo yourself,” Luna said, drawing her sword, she moved onto the training mat, and I stepped onto the mat facing her. Luna gets into her fighting stance. “Ready Penny?” I pulled out my swords, and for some reason, I was looking forward to this fight. “I’m combat-ready,” I replied saying Penny’s famous line from the show. Luna raised an eyebrow at me. “Okay.” Luna shrugged, and she slowly approached me with her sword pointing at me. “Here I come.” Luna sprinted towards me. I waved my good arm at Luna and five of my swords followed. Luna cuts my strings with ease. “What?” Luna ran at me at full speed and swung her sword. I panicked and moved my other five swords to my bad arm and used them like Shields, and blocked Luna’s attack.  The shockwave of impact shots down my arm and the moment it reached my injury my arm went numb with pain and I clapped to the floor. “Ahhh my arm!” “PENNY!” Luna ran to me and removed my pack and shirt, she lifted my numb arm. “You’re bleeding. GET MY STRINGS!” “RIGHT!” I heard a reply from a maid. My head felt light. “Lu……ah.” I passed out. “PENNY!” I woke up on the guest bed, back in the room I originally woke up in. How long was I out for? My body wouldn’t move, my arm I can’t feel it. “Ms Penny, your wake.” I heard Sapphire say to me, I managed to turn my head to look at her. “Sapphire, what happened?” I asked, confused about what happened to me. “You passed out after your sparring match with Lady Luna.” Sapphire began to explain to me. “She said almost half your nerves were separated.” “Does that mean I lost it?” I asked fearing the worst. “Thanks to your lucky stars I managed to save it,” Luna answered entering the room. “I knew it was too soon for you to fight.” I saw her rub her brow. “I’m sorry Luna.” I apologize, feeling guilty for putting her in this situation. “No I’m equally to blame for this, I hit your sword shield too hard, and you convinced me to spar with you.” Luna sighed, “So let us both learn from this experience.” “Yeah, I learned a lesson from this.” I nod with a smile. “And so did I,” Luna said, also nodding. “It is late, so get some sleep.” To be honest I was feeling tired. “Sure, I’ll get some sleep.” “Goodnight Penny,” Luna said before leaving. “Goodnight Luna,” I replied to my hostess. “In that case, I shall take my leave, I bid you goodnight, my lady.” Sapphire bows to me before leaving. Luna and Sapphire left me alone to my thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about everything, my death, becoming Penny from RWBY, and the Hound. My mind just kept racing with thought after thought. “Okay, brain time to shut down,” I told myself I would soon fall asleep. Within another place and time, a red star fell from the sky and landed on a beach. To be continued… > Chapter 2: Crystal mine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It has been about a week since Penny came to this world. Her arm has fully healed, and she has been doing as much research as possible on this new world. Luna has been helping her with her research. “So I’m in a world called Equestria, and there’s Grimm.” Penny thought to herself almost Finishing her research. So is this world an odd mix of two worlds? “Interesting..” But what do they use for power? Penny looked at the lamps humming. Penny saw Luna organizing her library. “Luna, what do you use for power?” Penny asked, closing her book. “We use Crystals.” Luna replied, grabbing a book on crystals. “Here this can explain it.” "I see," Penny said, taking the book from Luna and reading some of it. “Oh I see.” She nods, “Do you have any?” "Of course I do." Luna said, “There everywhere, in the manor. Oh wait here a moment.” “Ok, I’ll wait.” Penny replied seeing Luna leave the library. In a few moments Luna returned with a small box. Penny watched her place the box on the table. Luna opened the box, Penny saw a blue crystal inside. “Is this a crystal?” "It is.” Luna answered, “A water crystal to be exact." “I see.’ Penny said, “Can I touch it?” "Of course," Luna said, “I brought it for you to study.” “Oh?” Penny looked at Luna with a surprise look. “Thank you Luna.” She grabs the crystal. Penny examines the water stone. “How do you use it?” “I use my Aura and water comes out.” Luna explained, “it’s quite simple really.” "Wow…” Penny smiled looking at the crystal. “Can I try?” "Sure," Luna said, she placed a cup next to Penny. “Just pour the water into this cup.” “Okay.” Remembering how to use her Aura, Panny channels it into her hand and through the crystal. Water started pouring out from the crystal. “Wow I’m making water.” Panny Cheered. "Indeed you are," Luna said, seeing the cup overflowing. “And you're wetting my table.” "Oops," Penny blushed, “Sorry.” She tried stopping the water, but it kept going. “Umm Luna….” Penny began to panic. “Help.” Luna takes the Crystal from Penny and it stops making water. “Ok let’s get this mess cleaned up," Luna said “Of course.” Penny was blushing, from making a mess. “Sorry Luna.” “It’s fine Penny.” Luna said, using her magic to levitate the water into a vase. “Accidents happen.” Luna placed some flowers in the vase. “I remember my first Crystal accident.” She said giggling. “My sister…..” Luna stopped her face falling to regret and sadness. Penny reached out and held Luna’s hand. “Are you ok?” She asked in concern. Luna gently squeezed Penny’s hand. “I’m ok Penny.” Luna replied with a small smile. “Are you sure?” Penny asked, “We can talk about it.” Luna was touched by Penny’s words, but Penny was her guest so this had nothing to do with her. “Thank you Penny,” Luna said, holding her hand. “But I’ll be fine.” Luna hugged her. Penny hugged back. “Okay, But if you need to talk I’ll be here.” Luna finished the hug. “Thank you,” she smiled, “bu-” The phone rang. “Who could that be?” Luna answered the phone. “Hello?…..I see….I’ll be there soon.” Penny watched Luna’s one sided conversation. “Is everything ok?” “Grimm in a crystal mine.” Penny shivered from Luna’s answer. “I’m going to help the miners, by clearing them out.” Luna said walking to the door. Penny watched her walking to the door, she knew Luna was about to go on a dangerous mission. “Luna?” Penny stood from her chair. “Will you be fighting alone?” Luna stood at the door and looked at Penny. “Yes, I shall battle them alone.” Luna opens the door. “I’ll return soon Penny.” “Alone?” Penny quickly ran after Luna. “Luna, wait!” She called out. Luna stopped in the hallway, letting Penny catch up to her. “What's wrong Penny?” “You shouldn’t go alone.” Penny said, “Let me come with you.” Luna looked at Penny with a concerned look. “Are you sure?” She asked, “After what happened to you…” “Luna, you did so much for me, and I can not in good conscience stay here, and let you face the Grimm by yourself.” Penny explains to Luna. “Please let me help you.” Luna can see the determination in Penny’s eyes, she can see Penny wants to help Luna, to repay everything she has done for her. “Are you sure you’re ready?” Luna asked once more. Penny took a deep breath, choosing her next words and knew what to say. “I’m combat ready.” Luna deadpanned from Penny’s answer. “It wasn’t crying, was it?” Penny asked with puppy dog eyes. Luna sighs and pats Penny’s head. “You’re cute.” She said, submitting to Penny’s cuteness. “I’ll be leaving in 10 minutes.” She told Penny, removing her hand from Penny’s head. “Meet outside when your combat ready.” This time Penny deadpanned. “Ok a little cringe.” She ran to her room. “I’ll meet you outside.” “Meet you outside.” Luna said, Penny enters her room and grabs her backpack, her heart beating faster than a moment ago. She placed her hand on her chest to calm it down. “It’s ok.” She told her heart. “It’s going to be ok.” Her heart rate goes down little by little. “I can do this, I can push past this.” Penny subpoenaed her ear of the Grimm and the dreadful hound. “I’m stronger than fear.” She declared, “I am stronger than fear.” She repeated to herself. Penny feels her anxiety and fear fade away little by little. “Okay, let’s not keep Luna waiting.” Penny slung her back pack over her shoulders, and leaves her room to join Luna outside. Luna stans at the main entrance waiting for Penny, she checks her pocket watch. “2 minutes Penny.” Penny climbs down the stairs, and Luna sees her. “Huh, speak of the devil and she’ll appear.” “Excuse me?” Penny asked barely hearing what Luna just said. “Nothing.” Luna smiles, “Do you have everything you need?” “Yes.” Penny answers. “I have everything I need.” “Good.” Luna summons her sword with her magic. “Now let us hunt some Grimm.” Penny nods with a determined look. “Right behind you.” Luna leads Penny to