Shifter_Master — Roleplayer Guild

.:⋮Gone Shopping⋮:.

It was early, dreadfully early some might say, when Penny had slipped into Brittany’s Boutique. She had decided to head to the shop as soon as it opened for the day. It had only been a day since she had split and she didn’t like the feeling of being unarmed. 

There were a lot of things she had gotten used to that she found herself missing. The newfound silence was one, as she no longer hummed from an engine core, it was the state of her thoughts that surprised her the most. They were very fluid, and keeping focused on one task was difficult at times. Unless Chloe was involved, and this trip involved Chloe and a Weapon. She couldn't forget the Weapon part.

Penny moved past the counter to survey the new stock. She couldn’t help the feeling of relief at seeing she had been correct in assuming that the store now had Weapons on display. After all that is why she came here. Granted there weren’t a lot of them, but at the same time Penny didn’t need much time at all to decide what one she wanted. It was a short blade, little more than a dagger, but it called out to Penny. And one look at it’s placard told her everything she needed to know about it. Gently she picked off the rack and held it. 

It felt right, it felt like home, she furrowed her brow as she tried to place why that was, but the thought slipped away from her. With a shrug, Penny wandered further back into the store, she couldn’t let herself get distracted anymore she had something very important to pick up. It was why she came here after all, right?

At last she came upon the shelf of plushies and her goal for the shopping trip,or was it the dagger she was carrying?  Shrugging it off she gently reached out and picked up the small plush version of herself, smiling as she reread the placard. Glad that she was remembered as someone who helped people.

Still smiling she moved back towards the front, weaving through all the newer stock to take a second look at everything there. She couldn’t get anything else, only barely having the money for her current purchases, but she could remember for next time.

“Hi Brittany’' Penny would say in greetings as she walked upto the counter, placing the doll and dagger down as she continued. “I like your new stuff. Is our deal still valid?”

Brittany was looking down as she rested her forearms on the counter, her hat drooping down to the point it nearly obscured her eyes; instead of her usual greeting, she only gave a wave of her hand as she addressed the customer.
‘Greetings...‘ She mumbled, only to blink and lift herself up to look at the taller girl.
‘Oh, it’s you, Penny. Been a long time since last we met at the beach, huh? Nice makeover you have there.‘ Memories began coming back to Penny, from the time she first met with Brittany.

When entering the shop, one could see that the inside of the boutique had two main sections. First, the center, loaded with all manners of common items found in any normal shop, with ice cream, sun lotion, all that Dan had promised that was free for everyone except the two that had actually failed to get to the island without getting wet. Then there were more special items outlined along the walls, each with a small description of what it was and did and a price-tag in magical currency to match. And, of course, to the immediate left was a bouncy little witch behind a cash-register and the widest of smiles, as well as an archetypical crystal ball for divination… 

‘Welcome to Brittany’s Bewitched Beach Boutique! How may I be of service~?’ Brittany called to anyone who entered, smiling widely.

Enter the shop to be linked the current stock. The pile in the middle includes whatever non-magical stuff you want.

Penny’s first visit to the boutique had ended rather abruptly due to intrusive thoughts and her second visit lasted only long enough to grab a few plastic buckets and shovels to assist in the building of sand castles. It was finally her third trip into the shop that she found herself with the time and mentality to actually note the merchandise that the shop had on offer.

As it was there was quite a few things that Penny found herself tempted on picking up already. A few of the magical stones were very tempting, and they would help solve some of the logistical issues she had been working on in regards to her lair when she got back to Penrose.

She couldn’t help but sigh about building materials for sale as well. It would have saved her a lot of time to be able to just buy what she had needed during the refit of her lair. But before all of that she had questions, then she would pick up her goods.

“Hey Shopkeep” Penny would say returning towards the front of the shop “I’ve got a couple questions about some of your stock”

‘Go right ahead!’ Brittany called, jumping a bit behind the counter while balancing her hands on the desk, obviously excited. ‘I’m ready to combat even the fiercest of complications or answer the most perplexing of questions! … Maybe, keh-heh~!’ the little witch shopkeeper said, smiling widely.

“That’s great to hear. First off, the lightning stone and the meditation stone; How durable are they?”

‘Ah, they’ll break if you attack them, sorry~!’ Brittany said with an apologetic smile.

“About the Meditation stone, do you have to be holding it to work or would just being able to see it be just as effective.”

‘You need to hold it and activate it! Just put some magic in it, and it’ll help you out! Keep it in your pocket until you need it!’

“About how much power does the Lightning stone Generate? Does it ever need to be recharged?”

‘No recharging necessary! It’ll generate its own power, though it IS limited in output. It should be able to charge the average living room’s appliances, though!’

“How many of the Cloaking Artifacts do you have? Does it work on a mobile location?”

‘Only one Cloaking Artifact! I’ve been thinking about increasing the price of that one. Should work on a mobile location! … I think!’

