i_speak_softly | Fifty-Seventh Theory [Written/Voice/Action]

[Leo's currently perched up on the roof of the community house. The warm sun is so nice.]

I'm trying to master light magic. [He smiles though, glad to hear from Don.]

How are things, otouto?

Of course. A fearless leader never turns to the Dark side.

[But seriously.] Things are okay here. It's been quiet.

[... That might mean that he misses you.]

Of course not.

[Seriously though. He's missed you too, Don. He hated to leave. He's happy to know you're fine.]

Good to hear it's quieted down. So, what are you up to, today?

[He might be fishing for a reason to see you, bro. Are you going to give him one?]

I visited the cherry tree hill earlier, but I might go for another run.

[You could, you know, catch up to him somewhere.]

[Oh he definitely can. A good run through the forest would be good, even better with his brother. Especially since they haven't seen each other for two weeks.]

Mind some company?

[Don feigns indecision.] I don't know. Would they be intelligent, athletic, and a stunning conversationalist?

[Two could play this.]

Hm, well I'm sure the person I had in mind would fit all of those.

Then I guess they can come. There's a high probability I'll be passing by the northern bridge not too long after sunset.

I'll make sure they're there then.

[And Leo will be there at the north bridge, waiting and watching for his brother. He can already feel the air getting a little cooler, but for now, he ignores it. It's not that bad.]

[As promised, Don comes jogging down the path just as the first stars are making themselves visible. He could make a joke about how Leo's friend must have suddenly remembered a prior engagement, but he has too much else on his mind. Instead he casts a glance at his brother as he passes, silently inviting him to fall into step alongside.]

[And Leo's ready to join in, in the run in progress. Soon he's matching strides with Don as they run into the dark forest. For now he's silent, just enjoying the run and weaving between the trees when they need to.]

[Don is silent too, until finally he settles on one thought.]

Given all the strange things that have happened to us, what are the odds you guys will actually believe me when I say I've been in a pocket dimension for two years?

[Leo remains silent for a bit more as he thinks over the question. Time travel, space travel to other worlds, aliens and all. Heck, there was even that time Ultimate Drako split them up and sent them to other worlds. Including at least one alternate of their world. Would the idea really be that far fetched?

But then Don is from an earlier time than him.]

I would think the odds are pretty good. Though the two years would be shocking. [Because none of them have been anywhere for two years.] It might take a bit, but we'd come around to the idea.

Maybe it would be easier if I lied. [A few strides, as he performs some mental calculations.] One year? Six months?

A year would be better. Hopefully you can convince Master Splinter, you know how hard it is to lie to him. [Or maybe it's just Leo that has that issue.]

You know you're going to face two issues once you return. Even more important than us believing you've been here for a year, there's also the fact that there's suddenly going to be a stranger in the lair. Do you have any plans for that yet?

[It's probably easier when your lie is more believable than the truth.]

[He grimaces; he's already thought of this problem.]

My plan is to count on my brothers being decent people who won't attack someone who looks like him.

[... He's kind of serious. This is about the best he's come up with so far.]

[Leo eyes his brother for a moment, to determine if he's serious or not.]

Is that all? [No back up plan or anything?]

[Don makes a "What do you want me to do?" gesture.]

I don't think we can bring anything with us. Maybe not even our memories. Do you have a better plan?

[Leo sighs a little.]

If you remember, just be honest about who he is and how you know him. Hopefully Splinter will step in and forestall anything else happening to him. [Their sensei did seem more willing to listen.]

No, but you could try bringing things. Just write down what you remember here. Both of you in case you forget. [This is all assuming they do remember, or at least one does.] If you both forget...let's hope things don't go downhill fast.

[Yup, that's how he wants to spend his twenty-one hours with his brothers: being screamed at for suddenly showing up with a skinny awkward chi-less human scientist boyfriend.]

[Lying it is.]

I just want the visit to go well...

[Leo doesn't like lying, but in this case it's the best option.]

I'm sure it will.

[Watch him jinx it.]

So how's life on Dagobah?

[NOT JEALOUS AT ALL.]

[Of course he's not.]

It's a little strange with Anakin there, since he's...you know. But other than that, it's been good.