an armored German half track, Penny Jews almost dropped from seeing this vehicle. “A Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251? I’ve only seen those vehicles in World War 2 films and games.” The back door opens and a man with dark blonde with light blonde streaks dressed like a minor steps out, looks at Luna and bows. “It has been a while my lady.” “It has.” Luna said, returning the bow. Penny was confused from the bowing. “Ummm do I bow too?” She asked. “No.” Luna answers, straightened up. “This is just how we greet one another.” “Oh? So who is this man?” Penny asked, “Forgive my rudeness.” Said the miner. “I am Rockhoof.” The miner introduced himself. “Salutations Rockhoof, I am Penny Polendina.” Penny introduced herself, like how the original Penny would have interpreted herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Penny.” Rockhoof said, with a bow. “I’m sorry.” Luna cuts in. “But time is of essence.”’ “Right.” Penny nod, “Of course.” Rockhoof said stepping back in the Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251. “I’ll explain the situation on the way.” He sat in the driver’s seat, and started the engine. Penny and Luna climb aboard the Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251. After some time of driving Penny and Luna reached the Grimm infested mine. During the ride Rockhoof explained the situation, the miners breached a new crystal vein and found a nest of Centinel’s. Unfortunately there were fatalities, the fear and anxiety caused by the Centinel’s will attracted more Grimm to this mine. Penny and Luna stood at the entrance, Penny stared into the darkness. She knows the Grimm are inside waiting for them to enter. “Penny?” Luna saw Penny staring into the mine, she placed her hand on Penny’s shoulder, Penny was snapped out of her trance, she looked at Luna. “Are you ok?” Penny smiled. “I’m ok.” She said, trying to hide her fears and anxiety. “Just eager to start.” Luna can see through Penny bluff. “Penny,who are you trying to convince?” Luna asked, “Me or yourself?” Penny blushed and fiddled her thumbs. “You can tell?” “Yes, Penny.” Luna said, softly like an elder sister. “If you are not ready to fight the Grimm, there’s no shame in staying behind.” “No.” Penny looked at Luna. “I can do this.” She declared. Luna sighed, “She looks like she made up her mind.” Rockhoof said, swinging his pickaxe over his shoulder. “She’ll be safe with us.” “You’re coming with us?” Luna asked. “You’ll need an escort.” Rockhoof said, “I know this mine well, you’ll get lost without me.” “Hmmm.” Luna thinks Rockhoof was making sense; they need a guide to help them navigate the mine. “Ok Rockhoof, you may join us.” “Gladly.” Rockhoof laughed. Luna turned to Penny. “Penny, you're under obligation to enter this mine.” “I know,” Penny said, “But if I run from this, I’ll run from every other battle against the Grimm.” Penny takes a deep breath. “Luna, I can do this.” Penny looked at the mine. “Please Luna let me try.” Luna sighed and looked at Penny. “Okay, but you must follow my instructions to the letter.” She told Penny with a stern voice. “Understood?” “Yes ma’am!” Penny said, saluting like a soldier from Atlas. Luna sighed, patting Penny’s head. “Cute.” Penny blushed, from the headpating. “I’m not cute.” Rockhoof laughed at Penny and Luna. “Alright, are you two done yet?” He asked, leaning on his pickaxe. “Yes.” Luna cleared her voice. “Yes, we’re ready.” Penny nods, “I’m ready too.” “Right!” Roockhoof kicked his pickaxe swinging it over his shoulders, and resting it on his right shoulder. “Follow me and stay close.” Luna draws her rapire, and Penny opens her pack, using her strings she pulled out two swords and grabs them in mid air. Luna, Penny and Rockhoof enter the Grimm infested mine, knowing not what lurking within it’s darkness. To Be Continued……. > Chapter 3 crystal mine part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Penny, Luna and Rockhoof searched the mine for the Grimm, and any other minders who may be trapped within. Penny used her flashlight to look for any clues and tunnel entrances. “Say, I don’t see any crystals.” She said, continuing to look. “This tunnel has been stripped of anything valuable.” Rockhoof declared. “It was converted to a ventilation chamber.” Penny looked at Rockhoof. “Oh? How did you convert