Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[For the past few weeks, Don has spent an increasing amount of time staring out the windows of his winter room, watching for signs of spring. As comfortable as the room is, after two-plus months of living in it he really just wants to get out.]

[To that end, he has been packing for a camping trip, and today - not knowing that winter isn't yet done with Luceti - he shuts down all the systems in his room and leaves the house.]

[Anyone out and about in the village may see the Turtle, bundled in his snowsuit and carrying a duffel bag, heading out of town. He's not going anywhere in particular and isn't in a hurry, so he'd be happy to stop and talk.]

Comments

[i_speak_softly]

[Technically speaking, Don didn't pass grade school, so he'd better get off that subject.]

Are you looking for anything in particular?

[musubi]

[He shrugs.]

Not really. It'll probably be full of boring reference material, but I figured I'd look anyway.

[i_speak_softly]

I was talking to someone recently about adventure novels. Any interest in that?

[musubi]

That sounds a little broad...

You don't think they have comics, do you?

[i_speak_softly]

They certainly didn't use to.

[musubi]

Figures. That would be too nice of them.

[i_speak_softly]

[Hesitantly, and only because Isamu is his bro, Don pulls an unmarked journal from his bag.]

This... this is what I'm reading on my trip.

[musubi]

[Isamu raises a brow.]

Your diary?

[i_speak_softly]

Leo's diary. Sort of. It's -- Isamu, he wrote down my future.

[musubi]

Your future?

[Like he was some kind of fortune teller or... oh right.]

He came from further ahead on your timeline?

Do you think you should read it?

[i_speak_softly]

[A nod.]

All of my brothers did. Something happened to me that they didn't want to talk about. I've been putting off reading this for months, but... I have to know.

["Even if I might regret it" goes unsaid.]

[musubi]

...If you think you can deal with it, man. I mean, we know nothing you learn here will affect anything if you're sent back, so it's not like you'll be able to change anything from happening.

For better or worse.

[i_speak_softly]

Exactly. [He looks down at the journal.] Why torture myself? But on the other hand, ignorance has not been bliss.

[musubi]

Well, it hasn't happened. And if you never leave here, it won't ever happen.

It's up to you, in the end. Personally, though? I'd burn it.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks appalled at this suggestion.]

I can't burn it.

[musubi]

Then lock it up somewhere and give someone else the key. Something that'll keep the temptation at bay.

[i_speak_softly]

I'm not tempted, Isamu. I've been thinking about it for months.

[musubi]

And I gave you my opinion.

I think maybe if I was in your shoes and I had the opportunity to learn about some of the things that happened to me later on, I would have been better off not knowing at the time. Especially if I couldn't change any of it.

But then that's just me. And maybe I'm wrong.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks at the ground, and quietly slides the journal back into his bag.]

I should get going.

[musubi]

[Isamu sighs. He always fails at this sort of thing.]

Look, I'm sorry.

You do whatever you want. I shouldn't be making comparisons like that.

[i_speak_softly]

[Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place. It's a private matter.]

It's okay. I just - wanted you to know.

[I.e., if it's really horrible, he may want to talk to you about it later.]

[Which is probably why he did mention it.]

[musubi]

Yeah, man. That was good of you.

So. Heh. If you turn into a raving mad man... er, turtle,... fairly soon, we'll know what to blame, right?

[Terrible attempt at humor, Isamu. Terrible.]

[i_speak_softly]

[It is terrible, but Don's reaction probably still seems extreme: he punches Isamu in the chest.]

Don't say that!

[musubi]

Whoa, hey!

[Isamu isn't a big guy, and he stumbles back from the impact, coughing a couple times. He holds a hand to his rib cage, the other out in front of him in a lame attempt to ward off another blow.]

Dude... chill.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don chills immediately, because that was out of line.]

I'm sorry.