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From:

effiomsfavorite

[Huvrye doesn't know nearly enough about this world's technology - namely, the internet. Sure, he'd gotten a brief explanation, and he'd picked up a bit from usage, but the fact that seeing privacy settings in action had taken him by surprise told him he definitely had more to learn. He can't have deep or dangerous conversations out in the open - not where everyone can see and react accordingly. He needs to know more about how all of this works.]

[He picks an evening when Leo doesn't seem to have much homework to ask. He is not expecting the conversation to span more than an hour and to cover factors he'd never thought of, let alone ask about (and he's fairly certain that "what Leo thinks is important" and "actual security risks" is a venn diagram overlap that is not a circle). Probably a good thing that he's not keeping Leo from his homework with this. He's still trying to wrap his mind around a few things.]

So you can just comment anonymously on some places, and people can't figure out it's you? You're sure it's secure?

From:

[Getting tech support from Leo is definitely a questionable decision, but Leo does at least know the ins and outs of the internet better than Huvrye, so he can teach what he knows. And then some. He likes feeling helpful!]

Yeah! Well, I mean, if you’re too obvious people may be able to realize it’s you, and it’s possible some sites will track your IP, but for OurPowers you shouldn’t have anything tying directly to you. And the IP address isn’t that helpful on its own, and you can easily get around it anyway.

[Maybe a true master hacker could figure something out, and Leo can imagine there are more people in the universe than just his brother that would dox someone over a petty argument, but he doubts most people would bother.]

So if you’re going to be talking any more trash about Fantastic, do it anon.

[Like Leo has been doing, but he doesn’t say that.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

[It's either Leo or Mark, and Huvrye has leaned too heavily on Mark as of late to want to put yet another thing on his plate, so Leo it is.]

[After about the first fifteen minutes with no end in sight, he'd started writing down terms to look up later, if only too keep this from getting too off topic. "IP address" gets added to the bottom of the list.]

So it's good for venting, but not for planning, and it's only secure to a point.

[The point at which he lets something identifying slip, but he can watch out for that. He pulls up a specific conversation on Danny's OurPowers post and shows it to Leo - namely for the privacy settings.]

And how secure are these? If someone thought there was a conversation there that they couldn't see, would they be able to find it?

From:

Not unless they’re an actual hacker. And even then it depends on how good they are, and how good the website’s defenses are.

[Like he’s pretty sure Donnie could make it nigh impenetrable if he were here, but he’s not.

Leo does note the conversation with interest - so Danny and Huvrye are planning something against Fantastic, too. He doesn’t mention his own conversation with Accelerator yet; he’s not sure Huvrye would approve of their activities.]

But still… I think if you really want to plan an offense against one of the Alliance’s top dogs, it would be better to move off an app sponsored by the guilds. Ever heard of Discord, Huv?

From:

effiomsfavorite

[So the answer is not secure enough, depending on the person.]

And we have no guarantee the guilds don't have a hacker on their payroll.

[He never knew the specifics of how Interground got found out in Lasardhi - only that it was his fault, his mistake that got them killed. If he's going to be on the side of a resistance here, he needs to make for absolute certain that it doesn't happen again, which means patching up holes in his knowledge and maybe being a little extra paranoid. OurPowers can't necessarily be trusted. It's entirely possible nothing online can be trusted, depending on how prolific these hackers might be.]

[That train of thought gets paused at Leo's question, and Huvrye blinks. He knows the definition of discord, but he's pretty sure that's not what Leo means here.]

Probably not the one you're talking about.

From:

It’s an app; you can send messages and make groups - servers. People mostly use it for gaming groups but I don’t see why you can’t use it to organize some revolutionary activity.

[He can teach him better how to use it later.]

There’s other messaging apps too. We can find you one you’ll like.

[He lounges back on the couch, looking at Huvrye curiously.] I guess I’m not surprised you don’t have these specific apps, but did your world not have the internet at all?

[He knows it’s relatively new even on Earth, but he’s never lived without it.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Right. Okay.

[More things he needs to learn. It feels like every time he knocks one off the list, three more take its place, but at least he is learning. Maybe everyone else has heard of Discord, and it'll be more secure to talk there. As long as he's the only one behind, that's fine - he'll just work harder to catch up and be more careful in the interim.]

[He just blinks at Leo's question. On the one hand, he'd thought it'd have been obvious; on the other hand, Leo hadn't been here when Huvrye had first arrived, and he'd gotten his crash course on modern-for-this-world communication elsewhere.]

Nope. No internet, no computers, no phones like this. [He gestures at his phone.] We mostly used alchemy, and radio if we needed a hard line for any reason.

[He holds up a hand, palm out, and an alchemical array glows red above his palm, concentric circles and lettering forming neatly in the air. It's a partial array - there's no connection point, no intended recipient - but that doesn't matter when it's meant to be an example. He's not about to make a functional array with no end point, because that's a security nightmare waiting to happen and he's not going to take the risk of someone (either someone from his world who'd arrived unbeknownst to him or a person with compatible powers) connecting when he's not aware of it.]

From:

[Ooooh, fancy magic! Or alchemy, whatever. Leo leans in to get a close look before Huvrye gets rid of it.]

Okay, that’s cool, and something we didn’t have [Well maybe Yokai do, but Leo doesn’t know.], but radios are pretty old-school for my world.

[Leo isn’t even sure he’s ever seen one. Maybe a walkie talkie at best.]

Sounds kinda lame. No offense. [He adds that quickly.] I’m just glad I was born when the internet was already invented back home.

From:

effiomsfavorite

[He lets Leo inspect the array, wondering not for the first time if anyone here would be capable of learning alchemy the way he knows it. He doubts it - alchemy draws on aura, and he's not much of a teacher as it is - but it's still an idea.]

[And then Leo offers his opinion. Huvrye gives him a flat look and pulls on the edge of the circle, dispersing the array.]

Alchemy is less of a security nightmare.

[The internet may be capable of more overall, but alchemy is a lot less vulnerable when it comes to private conversations. (Which isn't exactly useful when nobody else can use it, but the point still stands as far as he's concerned.)]

From:

There’s more to life than military efficiency, Huv.

[He rolls his eyes, just to complete the gesture, even though it doesn’t have any heat.]

What do people in your world do for fun? Read books? Cool alchemy sports? Mid-air jousting?

[Huvrye doesn’t talk that much about his home world, other than occasional references, especially to this Yin kid he’s heard about. So Leo is genuinely curious.

(And also starting to reach his limit of focus on the whole internet explainer thing. This is his bid for a break.)]

From:

effiomsfavorite

[Huvrye raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Leo's been through a lot, but he's still a civ and a kid; he's allowed to think like that.]

[(Leo still thinks he's talking to a person, after all, and not a weapon designed and built with military efficiency in mind, and Huvrye isn't planning on disillusioning him anytime soon. Or ever.)]

[Leo changes the subject, and Huvrye follows it. He's got enough to go on for now; he can do his own research when Leo's asleep tonight, or follow up with someone else if need be.]

Cool flying sports.

[The correction comes with the edges of a grin that settle into a smile.]

We have movies, though they look a lot different from the ones here and they're only in theaters - I think it's mostly just rich civs who have TVs. There's always books and the radio, though.

[He doesn't talk much about his world because it's a nightmare, and the more he talks about it, the clearer it'll be that he was never a civ and didn't have the sorts of experiences a normal person would have. Leo's not an idiot; Huvrye's pretty sure Leo can put the pieces together if he has enough of them, so he hasn't been providing many of them.]

From:

Flying sports? Okay, you gotta tell me about that.

[Thankfully for Huvrye's cover, nothing he says that time tips Leo off to anything amiss. He's fully distracted by wondering what flying sports look like; is it like basketball in the air, or something else entirely?

Books and the radio are things he can imagine without Huvrye's help so he doesn't ask about them yet.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Okay, there's a few.

[What follows is an explanation of several flight-based sports, provided by someone who gets the idea of all of them but isn't really into the details. It's clear he knows them, in the way a human from Earth might know baseball or basketball or soccer, but he doesn't really play.]

I'd offer to show you, but I don't think we could find the right space around here, and also you don't fly.

From:

[Leo listens with interest - even if Huvrye doesn't have much first hand experience, it's still fun for him to hear about them. Leo likes sports, after all.

He smirks at the end.]

Hey you don't know, maybe I've been holding out on you.

[He hasn't, but he says it anyway.]

Was that Yin guy you've mentioned into sports?

[It's a little bit of a non sequitur, but Leo is interested, since he's pretty sure they're around the same age. And Huvrye doesn't talk about home a lot, and he's nosy.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Oh, I'm pretty sure you would've shown it off by now if you could.

[It's easy ribbing, delivered with a grin, though it fades a bit with the followup question. It's not that he hasn't thought about Yin - he misses the kid like a hole in his heart - but he definitely hasn't talked about him as much. How does he explain that he'd known Yin for two years but only really known him for two days? How does he describe that dizzying depth of connection? How does he talk about anything specific without explaining what a construct is? What is world is like? How much he's responsible for, in the greater scheme of things?]

[He doesn't know, so he's mostly avoided it. There are a handful of people here who know bits and pieces, but Leo sure doesn't. He'd mentioned Yin in passing, as a friend and a good kid, but not much else.]

[And now here Leo is, putting him on the spot. He can try, at least.]

I don't think so - he's more of a bookworm.

From:

[Leo does catch how Huvrye’s mood shifts at the question. Maybe this isn’t something he should be poking around in. He can’t guess at much with so few details, but with how little Huvrye talks about his life before this place, he knows a lot is being hidden from him.

Not maliciously, at least Leo doesn’t think so. He hasn’t sensed any ill intent from Huvrye, and if he truly wanted to hurt him he was playing a really long con - he’d had a million chances now that Leo felt safe enough to share a roof with him, doubly so now that he knew the kind of fears that haunted his dreams at night.

But there are other reasons to hide things. Leo hasn’t brought up the fight with the Shredder and who knows when he will, because talking about the Shredder means talking about Gram-Gram. Maybe it’s similar.

Though he said “is,” so that’s a good sign.]

Oh yeah? [Leo keeps his tone light despite it all.] Guess you probably had different books than we do here.

[It’s an out if he wants it.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

[He sees the out, but doesn't quite take it; not entirely, at least. Leo doesn't know, and he doesn't want to just shut him down. There's something to be said for trust going both ways, even if most of Huvrye's life is still a closely-guarded secret.]

Yeah. Frankenstein sure didn't exist in Lasardhi.