it?” She asked wondering how it was possible. Rockhoof pointed to the ceiling. “See those holes?” Penny looks up seeing some of the holes. “I see them.” “We drill those holes into the ceiling, and connect them to a building with fans blowing air into this tunnel.” Rockhoof explains, “Wow,” Penny was impressed, she wondered if the miners from her world did the same thing. “Wait, wouldn't that be dangerous?” “You would think so, but we use crystals to strengthen the tunnels.” Rockhoof explains, “We even-” “Shhhhh.” Luna alerts Penny and Rockhoof, she jesters to turn off the lights. Penny and Rockhoof turned off the lights, and armed themselves, Penny with three swords, and Rockhoof with his pickaxe. Luna looked around the corner, she saw Centinels crawling around. She quickly returns to Penny and Rockhoof. “Centinels,” she whispered, “Four of them.” They nod, Luna leads them back to the corner and pulls out a white crystal. “Cover your eyes.” Luna throws the crystal and it releases a huge flash. The Centinels screeched in pain, but they were soon silenced by Luna’s blade. Penny saw Luna standing Proudly over the fading Grimm, She was amazed from seeing how fast and strong Luna truly was. Rockhoof walked past Penny and growled. “Damn Centinels! These Grimm courses have so many cave-ins.” He kicked one of the Grimm remains in discus. Penny walks towards Rockhoof. “Is that it?” She asked,  “No.” Luna answered, sheathing her sword. “There’s going to be more Grimm in this mine.” She picked up the crystal. “Dead.” She buried it in the ground. Penny looked at Luna, seeing her bury a crystal seems odd. “Why are you burying it?” “This is how we recharged crystal.” Rockhoof answered, “The came from the earth, and once they die we return them to the earth to be given life once more.” “You talk like the Crystals are alive.” Penny stated. “In a way they are.” Luna Replied patting the ground. “They have the same energy as us.” “They do?” Penny asked, fascinated by this information. “So this isn’t a mine, more like some kind of farm?”  Rockhoof raised an eyebrow. “No, young lass, not a farm. A mine.” He declared. Luna giggled, and leaned closed to Penny’s ear. “It is, but let the men have their opinions.” She whispered, making Penny blush. “Now let’s get moving.” “R-Right.” Penny stutters, still blushing. Luna walked ahead, and Rockhoof looked at her. “What did you tell her?” He asked, “Oh nothing.” Luna replied, walking further ahead. Rockhoof walked behind. “I know you said something.” “It was nothing.” Luna replied. “I know it was something.” Rockhoof repeated. Penny watched this back and forth, it was like they were siblings. “Wow they must be close.” Penny began to realize she was getting left behind. “Hey wait.” She quickly jogged to catch up with Luna and Rockhoof. After some time of exploring, Luna, Rockhoof, and Penny killed more Centinels. Rockhoof looked at the holes, and filled them quickly. “Where are they coming from?” He groaned, “We been killing Centinels for almost an hour.” He rubs his shoulders. Luna sighed, sheathing her sword once more. “Something doesn’t seem right.” She said, “We only seen Centinels, but no other type of Grimm.” She scanned the cave. “Something doesn't feel right here.” Penny put her swords back in her pack, and looked around, she noticed a crystal in the wall. “Oh, that could be handy.” She approached the crystal, once she was close enough, she grabbed the crystal with both hands and pulled. Rockhoof saw Penny pulling the crystal, he smiled seeing Penny struggle with the crystal. “Never that easy.” He place his pickaxe on his back, and walked towards Penny. “Y-” He saw the ground cracking under her feet. “STOP!” Penny pulls the crystal out, and the ground collapse under her, as she fell she heard Luna and Rockhoof calling her name. Penny fell into the darkness seeing Luna and Rockhoof get smaller and smaller. During the fall this felt familiar, she had a flashback of her falling from a bridge, but this didn’t last, she soon hit the hard ground knocking her out. While unconscious Penny dreamt of a battle, she saw a black void, with glowing bridges. Then she was surrounded by flames and a hand thrust towards her. She felt it impale her chest. From the pain she screams and wakes up on the ground hyperventilating. She sat up seeing only darkness