Mm. [Aside from the fact that he grows up to be evil, the temporal mismatch is just weird.] Say what you like about Turtle Luck, but we got off pretty lightly on the timeline thing.

We did. We're lucky, compared to some here in that respect. [But unlucky in others, like how they're the only ones here from their world.]

Do you think you'll be home soon? Or will we have to meet furtively a while longer?

I should be, yeah. I'm not going to stay away forever. [Nice as Luke and Anakin are, they're not family.]

[Good. Don likes it better when you're nearby.]

[He slows as they approach the turnoff for House 55.]

This is my stop.

[Leo likes having his family nearby. Leaving, even temporarily, had been a hard decision to make.

He slows to a stop too, looking in the direction he knows the house is. There's a part of him that wants to keep going with Don, there really is.]

How's things at the house? How's Robert doing? [He looks back to Don.]

Fine. I think he misses his cleaning buddy.

[A safe answer. He would share all the intimate details if Leo asked, but... he's not sure his brother really wants to know.]

I hope he's keeping the place good and clean.

[Ew, no. He doesn't want to know. That's your business, not his.]

Edited 2012-04-10 07:32 (UTC)

[On some level, that hurts. But Leo has been reasonably tolerant about the whole thing, so Don will respect his desire to not know any more.]

Of course. He doesn't want you to come back to a messy house.

[A part of Leo wants to know. Don has experience that Leo's likely to never have, and Leo briefly considers asking for a moment.]

Good, tell him thank you from me.

... I will.

[He holds Leo's gaze a moment, then turns to go.]

Oh ho! I'm glad to see SHELL is still around. I feared it had disappeared during my absence.

[... Was there no meeting over the winter? Don will have to ask Robert about that.]

No, it was... just sleeping. Why were you absent, Dr. Eggman?

[If there was one, Eggman didn't notice.]

I was just on a boring mission for the Malnosso. It's a little while ago now, though. Very disappointing, no decent data to be had at all!

I went on a mission a few months ago and studied dragons!

[He sees no reason not to share this with anyone who will listen.]

Dragons, you say? Not in person, I hope!

No, only books.

[This is terribly disappointing.]

I'd be happy to work with you, if you'd like. And I hope we'll be able to meet. I don't trust the Malnosso, especially right now; we should discuss their offer.

Oh. You... [Well, of course.] Yes. I'd like that.

[She says it for him anyway.]

I'm Japanese.

But, if it's alright to ask, why are you trying to learn? [Please tell her it doesn't have to do with world-hopping.]

[With some embarrassment:] ... I'm illiterate.

[No need to be embarrassed here; while she can't help being surprised, there's no note of ridicule or blame in her voice.]

Then we'll start from the beginning.

Can I meet you somewhere? ... This evening?

[That's very sudden, but... She thinks a moment; she has some time today.]

Yes, that's fine.

Where?

[He'd rather it be somewhere private, but... asking to meet at Ami's apartment seems too forward.]

[The senshi house isn't completely private these days, with Usagi and Rei both there with Ami, but it can still work for private conversation.]

How about here? It's pretty quiet usually. [Usagi is often with friends, as always; and Rei often keeps to herself with her meditation.]

[Had something to ask him about, housemate?

Whenever Don gets back - or even before he leaves, doesn't matter to Robert - he'll find a cup of coffee waiting for him in a thermally-insulated mug, and a scientist sitting at the table, poring over a book of astronomy. There's an eclectic mix of topics on the ones sitting next to him, but the ones that might stand out the most are several books on Earth history, and a book about Japan.

Someone's trying to prepare himself for going to another world. (And maybe gathering information to simulate the world of a certain friend.)]

[It's been a strenuous evening - trying to wrap his head around written proper Japanese with Ami and Rei, and then doing his best to keep up with Leo on a grueling run. Don hesitates a half-second when he sees the book about Japan, but no, Robert couldn't know about his secret study session.]

[Don rummages through the refrigerator, throws something in the microwave, and returns to the table, where he takes a long drink from the thermos and surveys the piles of books.]

[Right. Robert's upcoming (they hope) visit to Don's Earth. A completely logical reason for this sudden research. Not that a survey of world history will in any way prepare the scientist for what he's likely to experience.]

