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A soul is a complicated thing. Even in a society that studies and uses it's soul extensively...
Prologue

OverReactionGuy

The only Sane one left
Joined
Oct 10, 2014
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A soul is a complicated thing. Even in a society that studies and uses it's soul extensively would barely figure out what makes a soul tick. But the ever burning curiosity would be there, especially if there was a dire need to find out.

As a soul is a weapon against the soulless.

So, perhaps it wasn't a surprise that even an artificially created being could gain one in this environment. It was a great and wondrous achievement, even though it was an accident. A machine with a soul. Not just a machine, but a girl. A lucky girl to have been made by a man with a good strength of character; that as soon as he realized just what had happened, immediately adopted the newly born soul. Instead of dissecting her, in order to see what made her so special.

Yes, such a wondrous existence.

The girl, now named Penny, who looked at the wondrous world she found herself in with wide innocent eyes.

But no one knew just how special she was. For deep in her soul was a power that hadn't been seen in Remnant in a long, long time.

Now, just what was that power?

[]The strength of heart and the power of the keyblade.
[]A spark of vast potential.

Now, then.

Where does the story of such an innocent soul start?

[]A new life, a new start. (beginning of Penny's life.)
[]School Days, a Team effort! (Penny goes to Atlas hunter's academy and meets her team)
[]A fight to the death, a world brought into chaos. (Penny and Pyrrha's tournament match)

Now go forth, your destiny is yours to shape. But beware of the darkness that lurks in the corner.

Start of a new quest that would hopefully fare better for me than my previous ones. Since I normally get sick a week or two after starting one and then end up stalling on them.

Rolls would likely be sparse. Likely only used for random encounters, and loot rolls maybe. Social is also a possibility. Honestly I haven't decided that yet.

Traits will be gained that would help your success in combat and various other matters.

I couldn't decide between a planeswalker or keyblade master. Each has their pro's and cons and would shape how the story and plot is presented.

Like whether the grimm would be manifestations of the darkness in the hearths of man, or black constructs generated for a purpose unknown.

The settings of where you end up going will likely be rather AU, so if you have to ask about it just assume it is AU.

If planeswalker is chosen, know this. I haven't played magic in forever, nor have I read the books. So canon Magic worlds are likely not going to be on the table.

Anyway, if this doesn't work out for me, I would probably ask someone to adopt this so it doesn't die since I think it could be a fun quest.​
 
1.1
Winning vote:
A Spark of Potential
School Days



The way to Atlas Academy, if I had to describe it, was slow. Slow and silent, and in a tide of white and grays. Few people deviated from the dress code, and preferred to ride the airship in silence. I was hesitant myself to break it, even though as my father said, "Communication is the first step to making friends", when I asked about it.

Honestly this ride was lonely.

Back at the lab I had my father and his assistants to talk to, even General Ironwood always filled the silence when he dropped by; though his visits also correlated to Aura and combat practice. But that was what I originally was made to do, as well as be the first in line of the newer generation of android series; Atlesian Knights.

Except for whatever reason, I ended up different from them all. I had gained an Aura, something that was thought to be impossible for an android. My soon to father was so surprised at that time, as were the rest. They were all excited about the big breakthrough they just made with their research certainly. It was when they started to do tests that they realized I was fully sentient, but I do not blame them for that time.

I got a sweet father after all, and they all treated me like a person even though I wasn't a real girl.

Sometimes, when looking at the stars in the night sky, I wished I was... but that would mean I wouldn't have met my father, wouldn't it? So I was also glad that wish I made during the older days had never came to past. I was content with my life in the lab, but that was before I started learning more about the outside world. Reading books my father got so I could past the time, listening to stories from the general, and finally looking things up on my handy Scroll device that was packed with many apps for a variety of uses. I found out that I lived in a wondrous world, and I wanted to explore what it had to offer. But it was a world filled with danger.

The creatures Grimm, enemy of all life. The endless tide of darkness that threatens complete genocide on the ones born from dust. A never ending battle that always seemed to be one step forward and two steps back for those fighting it.

It was why instead of choosing to be a civilian, with the freedom to explore as I wished, I chose to fight. In order to protect the world I was born into. Which my father accepted my choice, though with a hint of what seemed to be melancholy, and made me a special weapon; poring all of his heart into it, I would never find a weapon better to use.

Though I had yet been able to come up with a name for it. As a gift that as made with so much love deserves one.

Especially since it allows me to perfectly fight at all ranges of combat.

I hoped a name would come to me during my time at Atlas Academy. Speaking of which, it would seem that the shuttle was preparing to land.