[Sympathy for a manmade being? It never would've been published; it probably wouldn't have even been written.]

I know you're not really a book guy, but if you come across one called The Day the Stars Roared, can you let me know?

From:

[The Day the Stars Roared. He isn't a book guy at all, but he commits it to memory anyway. It's something important to someone important, that's all Leo needs to know to remember it.

Saying that is sappy, though, so he just shrugs.]

Sure, if I'm forced to go into a library anytime soon I'll keep an eye out. Is that your favorite book or something?

From:

effiomsfavorite

Isn't there one at your school?

[Why yes, Huvrye will call every single one of Leo's bluffs, as he makes them, in real time.]

[He softens a bit and shakes his head.]

Not mine - Yin's. I never got a chance to read it.

From:

Chyeah, doesn’t mean I go inside.

[Does he look like a nerd? Please!

Though he softens, too, at the explanation.]

Ah. Gotcha. Yeah, I’ll watch out for it - it’d be cool if you could read it too.

Edited Date: 2023-04-06 03:45 pm (UTC)

From:

effiomsfavorite

Gonna be hard to watch out for it if you never go in the library.

[He's not above the redirect, or being a smartass.]

From:

[Clearly!]

Fiiiiine, I’ll go in the library just for you. But only once! Any more than that and I’ll get infected by some terrible nerd virus.

From:

effiomsfavorite

Oh no, the reading virus. How will you ever survive.

[He can lay off on the sass - Leo is agreeing to help him, after all.]

Thanks, though.

From:

[He can joke all he wants but this is serious stuff! He's angling for a jock reputation at school, okay? (Though the class clown vibes are stronger.)]

Yeah, no problem.

[Leo settles back, turning the conversation over in his head.]

You've been really into Frankenstein though, huh?

[Leo's never read it, unsurprisingly. He mostly knows about it through references in other things.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Yeah, I finished it the other day. Mark told me I should read it, and he was right - it's really good.

[He can't go into the details - why Mark assigned him that particular homework, or why it'd resonated with him - so the conversation needs to stay surface level.]

From:

Isn't like really old and hard to read though?

[For Leo, reading anything written before color television is nearly impossible.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

I think it's old by this world's standards, but it's definitely not hard to read.

From:

It isn't? Maaaaaaybe I'll read it then.

[He reads a lot (of comics), maybe he can do it!]

From:

effiomsfavorite

You should. That way we can talk about something we both actually know.

[He's absolutely heard a thing or two about Jupiter Jim by this point, even though that doesn't seem to exist in this dimension.]

From:

You know, if that's all it is, I could just watch a movie version.

[There's several even in this world, he's guessing.]

Or we could find a different movie and watch it together!

From:

effiomsfavorite

Or you could read the book and we could find a movie to watch.

From:

[Leo droops a bit.]

Man, why is it so important to everybody that I read?

[He means his teachers, too.]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Well, it's fun, as long as the book's good.

From:

Comic books are fun and movies are fun, books are just slow.

[And for nerds!]

From:

effiomsfavorite

Yeah, that just means you're not reading the right books. Robinson Crusoe is great.

From:

Robinson who? Croissant?

From:

effiomsfavorite

Robinson Crusoe. It's one of my favorite books back home, but I'm not sure if it exists here. It's about a fairy who keeps getting shipwrecked on deserted islands and has to figure out how to survive and escape. It's kind of old, but it's pretty good.

[It's an escape, is what it is. Someplace long ago and far away from Lasardhi, and struggles far from his own - a story he could get lost in when he had a minute and enough focus to read.]

From:

Okay. Guess I'll look for that one, too.

[He could just get online and see, but if hunting for books is like hunting for comics there's something to be said for just going and taking a look to see what he can find.]

Having to survive a shipwreck does sound pretty fun. I bet you'd have to drink coconut milk and catch fish and stuff like that.

From:

Hamato, I found more suspicious news stories about Fantastic.

[He's sending some links along and that's it, that's the whole message. Extremely sociable, this guy.]

From:

[Yeah, links, uh-huh, cool cool cool, but can we back up a second????

Leo sees "Hamato" and feels a chill come over him, because he knows he never mentioned it.]

cool thx
whats that tho haha
some kind of nickname?

From:

[That... is a very strange reaction to something that should be totally normal.]

What are you talking about? I call most people by their last names.

From:

[Ah, so he does know exactly what it is. Great.]

im talking about how im very sure I never told u my last name

From:

Oh.

I ran into your brother when I was in Washington. He told me a bunch of shit, including that.

From:

[...

...

...]

which brother

[There's so much to process here but he's starting with this because he needs to know if Accelerator means Donnie or if another one of his brothers has popped up in freaking Washington without him realizing it.]

From:

Donatello.

[Just going to full name him.]

You're right, he's smart.

From:

[Okay, so not a different brother. At least there's that.

BUT!]

so u met donnie in washington and u knew he was my brother and u didnt think 'hey maybe I should text leo about it'???

and do you care to elaborate on the "shit" he told u?

[He's not even going to comment on the "he's smart" part because it's self evident but also he's feeling like Donnie is actually pretty dumb right now!]

From:

I figured you two would run into each other eventually. I'm not going to hold your fucking hands.

[He sends that, but at the same time....]

Did you find him?

[Lmao. Yeah.]

Shredder. Some family crap. I can go into more detail if you don't care about texts. [Or rather, having all this sent over OurPowers.]

From:

[Squint! You know what though, he doesn't have it in him to dwell over Accelerator's weird mood swings about this.]

yeah I found him, thx but no thx

[After he'd been scrounging around for a few days and was exhausted and hungry, but Leo isn't going to say that.

Especially because Accelerator just reminded him of something important. Ugh, they need to move to a different app for text communications than OurPowers.]

its cool, I think I can put it together from that
geez
I know he loves the sound of his own voice but he didnt have to give some stranger our life story

[No offense except at least a little offense!]

From:

[Great. Look at them, two capable turtles.

Hmm. Well.]

I was asking him a lot of questions. I could've stopped at any time, but I didn't.

[He'll just throw that out there. Leo does have a point, though.]

And to be completely fair, I told him some shit about myself, too. If you really want things balanced I can repeat it all for you. I don't care.

[It wouldn't be completely balanced because Donnie told him way more personal stuff than vice versa, but this is one of those situations Yomikawa talked about where he can be slightly less of a jerk than normal. Pay back a tiny fraction of the interest on that immense debt he has.]

From:

[Kind of a weird offer, but Leo can't deny he's curious.

It comes back around to his previous thoughts about the app, though.]

sure

but are u sure you want to do it here?
we can move to another app
or at least not over text

actually we probably shouldn't talk about antasticfay here either

From:

Shit you're right.

[Stupid sketchy app.]

You got any better ideas?

[He hasn't exactly looked at alternative apps, because that would mean admitting he needs to talk to people on occasion and we can't have that.]

From:

discord
o wait ur from Japan right?
so line?
whatsapp if we gotta

[Leo, child of the internet.]

From:

[Give him two minutes to google Discord and Whatsapp.]

Discord seems fine.

[He'll download the app and make an account quickly, then send Leo his Discord Tag.

It's totally just Accelerator#6631.]

From:

[His is NeonLeon#4785 and he sends a message quickly enough.]

alright sweet
now tell me what you guys talked about

im so so curious

[He is also ready to strangle both of them but they don't have to know that (yet).]

From:

[He's so clueless. The lack of capitalization and punctuation belies Leo's actual feelings, so Accelerator just mulls over where to start.]

He told me about how his mystic-tech works, and I told him about being an esper.

From:

an es-what now?

[He doesn't remember Accelerator mentioning that, but then, it's not like Leo asked.]

From:

[It's never not going to be weird when he runs into people who don't know that term.]

Psychic. I'm psychic.

It's a term where I'm from for human kids who have gone through a bunch of bullshit medical procedures that alters your brain and body so much you disassociate from regular reality and replace it with your own personal one. If you aren't completely useless, you can impose your personality reality on the regular one using mathematical calculations.

From:

[Wow. Accelerator is officially the winner in "Constructing a sentence that Leo hates every word of".]

wow uh

not gonna lie
all of that sounds pretty awful

especially the math part
why even have psychic powers if you have to do math

[Okay, that's definitely not the worst part of it, but listen, this is how Leo copes with things that make him feel bad.]

From:

[There's no way in hell Accelerator is going to sugarcoat the worst parts of Academy City after having had to live through it all, no sir.

That joke is so bad, though. So bad.]

If we were talking face to face I'd be rolling my eyes right now, just so you know.

The math is the easy part. I could do it in my sleep. I have done it in my sleep. My point is like practically everyone else who gets stuck here, I've got some extraordinary ability. It just came from a lab and a bunch of bastard scientists instead of me being born with it, or whatever the hell is most common here. Donatello had mentioned you guys were mutated from non-sentient turtles, so I thought that was relevant information.

[By 'relevant information' he means there's some similarities between all of them regarding being engineered in a lab. Like, 'oh yeah, you're a fucked up science experiment. So am I. Cool.']

From:

well good thing we aren’t face to face!

[No one teach Accelerator about emotes.

Anyway, it’s not like he was keeping the mutation part a secret. The Hamato side of the equation is the one that various entities have beef with, and so it’s the part Leo was trying to keep from getting around.]

yeah we can start a club
escaped lab experiments anonymous
did the scientists who gave u powers want world domination and/or genocide or nah?

[It’s usually one of those two things, at least.]

From:

Well, lab experiments anonymous.

[There isn't really an 'escaped' part on his end. In fact, he's pretty sure his situation just got substantially worse back home.]

No. Espers aren't the end goal of their research, we're byproducts. They want to study the science behind how espers are produced. It's just hard to do that without actually producing espers, so there's an entire system set up to deal with that issue.

I think it's better than being created as a tool for someone else, like you guys.

[Or the Sisters.]

From:

[Oof, bummer.]

gee thanks
we got out of that life thanks to my dad tho
which is good because the guy that mutated us is a real jerk
he threw me off a roof once, did D tell you THAT??

[HE WILL NEVER LET IT GO.]

still sounds like it sucks for you tho man
uh
sorry

From:

He mentioned your father, but nothing about a roof. Is there a story behind that?

[Just casually making a mental note to throw Draxum off a roof if he ever meets him nbd.]

You should be saving your fucking pity for someone else, I don't want it.

[He reeeeeaaaally doesn't deserve it.]

Anyways. My esper ability. I'm assuming you have some kind of mystic power like Donatello's mystic-tech, but he didn't specify. What I have is mostly along the lines of psychokinesis, there isn't much overlap with extrasensory perception.