Robert... can we talk about this?

[Yeah, no, it's just a mildly-paranoia-inducing coincidence. It actually has much more to do with Sayo than it does with Don, though part of it is about trying to learn more of the elusive culture he will have to understand if he speaks to Don's family.

He glances up when Don walks in - yeah, it's late and he's slightly... worried... but at the same time not entirely surprised. It's just like Don to want to enjoy the weather.

But still - ]

Yes, of course, but... should you not equalize first? The temperature outside is... still not ideal for such late nights.

[Don waves this off, retrieves his reheated food and a pair of chopsticks, and commences his usual graceless eating.]

I'm worried about your arrival.

[This is a distraction from that line of thought.]

... What do you mean?

From my family's point of view, there will suddenly be a stranger in the Lair. A stranger who looks like a scientist. [He sits down, concern all over his face.] What if I can't convince them I know you? What if I don't remember?

[... Oh. Oh.]

... Ah... well...

... If you... d-do not remember, that... that would be a cause for... the utmost concern...

[... Well, what if he doesn't remember, then? What if he shows up in this foreign place with a family he can't ever remember seeing...?]

... Did... Sir Catherine say anything about this element...?

He said we would remember, but considering his track record, I'm not confident we'll even arrive in the right place. Strategy isn't my strong suit, but... we should plan for as many contingencies as we can think of.

Good idea.

[First things first.]

... Perhaps I can bring my nanocomputer, as well as... other note compilations? Something to... provide a-at least... a basis for understanding...?

I don't think we're allowed to bring anything. [A related thought strikes him and ricochets out of his mouth.] Robert, I'll be younger when we get there.

[Will he?]

... Two years y-younger, correct...?

... I could be... a year younger, depending... on what e-exactly happens...

...

[So many contingencies.]

... I want to at least attempt to bring... s-something tangible. But there must be... other methods we can use...

[He nods.] And a lot different...

I think you should bring something that isn't very valuable. In case it disappears in transit.

A simple c-camera. Notes, perhaps on... paper. [Mild hesitation there, but paper is... actually not valuable here.] Things that will not... m-matter so much...

[He extends one delicate hand, anxiously, in the direction of Don's arm - and then stops.]

... D-Do... do you think your f-family might... ... h-harm me?

[It's the elephant in the room. If he doesn't remember Luceti, it will be terrifying.]

[A blank look. That's exactly what Don meant by his earlier concerns - did Robert not understand?]

Probably... not...

... much...

[He's just now getting the exact meaning of it. Yep. The initial thought was "crap they won't know who I am" - now the realization of "crap that means I'm a threat" has happened.

... He's a bit slow sometimes with this kind of thing.]

... Well. If I, myself, f-forget... then it will be the most t-terrifying thing that will have... happened to me, by... by that perspective...

...

... I suppose it is... prudent to, er, hope that does not h-happen...?

[Or hope that the notes survive intact at least. It'd be insanely implausible, but they might provide the family with a reason to not immediately suspect Robert of an attempt to sabotage.]

[Don rubs his head in a nervous gesture.]

Hoping has sometimes worked for us, but Leo will kill me if I don't have a Plan A.

[Understandable.]

What would you s-suggest, beyond... trying to bring something w-with us to mitigate the circumstance...?

[Don thinks. They can't be assured of bringing their memories or any possessions. They know that the host will revert physically to how they were when they first arrived in Luceti, and it seems possible the visitor will as well, so marking their bodies won't work. What could they do that would remind them, or convince anyone else, of where they had just come from?]

[Don murmurs something to that effect, to catch Robert up with his train of thought. He then falls silent, ruminating on the problem, before adding:]

If we do remember... we should just tell them we're friends.

[That sounds painful to do, and the look on Robert's face reflects that - a blend of confusion and hurt, before recognition dawns.]

... They... w-would not understand...?

[His shoulders slump.]

They didn't understand when they were here.

[Raphael never seemed to, at least.]

... Th-then... then it would be... prudent...

[Despite that, though, he hesitantly grasps Don's arm, staring down at the table before glancing back up at him, as though the table might have some answer for their predicament.]