"Welcome to Atlas Academy young hunters, and please watch your step as you exit the vehicle." The door on the side slided open and the stairs were deployed automatically. "Have a nice day." The intercom dinged one last time as the sea of gray descended down the steps in an orderly manner. And so I followed with my head held high, and my backpack secured nicely on my back.

When I got down, I finally got my first look at Atlas Academy, my home for the next four years. It was a giant white fortress, built to withstand, just like humanity withstood the Grimm siege for all of their lives.

I smiled and walked toward the fortress. The headmaster would be giving a speech in the auditorium and it would be best not to be late.



Along the way you...

[]See a girl staring at a watch intently and tapping her foot as she seemed to be waiting for someone, or something.
[]Accidentally got lost due to your sense of wonder.
[]Saw one of the most colorful girls you've seen rolling around on Rollerblades.
[]Made it to the auditorium promptly with no distractions.

(OOC VOTE)

What would be Penny's primary color? Two are vetoed due to Penny's personality and well, what Penny is.

[]White
[]Blue
[]Red


Short chapter today to set the mood. Trying to get a good grasp of Penny's character while realizing there isn't much background for Penny so I needed to come up with stuff on my own and we really don't know much about what goes on Penny's head except that she apparently never had a friend until she met with Ruby, had someone hired to look out for her and keep her out of trouble, is socially awkward, and has a sweet father.

Anyway, what you missed out on for not choosing the new life option. I think people would what to know and I haven't updated the event history post yet with highlights of the beginning of Penny's life.

-six months of character development.
-character interactions with people at the lab and Penny's father.
-the choice of whether she would be a civilian or not.
-naming your weapon right when you got it. Though this will probably happen soon.

Anyway, the reasons why I vetoed two colors.

Green- Penny is an artificial lifeform and kinda clashes with the whole green thing. You may still learn how to use green mana though eventually, but it would be rather hard.

Black- Penny isn't a selfish amoral person that would do anything to achieve her goals. This had a chance to be a thing if you chose to play from the very beginning of her life though, creating a vastly different Penny. And with Green, you would eventually be able to learn how to use it as Penny is a Planeswalker, it just may be hard to do.

But don't feel bad about that. Personally, I am happy the school days won since the first option was just a long character development phase and the last option was skipping all of that and jumping right in the action.

School days was the middle ground. ^.^

Anyway, if I am not getting Penny's character right please tell me.
 
Last edited:
1.2
Winning vote:
-Saw one of the most colorful girls you've seen rolling around on Rollerblades
-white


Many of the students were shuffling around instead of going directly to the auditorium, some were checking up on their friends while others were making new ones. But this was fine with me, there would be plenty of time to make friends and I should not dally longer than needed. I did not want to miss General Ironwoods speech now, did I?

So, I continued walking towards the center of the building, where the auditorium is likely located and if not, I am sure to receive instruction as to where it is there. Though I was tempted to find my own way there, maybe take a side entrance? Father did say that I am of the age where I am able to find my own way through life if I wanted.

Hmm, I wondered if he meant that figuratively or literally? I mused, but I didn't get to contemplate the thought for long as my attention was drawn elsewhere.

"Woah, Look out!" I heard a cry behind me so I turned to look and saw one of the most colorful girls on Rollerblades. "Oh, crap!" Even when she crashed into me and I forced myself to fall to the ground as normal girls would from the impact, I couldn't help but notice. Her clothing was the exact opposite of the dress code, even though I took liberties with it myself, she took it to the extreme.

Her red orange hair was tied in pigtails, with a few blue streaks scattered in the wild mess as she fell on her butt with an oof. Her clothing was a mix of blues, purple, white and pink and she even had a rainbow tattooed to her arm. It was then I noticed the long cat tail.

A faunus? I thought as I stared at the girl from my place on the ground. I had only saw a few other faunus in my life, and they all had a serious demeanor that made it hard to talk to them, so this girl was a curiosity. I wonder if she would like to be friends?

"Ow, ow, ow." She muttered as she rubbed her butt before she looked and glared at my prone form. "Like, why didn't you dodge?"

She sounded angry, so I fell back to Doctor White's advice on what to do in this situation; give a disarming smile and introduce yourself cheerfully.

"Salutations!" I exclaimed, still laying on the ground sideways. "I'm Penny Polendina!"

She stared at me incredulously, whatever anger she had with the situation quickly evaporated. Doctor White's advice appeared to be spot on!