From:

uh well its kinda long
short version: my big bro had something he wanted and draxum (the guy) had me
so he said he'd throw me off the roof if my bro didn't hand it over
bro called his bluff (EVEN THOUGH I TOLD HIM IT WASN'T A BLUFF) and he dropped me
my big bro saved me tho so its cool

[Obviously, since Leo is not a smear on the NYC pavement.]

anyway hes "reformed" now ig but im not gonna let him forget that!

[He's not going to comment on the pity thing because fair enough. Leo's not big on receiving pity or sympathy either, so he lets it go.]

mines nothing like donnie's but yeah

psychokinesis so like
u can set stuff on fire with your brain?

[Swing and a miss.]

From:

[Pffft what even is that story! These guys are real idiot heroes, it's kind of hilarious.]

Your brother's first mistake was assuming a scumbag on that level would bother bluffing. At least he made up for it by not letting you die like roadkill.

[Thumbs up to Raph.]

That's pyrokinesis, dumbass. Mine is the ability to manipulate vectors, which are the magnitude and direction of things. Displacement, force, velocity, acceleration, etc.

What can you do?

From:

[Well their genre is action comedy! Ba dum tsh.]

eh don't be too hard on him, he was just doing what he thought was right. but yes if he had let me die I would have haunted him into an early grave.

[And he would do the same if the situation were reversed, so, you know, it's fine.]

oh right, I knew that

me?
teleportation
NOT to other dimensions so dont even ask
it hasnt halfway worked since I got here anyway

From:

Good. A villain should at least have standards.

[Standards that don't include being A-OK with throwing their kids off of roofs. Yeesh.]

What the fuck.

[Seriously. SERIOUSLY?]

Fine, I won't ask about that. I'll ask why the fuck isn't it working?

From:

[In his defense he didn't think of Leo as "his kid" for awhile after that.

Anyway, moving on.]

I dont KNOW why its not working
ive been trying to fix it
but its not like there's a user guide on this stuff

its probably because I lost a sword before I came here

From:

[Well, that isn't good. Broken mystic powers could actually be really dire, he isn't sure, but he's going to treat it seriously.]

A sword? What do you need a sword for? Does it act like some kind of conduit or focal point?

From:

[Relax, it's not like he's gonna die.

Probably.

...Actually he has no idea but let's hope not.]

yeah kinda
I made them using my ninpo
the
inner will?
that makes my mystic powers work
im not the best at explaining this

anyway usually I use two but I lost one so
yeah

From:

[Oh boy, complicated non-science stuff. This universe is really filled with it, isn't it?]

Hm. You can't just go out and buy a new one.

[He gets that much, at least.]

I'm not going to pretend I've even begun to understand your guys' abilities. Having a useful one like that be inaccessible would be difficult, though. What are you doing about that?

From:

[Thank goodness he does, because Leo has already had to explain why that won’t fix the problem a few times. Incidentally he did buy a new one, but only for fighting - it can’t channel anything.

He’s glad Accelerator can’t see his wince. Everyone’s a critic…]

ive been training
heck I was even hoping going to the flying superhero school would help
it’s stabilized a little lately but not back to where it was

[Given the timing he’s pretty sure it got better after he told Huvrye about his nightmares, but he’s not going to say that if he doesn’t have to.]

From:

You're attending the school here?

From:

[

Accelerator is typing....

That's incredibly dangerous.

He erases that.]

From:

[

Accelerator is typing....

That's a stupid idea.

He erases that.]

From:

[

Accelerator is typing....

You need to drop out right now.

He definitely erases that.]

From:

[Accelerator lowers his phone, drawing in a deep breath. This isn't his problem. This isn't the Level 6 Shift Experiment. This isn't any of the schools he passed through in Academy City. Just because Leo wants to explore his powers through the school that's here doesn't mean -

It doesn't mean anything. And it's none of his business, which is why he should just drop the subject and ask when it stabilized.]

From:

[He clicks his tongue.]

Did you tell them the problem? Do they know what you can do?

From:

[That… was weird. Why such a delay?

Maybe he doesn’t trust the school because of its affiliation with the guilds, but Leo has already fully joined up so there’s not much the school can do to him that the Alliance can’t already. So it’s something else, probably.

He’s about to ask what’s wrong when Accelerator finally enters something.]

I told them I can teleport and that it isnt working
didnt explain the whole ninpo soul magic thing, at least not more than I had to
because thats the thing tied to my family name that I was trying not to reveal but haha joke’s on me isnt it!

[He’s still mad about it.]

From:

[Shit, so they have partial information. That's better than the school knowing everything, but it still isn't great.]

That's more than they should know. Letting them know even a tiny bit of information isn't a good idea.

[Give him a second to tear his brain away horrific school trauma to realize -

Oh. Whoops.]

That's why you didn't use your last name when you first introduced yourself?

From:

its a school, what can they do that the guilds can’t anyway?
anyway I had to tell them something if theyre gonna help me
for all the good its done so far

[He still hasn’t really gotten anywhere and it’s frustrating, but anyway.]

yeah
call me paranoid but after your dad waits until the last second to tell you about the world ending entity your family is sworn to fight
and then you learn there‘s another world ending threat he didn’t mention
you think maybe you shouldnt just shout out that family name in a brand new world where you dont know anyone
just in case theres anything ELSE he forgot to tell you

From:

They could do a lot of things. You might be screwed if the place isn't what it purports itself to be.

[Sigh.]

I see. You're worried about the infamy your family name comes with.

[Oh boy does he understand that.]

Well, I don't like having to use your given name, but it's none of my fucking business to go around telling people.

[So he won't tell anyone. He isn't petty enough to make Leo or Donnie's lives that miserable - he'd have more to lose than gain if he did, as loathe as he is to admit it.]

You're fighting a losing battle trying to outrun that kind of thing, though. Even if we're in another universe there's no reason to think it won't catch up with you, eventually.

From:

its fine, I can take care of myself
so far the worst threat that school has been to me is that I have to do math now
and read the great gatsby

you can call me Splinterson! if just leo really bothers you THAT much

[It is most definitely a joke name, but also he wouldn't mind answering to it at all.

But, ah... See, the thing is, Leo is pretty sure he's already been outran.

But he can't just say that, so he doesn't.]

thanks for your optimistic outlook and sunny disposition

From:

[Oh, ohhhhh he'd love to make a smarmy comment about Leo having to learn math, but this is a serious conversation. He'll file that away for later.]

Have you even been to school before?

[Donnie said they lived in the sewers, so he thinks it's a valid question. Does Leo have any idea of what a school is supposed to be like outside of whatever media he's consumed? Would he even know how to spot the red flags?]

Splinterson? Where the hell does that come from? Is your father Hamato Splinter?

If you think that's bullshit don't be sarcastic, just say it.

From:

[He'll get his chance, Leo is sure to say many more dumb things about learning math.]

nope. kinda hard to go to school with the whole mutant turtle situation

[Also that "hiding from humans" thing.]

no
he took the name splinter after he got mutated and became a dad of four turtles
don't ask me why he picked that but making up a new name after a massive life change is just kinda his thing

[The typing symbol stays up for a second while he dithers on answering that last part. He goes with:]

but being sarcastic is more fun

From:

Right, I'm not surprised. You don't know what a fucked up school situation is like.

Oh. [Well, what the fuck.] I didn't know he mutated, and I don't know if I want to ask how that can be someone's 'thing.'

[He raises an eyebrow at that.]

It's a pain in the ass. Like you aren't taking this seriously.

From:

[Leo gets stuck on the "you aren't taking this seriously" line, and as a result it takes him a few minutes to respond. He gets why people think that. It's not like he does much to make people think otherwise.

Doesn't stop it from stinging.]

I know I cant run away from it. I dont need to be reminded.

[And then, so they can move on from that topic, he pivots to the next.]

why dont you tell me what a messed up school situation is like?

From:

That's better to hear.

[Not that acknowledging the situation actually fixes it, but it's better than treating it like a joke or being in denial.

... He really doesn't like that pivot. He should've left that entire subject alone. It's not like he's attending that school, it isn't his problem.

This time there isn't an Accelerator is typing indicator. For a few minutes, he's just sitting there at the edge of his bed, staring down at his phone.]

You're not stupid. I'm sure you could look some shit up online. I'll tell you if it's completely far-fetched or not.

From:

[He's so glad he met his standards!

He waits for him to answer, and... wow, look at that complete non-response. Weird.]

geez ok. how about I just tell you if something weird happens at school and you can tell me if it sounds bad?

From:

[That's a surprisingly decent compromise!]

Yeah, alright. That works.

From:

[Leo still doesn’t think it’s needed, but he’ll agree to this if Accelerator will accept it.

(Why does it even matter, they barely know each other and he couldn’t even be bothered to tell Leo that his brother had arrived.

He just needs the connections wherever he can get them here, that’s all.)]

ok. anything else from you and Donnie’s spill sesh you feel like you need to tell me?

From:

Not really. Your ancestor facing down Shredder and losing.

You're all real heroes, unlike most of the pissants who call themselves that here.

[He sincerely means that.]

From:

[Ah man… now he’s all sad about Gram-Gram.

But that aside, the rest of the comment… makes him raise his eye ridges. Is Accelerator serious? Calling them “real heroes”?]

you’re complimenting me?? us???

From:

[Ugh, he should've said nothing.]

Yeah, so? Is that hard to believe?

From:

a little?
you’ve got this whole
surly misanthrope vibe going

thanks tho but we were just doing what we had to

From:

[He clicks his tongue at that. Surly misanthrope vibe? Well, most things do annoy him, and he does do the bare minimum needed to participate in society.]

That's accurate, but I'm capable of pointing things that are good out when I need to.

You could've just run. From what it sounded like, you had no chance of actually winning and every chance of dying, and you did it anyways. That's what heroism is.

[Like a certain Level 0 he's now thinking about. Thanks Leo.]

From:

well you said it yourself
even if we tried to run it would have just caught up to us

but thanks anyway
my older brother is really big on being a hero so he'd be happy someone thinks so
he's always telling us how important it is to be heroic and stuff

[Leo says it flippantly but he gets it now.]

From:

That wouldn't have stopped most people from running if they had been in your position.

[People are cowards.]

He's right. If there aren't people willing to stand up and do that heroic crap at a cost to themselves, then a lot of innocent people end up suffering instead.