... I... I s-still want to... to see your life, though. To... [- he struggles for some method of conveying this complex idea -] ... b-be a part of it, even... even briefly...

[Don can't help smiling at Robert's earnestness.]

You already saw it, during that hologram experiment. Or... something close to it.

I... suppose that was s-similar. And... during that strange experiment, wh-where... where I was Audubon - [- that memory is always a little odd -] - well... I assume that is... similar to what your life might have b-been like...

...

... But at the same time... it will be different, if your entire family is... present...

[His smile turns shy.]

You haven't really met us until you've seen us all together in the Lair.

[He truly wants to.]

... Th-then I... look forward to it. I... only hope we r-retain our memory...

[Don needs to think on this further, but for now there's no point dwelling. Instead he turns the conversation to more general matters.]

[Gesturing to the books:] What have you learned?

[Oh yes, the books. Robert turns his attention to the books on Earth history first; he's studied them the most.]

... I used these to... d-discern a general picture of what pre-Terran - Earth - [- he caught himself there -] - geography looks like, and, I... am currently r-researching both countries that... comprise your culture...

...

... Are these texts... accurate? [It's hard to believe some of these things really happened. And there are specific parts of history he might have not even seen yet. (What will he think about Stonewall, one wonders?)]

[Don takes one of the books and skims a few pages.]

I'm not the history expert, but this looks about right.

[A neutral statement. He can guess Robert's reaction, but he doesn't want to put words in the man's mouth.]

[Robert nods slightly at that, gently running his lip against his teeth.]

... I see...

... No wonder your family found me so... strange. [And he smiles. It's an odd smile, though - a little sad.]

It... all seems so violent to my perspective, but... [But his world is so different. Even Luceti is different.]

[Don shrugs, passing the text back across the table.]

History books are mostly about the violent parts.

[That might be exactly why Terrans avoided them.]

... So it seems...

[His gaze slides over pictures of riots, and he gently bites his lip again.]

... Were things... r-really so... impaired, in terms of rights...?

[Don frowns at the upside-down images.]

They're getting better. For most people.

['Most people'.

He protectively moves a little closer to Don at that.]

... someone like myself... would be at r-risk...

... A-According to this, anyway... [And perhaps it's out of date, but he worries. (Don's own risk is obvious enough that he doesn't need to note it.)]

[Don's frown deepens, drawing a furrow in his brow.]

You?

[White, male, and human. The most equal people in America, as far as Don can tell.]

My... o-orientation.

[And of course Robert picks the most subtle thing. ~~He's not used to the others, except maybe species, being privileges. Feel free to point that out, Don.~~]

Edited 2012-04-06 01:33 (UTC)

... Oh.

[Gay people hadn't really been on Don's radar back home, so he hadn't particularly noticed any discrimination against them.]

Are you worried about it?

If... if this book is an indication... then I think it would be logical to, yes.

[Never mind that the attitude of 2003 is quite a bit different from the attitude of 1960.]

[He shrugs and shakes his head.]

It doesn't matter. You won't be going outside.

[That suits him just fine, to be honest.]

... Hopefully that will avoid most of the issues, then...

... I would rather be with you, anyway. [If they remember.]

[Don pokes at his empty plate.]

It's been a long evening. I think I'd better go to bed.

[Robert nods; it seems like a good idea.]

... Yes.

Do you wish for me to... clean up?

Do you want to?

[He's learned that the OCD sufferers in his life sometimes prefer cleaning things themselves, but that doesn't mean he feels good about leaving messes for them.]

It is hardly a problem... I enjoy it.

[That much is true; Robert offers a reassuring smile as well.]

And you are... tired. You should rest.

Okay. [He pushes his plate back and stands up, a heavy movement.] Oyasumi, Robert.

[Robert smiles, nods, and takes the empty plate.]

... Goodnight, Don.

[Gently:] See you in the morning...

[And he turns off to deal with the remainder of the dishes, before putting himself to bed.]

Hey Don.

Isamu. [He was thinking about you recently, now why was that? Oh yes.] You know Naoki is here, right?

Of course I know Naoki's here.

But this isn't about him.

[... Has he done anything else lately that would make Isamu suddenly want to talk to him? Nothing comes to mind.]

What's up?