surrounding her, the only source of light she had was from the hole she fell from. With the image of the hand in her mind, Penny unfastened her clothes and checked her chest. “Wait….” She breathed slowly and calmed down. “It was a dream, or a nightmare.” She saw her chest and blushed. “That’s right, I’m a woman now.” She sighed, rebutting her shirt up. Once Penny was finished, she looked up, she looked for any sign of Luna or Rockhoof. “Can’t see them.” Penny noticed how far the hole was, “Guessing this chamber is quite huge.” She rose to her feet and saw only darkness surrounding her. “Ok, Gonna need some light.” Penny looked around for a moment, and saw the Crystal she grabbed. “Oh Lucky.” She smiled picking up the stone. “Ok, let’s see what type you are.” Penny used her aura to activate the crystal's power. It glows, lighting the darkness. “Light Crystal,” She smiles using it like a flashlight. “This will come in handy.” Penny used the light to see her surroundings more clearly. She saw a single tunnel, “Only one way to go.” Penny walked to the tunnel, and entered it. As she walks through the tunnel, Penny thinks about everything that happened. Dying as Alex after being hit by Truck Kun, then waking up as Penny Polendina. Then she remembers the hound ripping off her arm. Remembering that Grimm made her shiver. But she remembered Luna saving her. Penny smiled, she wondered if Luna and Rockhoof were okay, she needed to get back as soon as she could, Penny pushed on picking the speed, but she soon stopped seeing a hole in the ground.  “Hmm.” Penny used her light to see if she could walk around the hole. But the outer rims of the hole were too narrow to stand on. “No good,” She sighed. “Have to turn back.” Penny turned, once she turned, a red tentacle crept behind her, and lassoed her legs. “GAH!” Penny was dragged into the hole, as she was pulled into the darkness, Penny Quick used her strings and grabbed one of her swords, cutting the tentacle. The second she was freed Penny used her swords to latch on to the walls. “What the hell was that?” Penny grabs her Crystal looking for the creature that grabbed her. She saw a black lake. “What’s that? Filthy water?” Penny saw something in the lake and more red tentacles shot out towards her. Penny dodge from the tentacles, using her swords like spider legs. They kept dodging the tentacles, “Need somewhere to land.” Penny looked and found some safe ground from the lake. “There!” Penny while dodging made her way to the ground, once she landed she drew all her blades for battle. The red tentacles zoomed towards Penny, and Penny chopped them up like a blender. Penny cuts all the tentacles and something raised from the black waters. A humanoid Grimm with a bowler hat, and an umbrella. “That’s a new one.” Penny mumbles seeing the Grimm points its umbrella at her, Something about this Grimm seems  familiar to Penny, but how? The Grimm ran on the water towards Penny, who was ready to fight. Penny made the first assault, by sending four blades at the Grimm. Who opened the umbrella to block the blades, and realized a small blade at the tip. The Grimm thrust its weapon at Penny who, evaded by standing aside. Penny pulled her strings recalling her swords back, aiming for the Grimm’s back. The Grimm pulled out a second blade and cut Penny's strings, making the swords fall into the lake. The Grimm Swings its second sword at Penny who jumps back. Penny looked at the Grimm and immediately recognised this fighting style, It was the same style as Neapolitan’s. Is this Grimm a clone? Or was it actually Neo inside, like the Hound from the show? Penny’s heart beats fast thinking of the Hound once more. “N-Not now!” Penny clenched her chest, before she began to hyperventilate. The Grimm ran at Penny thrusting the umbrella at her, Penny moved and tripped. Penny rolled on the ground, she quickly tried to push herself up, but her right arm felt numb. “M-my arm?” The Grimm kicks Penny over, and tries to stab her, Penny rolled out of the way, but the Grimm cuts one of the straps. Penny Stood up with her pack hanging by its only strap, her arm was still dead, her heart was still beating fast, she couldn’t breathe in enough air for her lungs. “I need to- The Grimm threw its blade at Penny making her move to avoid it. Once away, Penny noticed she was missing her pack. “M-my- She saw the Grimm holding her pack. It held like it was taunting her, just like how Neo would. Penny used her good hand to throw her strings to reclaim her precious pack, but the Grimm dropped it into the lake. Penny gasped seeing her pack sink into the black lake. Penny with only seconds to spare, used her strings to pulled out four more swords, just before her pack sank into the lake, the swords came her good arm, floating next to her. She was still hyperventilating, she needed to regain control of herself. She knew that Grimm can sense her fear, her anxiety, her……..Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Penny shuck her head, she needs to regain control, or she'll be killed by this Neo copy. With her left hand, she pulled back her four swords, and grabs one of her swords, she stabs the remaining three blades into the ground. The Grimm points its umbrella at Penny, ready to resume the fight. “Ok, don’t let your PTSD take over, you can do this, you’re stronger than this Grimm.” Penny told herself, and it helped her calm down, taking slow breaths. The Grimm ran towards Penny, and Penny stood her ground, ready for a fight.  As the Grimm draws closer, Penny starts to feel her arm again, and she used her strings a little trap. Once close enough, Penny Swung her blade at the Grimm, and it jumped over her, “knew you’d do that.” Penny smiled, with her restored hand, pulled a rock towards the Grimm and smashed it against its skull head. The Grimm fell and rolled on the Grimm disorientated, and Penny with her other three swords slashed the Grimm, disarming it, The Grimm stumbled back to its feet, and Penny used another rock smashing the Grimm’s head again, breaking its mask. Penny sent one of her swords towards its face, but stopped last second, Seeing someone trapped inside. She saw part of their right side of her pale face, with Pink and some Brown hair, and a pink eye, looking her with in terror “N-Neo?” Penny Gasped, seeing Neo look at her with fear and crying for help. “I'm gonna save you.” Penny called, as her blade fell, the Grimm regenerate its skull covering Neo’s face. Penny pulled back her sword, thinking of a plan to save Neo from this Grimm, but she soon turned pale, seeing more Grimm emerging from the lake, Centinels, and Beowolfs. “Shit!” Penny saw the number of Grimm increasing by the second. “There’s too many of them.” She needed a way to save Neo and escape with their lives, but what could she do? The Grimm soon began to attack Penny, she used her swords, cutting them but for everyone she killed two more took its place. “I can’t do this alone!” Penny saw the Grimm Neo, watching her, “I need to save her.” Penny began to move, cutting through the Grimm pack, making her way to Neo. Then Penny heard a Beringel falling from above, she dodged from the incoming ape, the Beringel smashed the ground, and roared as it pulled out a boulder from the ground and threw it at her. Penny used one of her swords to cut the boulder in two, she used her strings to grab the two halves, and used them like flails, hitting any Grimm in their way. The Beringel roared and charged towards Penny, who swung her boulders at it, she sandwiched the Beringel between the rocks killing it from the impact. Penny smiled as she was making leeway fighting off the Grimm, but she soon discovered it wasn’t meant to last, more Grimm rose from the lake. Penny saw more and more Grimm rising from the lake, now with Seers and Tempest. “What now?” She remembers Luna’s trick with the Crystal, she scanned for her crystal she used before. Penny saw it on the ground, she ran towards the crystal, She uses her strings to reel it in; she grabs it and before the Grimm could swarm her, Penny floods the Crystal with her Aura, and it releases a huge flash, blinding the Grimm. Penny ran towards Neo, taking this moment of opportunity, but she soon learned Neo used her umbrella to protect herself from the flash. Neo with her second blade drawn attacked Penny, who parried Neo's attack. Penny kept fighting Neo, and soon saw the Grimm regain their sight. Neo saw Penny distracted and stabbed her right foot, “AHHH!” Penny screamed from the pain, and as Neo pulled her blade out, Penny couldn’t stand on her right foot. She can feel the blood pouring out, and the surrounding Grimm can smell her blood. Penny flows her last sword around her, and holds the second sword. She looked for something to help her, but the situation looked so dire. “PENNY!”  