From:

yeah hes pretty smart sometimes

[Leo wishes he was here so he could tell him... well, a lot of things, but especially that. That he was right and Leo should have listened to him from the beginning.]

anyway D told you that we defeated shreddy and it was cool and awesome
I guess thats not a big deal because hes gone for real

[Except... if the confluence can pull Donnie here from a day before Leo, then could it reach far enough into the past to grab a still living Shredder?]

unless the confluence pulls him back from the past
so lets hope that doesnt happen

[Not that he and Donnie are slouches but he doubts they could handle it with just the two of them. The other superheroes here may help... he can only hope that in such a situation it would be enough.

He'd rather not think about what would happen if it weren't.

(He can't think about what would happen if it pulled the Krang here.)]

From:

[He seems pretty smart! And Leo is right, Shredder being gone means everything should be fine in that regar -

- UH. HOLD UP.]

Wait, the Confluence can do that?

[Please tell him more, Leo. He didn't read the brochures.]

From:

apparently!!!

I just learned that myself

From:

[Ohhhh fuck, a list of over 10 000 names is quickly running through Accelerator's head. They're the names of people he's killed, ones who could apparently, possibly show up here with no warning.

Though honestly, most of them would probably be fine. If one were to take Leo and Donnie's situation with Shredder - the possibility of a murderous villain showing up out of the blue - and apply it to his own life.... well, Accelerator would probably be the Shredder, then.

(Except if Kihara Amata showed up. That is not a thought he wants to entertain.)]

Do you know how common it is?

[The other possibility, and a more likely one given their much higher numbers, would be for one of the Sisters he murdered to show up. That thought makes him physically nauseous, though it would mean one or more of them having a second chance of life, which he knows would be an objectively good thing.]

From:

no
but me and Donnie are about a day apart

so it’s common enough for that to happen

[What happened on that missing day? Not important.]

From:

[A day...?

He isn't sure if he should clarify that with only a day, or reword that thought as an entire day?

A day isn't very much time under normal circumstances, but it can be a hell of a lot under abnormal ones. He went from a dull, meaningless existence to upending his life with one selfless act and in the ICU undergoing emergency brain surgery in a day.]

How did you figure that out?

[Then again, they also could have just been like, "Hey, wasn't yesterday supposed to be Tuesday?" or some basic shit. He doesn't know.]

From:

he said something that made it sound like he forgot something
important
and I asked what the last thing he remembered was and he told me and I realized that was the night before I came here

[It is definitely an “an entire day” situation.]

From:

[Yeaaaahhh, that's sounding suspicious. He starts typing a question out, but realizes partway into it that it's a dumb idea to ask and goes to it delete.

And hits send instead, because those two buttons are literally on top of each other in the Android Discord app.]

What was so

[Urgh.]

Nevermind. It's none of my fucking business.

What are you going to do if that Shredder bastard shows up?

Edited Date: 2023-04-10 01:41 am (UTC)

From:

yeah it isnt

[Sorry, Accelerator. If only you had done more to gain his trust, like maybe telling him that his brother had landed in this dimension? Hm??]

guess we’ll just have to defeat him again. not sure if just me and D can do it alone though, but ive met people here who may be willing to help

From:

[He deserves that.]

Well, that's better than being totally screwed, I guess.

From:

yep!

this world sees a lot of villains anyway so at least it’s not coming down to one family

From:

[........................ He should say something.

He should really say something.

He should really, really something.]

Yeah. This place is infested with those assholes.

[That is not the thing he should have said.]

Are either of you planning on doing any heroing here?

[That is really not the thing he should have said.]

From:

[~~Sorry for the crisis of conscience there, Accelerator.~~]

uh well ive already been doing a little
low level stuff
muggers and stuff like that

but I joined the alliance so im sure theyre going to expect me to do something soon

Donnie I dunno
I won't make him if he doesn't want to but he likes busting up bad guys too
but right now we're keeping him on the downlow
he skipped out on the initial guild registration
and im good keeping it that way

[Leo came here too injured to dodge the guilds' notice, and he signed up out of simple necessity. But Donnie was able to evade them, and Leo gets enough in his stipend that he can keep both of them fed. Hiding out from the authorities isn't new to them, so if Donnie wants to stay unregistered... well, Leo doesn't think that's a bad idea.]

From:

[Can he just go back to bed? Crawl under the covers and sleep until a freak Confluence incident sends him home?]

That's probably the best you can do, huh? It's bullshit how few options minors have here, but if you can both survive off of one guild stipend then there's no need for him to register.

[Fuck the whole guild system, for real.]

From:

we have some help from Huvrye too
my roommate
but yeah this world just does the bare minimum huh?
even though it’s not our fault we ended up here

From:

That makes it even easier, then.

[The insinuation, in his mind, is there are two guild stipends for three people.]

They don't give a shit about anyone's situation. They aren't above scummy coercion tactics, either.

In fact, I was talking to someone registered with the Alliance, and he told me not to sign up. No hesitation whatsoever.

From:

[He's correct!]

wow
a ringing endorsement

what are you gonna do?
supposedly they'll arrest you if you don't sign up
or at least make your life really difficult

[It's why he'd rather they just not know Donnie exists in the first place.]

From:

[He does not have a good answer, even though he's been looking for one that isn't "register with a guild" or "live with a total stranger."

Of course Accelerator being who he is can't just say that. No sir, gotta act like this is just an inconvenience.]

I'll figure something out. They're already making my life fucking difficult, so that won't be anything new.

From:

yeah theyre good at that
let me know if you figure something out because if fantastic ends up taking over the alliance I may be jumping ship

[This is an empty threat but only because he doesn't like starving to death. ~~Though now that Donnie's here maybe he can just hack some jerk billionaire's crypto wallet.~~]

From:

[Sticking with the Alliance if Fantastic becomes its leader seems like a fantastically terrible idea.]

I will. If there's a better option out there it might be worthwhile jumping ship regardless.

From:

[He would have appreciated that one.]

yeah good point
I can keep an ear out too

From:

[Two sets of ears are better than one!]

Alright.

[... He has no hope they'll find a good alternative.]

From:

[This message is coming towards the end of April, in a group Discord chat Accelerator is starting. He probably could've messaged them individually, but if he's going to force himself to be the least bit sociable (if one can even call it that....) then he's going to do it in the most efficient way possible. He's also going to try and keep things vague, since he doesn't exactly want to blurt out Hey by the way I'm joining the Society and doing shady things for them since I'm a hugely murderous villain to two people who are entirely uninvolved in all of that.

(That's what he's telling himself. It has absolutely nothing to do with trying to put off the inevitable communication cut off that'll come when they do find out. No sir.)]

Yo.

I'm going to be attending school in May. Consider this a head's up.

[He actually isn't sure if Donnie is going to school given the whole registration thing, so that might not be particularly relevant to him. This next part is, though:]

I've also got an address for an electronics recycling facility for tech equipment. It's less 'scavenging' and more 'breaking in and stealing,' but that shit's going to be recycled anyways so I doubt there's a big difference.

[That part might not be directly relevant to Leo, but Accelerator is at least fairly sure that he would want to know if his brother is possibly going to get up to crimes.]

From:

[Leo replies to that first message with a !! reaction, followed by W, H, A, T.]

what happened to dont go to school leo, schools bad leo

also are we doing b&es now

From:

[Guess who's maybe mildly jealous that someone's going to school. No one here, definitely.]

Haven't we always, Entry 1?

[Yeah he had to ~~okay no he didn't~~]

Anyway, sweet. We'll be doing them a favor so long as they don't keep a detailed manifest, but that shouldn't be any problem to adjust.

From:

School is still a fucking terrible idea, that hasn't changed. But my free ride at the hotel is running out and I've had to make other arrangements. That's all.

[That's all leave it alone.

Wow, wowwww. He still hasn't bothered to add names to his contact list and probably never will at this rate.]

As far as I can see, it's the best option to find that kind of crap unless you two want to root around in the city dump on your own.

[He's got better things to do than that nonsense.]

From:

o so you're being forced into it
got it

hey I never said I was opposed to it! but we could be stealing something more glamorous
but fine guess I can tag along

[Hold on, wait a second...]

wait whos entry 1?
am I entry 1?
do you have me in your phone as entry 1??

From:

Ah, a sneaky form of blackmail. Enroll in school and you get free room and board? There must be more to this.

[He should've changed that contact list when he had the chance. Hm.]

We are not "stealing" and if it was anything glamorous then the fact that it goes missing would make it more obvious, which we are trying to avoid.

Not on my phone, obvi, but yes, you are very much entry 1.

From:

[Damnit Donnie, at least Leo gets it.]

I'm getting a new calculation assistance device along with the school shit. Other than that it isn't worth getting into.

There'll probably be some form of security to deal with, but it'll be less of a pain than outright stealing from a store or a warehouse.

I know who all the contacts in my phone are, I don't need to add names to them.

[All two people in his contacts list, both of whom he is currently speaking to.]

From:

calculation assistance device?
oh for your esper thing

yes D I know if I checked your phone I would be listed under Favorite Twin and Funniest Turtle
but hey I'm glad I got #1!!

[Even if it is out of two...]

ok fine not stealing just repurposing for our own use or whatever
security is no problem we can just sneak in

From:

You managed to find a replacement?

[He has...mixed non-existent feelings about that. After all, he'd been all set to figure something out for Accelerator, especially after...well.

But after that talk, Donnie does have to wonder, and with Accelerator being vague about it, he decides to head off his own inquiries to let the subject drop.]

Hope it works out for you.

[At least neither of them can see the face he makes at Leo's response then, although Leo can likely imagine it.

Donnie is also pointedly not commenting on that.]

Like Leo said, security's not an issue.

[It's like they've done this sort of thing before. Repeatedly.]

From:

It's for my entire brain, technically. And yes, I did. It'll be an improvement.

[Thanks to Mechanima specifically. It's fine, it's toooootally fine.]

You're not #1 out of any real reason. Anyways, are you two actually twins? You don't look like you're the same species.

[That's way more important than his contact list.]

Security cameras? Alarms? Guards? You're both good with all that?

[He... is not. Vector manipulation lends itself to breaking down doors or windows or walls, not stealth.]

From:

[Leo didn't know they talked about this and he doesn't know what's going on there, so... he's just going to stay out of that part.]

ok cool I guess
hope you didnt get wrapped up in anything too shady

[Said like they are not literally discussing breaking and entering right now.]

#1 is just my natural place in life
and good job, we are not the same species
whether we are "actually" twins depends on what you mean by "actually"

yes we're good with that
we're ninjas

From:

[How does one really say they probably almost killed someone by accident by tapping into their secondary computer brain by some fluke incident due to some weird ability you had no idea you were capable of pulling off?