I was just kinda... reminded that I haven't done a very good job of keeping up with you, after Raph left.

[... Oh.]

The failure is mutual. [Awkward pause.] How have you been?

As well as I ever am, I guess. Not so bad.

Haven't been working out nearly enough.

You never did. [Wow, when did he start turning into Leo?] What have you been doing?

Hey, I tried! Which is more than I did before I got here.

And you know. Keeping Richard in check. Being a nuisance. That sort of thing.

[Don dredges up this name from the recesses of his memory.]

Your friend. Has he been here the whole time?

When he's not running off and the Malnosso aren't fucking with him, yeah.

Why haven't I met him yet?

[Mostly teasing, but partly serious. Don't you want to introduce your sparring partner to your friends?]

I dunno. You must not make enough house calls.

You never invited me.

[Strictly speaking a ninja doesn't need an invitation, but Don tries to be polite.]

Should've crashed in anyway.

If you need an official invite, here's me telling you you're free to stop by whenever you want.

[Don will take that as permission to let himself in.]

Maybe I'll want to sometime soon.

((Want to throw something on an appointments post for Isamu and Don and Richard?))

You should. Surprise me.

((Might be best to wait until after the event. I have a whole lot of threads going on and I've barely gotten started on that. ;;))

When you're least expecting it.

((Sounds good!))

Bring some ninja snacks with you when you do.

Ninja snacks?

[You had better be joking.]

Hahaha!

What do hungry mutant turtles eat, anyway?

Disrespectful sparring partners.

Right.

Do you guys even have canines?

[Dogs?]

[Oh, teeth.]

[Don can't resist answering:]

I'm an engineer, not a dentist.

You don't need to be a dentist to figure out which ones are the pointy ones.

... I'm not answering that.

Do turtles even have teeth?

[Were you really not paying any attention all those times Raph snarled at you?]

[The only response you get is the sound of palm meeting forehead.]

[Isamu laughs.]

Aw, come on. I'm kidding.

Your comedy is worse than your ninjutsu.

Teasing doesn't count as real comedy!

Please share with me some real comedy.

Didn't say I was a comedian.

[Nice dodge.]

What are you, then?

Most would say a pain in the ass.

I don't need any further demonstrations of that.

Comes with the territory, I'm afraid.

Tell me about these housemates of yours who are willing to put up with it.

I think Asbel puts up with just about anything without even realizing he's putting up with it. He's from Richard's homeworld.

They knew each other there?

Since they were kids, I'm pretty sure.

... Isamu, can I ask you a serious question?

...Sure, I guess.

Do you feel left out?

With those two?

Heh... You're looking at the wrong guy, Don. I don't usually look to be brought in.

...But no. Their relationship is their own business.

[That is so not what he meant, he didn't even know.]

Wait, what?

...Not that they're in that sort of relationship. I mean, whatever sort of friendship, brotherly thing they have. I don't feel left out of it because I never asked to be in it.

... Oh.

[It takes him a moment to regather his thoughts.]

So it doesn't bother you? Living with them, but not being that close with them?

I am close with them, though. With Richard, at least.

Our friendship isn't the same as his and Asbel's. I've got nothing to be jealous of.

[Part of him wants to dissect this further, but Isamu's answer is pretty unequivocal. He should leave it alone.]

Do you think most other people would feel the same way?

I never really thought about it.

Well, thanks for the answers.

[It's given him something to think about.]

Yeah, sure. No problem.

[Rei is intrigued. Ami's told her about the Turtles, and she's spoken to Leonardo, so she figures she'll offer to help. Calligraphy, after all, is her favorite subject. In a beautiful, flowery script, she'll respond in hiragana, since clearly he knows some Japanese]

Good Afternoon. My name is Hino Rei. I would be happy to help you learn to read Japanese.

[This is later followed by a Voice call]
Good Afternoon. If you weren't able to read my earlier message, my name is Hino Rei, and I would be happy to help you learn to read Japanese. Consider that to have been a bit of a test.

[... Oh shell. Don gets the first two sentences without too much trouble, but the third just has way too many verb forms. (Not that he would be able to name them as such; grammatical structures are a subject he's never been able to wrap his head around.)]