“Can you recharge the Restoration Station?”

‘Nope! One use only!’ Brittany answers with a smile, then… ‘Though, I suppose if you brought it to the right person, they may be able to modify it for you. Maybe.’

“Lastly, are your water guns usable in the Water Fight they’ve talked about?”

‘No, they’d be unfair, these are just for fun! But! You’ll be able to bring these weapons back to Penrose, later~! … Minus the Orbital Laser, I think that one’s just here, heh,’ Brittany grins at that.

“Hmm” Penny was quiet for a moment as she digested all of the answers “Shame, if the laser would have carried over I would have bought it for sure” with a shrug Penny would walk back into the shop with a quick “Give me a sec” tossed over her shoulder.

A few moments later she would return with a pair of Lightning stones and the Cloaking artifact. “I’ll take these” she would say placing them on the counter.

‘Alright! That’ll be seven silvers and eight bronze!’ Brittany said, as the Cloaking Artifact was removed from the shelf to be bought. 

Penny was already fishing out the needed coin when she paused for a moment “On second thought, ring me up for a meditation stone and a quick change as well” She would add before once again delving back into the depths of the store.

Finding the meditation stone and suit was easy, it was something else that had caught her eye on the way back that left her stunned. It was a plushie of herself, and she was honestly baffled that she hadn't noticed it, or any of the other plushies earlier.

She stayed for a moment looking at the small toy version of herself, before she read the small tag underneath them and couldn’t help a small smile at what it said. Penny nabbed one of them as well as she ventured back to the front, she had a few more questions now.

“The meditation stone and a quick change” She would say placing them on the counter next to her other planned purchases. “I’ve got another question for you though. Where did you get these?” she would ask holding up the plushie of herself.

Brittany grinned eagerly as Penny added a Meditation Stone and a Quick Change swimsuit. ‘Alright! That’ll be seven silvers and fifteen bronze! That’s the most anyone has bought for, yet~!’ the witch shopkeep said happily, positively giddy. Then… Penny held up the plushie of her past self, no longer how she looked in a transformed state. Brittany smirked.

‘Keh-heh. Interested in their making? Well. I actually asked what to tell if someone asked, but I didn’t get a clear answer. I’ll have to assume they wanted anonymity, but I can totally tell them you’d like to see them next time they come to my store, if you like~!’ Brittany told, smiling widely to Penny from across the counter.

“A bit yeah, so that would be appreciated” Penny would say as she placed it on the counter, off to the side, so she could fish out the money for her actual purchase “I was also wondering if I could have one.” she would continue as she counted out her coins and placed them on the counter top “It was something of a surprise to see my old face looking back at me in plush form, though I appreciate the sentiment behind what they say they do. figure it would be a good reminder of what I’m working towards.”

‘Keh-heh. I’ll tell ‘em that, then~!’ Brittany started, and then Penny said that… and Brittany’s hands went to her chest and she quivered somewhat. ‘Oooough, that’s a sweet sentiment. My business sense and my emotional heart are in conflict…!’ the witch said, still grinning somewhat as she did, thinking about it.

Penny had let the contemplation go on for a moment before an idea struck her “How about I make you a deal?” she would start, noting the door opening but not yet turning to see who it was “In return for the plush I could help you out part time, or when you need it, until I’ve paid you back for the favor? That way you get to appease both your business sense, hired help, and get to have your good deed.”

‘ … Keh-heh-heh,’ Brittany chuckled a bit. ‘You know what? I could have use of a delivery-girl, or someone who seeks out materials for me, or that simply watches the shop when I’m out. Fine, I’ll allow you to buy the doll at a reduced price, I’m thinking either 1 gold or 14 silvers, and then you work for me for a time… BUT!’ Brittany raised a finger. ‘Only if nobody else buys it for full price during our stay here at the resort! When we get back to Penrose, we can complete the deal. … But if anyone else buys it for full price before we get there, then it’ll be theirs~!’ Brittany says with a grin.

“Deal” Penny would agree as she started storing her purchases “I look forward to seeing the rest of your stock as well” She would add as she stepped away from the counter.

‘You’re welcome back at any time~!’ Brittany told her current best customer.

Brittany blinked at Penny’s mention of the deal, and her eyes lighted up.
‘The deal? THE DEAL! YES!‘ She screamed in joy, taking Penny’s hand with her hand, and lightly shaking it.
‘Penny, you can help me rescue Sammy! Please, you’ll help me right?‘
She pleaded, her eyes sparkling as she made a puppy-like face.

Penny was taken aback by the reaction, and it showed on her face as she worked her thoughts into a more coherent state. “Sammy?” she would try to place the name to no success, regardless when the next part was processed her eyes sharpened as her focus fixed on the important thing that was said “She’s in danger? Yes, yes of course I’ll help. What's the problem, where is she?” she would ask quickly.

