Scrounging for a Penny Pt2

Tukson's Book Trade is a bookstore owned and named after Tukson himself, a Faunus with his store's motto of having "Every book under the sun". For those who don't know him, he is a polite and professional man with a great deal of knowledge of every book in his possession. However, for those who do know him, he is a former member of the White Fang who cut his ties with them after their original leader stepped down and his successor began taking a not so peaceful way of getting doing things to get their message across. Though he wasn't aware of the inner workings as to what the Fang were currently up to that doesn't mean he couldn't get his hands on a few tidbits of info from those he still trusted and pass it off to the right people, one of them being Dolan himself.

As Tukson is attending to some of his other customers he looks to the store's entrance to see Dolan making his way to him. He knew it would be very dangerous to conduct their business in front of so many people so to not make people question what they were up to they came up with an excuse that would allow them to speak privately.

Tukson: Ah Mr. Knight, I trust you are having a fine day so far?

Dolan: Indeed, and as I thought to myself of what could make this day even better than catching up with the next installment of my favorite "Book"!

Tukson: I see well then, you're in luck since I just received the latest issue. However, I must warn you that its condition may not be to your liking I'm afraid. If you'd like, you can have a look at it, and if you are not satisfied with it, I can try to have a different one brought over.

Dolan: Very well in that case where is the "Book" right now?

Tukson: I've been keeping it in the back for safekeeping until such time you'd arrive. Please follow me.

Casually Dolan followed Tukson to the back of the store which was full of many books, comics, and many more which had yet to be brought to the front of his store. However, Dolan wasn't here for books. To be more specific the "Book" Dolan wanted to see were files that held information concerning the activities of the White Fang's Vale branch. This was due in part thanks to the recent issues that were revolving around the Fang and the recent robberies of Dust. If the Fang was truly behind this, then Dolan wanted to know who exactly was in charge of the operations in Vale and why they might be working with someone like Torchwick.

Dolan: So, this is everything?

Tukson: Yes, that's everything. I know it may not be much, but you need to please understand that if the White Fang learned that my contacts were sending me information even though I left then it'll put them at just as much risk as I am currently doing.

Dolan: I understand, I'm thankful you were willing to help me for as much as you've already done.

Tukson: When Ghira stepped down and made Sienna leader I felt things would only get worse from here and decided to desert. Make no mistake I do care about my kind and wish for them to be treated better however change used by force will always be met by more force.

Dolan: Shame some of your brethren can't see things the same way you do.

Tukson: I believe some do but choose to ignore it just so they have an excuse to do whatever they please.

Dolan: Well then if this is everything, I'll be on my way. Thanks again for this Tukson, I appreciate it.

Tukson: Of course.

With the information now in his hands, Dolan says his goodbyes to Tukson and takes his leave from his store. Now that his errand was finished, he could now begin his search for the recruit Winter was talking about.

Dolan: Alrighty then, where could you be Penny?

Penny: Right behind you!

Dolan slowly turns his head and is now staring straight into the eyes of the person he was just about to look for. In all honesty, he couldn't believe that this was happening. He tilts his head to the side and blinked multiple times before finally realizing that this was indeed happening.

Dolan: Um... Penny, correct?

Penny: That's correct, Salutations!

Dolan: Hi... (Huh, that was easy.)

-Meanwhile-

Somewhere at one of the docks, Torchwick is waiting patiently for a new arrival. Now that he has the assistance of the White Fang his job of stealing every speck of Dust in the kingdom is going much more smoothly however many of the Fang's members couldn't stand Roman and refused to listen to him. To get them to cooperate, he decided that he needed someone among the group who the Fang respected and who could help manage them. Regrettably their so-called leader "Adam Torres" didn't want anything to do with working with Roman because he was a human but one of his lieutenants was more than happy to assist him. The individual was at the very least more friendly than some of his peers and was well respected by both the younger and veteran members.