... I think I failed.

My my, what were you able to get from my message then?

Um... "hello", "my name is", and something about Japanese.

[Guess who's nudging in the teaching? Not really surprising; she always led the group study sessions back home, too.]

Rei-chan, would it be alright for Don to come over later? We could both work with him.

Of course, Ami-chan.

And Donatello was it? That's a good start.

... You two live together?

Mm. [And she is beyond happy about that, that they're all together here.] Rei-chan is one of my dear friends from home.

[Sort of. Enough for Ami to say it, at least. She's accepted Rei whole-heartedly.]

Yep, Ami-chan is a dear friend, and so is Usagi-chan.

I'm sure we can help you, Donatello. Please, come by.

Edited 2012-03-26 02:03 (UTC)

I'll be there soon.

I'll start getting some lessons together. I'll find some food and drink to entertain, too.

Great. I'll get a few papers and pencils, and some ink and brushes too.

You...really can't learn to read what you can't write, after all.

[You're going to make him do it in calligraphy?]

[Closing the journal on that thought, Don sets out across the village again. He'll be knocking on your door in a few minutes.]

[Ami, on the other hand, suspects Don can't possibly be slower to learn kanji than Usagi, which is something of a relief. (She's sorry, Usagi, really.)

By the time Don's there, she'll have tea and some snacks ready for everyone, and head to answer the door.]

[Rei suspects exactly the same thing. And calligraphy is easier than actual pencil writing since its larger, so she figures that should be the best thing for it.

She'll be waiting with Ami in the main room, of course]

Hi Ami. [He offers a small bow to her roommate.] Hino-san. Thanks for letting me come on such short notice.

[There's something jarring about the forms of address Don chooses for her, and for Rei, especially next to each other, though it's true he hasn't gotten to know Rei well yet. Ami lets him in, and invites him to sit down.]

It's alright. The timing worked out well.

[Rei notices this too. Clearly, he's much much closer to Ami than she'd originally thought. Ami-chan almost never forgot her politeness, and it just seemed odd]

Yes, please, sit down. Its no trouble at all, especially with Usagi-chan out of the house. And...I don't mind if you call me Rei-san. Or...would it be proper to address us both as Sensei? [She offers Ami a bit of a funny smile, knowing that Ami was so proper when it came to titles]

So, where should we begin? Can you write Hiragana and Katakana yet?

[Don realizes belatedly that addressing Ami with no honorific could lead Rei to a very wrong conclusion. Being bicultural is complicated sometimes.]

Um... Sensei is fine. [He really should be calling Ami that anyway, since she's a doctor and all.] I know the characters but I don't write well...

It just takes practice. [Ami smiles, meant to be encouraging.]

It will come easier then.

Right! Practice makes perfect.

[She'll offer Donatello a notebook and pencil]

Why don't you try writing out all the characters you are really familiar with? We can move from there!

[Don takes the proffered writing utensils, sits at the table, and thinks a moment before carefully writing his name in Hiragana. (Unorthodox, he knows, but Splinter was insistent that his sons learn to spell their foreign names in native characters.) With only slightly more hesitation, he writes his brothers' names. This seems to serve him as a warm-up, and he proceeds to draw a gojūon table, which he manages to fill in most of before giving up. He draws a second gojūon for Katakana, but this he doesn't get very far with - he never saw the point of writing English words in Japanese when he could already write them perfectly well (if often misspelled) in English.]

That's all I know...

It's not a bad start. Let's fill in the rest, and you'll have a study sheet to learn the ones you don't know by heart yet.

Yes, Ami-chan is right. Why don't we go on and perhaps work at some very basic kanji? Do you know any already?

A few...

[He writes 'turtle' and 'ninja', then adds a few basic kanji like 'home' and 'morning'. His calligraphy is not good and it's obvious he's nowhere near literate.]

[Ami is of the school of thought that encouragement is far better than criticism, so she'll put a good face on the lack of experience.]

It's a good start. Try to hold the pen steadier. Concentrate, and go slowly. It's important to get used to the correct strokes and order. Then they'll become natural, and you can go more quickly.

[Rei is as well, particularly when she's not so familiar with the student]

It is a good start. Here, why don't you watch me, and follow the strokes? I've found that the best way to get started with new kanji is to see the brush, and follow.

