(not) a real girl

A visit to and through the Green Sector turned up a most interesting sight.

She could’ve taken any path, really, but fate led her straight to the quiet, out-of-the-way patch of the park where a handsome fellow was practicing forms of swordplay with a wooden implement. She surmised from this that he was likely a newcomer, just like her, and as far as Penny was concerned, that gave her perfectly adequate grounds to start a conversation.

It was alarming to know that not only was she essentially disarmed and running at about 25% efficiency, but she was also apparently not here with the expectation of fighting. Considering that was what she was made for, and yet this was a social experiment, well...

It was safe to say that Penny felt far out of her element.

A casual and aimless stroll throughout the city’s Culture Sector led her to the red gates of a distinctly Eastern part of town--and, quite conveniently, brought her practically face to face with a familiar figure the instant he exited a shop. Penny could hardly believe such serendipitous luck!

“Oh! You’re one of Ruby’s friends!” she exclaimed, a relieved smile crossing her face. “Lie Ren, of Team JNPR! I’m...”

A sense of disorientation had been plaguing her ever since she’d first woken up here. There were quite a number of reasons to be alarmed about the situation--and even more reasons to wallow in her confusion and fear--but Penny soon forgot the bulk of her worries thanks to the most curious sight parading past.

It was difficult to be depressed when a young child was walking down the street with a stick in hand, followed by a veritable conga line of dogs of all stripes. Each and every one of the canines was busy bouncing around and wagging their assorted tails in excitement, and Penny joined the procession with open amusement and interest.

“In-credible! Are you some kind of dog whisperer? There has to be at least thirty dogs here!”