[Special 003] Body Switch: Usagi-chan

[no_use_running]

[Well! The picture in the journal is most certainly not Mizuno Ami. It is, however, still an Asian girl, but a few years younger, with an unusual hairdo of buns and pigtails.]

I'm Usagi-chan!

[And something in Ami realizes that while some people in Luceti will remember Usagi in blond form from while she was here, many won't, and they won't know

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Well. When Robert was worrying about what sort of form changes that his friends might have, them turning into their best friends was not one that immediately came to mind - though in retrospect, it was perfectly logical. Nonetheless, he was more than a little surprised to see the somewhat-familiar face of Ami as something not-so-familiar.]

Ah, Doctor Mizuno, so they have affected you too... And your best friend? That must be... poignant for you. [And painful. Robert doesn't even want to think about how much that might have hurt him if he'd turned into a certain person.]

... Do you perhaps need any assistance, or are you alright at the moment? [Robert was serious when he said he wanted to help Ami if she had a problem. After all, it's the least he can do. She basically singlehandedly stopped him from freezing, taught him to use the journals and gave him a place to live.]

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

I'm glad. [With Robert's help, the tea is set out. Ami sits down properly, hands neatly in her lap.]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert notices how primly Ami sits down.] You are quite refined, Doctor Mizuno. Is it simply more comfortable for you?

[Robert's never been particularly refined himself. Though it's not like he's lounging about, he isn't sitting with that same kind of properness as Ami - he is sitting rather rigidly though, because, truth be told, he's still a little nervous.]

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

Ah... [Instead of explaining, she awkwardly removes her hands from her lap - only to clasp them together roughly in front of her stomach.]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert doesn't know why Ami reacted this way. She's probably embarrassed but he's too dense to tell. He frowns and looks perturbed.] Ah, did I say something wrong, perhaps...?

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

No. You didn't. Let's go ahead.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert sort of sits back and takes another sip of tea, quietly. Ami and he may be similar, but unlike himself, he can't understand how she feels. After all, he doesn't have the same access to them that she does. And then there's also the experiments, which might be wearing on her a little...

After a moment, he tries to strike up conversation again.] So... you like your friend Usagi-chan immensely... Would you perhaps want to tell me more about her? [He is genuinely curious; it shows in his voice that he isn't just asking to sound polite.]

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

Ah... We met back in middle school. She was my best friend. We were all sort of separated when we got a bit older; I studied abroad. But we recently met again for Usagi-chan's wedding, all of us.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Her wedding? How sweet... I hope that she had a very happy wedding day. [Weddings were still common on Terra, although the vast bulk of weddings were civil ceremonies.] And I'm sure that your presence helped make that day an especially memorable one for her.

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

Mm. Minako-chan made time to come, too. She's a famous singing idol in my world, so it's pretty rare for her to be able to travel outside work.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert seems surprised by this.] A person of importance? Is she by chance a scholar or teacher of singing? [Robert has trouble with the concept of people being famous without also being intellectual. All the famous people on Terra are smart somehow.]

Regardless, I am sure that you enjoyed the time spent with your friends, and that Usagi-chan did as well. At least you have a good memory of her to hold on to here. [He manages a small smile.]

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

She did well in school, but she's an idol, not a scholar.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Ah, the concept of a world in which people can be famous without being intelligent. It's a strange one, but instead of Robert's usual xenophobic reaction, he kind of smiles to himself a little.] Our worlds are so very different. Were we not both imprisoned here, this would be a wonderful social experiment.

[He deflates somewhat afterward.] I am afraid I cannot offer very much in return for the information you have chosen to share... I... don't really have any acquaintances to speak of. [An uncomfortable pause; he fiddles absentmindedly with the buttons on one cuff.]

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

I guess, after a certain point there isn't anything to do but accept it; even the parts that are strange. [She must be referring to being here in the first place and the clash of perspectives and worlds.]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[He nods sagely at that.] That is an important truth indeed...

[Robert takes another deep draught of the tea.] Goodness knows I've been having to do that here. [His expression looks a little strained at that.] It has recently come to my attention that the paranormal may not be so paranormal here. ... But I have an obligation as a scientist to explore every possible avenue of evidence, even if every facet of me disagrees. [He stares down into the tea with a serious look, tinged perhaps with sadness.] However, it is a strange thing when one finds that all that one knows is no longer applicable...

Re: [Action]

[no_use_worrying]

But, I think it's a great opportunity, too. There is a lot to learn from each other, and a lot you could teach the people here in Luceti.