[She takes out a brush, wets it with ink, and slowly demonstrates Turtles, and Ninja, nodding for Don to follow along]

[Don might be frustrated and offended if these instructions didn't sound so much like beginner ninja lessons. They're familiar, then, and he knows that following them will eventually lead to success.]

[He draws the kanji again, trying to imitate Rei-sensei's elegant writing.]

[Ami picks up the next two, this time penned with brusque and businesslike, but no less clear and tidy, strokes as opposed to Rei's flowing lines: 'Home' and 'Morning'.]

Try these when you feel comfortable with the first.

[Rei watches, smiling. Don's really getting the hang of things]

Yes, thats right. Very good.

[Don dutifully copies the kanji until his first sheet of paper is full, then looks up. His writing might be getting a little better...?]

It's already improving.

I know! For the rest, how about telling us which kanji you're most interested in using and practicing. That way, we can focus on what you'll need to know first.

Yes, thats probably the best. Kanji isn't something you can learn overnight. Why, Ami-chan and I studied them all our lives, and I know there are still some characters even we don't recognize.

[Don isn't sure what to say. He mostly wants to know useful kanji for writing private notes, but asking for those seems awkward or somehow incriminating.]

Maybe... places in the village?

Let's see... Where do you usually spend a lot of time?

[One is obvious, and she absently sketches a kanji that seems appropriate for the battledome.]

[Rei takes note of this, and sketches a few more, such as the plaza, bakery, and tea shop, with notes for what they are in English]

Here are a few more, Donatello.

[Don adds a few more for the girls to fill in:]

LIBRERRY
WOODS
SMITHEE

[Should she correct him in that spelling or not...? In the end, she decides it would only embarrass him, and she can move on with the kanji he asked for. She draws them neatly, with crisp strokes.]

This is the same order. You should keep them together for when you study.

[Rei keeps her own mouth shut as well, instead offering a kind smile and quietly sipping away at her tea]

It'll come with time. Practice is the most important thing.

[Don puts the papers next to each other, and looks from one to the other.]

Should we meet regularly to learn more? Luceti-permitting?

We could decide on a time each week, so that we can see if the Malnosso have interfered first.

Yes, that sounds like a plan.

[Don nods and pushes the gojūon across the table.]

Can you fill these in for me?

I can do it. [Ami takes it up, and studies it a moment longer before preparing to fill in the rest.]

You're a diligent student. You'll learn them in no time.

Edited 2012-04-10 04:26 (UTC)

Yes, of that I've no doubt.

[Embarrassed:] I'll do my best...

[He watches Ami a moment, then says:] Can I ask a question?

[The smooth motion of her hand stops as Ami glances up.]

What is it? [A quick look down at the paper confirms her kanji seem to be neat and legible enough.]

I don't trust what he says, which means there should be a hell of a discussion to follow.

By the way, I hope you don't mind me inviting my partner along to the next meeting? She's a skilled scientist- a medical doctor, actually- and I know she'd have a lot to contribute.

All scientists are welcome in SHELL. [Even ones of questionable morals, apparently.]

Who's your partner for the experiment?

Good, I think you'll like Scully. She's my voice of reason and skepticism.

For the experiment, I'm going to another world. Why waste the opportunity to see somewhere completely new? I'm headed to a world filled with demons and magic, with a young woman called Reimu.

Sounds like me.

[Don has heard the name "Scully" before, but fortunately the context goes right over his head at this moment.]

Nice. I'd like to hear about it when you get back.

Good, I had a feeling you would get along. [Once Scully gets used to the fact that yes, she is holding a conversation with a mutant ninja turtle.]

I'll give you a rundown afterward. I plan to get an extensive report... well, ok, the most extensive I can get in a day. Might be a very abridged version.

Do you know where you'll be going for this?

I trust your research skills.

[A long pause, before he answers:] Home.

I can't blame you for taking the opportunity to go home... you've been here for so long.

[Don doesn't feel the need to restate how long.]

I hope it doesn't turn out to be a bad decision...

I hope you're right. But we really won't know unless we go. I know I'd rather take the risk than always wonder what could have happened.