...yeah.

Exactly.

...
Also inserting an eyeroll emoji at Leo.

I know I'm the better looking of us both but you are correct in that we are not the same species. Entry 1 is a "Trachemys Scripta Elegans" while I am an "Apalone Spinifera."

We share the middle child status in our band of siblings.

[And adds a ^this to the ninja comment]

From:

[It's really sounding like Leo is totally in the dark about the whole technopathy mishap, which... good?? Probably?? If Donnie hasn't brought it up he certainly isn't going to.
Guh, between that and having to deal with Mechanima he's really missing the Sisters' Network and a ten year old having control over his brain.]

It's standard shit for me. The biggest annoyance is spending a few days in the hospital to get it installed.

[Thank you, Donnie, for clearing that up.]

I see. I guess sharing middle child status counts as "actually" here. Your other brothers are different species, too?

[He's going to make a mental note to stop by the library and look up Apalone spinifera, then.]

You're fucking serious? [Ahahaaaa whaaaat.] This explains the eye masks and you two using the word ninpō. [And a few other things.]

From:

[Leo spends the time it takes for Accelerator to respond to react to that “better looking” comment with a thumbs down and Y, O, U, W, I, S, H.]

yeah alligator snapping turtle and box turtle

[Just using their common names, Donnie can come back with the big scientific ones if he wants to.]

ngl I think the eye masks are just so dad could tell us apart

[He’s joking. Mostly.]

From:

[~~TAKE HIM TO THE LIBRARY PLZ~~ Bootyyyshaker9000 is typing... His response comes up shortly after Leo's.]

"Macrochelys temminckii" and "Terrapene Ornata Ornata"

[Huh, did they breeze over the whole ninja thing? Oh well.

He can't really argue with Leo's point in regards to Splinter though.]

Yeah, that tracks. Color-coding.

From:

[Between Leo's emojis and Donnie's fucking weird username it's a wonder he hasn't put his phone down already.]

Three more? I'm going to be at the library all evening looking these up.

[Wh... at. Okay, so he's the last person to say anything when it comes to family. But still.]

That's fucked up.

[It's not like the four of them are clones of anything, god. He can't even assume that's a bad Leo joke since Donnie is agreeing with him.]

From:

[But if he puts his phone down where will he get all this entertainment?]

why even go to the library for that?
here look at us aren't we cute

[He links this in the chat.]

hey don't say that about my dad
hes a single dad of 4 kids!

and hes old!

[Got a little backhanded there at the end but he got the spirit.]

From:

RATOR WHERE IS THE LIBRARY TAKE ME THERE 'nardo doesn't know where it is because he believes he'll be engulfed in flames if he tries to set foot in one.

[Never mind that Accelerator can probably just look up the names on the internet, if there's an excuse to library then Donnie's naturally going to go for it.

He stamps an unamused emoji on that pic link.]

Way to build father up, Leo.

However, agreed. I don't know how he managed with all of us. It's an impressive feat. I can forgive him for wanting to just stay at home all day on the recliner watching TV.

[Backhanded comments what now]

Edited Date: 2023-04-19 05:12 pm (UTC)

From:

Goddamnit is 'Accelerator' too hard for both of you? I'm even using the English pronunciation of the term.

[He's linking this image to best express his current feelings of "Fuck you guys, have this turtle-themed obscenity." Maybe he should've just shown up at school with no forewarning.]

A picture doesn't tell me anything, and I don't feel like sorting through hundreds of pet care websites. The library is better. Have neither of you been to one of the branches here yet? The main one is halfway decent for being in some shithole American city.

Fuck, somehow it feels like you two are being more insulting than I am.

From:

its too many syllables Accy

["Rator" is pretty good though. He'll just give the linked picture a !! reaction.]

thats not fair
Donnie make me prosthetic fingers so I can flip people off

and whats with everyone trying to get me to the library
first huvrye and my english teacher, now you guys
I wouldnt know what to do in one

coming from donnie that was pretty heartfelt

[Their family dynamic is just like that.

Also they have moved pretty far off the main topic huh...]

From:

アクセラレータ may look shorter to type but it's like twice as many keys to make up one kana so

[Hm. Accy. -naw, his is better.]

I'll put it on the list.

[He could just get one of those cheap toy robot grabby-claw things and give it a rehaul. Simple enough. Enabling his brother? Why not.]

Uh
Coming from me a proposal to go to the library should not have been a surprise, Leon.

And that is a negative- the tour he gave me was severely lacking in that it did not cover a single library.

[Such is the nature of chats- what were they talking about again? Libraries are clearly important.]

From:

Your name is four syllables, five isn't too many.

That's because you're writing it out phonetically instead of using kanji. It's written 一方通行, but no one goes around calling me ippō tsūkō. Probably because the guy who invented particle accelerators was an American who used English.

[He didn't come up with the name for his esper ability, and he's never given it much thought. Either way it being this complicated is probably not helping matters.]

You could read. I know that might not be obvious, but it's an option.

Anyways, I guess we can go sometime. I don't know if you can get a library card, but Leonardo should be able to since he's registered.

[Is he deliberately bringing that up to make Leo's life more difficult? Maybe. Libraries are very important after all, though he's also noticed they're getting away from one of his original reasons for messaging them.]

Is there anything I should know about sneaking into a secure facility? Stealth is never something I've given any thought to before.

From:

yeah but literally nobody calls me leonardo except you for some reason
I guess because you arent calling me hamato now

[Leo doesn't know what a particle accelerator is. Or kanji much at all. But today he learned that's what Accelerator is named after, and not, like, the accelerator of a car or something.]

I read comic books cant that count?

[Also great now he knows he isn't getting out of this, because Donnie will absolutely make him get a library card if that's what he has to do.

But right, back on track!]

anyway since youre a newbie we'll have to plan this better than our usual chaos strat

we'll need to secure a route because we'll be carrying stuff on the way back and that will slow us down

if I can get a look at the layout of this place and work out where the guards are most likely to be I can figure something out

D can take care of the cameras and alarms and all that junk

most important thing is don't let them see you :)

From:

[Ooh, there's more to it. Donnie is absorbing all this...and then conveniently going to ignore it except when it suits him.]

"Donnie" rolls off the tongue much easier. You only have yourself to blame when you choose to go by our full names, Rator.

[Almost simultaneously ~~somehow~~ Leo is getting an onslaught of text messages in many flavors of 'don't you dare keep me from getting a library card' to 'when will the oppression cease?!?']

Ah yes, Mister 'I use my powers to open doors and windows'.

Letting us know the location would be a good place to start. Like Leo said, we need to know what all to expect before we go down there, probably have to scope out things ahead of time.

Not being seen is key, yes. How are you at being quiet?

Do we need to do a test run somewhere?

From:

At this fucking rate you're both going to get downgraded to Idiot #1 and Idiot #2, and you can fight over who's #1.

[These two gremlins. This is one of those rare times he actually wishes he could remember his real name.]

They have comics at the library.

[He knows this!! He's looked!

He'll send the address along to them, noting all of this.]

I think I can get blueprints of the place.

[Honestly, what good is having membership with the Society if he can't pull a few building layouts? He thinks on the rest of this a moment, then adds:]

I should be control the vectors to any soundwaves to negate them, but only for as long as my choker's battery lasts. [He's never actually used his ability to make himself soundless before, but it seems like a natural extension of being able to reflect incoming soundwaves so it shouldn't be a big deal. That's about the only thing he's sure about though, because Donnie, as smarmy as his comment is, is right. If he could rely on his power for a full hour or two it'd be no problem, but without it....] But the upgrade will only last in esper mode for thirty minutes. My crutch might be an issue too, it's noisy and sticks out.

From:

ive been called worse

[If they are both in the apartment right now Leo is going to yell through the wall “YES I WILL GET YOU A LIBRARY CARD, PIZZA SUPREME IN THE SKY!!” but otherwise he will just text the same sentiment back.]

wait they have comics in the library
like, for free?

[Why didn’t anyone ever tell him?? (Actually Donnie probably did and he just tuned it out.)]

do you have to use all your juice at once or can you split it up?
thirty minutes may be doable if you only use it when needed

never had to get someone using a crutch through a stealth mish but there’s a first time for everything

we’ll figure it out

[They are an accessibility compliant ninja clan.]

Donnie’s probably right that we should do a test run though

From:

That would take effort on your part to actually edit your contact list.

[The sudden yell has him jump a bit, but Donnie supposes he should have expected that. ANd of course he's going to holler back at the wall. "GOOD! STILL NOT GETTING OUT OF A LIBRARY TRIP!" ~~why are they like this~~]

Applying it only when necessary will definitely cut down on the battery drain. Will it make a difference if you reduce the area of effect?

Getting around noisy hardware shouldn't be hard to figure out.

There's lots of abandoned places we can use. It'll be easier to see how you'd apply your vectors and what we'll need to keep in mind with your crutch that way.

From:

Ugh, nevermind.

[Damnit, Donnie. He doesn't want to put effort into this.]

Yes, free as long as you return them on time.

[Thankfully spared the sibling yelling, he's half-expecting to learn Leo is just dunking on him again.]

I can split the time up, but I can't reduce the processing power to save any battery, it only has the two modes and off.

[This is frustrating, though. If he didn't have the brain injury he's sure he'd be able to keep up just fine.]

Fine. I'm free whenever.

From:

fine whatever
ill go on your stupid library trip

[So that is a thing that is going to happen, apparently. But Leo is much more interested in this law breaking right now!]

alright, we'll scout out a place and set up a time

get us those blueprints and we'll start thinking about the way we want to go about this too

also I know I don't have to tell either of you this bcuz youd never do that to me
but if either of you tell huv or the alliance about this

Edited Date: 2023-04-20 03:33 am (UTC)

From:

Okay. So we'll stick to figuring out when to best apply it then to conserve power.

I am shocked and offended you feel the need to include me in that threat.

[Not really but regardless, he'd be in just as much hot water as Leo if word got around.]

From:

All of that works.

[Is that a threat? Is that really a threat?

Wow, Accelerator is realizing it's been a hot second since he's received one of those, even if it probably isn't all that serious. He has to laugh, and he isn't sure if that's sad or not.]

I'm fucking terrified. My lips are sealed.

From:

[It's not serious. Though he would really like to keep getting paid.]

alright. let's go team!