As the door to the warehouse opened Torchwick was happy to see that his help had finally arrived. Unlike some of the other members of the White Fang this individual chose not to hide behind a mask, nor did he make any attempt to cover his pointed ears which identified him as a Fauns. He was dressed in a completely white jumpsuit with the front open to reveal some of his muscular body as well as the large tattoo plastered on the left side of his chest. Finally, the red bandana forced all those who looked at him would draw people to look to his blonde hair and piercing golden eyes which could no doubt instill a sense of fear in any lesser individual.

Roman could tell right from the get-go that this guy was someone who commanded respect and wasn't afraid of people seeing who he was. To be honest, as he was inspecting him, he couldn't help but admire a person willing to stand out amongst his peers not to mention the intense pressure causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. In short, Roman knew right then and there that this was the right man for the task.

Roman: Ah, I was wondering when you'd arrived! Gotta say you certainly don't strike me as the follower sort?!

???: I'm not all big on leading large groups so I mainly handle more singular tasks.

Roman: I see, well you're in luck 'cause I require some assistance in getting some of these ani-

???: You might want to lower your voice a bit.

He points to a group of White Fang members over in the distance looking at the two of them wondering what they could be saying.

Roman: Right...*Ahem* what I mean to say is that I need some assistance getting some of these youths to do as I say and transport the Dust. They don't fully trust me due to me being... well let's just say I don't 'really' fit in with them, so I need someone who'll help ensure that things are going as scheduled since their so-called leader is a no-show.

???: I understand, Adam can be difficult to work with considering all he's been through so it makes sense that he would avoid working with strangers... especially when they're human. That is why "Sienna Khan" sent me to assist his group in particular. I have to say, the fact they haven't killed you yet tells me that at the very least tells me your no pushover.

Roman: Heh, well it certainly helps to be Vale's greatest criminal! Roman Torchwick, it is a pleasure to meet you!

Baron: Call me Baron, I look forward to working with you.

Roman: Wonderful, now allow me to get you acquainted with my assistant, Ne-... o... right she's on break forgot about that. Well, I'll just introduce you to her later for now how's about we try and boost my credibility with your associates huh?

Baron: Lead the way!

After Dolan just so happened to find Penny by sheer coincidence, they are currently making their way towards Dolan's home. Since this was the first-time meeting Winter's partner Dolan decides that they should move at a slower pace and in the meantime get to know one another to which the young girl seemed more than happy to quickly agree to the idea.

Dolan: So, to reiterate you were so excited to be able to visit Vale not just for the tournament but also because you wanted to meet with me?

Penny: That's correct, Ms. Winter speaks of you highly and I knew that if I come to Vale early, I'd have some time to speak with you! Though I must confess I didn't anticipate that I'd make a friend when I came!

Dolan: Oh really, who would that be?

Penny: Her name is Ruby!

Dolan: ...

Dolan: Pipsqueak huh, well at least she's easy enough to talk to.

Penny: Oh yes indeed, though I didn't get to speak with her much since Ms. Winter's younger sister and the Faunus girl got into an argument.

Dolan: Ah so you could tell she was a Faunus too? Let me guess, was it the bow that makes it look like she has cat ears, or perhaps you happened to have some fish on you cause I'm not gonna lie this one time when I was eating a grilled mackerel with watercress salad, I 'deadass' could feel her eyes looking into my direction!

Penny: Deadass?

Dolan: Oh, it's a slang term that means "seriously".

Penny: Oh, ok I'll save that to memory!

Dolan: (Um, why do I get this feeling that I'm going to be a horrible influence on her? And why does she say that as if she was some sort of robot or am I just reading too much into that? ...Eh, I'm sure that's just her own little quirk so there's no reason to try and question her about it.)

Dolan: So, has Winter told you a bit about what I can do?

Penny: You mean about your "Aura Manipulation"? Only a little bit since she seemed to have a vague idea of how it works. Could you explain?

Dolan: Well, I could tell you the same way my master told me, but I don't want to bore you to tears, so I'll just explain it in a way that's simple to understand. *Ahem*... It lets me do crazy shit.

Penny: Um?

Dolan: Ok, maybe that was too simple. Well, since aura for the most part is spiritual energy produced from people's mental focus and strong emotions, it can be utilized to perform certain different effects such as creating an invisible covering that instinctually protects us from harm, force fields, increasing our body's natural abilities, big ass explosions, etc.