"Ok..." She stated and jumped up onto her feet. "I'm Neon Katt." She started to brush off the dust on her cloths, the regular kind and not the kind that explodes in your face.

"Nice to meet you, Neon Katt." I said with a smile. Things appeared to be going well.

"..." She stared down at my prone form as if she was waiting for something, until she finally got fed up. "Like, are you going to stand up?"

I nodded my head and stated, "I shall do so," even though I was comfortable where I was. Compromising is key to any starting relationship.

I flipped myself upright by pushing off the ground with one hand and landing on my feet gracefully. Neon let out a low whistle I assumed she was impressed with something.

"You're rather strong aren't ya?" She asked and I tilted my head questioning her. Basic acrobatics like that was something everyone could do. Though she might have just been asking about my capabilities instead. So I gave her my best answer, with a smile.

"I am capable in all ranges of combat."

Especially thanks to my fathers gift, which reminded me that I needed to name it. That was something to think about later though. Neon seemed to be lost.

"That..." she scratched her cheek with a finger. "Wasn't what I was asking about but ok."

There was a lull in the conversation, as we stared at each other; or as I stared directly in her eyes unblinkingly, as it was polite and a way to show you are listening to someone.

She started to fidget as she stood there, I could see a light sheen of sweat coat her forehead and her heart appeared to beating faster and I had no idea why. Just another question to ask Father when I called him later to report!

I believe it is time to continue the conversation. I thought. Since she appears to be having trouble coming up with a topic, it is up to me! I felt the urge to nod my head for coming to that conclusion, but I didn't. Now what do teenage girls normally talk about? Ah yes.

"I like your outfit, it suits you well." I complimented her, taking her by surprise yet again.

"Thanks!" She exclaimed cheerfully, rewarding me with a brilliant smile. "I really like how it turned out myself. Especially since the default uniform here is just so, ugh, you know?"

I did not know but I nodded my head in agreement anyway.

"I thought so! Your outfit is pretty cool too; it fits you perfectly in a girl next door kinda way without going overboard. I especially like the green highlights you have." She started to ramble on about my outfit and it's good points, to which I found myself mostly just nodding my head to show her I was still listening to her. "I think you should get a hat, though to complete the look." She finished, taking on a thinking pose as she scrutinized my outfit, looking at me up and down. "Something to definitely look into later... Maybe a sun hat? Hmm."

Before I could thank her for sharing her interesting insights into fashion, a new voice cut in.

"You two are going to be late." A girl said with a monotone and I turned to see who it was. I found myself looking at the girl who was staring at her watch so intently before.

"Oh, shoot!" Neon exclaimed, her eyes widening as realization set in. "Catch you later Penny!"

And just like that she was gone in a flash, cutting through the crowd with high speed using her roller blades. I watched her go, feeling sad that I didn't get to ask if she wanted to be friends yet. But I resolved to do that later.

"Ma'am, it would be for the best if you hurry up as well." The watch girl stated before walking away as well. Leaving me alone to my own devices.

With a small sigh, I decided she was right and made my way towards where the auditorium should be. I didn't want to miss General Ironwoods speech either after all.



I found myself near the back of the crowd, I couldn't spot Neon even though her cloths should have made her stand out like a sore thumb in this crowd of dull colors. Still, I didn't really get to look long as the hall went silent and General Ironwood walk onto the stage. A girl I didn't know followed him. I looked at her curiously, but my attention was quickly drawn to the general as he began to speak.

"Welcome future Hunters and Huntresses to Atlas academy." He began, looking completely confidant as he addressed the crowd. "You are here because you've proved that you had what it takes to stand against all who would threaten our society. The Grimm, and those that chose to spread terror in their wake." There was a pause after he said that. It was obvious, at least to me, who he was speaking about at the end. The White Fang, a former peaceful faunas protest group turned into violent terrorist. They attacked many places in Atlas before, particularly anything that had to the with the Schnee Dust company.

"It is within our mandate to put a stop to such threats; threats to our way of life, threats to our advancement, and threats to mankind." He started to pace with one arm behind him before stopping. "It is our job to provide you with the tools needed for your success at this Academy; to temper you, and prepare you for what ever awaits you in life. Our Kingdom is the forerunner of technology, and one of our worlds greatest hopes, and you are it's future." He saluted us. "I hope your stay at this Academy is productive." He finished and started walking towards the exit. I notice he had a faint smile on his face as he left the auditorium. People started clapping and cheering Atlas when they realized the General's speech was done.

The clapping and cheering died down as the stern looking woman that came in with the general, whom I could only assume was his assistant, spoke up.

