Fifty-First Theory [Written/Voice/Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[This morning, instead of going for his usual run, Don settles himself at his desk in the back room. The door is open and a pencil is poked thoughtfully between his teeth. When he begins to write, it isn't filtered, but courtesy of a translation-shield, anyone trying to read the entry will see something that looks more like a Danish cryptogram than

Comments

[Voice]

[no_use_running]

I don't know what to say about myself, but, I hope this will be helpful.

[Action]

[no_use_running]

It was my power. [She confirms that much, at least.] I was born with these powers from a past life, not from Luceti's spirits.

[She's babbling, because so far from arguing or angry, she feels terrible that this happened.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

I'm okay here. Please sit.

[He gestures to the other chairs, suggesting Ami might make herself comfortable as well. He also raises a brow at her, silently asking whether it's all right to discuss her abilities in front of Robert, even as he feels bad for communicating with her in a way he now knows his partner won't even be aware of.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[As Don expects, Robert entirely misses the reason for the eyebrow raise; instead, he seats himself, regarding Sailor Mercury with equal parts curious interest and mild worry. The last time this happened, he didn't exactly have the right mindset for seeing how her powers worked, and though he certainly is curious, he hoped his introduction to them would've been less... awkward.]

[Action]

[no_use_running]

[She's Mercury right now. Mercury sits as carefully as Ami, posture straight and formal, hands properly in her lap.]

Thank you for inviting me in. [The formalized words are entirely the shy girl, too. It was only during the battle that she'd seemed to take on more life, to gain confidence in a skin other than her own.]

It's alright to talk right now. It's still a secret, but some of my friends know it here. [And... some people who unfortunately found out when she made mischief across Luceti in her first stay here as Dark Mercury still.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don isn't aware of the 'Mercury' name. As far as he's concerned this is Ami in different clothes.]

It was very impressive.

[He sips the tea slowly, gauging its effect on his body.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Maybe Robert might make it obvious, because when he addresses her, it's softly and tentatively and a little nervously, but:] Ah... Sailor Mercury... Are you also alright...?

[She seems fine, but he may as well ask, for safety's sake. Even though he keeps eyeing Don worriedly.]

... If, if either of you need anything, I would be happy to oblige.

[Action]

[no_use_running]

I wasn't trying to be impressive. [She feels a little embarrassed by that, actually; she's always considered her powers weaker next to the other senshi's.]

I'm alright. [She answers to Mercury naturally right now.] Thank you. Some water, maybe.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[What, he can't admire another fighter's skills?]

[He blinks curiously at this exchange. He should probably ask a real question, but it isn't important enough right now. Instead he'll focus on safely equalizing back to ambient temperature.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Ah... certainly. [He gets up again; this time it's a much more brief egress, though he's still a bit twitchy and is paying far too much attention to Don. Still, Robert hands the glass - full of cool water - to Mercury a moment after he returns to the room.]

... So, am I correct in the assumption that you two were, er... practising some sort of fighting? [His words aren't exactly accusatory, but they are a little awkward.]

[Action]

[no_use_running]

[Well, better the skills than the skirt, at least. Mercury answers Robert quietly.]

We were training together. [It's a yes. And she's so relieved that Don has said he wants to do it again sometime; it makes the guilt a little less.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don smiles sheepishly.] It wasn't much of a fight. Ami beat me in two moves.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[... Well. He knew Mercury was strong. He just didn't know how strong.

His expression flickers to one of surprise.]

That is... very significant.

[Of course, if it was based on temperature manipulation... well, it only makes sense.]

And you used your powers to do so, then...?

[Action]

[no_use_running]

That was just circumstances. [She's saying it to make Don feel better, but also because it's true. A real battle is very, very different from friendly training. She wouldn't have stopped - and he would have found a way to come back and overcome.]

The cold was more than I expected.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Was it... more than you meant to use?

[Now that he's settling back to a comfortable core temperature, he's being overcome by the urge to sleep. It's hard to formulate a coherent sentence.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[It's worrisome behaviour to Robert, who doesn't know exactly why Don suddenly looks as exhausted as he does.]

I am... certain Sailor Mercury would not have... deliberately harmed you. [Still...] However, Don... you certainly seem adversely affected...

[He's not sure if he should be trying to help the turtle into bed or something.]