Like a child hearing their mother’s call, Penny turned her head in the direction voice. She saw Luna with Rockhoof at the entrance. “Luna, Rockhoof!.” Penny called back, happy to see Luna and Rockhoof, seeing them gave her hope, but it soon her hope was snuffed out by Red tentacles wrapped around Penny’s arms, legs and Neck. “GAH!” The tentacles began to squeeze Penny’s neck and limbs. Luna saw the tentacles wrapping around Penny. “PENNY!” She won’t let Penny become a victim of the Grimm, not again! “We’re coming less!” Rockhoof called, striking his pickaxe into the ground coursing an earthquake clearing a path. Luna ran down the path Rockhoof made, running towards Penny, but Neo stood in Luna’s way. Luna and Neo began to fight, and Penny watched, as the tentacles squeezed through her Aura, tightening its grip on her neck. “Can’t breathe! Need to break free!” Penny looked for something to save her, but her vision was going away. “No! Running out of oxygen! Need more air!” She tried to take a breath, but the tentacles wouldn’t let her. Rockhoof saw Penny struggling, he pulled out a handful of crystals and threw them into the air. Like a baseball player, she swung his pickaxe sending his crystals into the Grimm releasing their elemental powers of Fire, Electricity, and Ice. Rockhoof killed a number of the Grimm, but their ranks refilled in seconds. “This is going to be a problem.” Rockhoof said, as a Creep crept up behind him, he swung his pickaxe at the Grimm, killing it. “Where are they coming from!?” Luna broke away from Neo, and she rushed towards Penny, but she was soon halted by more Grimm. “Vail beast!” She hissed, swinging her sword. Penny saw Luna fighting the Grimm, she can hear Rockhoof using more crystals, this wasn’t fair, once again she was at the mercy of the Grimm, and needed saving. Penny began to cry, why was this happening again? Why does she need saving again? Why was she so weak? Why couldn’t she save….. “N-Neo…..” She remembers the way Neo looked at her when she broke the mask, the look of fear and terror begging for help. She grit her teeth, and crunched her hands into fist. “Come on! Break free!” Penny pulled back against the strangling tentacles. “You promised her!” She told herself feeling something inside. “Save her!” Her eyes began to glow. “SAVE THEM!” Then from Penny’s eyes a huge flash of silver light, taking the form of wings, engulfed the chamber in light, turning the Grimm into stone. Luna and Rockhoof covered their eyes. Soon the light faded, Luna and Rockhoof recovered their sight, and saw the statues of Grimm. Luna touched one of the statues and it crumbled immediately. “How?” “I don’t know.” Rockhoof spoke, seeing the statues. “Did Penny do this?” Luna looked and saw Penny on the ground. “Penny!” Luna ran towards her, once by her side, she kneeled down next to her. “Penny? Speak to me!” Luna lifted her up, and listened for breathing, but heard nothing. “Penny!” Luna gently shook her, and Penny released an unconscious moan. “Thank God.” “Luna.” Rockhoof said, pushing a statue away. “We should leave, there might be more Grimm lurking.” “You’re right.” Luna picked up Penny with her magic. “Let’s leave and regroup outside.” “Right.” Rockhoof nods, “Follow me.” He pushed more Grimm statues out of his way. Luna followed him, carrying Penny with her magic, as she walked Luna saw the Neo statue, she glared at it, this Grimm seemed unlike the others, she shook her head, Penny was more important than this Grimm, she walked past it knocking it over. The moment it hit the ground, it shattered, freeing Neo from its grasp. Luna saw Neo on the ground unconscious. “Rockhoof!” She called, looking at the unconscious girl on the ground. Rockhoof returned and he saw Neo on the ground. “Where did she come from?” “She was in one of the statues.” Luna replied, “She was?” Rockhoof looked at Luna. “Yes.” Luna replied, using her magic to lift Neo. “Rockhoof once your search is done seal this mine off completely.” “Yes Princess Luna.” Rockhoof nods, “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Luna followed Rockhoof out of the Mine, while carrying Neo and Penny with her magic. To Be Continued……