"You will be given the rest of the day to familiarize yourselves with the Academy. Whether you socialize with your comrades that you will spend the next four years of your life with here, or explore the institute that will be up to you to decide." Her eyes roamed through the crowd until she managed to catch mine. It instantly felt like I was being judge, for what I didn't know. Her face betrayed nothing as we stared at each other, and when she moved on, it only left me with a deep sense of confusion. "You will be bunking in this auditorium tonight and it's lights out at 9:00pm. Tomorrow you will be tested and receive your teams base on the results. So I suggest getting rest." She paused and gave a faint smile. "I hope you enjoy your stay at Atlas Academy, and good luck. Dismissed." She finished and walked towards the exit that the general used.

The crowd quickly started to break up into groups, some kids were boasting, and others were walking to the exit, likely to explore.

I frowned.

Should I socialize with my peers or explore? Decisions, decisions.




[]Go get the lay of the land – explore the academy that will be at for the next four years of your life.
-[]Try and find someone to explore with.
--[]Try to find Neon.
--[]Try to find the girl that keeps looking at her watch and tapping her foot.

[]Approach a group and initialize social procedures!
-[] A group of girls.
-[] A group of boys
-[]mixed.

[]Go find General Ironwood and ask him a few questions about student life and how to blend in.
-[]Maybe ask about his assistant that stared at you so intently as well.




And end. This vote decides on what Penny will likely be doing for the rest of the evening. I added a few options to blend a few things together, but depending on what you chose there will be chances of an event happening. Whether Penny is alone or not. Though there will likely be a roll if you try and find a specific person. In other news, I'm feeling better. I also hate writing speeches. Anyway, tell me if you think I'm getting Penny's voice wrong or any other characters. It'll help me. Also tell me if you find any errors since I wrote the majority of this when sick and depressed because I was sick.
 
1.3
Winning vote:

[X]Go get the lay of the land – explore the academy that will be at for the next four years of your life.
-[X]Try and find someone to explore with.
--[X]Try to find Neon.

Here kitty, kitty.



After thinking about it, I decided to try and find Neon Katt instead. While meeting new people might have been interesting, I still haven't asked if Neon wanted to be friends. Something that must change post haste!

So I looked around, trying to spot Neons unique look through the crowds of people. Sadly the same crowd was making it surprisingly difficult. Feeling dejected, I was about to give in and just explore the Academy on my lonesome when I saw a shimmer of pink moving through the crowd. I smiled, as that must be Neon since she is likely the only one that wore pink here.

Wading through the crowd, following the bare hints of pink, I managed to spot Neon just as she was about to exit the auditorium!

"Neon!" I yelled out, startling the people around me and causing my target of friendship to jump in shock. She turned around quickly and caught me waving at her as I made my way to her. Everyone kindly didn't get in my way, so I wasn't delayed any further and managed to join Neon near the exit quickly.

"Yo Penny, what's up?" She asked and gave me a brilliant smile after she got out of her initial shock. I smiled as well.

"Do you want to explore with me?" I questioned her and she tilted her head and leaned back while poking her cheek with a finger; making a show of thinking about her answer.

"Sure, why not!" She exclaimed, clearly excited.

With that we left the auditorium, leaving the crowd of onlookers behind. Me walking confidently forwards with her slowly skating along side me. She sped up a little and spun around.

"Sooo, where you want to go?" She asked as she skated backwards easily.

I tilted my head and simply stated. "Everywhere."

She blinked and slowly skidded to a stop. "Everywhere?"

I nodded my head seriously. "Everywhere."

She simply shrugged at my answer before replying again.

"So, just randomly choosing a direction to go to then?" She tilted her head. "Don't think we have enough time to go everywhere though."

"No problem." I stated. "We have enough time to get a basic lay of the land at least."

She looked at me, clearly confused. We stayed here in silence long enough for a few people pass by, before she came to her senses.

"Sure," she shrugged deciding not to question me. "Where do you want to go first? Dormitories. court yard, classrooms...?"

I tiled my head as I thought how to answer that.

"Let's go that way." I stated, pointing to a random direction on the side.

"Alright." She agreed easily enough and we started to move yet again.

Perfect time to ask if she wants to be friends. I thought as we walked along in a sedate pace.

"Do you want to be friends?" I asked, feeling nervous. I wondered if we would end up parting here if she said no.

"Sure!" She exclaim cheerfully and I smiled. When she was still looking away, I gave myself a congratulatory fist pump as the situation called for it.