Brittany released the ex-android girl's hand and nodded. 
‘"She is a friend of mine who was kidnapped while we were gone at the beach," she explained. 
‘"She's held here in Penrose. I don't know exactly where, but I know who did it." She leaned over the counter, glanced around the shop, and whispered: ‘"The Ebon Mint."

Penny would hiss at the mention of the Ebon mint. “Of course it’s those scum sucking leeches” she would say venomously. “I’d be willing to help out even if we hadn’t set up a deal. When do you think you’ll know where she is?” She would ask as she started to try and piece together  who it was she could ask to help out. Depending on the time she might even be able to pull her other half into this as well. 

“If it’s going to take some time I can try asking some of my other friends for help as well”

Brittany looked glad, and high-fived her Patron. 
‘"Yes! I had a feeling you'd be the reliable type." She then scratched her cheek at the question, looking unsure. 
‘"Um, sure, I just...I was kind of hoping you'd help with that too." She paused for a moment, as if she heard something, before returning back to her explanation. 
‘"Sammy is a super sleuth you see, and was in a case when she was nabbed. I think the same might happen to me if I start snooping around. And if I'm gone, who's going to run the shop?"

“Good point…” Penny would humm as she rocked back onto her heel. “I can start asking around, might know a few people who could point me in the right direction.” Cindy and Chloe came to mind. Cindy knew a lot of things, and Chloe was still part of the Mint on paper.

“I’ll have to ask Penny about it as well” She would murmur quietly to herself as she thought about her other half “She has the contact information for a few others but I know she’d be just as willing” Still she’d end up nodding to herself before she looked back at Britney smiling. “I’ll start soon as I can!” Penny would promise, before pointing and the blade and doll “So price?”

‘Half the price,‘ Brittany answered. ‘An agreeable offer, yes?‘

Penny sat there for a moment simply blinking as she replayed what Britney had just said. Then she ran the math. Then she couldn’t help but break out a giant smile “Thank you! Of course that’s an agreeable offer.” She would say in delight as she fished out the needed coins from her pockets. 

After placing the Coins on the counter top; 1 Gold 2 Silver and 4 Bronze. Brittany was pleased, and counted the coins. 
‘Thank you, and please come again!,‘ Brittany answered.

Penny snatched up her new weapon and the adorable plush of her old self. “I’ll get started on trying to track her down right away!” She’d say dashing off to give Chloe her gift.

.:⋮Second verse, same as the first⋮:.

It would be hours later before Britney would have another run in with Penny, in fact it would be shortly before closing when Penny would quietly enter into the store. Yet it wouldn’t be the same Penny that had been here earlier. 

The mechanical half of Penny would not waste much time from when she entered the shop. Her first circuit was done to establish all that was new in the store, and to establish whether or not her other half had already passed through.

The absent spot of where the doll of her old self used to sit answered that question quite easily.

Brittany lifted a confused eyebrow, but quickly shifted to her servicing smile. 
‘Oh, uh, welcome to the shop! Feel free to browse as much as you like.‘

The second circuit was over even quicker, but was used to pick out the few things that she wanted, that she could afford. Her other half walked away with most of the money after all.

“Salutations.” she would greet Britney as she placed an Overcity guide and a Purification Artifact on the counter top. “These will be the total of my purchases.”

‘That would total 2 Silver and 14 Bronze coins, please.‘
Brittany did not waste any time in her response, expecting this customer in particular to be strictly business. However, she bit her lip as she took another look at her.
‘Um, excuse me for asking, but... Do you happen to know someone named Penny?‘

“Yes” Penny would reply as she carefully stacked the required coins on the counter top “My designation is Penny. And my other half is also designated Penny.” She would explain succinctly before pointing at where the plush of her used to sit “Circumstances lead me to believe you encountered her earlier”

She would wait until Britney took the coins to pick up her purchases once again, yet she would also wait incase Brittney had more questions. She knew it would be rude to simply leave now.

‘Really?‘ Brittany’s jaw dropped at the revelation, and she accidentally swiped at the coins, causing one of them to roll and drop to the floor.

‘Whoops. Sorry about that.‘ She walked to the front of the corner to pick it up, only to stop as a spider-like limb detached from Penny’s back and picked up the coin first and handed it back to her

“No apologies required” She would say with a soft smile. “She did pass on your request to me as well. I will also be working on finding her.” With that said Penny would pick up her purchases and internalize them. The Overcity guide would turn into a small floating orb shaped drone. It had a large lense on the front and it spent a moment just looking at things before floating into an open space on Penny’s back.

The Purification artifact would become a white gold pendent in the shape of an eight pointed star with a diamond in the middle that was glowing softly. 

“Good night” She would say before turning to leave.

'Uh, yeah...Good night.'
Brittany waved goodbye to Robo Penny with a twitching eyebrow, still a bit taken aback by the revelation. Well, at least she got double the sales from it. That has to count for something.
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