[Not exactly what Don meant, but he's not sure he wants to share what he was really thinking.]

A scientist after my own heart.

Of course, whether this will have any lasting long-term effects... we'll have to see about that.

[You can bet he'll be carefully recording this for an extra-detailed file.]

The blue man implied no, but... you already know what I think of him.

Yeah, you've always afforded Sir Blue Ass exactly the level of trust and respect he deserves.

[He shares those feelings for sure.]

[A little blunter than Don would have phrased it, but yes.]

I think a lot of people will be disappointed if this experiment doesn't happen.

[How's that for a switch.]

[Mulder always has a colorful word or several for people in positions of power who misuse it... Though when Don mentions that, Mulder finds himself agreeing.]

I wouldn't blame them... For some people, that chance to go home means everything.

[He would almost consider it himself were the prospect of seeing another world not so tantalizing. There isn't much he feels he can accomplish in his present-time, in only a day. Perhaps it'd be different were there more time.]

But other people would rather go somewhere else. I think it fell out pretty evenly.

I think so too, they're well split up... and for those that can't go home, it's a potential new chance at life.

[A pause, then:] Do you think there's any chance something useful will come of this? In terms of being able to send people to a different world permanently?

I really do think so, with this one. I question their motives most of the time, I question their experiments and the effects they have on us... but this one is the first one I've heard of that has any potential.

[He appreciates your optimism.]

We'll talk more at the meeting?

[He's trying. He wants to believe.]

We will. I'll be looking forward to it.

[Sally is just out minding her own business among the cherry trees when she rounds a corner and finds herself face to face with a giant anthropomorphic turtle.

Try not to take the alarmed shriek personally. She's new. :|]

[Don is startled to suddenly encounter a shrieking woman - that kind of occurrence isn't nearly as common for him as it used to be.]

It's okay! [He raises his hands in a placating gesture, then reaches up further to pluck a flower, which he cautiously offers to the screaming lady.] I'm a friendly giant talking turtle.

[Sally puts out a hand to kind of prop herself against a tree and clutches at her heart, trying to will her pulse back down to something below Mach 5. But once the initial shock passes, there's nothing to suggest the giant talking turtle is not, in fact, perfectly friendly.]

I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to... It's just, we don't have giant talking turtles at all where I'm from, friendly or otherwise. [This is still seriously weird, but she feels dumb just standing there, so she reaches out with equal caution to accept the flower.] Thank you. Sorry again about the screaming.

Most people don't. [He lets her take the flower from his thick fingers, then slowly drops his hand to his side.] No harm done.

[He gestures to the pink-and-white adorned trees.] Do you have these where you're from?

[She smiles a little, looking up at the trees.] Not really. On my planet, yeah, but I live in the city. There are some in the botanical gardens, but I've never seen them in person when they're in bloom. What about you?

Same. [He tilts his head, because maybe their worlds aren't so different after all.] New York? [Her accent isn't right for a Big Apple native, but possibly she's heard of the place?]

London, actually. You're from New York, on your world?

[Don nods eagerly.] But my father is from Japan. He had these outside his house.

[Part of Sally desperately wonders what kind of parents a giant talking turtle would have, but firing a lot of questions at him right away would probably be rude.] That must have been nice. Life in the city gets a bit grey if you don't have a holiday now and then.

Oh, sorry - I never asked your name. I'm Sally; Sally Donovan.

[This is exactly the right question to fire.]

Donatello. [He half-turns and resumes strolling through the trees.] I did get to go to Beijing once.

Donatello. Like the artist? That's nice name. [Unusual, but...well. She starts to follow him through the trees.] I've never been to Japan or China, but I always thought it'd be nice to visit. I take it you've never been to England, then?

[He nods.] It's a theme in the family.

I haven't been anywhere in Europe. I don't travel much...

Have you got any siblings, then?

[Understandably so.] Well. New York is a big town, at least.

Three brothers. You're welcome to guess their names.

Oh really? [Limited knowledge of the arts, engage!] Erm...I've got...Picasso, Michelangelo...Van Gogh? Leonardo da Vinci...I'm rubbish at this, aren't I?

[Don smiles.]

Two out of three. Not bad.

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