We continued to walk in a sedate pace with no real change, except there was a noticeable skip to my steps as I was happy at making my first friend that wasn't a part of my family.



"And then my sis was like, "Neon! I will have revenge!" My friend exclaimed, trying to mimic her sisters voice and using air quotes as she skated backwards, telling an amusing story about her family. She apparently had an older sister and a younger sister, and a mother. There was no mention of her father, so I didn't pry further regarding him. "And then I was like, "Sis! Your hair looks soo much better pink! It's Much cuter!" I nodded my head, deferring to her obviously greater experience in the matters of fashion.

"And that of course made her chase me all over the house as she screamed expletives at me, which of course, only made me laugh harder." I was confused as to why her sister was mad about her fashion advice, but I continued to listen intently to the story. "But then, well... I accidentally ran into Little Ammy, causing her to drop her purple alligator stuffed animal that she takes everywhere, and... lets just say... the room got chiller when Ammy glared at the two of us."

As she said that Neon stopped skating and hugged herself as she shivered. "Ammy can be very scary for a ten year old.... anyway!" She shook her head and grinned at me with one hand covering her mouth. "Any juicy stories you wanna share?" She asked, still grinning. "Like your first crush?"

I titled my head questionably at her.

"I never had to crush someone before, so I am sorry that I do not have a story about my first crush to share."

She blinked. "That's not..."

"But I can share the amusing story where I accidentally put salt in my fathers coffee instead of sugar." I interrupted her, and tapped my chin in thought.

That was an interesting conversation we had afterwards, apparently I would have messed up the coffee anyway as I would have dumped an entire bag of sugar into the cup instead of salt. It was enlightening when I found out that people don't generally consume entire bags of salt or sugar.

"Er... Earth to Penny?" Neon asked, waving one of her hands in front of my face, causing me to blink.

"Oh, sorry Neon. I was just thinking about home." I stated softly and Neon nodded her head in understanding.

"Yeah... Atlas Academy is far away from home, isn't it?" She mused. "So, what was your home like?"

"Well, it was nice though it could get a bit hectic sometimes." I smiled as I thought about the scientists antics as they went about their day. "My father is a rather important person and a close friend with General Ironwood." Neons eyes widen as I mention need that. "He even helped give the general an replacement arm when he lost his."

"Eh, really?!" Neon exclaimed in surprise.

I nodded my head.

"Yes, really." I stated seriously.

"So Ironwood really did lose one of his arms?" She mused.

"Yes, to a Grimm I think, I never really asked him about that when we talked." I said and shuffled feet. I wondered if I was suppose to keep that a secret.

"At least he's doing alright." She smiled. "Lost arm or not, he still is one of Atlas's greatest heros."

I nodded my head my head in agreement and then we started to walk again.

"So, I bet you had a rather interesting time growing up." She said as she put her arms behind her head, casually skating forward.

She was rather good with roller blades and I wondered what the story was behind them.

"Yes." I agreed. "Though this is the first time I've been around people my own age though."

That caused Neon's hands to drop back down, as if by surprise, before she muttered, "That explains a few things."

"Hmm?" I looked at her inquisitively, trying to figure out what she meant by that.
"Oh, nothing." She said quickly, moving a bit further ahead. I narrowed my eyes in suspicion as I stared at her back. "Anyway, we definitely need to go on a trip in the town in our next break."

Smiling at the thought of my first trip to a city with a friend, there was only one thing I could say to that.

"I would like that." I agreed with her.

With that there was a lull in the conversation, as we just walked forward. There wasn't a lot of people around, so the trip was peaceful. I noticed that we were walking in a different courtyard and I started to hear a faint sound that grew louder and louder as we neared a patio.

"Is that a guy playing a trumpet?" Neon asked incredulously.

"Yes, I believe so." I simply stated.

"Want to go bu- talk to him?" She asked, the was a hint of mischief in her tone.

I tiled my head as I thought about it.



[] "Sure." Go bu-talk to him and possibly make another friend!
[]Shake your head no and say. "Let's just leave him be and continue on." Point to another random direction and start walking towards it.
[]Just listen to the music he's playing as you never heard a trumpet get played in person before.
[] Follow Neon's lead.


Hahahahahaha, I managed to finish this chapter! Me one, Migraines zero!

-ahem-

Sorry about the long delays, I think I might end up switching my scheduled to being once every two weeks instead of trying once every week at this point.

If anyone seems totally out of character, please mention it and I may fix it up a bit. Also sorry about the numerous errors that are likely present in the chapter as I never can catch them all before I post.
 
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