[And then, a few days later, he sends Accelerator the address of an abandoned building he and Donnie scoped out that is not smack dab in the middle of gang activity. What used to be a big industrial building, now only really used by squatters and for drug deals, though empty of everyone but them for now.

(Though Leo has been on a heightened lookout for gangs lately, he'd rather not deal with them while they're trying to train someone who's never done stealth before how to do it.)

He's moving around the space with masking tape, marking out walls for some of the area they'll have to traverse to get through the recycling plant, to use as a guide for training.

This is more than he's ever done for the sake of training, but he's turning over a new leaf and all that.]

Man, this is kind of a pain...

[Doesn't mean he won't grumble a bit, though.]

From:

[He can only use the 'who are you and what have you done with Leo' joke so many times. But while his brother's setting up shop, Donnie keeps an eye out for any unexpected visitors. ...in between playing with his phone.]

Seriously. I didn't think you were going all out with tape.

[Honestly he's a little impressed. He knows Raph would be.]

From:

[Accelerator isn't sure what to expect outside the location being rundown and sketchy, something he's already used to thanks to the Level 6 Shift experiment taking place in back alleys and trainyards. This isn't going to be like that, though, so it's fine. It's just nice to get out of the hospital - the installation of the new choker went fine, but those places are always so unpleasant.

He'll be wandering in at the agreed upon time, casual as ever, like it isn't a big deal for some kids to be hanging out in an abandoned industrial building. Making his way in the direction of Leo and Donnie's voices, he pauses when he gets to the part of the building they're in.]

Yo.

From:

[Is it a big deal? It's not like Leo and Donnie have never done it before, even at younger ages.

...Then again, their childhood wasn't exactly standard.]

You know, I'm really starting to think you don't think I can- oh, hey.

[Accelerator appearing cuts his argument short, and he straightens up and grins.]

Welcome to our ninja training dojo! Or something.

From:

[Donnie actually looks up from his phone as he hears Accelerator's approach, even as he starts working on his retort once Leo starts speaking. Inwardly he's glad to be saved the trouble.

His expression unintentionally matches Leo's then as he looks over at their esper...buddy? Acquaintance?]

Best we could do anyway. You ready for a crash course in Ninja 101?

From:

[Nothing good has ever come of people grinning before an experiment starts. Nope.

Accelerator just sighs outwardly though, rolling his right shoulder.]

I've been in worse places. [For real.] Let's get this over with. What's first?

From:

[What does he mean, these are trustworthy faces!]

Well, we should probably get a feel for what we're working with. So how about we have you try to sneak up on one of us?

[Leo already knows he won't be successful (or he and Donnie are really bad at their jobs), but the point is to get a feel for how Accelerator moves and what would make this the easiest for him.]

Wanna play target, Dee?

From:

[Completely trustworthy! If Accelerator's worried about this experiment then how's he going to act when he's actually being volunteered for anything else? Er-]

Well I suppose I could do that.

[Donnie looks around, figuring they should start off easy. He starts towards what's left of a dividing wall, stepping around it, already tapping at his phone as he goes.]

From:

Fine.

[He's literally done this only once before, and it had been with a group of normal adult humans in an environment over which he had complete control. It had gone well (read: they were all extremely dead), but Accelerator isn't going to kid himself here. He has no idea what he's doing.

Still, he doesn't show it as he moves to set his crutch up against the wall. Then there's a slight pause as he realizes something.]

Goddamnit. [He's cursing under his breath before raising his voice.] Neither of you should try to touch me when my esper mode is on. Not unless you want broken limbs.

[Oh boy, this is the first time he's ever bothered to give anyone warning about his reflection. People either know because they're scientists experimenting on him or don't because they're random assholes whose wellbeing he could care less about.

(Not that he cares right now, obviously. Of course. It would just be a huge pain to everyone here if he sent one of them to the hospital because he wasn't careful enough. That's all.)

He hits the switch on his choker. There's a little beep as the light changes from green to red, and a heightened strength hits his body as his brain automatically starts calculating.

It's not even a second later and he's shooting like a bullet over to Donnie. Remembering the conversation before he'll at least manipulate the vectors of his sound waves so there's no bang when he does this, but he's still leaving cracks in the cement flooring from his launch point.

Thankfully, he lands lightly on the other side of the separating wall instead of just going through it, again altering his gravitational vectors to act as if he's sticking to it before trying to skirt around it. There's absolutely no technique to any of his movements, either. He's just going from point A to point B.]

From:

[Alright, well, he’s fast, Leo will give him that. He is slightly worried about the structural integrity of the building now, though.]

I don’t know if I can call what you just did “sneaking”… At least it was quiet?

[He’ll wait for Donnie to give an assessment of what that looked like from his end.]

From:

[Donnie just happens to catch him mid-selfie.

He cranes his head around as Accelerator makes his appearance, just slightly startled.]

Uh, yeah, definitely not sneaking. If this were a "get the drop on people" type exercise then okay, sure, could work I guess.

Look, the sound dampening is cool and all but this isn't a race and we can't just leave a trail of bodies around, we're trying to be discreet.

From:

[Structural integrity of buildings has never, ever been at the forefront of Accelerator's mind, and it sure as hell isn't something he's considering right now.

God, he has to work to keep his face totally neutral at that trail of bodies remark. He drops down from the wall, hits the switch on his choker, and leans back against it as he shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans.]

Okay, then what? [What the hell does he know about stealth techniques?] ... Stick to the shadows?

[He had done that after Hound Dog cut off the lights in the recycling facility, but that was while he was psychologically torturing them so they were too preoccupied to notice him wandering around slowly....]

From:

Yep! That's lesson one!

[Leo has come around to join them by now, leaning casually against the wall.]

Lesson two: blind spots. Lesson three: light as a feather. Lesson four: slow motion jutsu. Lesson five: blend into your environment.

[Behold, the training of the Hamato clan.]

The shadows in here are in the wrong spots for an actual test run, but we'll make it work. [Leo sweeps a hand at the tape he's put down.] I laid out approximately where walls and rooms we'll have to deal with are, so maybe this time we can try without you leaving a giant hole in the building.

[He means both the theoretical tape building and also this building, the one they're standing in, which he would rather not have collapse on his head.]

From:

[The other turtle nods along sagely as Leo goes over the rest. Ah, the nostalgia of simpler times.]

-what's this about giant holes? Yeah, that's not going to fly. This is a stealth retrieval operation, not an operation takedown.

From:

[Well, all of those lessons sound like logical ninja techniques instead of some inane bullshit he has no hope of picking up. Yay?]

I never saw much reason to tone down an ability that's only good for destruction before.

[Which is less of a complaint and more a statement of fact. It's really only in the last couple months that he's started exploring its uses beyond "break shit" and "protect himself." So hey, new territory and everything.

Accelerator clicks his tongue and looks around.]

This looks like it was a lot of effort. [The only people he's seen this kind of effort from were scientists intent on running their experiments or a couple of really hardworking assassins, so this is a little weird for him.]

From:

[Leo lights up in a smile immediately.]

Thanks! You know, I’m doing this new thing called “actually trying” and it’s doing wonders for my productivity.

[He says it like a joke but it’s a little too close to genuine.

Anyway, he is… at least a little aware that Donnie thinks this is weird and now Accelerator sounds like he thinks it’s weird and he doesn’t want to dwell too long on either reaction.]

I don’t think your abilities are only good for destruction, though… Like the sound dampening, that has to have a lot of uses!

From:

[Donnie manages not to give Leo a Look at that, turning instead to regard the lines of tape. He nods as he considers Accelerator's abilities.]

It's all in the application. Your use of vector calculations isn't limited to a singular thing, you just have to look at how the key components of your chosen force of manipulation can be used to your advantage.

Also, you don't actually have to rely on your abilities all the time. Especially in your case when you're operating on a personal time limit. The environment can work for you- see lesson one and five.

And as great as it might seem to finish things up fast, sometimes it's better to take it slow. You draw less attention that way, and it'll be easier to pay attention to everything else around you and adjust too.

From:

[Accelerator has to let out a little scoff. That sounds like a joke to him and this is probably the closest he's come to laughing since he's been here.]

Shit, you two almost sound like you know what you're talking about.

[That's a joke, he's joking, they're obviously well-versed in stealth missions, and even though vector manipulation is likely new to both of them it's kind of cool hearing how easily they can consider getting creative with it.

It's also a little unnerving, because they really should be acting more cautious with it. Or at least be less optimistic about the whole it can do more than just destroy things angle. If someone from Academy City heard them talking they'd probably be looking at the turtle like they'd grown second heads or something.]

How'd you two learn all this crap, anyways?

From:

Well we are ninja mutant turtle teens.

[Emphasis on the “ninja” in this case.

Donnie will probably better at thinking of ways to use the vectors specifically, but Leo isn’t half bad at coming up with creative uses for other people’s abilities once he knows what they are. He’s turning it around in his head.]

Our dad taught us most of this. He was supposed to teach us the ways of his ancient ninja clan, but a lot of his training was… unconventional?

[To say the least!]

And a lot was learned on the job, too.

From:

[Donnie's looking at it from a logical standpoint. It's like a puzzle to pick at, and he's more than happy to do so. Paired with Leo's ideas, they might come up with some scary stuff.]

Well, I've only got the information you've told me aside from what I'd seen when we first met. -did you ever get to try out that trick on the meatballs, by the way?

[He sidles over beside Accelerator as he nods along at Leo's explanation of...well, as much as anyone can explain when it comes to how they've learned things. Also gonna borrow the Esper's phone to prove a point.]

Also super-condensed, but I guess we learned most of it in a roundabout way before he really actually took the time to try drilling it into our heads.

But yes, cannot discount the whole "ninja" part, I think we got the basics down pretty well on our own. Kind of have to get used to sneaking around considering... this whole situation.

From:

Fuck no. I haven't run into any more sentient meat.

[And yeesh, what do you expect him to do, practice? Pshaw.

He is also not noticing his phone going missing. Guess who never paid the slightest attention to his surroundings for most of his life because of his reflection? This guy!]

You mean the guy you said wants to sit around and watch tv all day? [Kind of hard to believe but okay.... At least the 'learning on the job' is easier to digest.] Whatever, guess if you were all living in the sewers you didn't have much choice.

From:

[Leo sees Donnie take Accelerator's phone, and yet Accelerator himself doesn't seem to notice. Heh.

He doesn't give anything away, though, instead nodding along with Donnie's input.]

He did get around to training us eventually... Still likes to sit around and watch TV most of the time though... But yeah, like Dee said, we had to learn how to be sneaky by necessity in case we didn't want to get spotted by humans and I'm sorry what about sentient meat?