Penny: But all huntsmen and huntresses have aura so why can't everyone use it to the same extent as you?

Dolan: Ah, good question. The answer is quite simple, training as well as the strength of an individual's spiritual essence. Then you also have to take into consideration that everyone has different limitations so they might not all be able to pull it off properly even if they have the knowledge to do so.

Penny: I see so you can't just expect everyone to be able to do it just because they've unlocked their aura!

Dolan: Precisely, and since there aren't that many out there who can show you the ins and outs of how it works, it goes without saying that any novice would be hard-pressed to be able to do it successfully without incurring any of the 'messy' side effects which I'm not going to go into detail about so don't ask.

Penny: Ok so you said you could use it to improve your natural abilities, does that mean your senses as well?

Dolan: Yup, for example, I can see people's auras and can even deduce whether or not they want to kill me. And while we're on the topic of aura why does yours seem to not want to operate properly?

Penny: Wh-what do you mean?

Dolan: It's like while you are generating aura it's rigid and instead of flowing like water, it's more like electricity running through wires. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a-

Before Dolan could finish Penny quickly changes the subject by looking to the distance and seeing what she could only assume was Dolan's place of residence.

Penny: Oh wow, is that where you live, it looks very lovely!

Dolan: Huh, oh well how kind of you to say, though I fell since I'm always busy with something else that I sometimes end up neglecting to spruce up the place.

Penny: I mean it's quite a change from what I'm used to seeing back where I'm from.

Dolan: Ah right the somewhat over-the-top buildings most people live in, right? Yeah, I guess this would be a bit of a change of pace when you say it like that. Also, the weather is nowhere near as it is then in Atlas. Anyway, let's go inside and I'll see if I can't get in touch with Winter to let her know that you're safe.

Penny: Ok.

As Dolan escorts Penny into his home, she immediately begins looking it over with bewilderment like a child's first time in a candy store. From one side of the living room to another she is inspecting everything her eyes can spot, Dolan couldn't help but chuckle at how easy it seems for Penny to get excited. Perhaps a change of scenery will do her some good while she's here. It was at this moment Dolan's A.I. companion Annie appears on the monitor to greet Dolan and welcome him back home.

Annie: Welcome home Mr. Do-

She then makes eye contact with Penny who is also looking towards the A.I. with just as much surprise.

Dolan: Annie is something wrong?

Penny realized that it was possible that the A.I. was fully aware of who or rather what Penny was the moment she saw her. Only a moment later the A.I. simply smiles before turning in Dolan's direction.

Annie: Nothing I was just curious about your guest is all.

Dolan: Of course, where are my manners. Annie I'd like to introduce you to Penny, this was the girl Winter, and I was discussing earlier this morning.

Annie: I see, a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Penny!

Penny: Um, likewise... Ms. Annie.

Annie: It's ok, I won't say anything.

Penny: Thank you.

Dolan: What are you two talking about?

Annie: Just a little girl talk~

Dolan: But your-

Annie: I'm what sir?

She raises her eyebrow and crosses her arms as if challenging him to finish what he was about to say.

Dolan: Uh... on second thought never mind. Anyway, could you please contact Winter so I can let her know I found Penny?

Annie: Certainly, one moment... hmm?

Dolan: What is it?

Annie: It would seem Ms. Winter is unavailable at the moment.

Dolan: (She must be in the middle of work right now.) Ok then just leave a message for her to call me back.

Annie: Understood.

Dolan: Alright then in the meantime, Penny are you hung-

He turns to see Penny is looking through a shelf that contains all the movies Dolan has on DVD. Considering that she's from Atlas, she probably hardly ever gets some time to just relax and enjoy herself. Plus, since she is currently a guest in his home, he may as well do what any good host should do and ensure that Penny enjoys herself while she's here.

Dolan: If you see something you want to watch then slide it in and well watch it together.

Penny: Really! Thank you so much, Mr. Knight!

Dolan: Just Dolan is fine.