[His brain just caught up with that part.]

From:

[Smile, Leo. Donnie gestures with the phone before snapping a shot. Gonna take a few of himself too, because Accelerator's phone is just woefully empty of, well, anything. He has to wonder if the other teen will even think to look at his gallery any time soon.

He's updating this dude's contacts because Entry 1 and 2 do not cut it. Now 'Subpar Twin' and 'Superior Twin.']

Moving meatballs. Apparently they came from the sky and were being a general nuisance. It's how we met. 'Rator was flinging manhole covers at them.

Anyway, should we get back to actual training? There's only so much we can tell you, but it'd probably be better if you tried it out for yourself. What say, Leon? A game of follow the leader, easy mode to start?

From:

[Yeah it takes him way too long to notice that that's his phone Donnie is screwing around with, and when he does his face settles into a very familiar scowl. Fucking gremlins, both of them. He reaches a hand out for his phone while trying to stay leaning against the wall so it can keep supporting his weight, though his other hand moves up against the choker switch in case he needs to stand up properly.

He also shrugs at the meatball story because manhole covers are convenient projectiles in most situations, and that was a weird day. At least the training idea seems fine.]

Tche, whatever. That sounds simple enough.

From:

[Oh, Leo didn't just smile, he full-on posed. Sorry about your phone, Accelerator, but it's full of nonsense now.

(He'll protest to those contact names later, though!)]

Alright, that sure seems like a super weird thing you guys are totally cool glossing over, but I guess we'll move on. We can start from here.

[Leo leans back around the wall so he can see where Accelerator left his crutch, then he pulls out his good katana and draws a portal in the air, just big enough that he can reach through with his arm and grab said crutch.]

Heeeere you go! [Luckily he did not portalchop either it or his arm. He can't really make them bigger, but they're starting to get more stable.]

From:

[Donnie relinquishes Accelerator's phone, not even bothering to try looking innocent about it. And not at all slightly anxious because the esper's reached for his collar, no sir.]

Well we could get into detail but it'd mainly be about us having an impromptu burger grilling on the sidewalks.

[He might have been curious about where the things originated from but at the time he'd been preoccupied with too many other things to care.

When Leo uses his sword to pop open a portal, Donnie tries not to scrutinize it too much- oh who's he kidding, he lowers his goggles for a quick look. It's small but he can see the improvement in that connection. If Leo notices, he'll flash him a quick grin as he pushes his goggles up again before he looks back towards their resident esper.]

From:

[Accelerator is swearing under his breath as he shoves his phone back in his pocket and drops his hand.]

There wasn't much else to it. [There was murderous hamburger, Donnie cooked it with mystic tech, Excelsior sucks and he's in no rush to go back to that place. God, that day was weird.

And oh what the hell, is that Leo's form of teleporting? His attention is pulled away from sentient meat adventures to stare in mild surprise at the glowy blue portal. That's a far cry from how he's seen espers do it and he'd like to know what the vectors involved are, since this is obviously a form of movement --

Nnnnope, nope, that's a rabbit hole that could take hours. He needs to focus on the task at hand right now, and ask about the portals later.]

......... Thanks. [He takes his crutch from Leo and gets it all arranged before pulling away from the wall. Trying to switch between using it and his choker like they've suggested is the goal here, but god, it's such a frustrating thing.] Alright, ready.

From:

[Leo catches that smile from Donnie and shoots his own back. It's still pretty pathetic compared to what he can normally do, but progress is progress, right?

(Based on available data the trick seems to be sharing his trauma and then crying on various people but boy does he not want to keep doing that so he hopes that isn't the case.)

But thoughts of the portals will go aside for now! He's teaching sneaking lessons.]

Alright. Then follow me!

[And he's just going to sliiiide into the shadows and start working his way around the building, going more slowly than he normally would for Accelerator's benefit. Donnie did say easy mode.]

From:

[Yeah, Donnie's not too keen on having to deal with a consistently crying Leo, that'd just be too weird, not to mention exhausting. He's still determined to figure this out, but it's definitely a positive thing that his brother's portaling hasn't gotten worse.

He watches Leo set off then, gesturing for Accelerator to follow. Donnie will be behind them ~~to critique~~.]

From:

[Well, even with his crutch he's definitely turning his choker on so he can start out on a not-terrible foot. At least with it on he can keep doing the soundwave reflection thing as he does his best to follow Leo, switching it off whenever he stops to try and conserve the battery power.

Of course, he does a piss poor job regardless because he has no actual technique - he isn't thinking about balance or center of gravity outside of not toppling over when his choker is off, his stance is sloppy, at best he's keeping his crutch close to himself the entire time so it isn't quite as obvious. He's mostly trying to mimic Leo, but mimicry can only take you so far.

At least he's taking this seriously, not wanting this to be a huge waste of anyone's time. This just requires an awareness of his body that he's never had to bother with before. He always focused on his brain, doing the calculations to prevent injuries to himself when pushing his body, but never actually focusing on his actual body. He's found a brand new reason why not having his constant, automatic reflection is a pain in the ass.

Donnie is going to have a whole lot to critique.]

From:

[Leo guides him around to the other side of the building, past what walls are still standing to his tape setup. Then he stops, turning around and rubbing his neck.]

Uh… well, good first try?

[It was actually pretty terrible, but Leo is trying to be supportive.]

When you’re using your esper thing I can’t hear you, but anytime you weren’t you were… pretty obvious.

[He wasn’t even getting as much of the visual side of things, but every time he looked back it seemed like Accelerator was just doing whatever with no regard for how his body was moving.]

From:

[Well, it was...something.

Donnie has quietly been following behind, and at the very least that means Accelerator can't see the faces he makes as he observes the esper's performance.

Boy do they have their work cut out for them.]

On the plus side it's clear you were making an attempt? It is also pretty clear that you've never really had to sneak around before.

[He folds his arms, stroking his chin as he studies the esper while likely thinking about the earlier exercise.]

I can tell you were struggling. The crutch isn't doing you any favors for this particular exercise either but they're not exactly made for subtlety so I'm not blaming you there for trying.

Thought process as you were going through the motions? What wasn't working for you?

From:

[He looks exasperated but not surprised. Actually getting support is also extremely strange, he's only really used to getting that from Last Order and Yomikawa.

... He decides it's best to not dwell on that right now.]

All of it? I've never fucking thought this much about my body ever, even before the brain injury. [He clicks his tongue in irritation.] Actually, I would've thought about it even less back then, since the reflection portion of my ability was constant. Who gives a shit about danger when even a goddamn atom bomb would automatically bounce off of you?

[But that's a lot of bitching and he doubts it's very constructive.]

I'm trying to lean more on my right side, because my left leg is weak. [Hence the crutch.] Just keeping my balance is hard when I'm switching the choker on and off, since the calculations I'm doing for balance and shit get turned off. I have to compensate for the change, and when it's that frequent it's a pain in the ass. It's like my whole body's getting fucking reset each time.

From:

An atom bomb!? Really!?

[That's so cool... Wait, no, focus Leon!]

Okay, but, I think that might be part of the problem... Maybe you shouldn't be switching back and forth.

[Leo strokes his chin.] We'll be carrying stuff on our way out, so it'd probably be best to save the sound dampening for then. And it'll be easier if you don't have to use your crutch. But that means you'd have to get inside without using the choker.

[Which means he'll make more noise, but that's what the training is for!]

You'll move more slowly, but that's okay - like Donnie said, it's not a race.

But we'll have to work on that whole "paying attention to your body" thing.

From:

[Sorry, even Donnie's gonna have to be sidetracked by that comment.]

Is this factually proven or an exaggeration?

[Inquiring minds need to know. But...he supposes they do have to focus on the point here.]

That's the thing Leo, he needs that to function at all. But I think that's a good suggestion...

[He holds up a finger, turning his attention towards Accelerator then.]

The less you have to switch between modes, the better. It would be best if you relied on default mode for movement. Balance is going to be important for that, but it's not impossible to be quiet that way. You just have to work on how you move. Which would fall under the paying attention to your body.

[He strokes his chin in thought as he eyes the crutch.]

Would a brace of some kind work better? Or is a crutch just what you're used to working with? It's kind of on the bulky side but I guess that's typical if it's supposed to be supplementing the strength of your left leg.

From:

[Hm. Ah. He should've kept his mouth shut. Going into detail about esper level categorizations, more specifically his own level, might lead to conversations he's been trying to avoid here, so he does the helpful thing and shrugs vaguely.]

I've been run through enough experiments to know. The lack of oxygen would be an issue, though.

[He only knows that detail because of a certain flour explosion he caused when trying to kill a certain level 0, whom he doubts would have any trouble with any of this because he was on the ball when it came to a physical fight....

That gets several seconds of thoughts from Accelerator before he snaps himself out of those memories, and leans up against a wall so he can slide down to the floor. Sue him, his legs are tired and this is a lot. They're both making good points.]

So my best bet is to use my power when we're leaving and keep this thing on normal mode for most of it? Holy shit, I'm going to doom us.

[This is going to require so much exercise oh goddddd. He inwardly cringes, and looks down at his crutch.]

This is what that fucking doctor gave me to use after the surgery. I've only had it for about a month before showing up here, so I didn't have time to find something else. I was still getting used to this thing. [He still is, given how sore his right shoulder gets sometimes.]

From:

Hey, power of positive thinking, or manifesting, or... whatever. [He's just saying random buzzwords he's heard Mikey say.] You have to think you can do it or you definitely won't.

[He'll leave the crutch conversation for Donnie because that sounds like a problem that would need a Donnie solution. Though, he is interested in what the solution would be - if one of them ever messes up their leg, this is something they'd have to think about before it ended their ninja career.

It's a learning experience for everyone here!]

We can work on building up your good muscles, though. And help you with your balance. It would be good for you to do that even if we weren't using it to commit ethical theft.

[Seriously, it sounds like this guy has never exercised at all so he probably needs it.]

From:

Are we still calling it that? It is clearly re-cy-cling. Just not through the avenues originally intended.

[Accelerator's response at their clarifications regarding his apparent ability to shrug off atom bombs has Donnie sliding a scrutinous look back at him. It's already been established that the whole Academy City thing was messed up but now he has to wonder just why all they felt the need to make sure someone could survive those kind of circumstances.

He shakes his head, filing that thought for later as he glances at Leo, nodding along at his suggestion before he looks at Accelerator, holding out a hand for the crutch.]

Can I have a look at it?

[He'd already been thinking about ways the crutch could be improved while he'd been watching the esper use it, but having a closer look for himself would give him a better idea of what all Accelerator's fighting with here. Because it's clearly a hassle.]

From:

[He has to give Leo a look here, because him thinking positively is an even more impossible task than him exercising. He's pretty sure his brain is permanently tuned to 'being a depressing killjoy.']

Pretty sure the goddamn city'll see it as theft, even though we're doing them a fucking favour. Otherwise we could walk in the front door no problem.

[Regardless of that, it would kind of sort of maybe be nice to be able to punch better. For, you know, when he needs to punch out dipshits, which is an extremely important thing he still wants to be able to do. So he doesn't immediately dismiss the idea.]

Tche, I guess it's my best option here, even though it'll be a huge pain. Even outside of this plan, it'd be stupid to rely on an ability that's got a thirty minute time limit in a world full of superpowered people....

[Accelerator already felt the consequences of being that dumb back home, he doesn't want a repeat here.

He'll hand his crutch over for Donnie to examine, totally ignoring the look he's getting in the meantime. Look, don't worry about the bomb thing, it's whatever. The crutch itself definitely on the nicer end of medical assistant devices and probably wasn't cheap to supply, but it's still just a normal one with no fancy high tech additions.]

From:

[Maybe they should worry about the bomb. At least a little.

Leo leans against the wall next to Accelerator while Donnie takes a look at the crutch.]

Well, what the city doesn’t know won’t hurt them.

[Leo doesn’t see anything wrong with what they’re doing so the law can suck it.

Anyway, back to the issue at hand.] Good point. Not to mention there’s plenty of gangs with guns running around, too.

[As has been made painfully clear to them lately.]

Knowing some self defense tactics would probably be good for you. Hey, do you even know how to throw a punch?

[If he’s used his reflection for everything, Leo is guessing not.]

From:

[Donnie nods along at Leo's point. The big thing was that no one knew, after all.

He hefts Accelerator's crutch, tapping a finger against it as he looks it over. Pretty sturdy, which is ideal, but it's still cumbersome to move with.]

I mean, you could even use this as a weapon if you absolutely needed to but it'd still require you having some muscle...and balance.

[He leans on the crutch as he tries moving around with it.

Leo does ask a good question though- does Accelerator know how to punch?
Donnie looks between them, brow arching at the esper then.]

From:

[Thanks, Donnie, for completely dragging him, even though it's fully warranted. He's looking down at his skinny noodle arms, which have basically no muscle mass on them, and is fairly sure he wouldn't be able to beat the crap out of anyone with his crutch. Anyone slightly proficient in street fighting could beat him handily, he already knows that. Just like he knows what would happen if he went up against someone with a gun.

He's not eager to repeat either of those situations. Punching someone definitely isn't going to help against a gun and he should probably say as much, but he is kind of perking up at that question regardless.]

Well, I've punched people before. [Is that the same thing? Surely it's the same thing. And then, because it's kind of funny, Accelerator offers a twinge of a lopsided smirk.]

I punched out a dogshit teleporter once because she was being really fucking annoying.

[There was obviously way more to it than that, like the question of why he was even bothering to punch someone out when he could've just used his reflection with less effort, but it had been fun.]

From:

[Leo may not have any eyebrows to arch, but his brow ridges still go up, taking his mask with him.]

Oh yeah?

[And then he attempts to grab Accelerator in a headlock and, if successful, rubs his knuckles hard into his hair.]

What are you implying, huh? That you'll punch me out if you think I'm annoying? Is that it, tough guy?

[Get noogie'd idiot.]

From:

Waaaas it in a fight or just because she was there?

[He'd be more impressed if it were in a fight because on top of that he was dealing with a teleporter, but Donnie kind of doubts it.

He doesn't react much as Leo goes in for the noogie, just glad he's not on the receiving end for a change. Instead, he resumes his assessment of the crutch situation.]

No hard feelings if you actually do.

From:

[With his choker in normal mode there's no way in hell he's avoiding the noogie. He doesn't even have the chance to answer Donnie's question because holy shit, as far as he can see that's coming out of nowhere.]

- ????????????

[He is stunned. Stunned.]

From:

[Buuut that only lasts a second before he's flailing and trying to shove Leo away. Turning his choker on does cross his mind, but he doesn't actually want to break any of Leo's limbs. That would be overkill.]

Y - you son of a bitch!! Fuck off!!!

[He settles for shoving a hand in Leo's face. Maybe he should try punching him.]

From:

[He could try, but Leo would just dodge it.

Donnie saying that there would be no hard feelings gets a look, but then his face is being shoved and Leo's attention is back on Accelerator.]

Oops, I think I made him mad! Hahahaha!

[He'll let go after one last hard rub.]

Sorry. Heeheeheehee~

From:

You think?

[Donnie looks at the two of them, unimpressed.]

Well, that proved absolutely nothing aside from Leo's love of being a nuisance.

[He shrugs, turning his attention back to the crutch before he holds a hand out beside it, forming another out of hardlight outlind in neon violet lines now familiar to even Accelerator.

It's somewhat shorter, lacking the largish cup in favor of something more streamlined with a button at the end of the handgrip.]

Here, try this. Unfortunately I can't do much for simulating weight, but in terms of maneuverability, hitting that button should retract the length some so you'll have less to keep track of.

Edited Date: 2023-04-26 06:20 am (UTC)

From:

[He's downright flustered over here. Who does that?? Who does noogies out of nowhere?!! The aura coming off of Accelerator, even after Leo lets go, is downright murderous, but combine that with his hair now in complete disarray and him being the least physically intimidating person ever it's more funny and childish than anything.]

You motherfucker! I should throw you through a wall!!

[Way to absolutely ruin his extremely important chuuni aesthetic. He's grumbling under his breath (complete with cursing every other word) as he takes the hardlight crutch Donnie is offering. It somewhat mollifies him as he tests it out, putting his weight on it and experimentally hitting the button to retract it back and forth.

... But still!!!]

How the hell do you put up with him? [Very important question, Donnie!!!]

Edited Date: 2023-04-26 02:36 pm (UTC)

From:

[Leo very much doubts that Accelerator could throw him through a wall even if he wanted to (well, at least without the choker on - with it on, Leo knows he would likely be a smear on the pavement right now).

The fact that he has not turned it on is a win. Leo will crack through that grumpy outer shell soon!

Leo is just grinning ear to ear as he dances out of immediate smack range, eyes going from Accelerator as he tests his new crutch to his brother. How do you put up with him, Donnie? How do you?]

From:

[Donnie's not outright grinning but he might be smirking juuuust a tiny bit whenever Accelerator's not looking. As the esper goes about trying the crutch out, the turtle brings up his computer to start adding in some notes.

Theoretically he could do so just by thinking to trigger it since it's constantly in contact with him but then there's the whole glowing-eyes thing and then there'll be questions and he still doesn't have answers for most of them.

Although speaking of questions...]

I'm not divulging trade secrets that have been carefully cultivated over years of personal experience.

From:

[Betrayal!! He is woefully unprepared to deal with a social situation that doesn't involve breaking limbs, and yelling isn't cutting it.

He has to settle for scowling at both of them. First at Donnie.]

You're just as bad as him.

[Then at Leo, for that smug look. It's not like he's going to hold a grudge, but he's kind of faltering at just letting this go like a normal person would.

He slams the new crutch down on the ground (not very hard because what is muscle strength), half out of irritation, half to see how well it holds up.]

.... This feels balanced in the same way as my actual crutch. [There's that at least???]

From:

[Leo will get him used to friendly touching if it kills him. Which it might! But he’s survived his whole life with Donnie, so he feels confident about it.

(Not that noogies are all that friendly but still!)

Leo watches him work with the crutch, considering.]

Well that’s good. If it holds your weight but is lighter and easier to maneuver then it’ll be easier for you to get around.

[Of course, this is made of Donnie’s ninpo, which means it isn’t permanent.]

We can try again with this and see what happens.

From:

How so! I haven't noogied you once! [And likely never will, given how touchy he is about...touch.]

Anyway, that's the whole point. Not to sacrifice any of the balance or stability while simultaneously improving on assisting for mobility.

Of course it's pretty much a prototype at this point. If I'm going to replicate it into something you can actually use then I'm going to need materials to work with. At least for something like this, it should be easier to acquire than computer hardware.

[But he gestures to Leo at his brother's suggestion. The real test is seeing how well Accelerator can adapt to using this version of a crutch and if it indeed works better as intended.]

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[Accelerator does the mature thing and clicks his tongue. Donnie totally hasn't been as bad as Leo, he's just salty.

Trying again isn't his idea of fun, but he isn't going to improve without this, and things might go slightly less terribly with this crutch.]

Yeah, fine. However much fucking practice I need to not be useless, I guess.

[That's... oh. That certainly is Donnie talking about building something new instead of just doing a temporary mystic tech version. He shifts his weight to his more dominant foot and decides this is a great time to start fixing his hair like ugh, this is all a huge pain.

It is, in actuality, very awkward. These two are already being way nicer than they should be, and what's he done in return? Get some stupid blueprints? Wow, how fair and even.]

.... You don't have to go as far as building an entire new one. I can figure something out myself.

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[Accelerator’s attempt to appear casual as he fixes his hair just helps clue Leo into the awkwardness here. He’s not sure where exactly it’s coming from, but maybe he thinks he’ll owe them something or something like that. They’re mainly doing this to get parts for Donnie, which ultimately benefits Leo, so as far as he’s concerned that’s not the case.

Or maybe his world is just so messed up that this is really weird for him. Who knows! Regardless, Leon is here to fix the mood (or try to, anyway)!

He waves a hand.]

Hey, Donnie loves building things - you wouldn’t take that away from him, would you?

[He knows he’s volunteering Donnie’s time and effort for him here, but it’s not like he wasn’t doing the same himself just a second ago. Leo has a feeling he’s already decided that he’s going to do it.

And this way he becomes the bad guy in this situation, so it works out.]

From:

[Leo's not wrong in his sales pitch; Donnie's been steadily trying to adjust to things here but what he needs are projects to keep him actively busy.

And sure, he has a few in mind and hasn't quite had the means to really put them into a production stage, but having specific things to plan for and be on the lookout to acquire helps a lot more than just deciding to pick up things that might come in handy.

Not that he's going to outright say that what Leo's said is basically true because why would he? So instead he just gives a noncommittal shrug as he continues to make notes on his computer.]

Building a new one from scratch is better than doing a quick slice and adjustment of your current one. Don't worry about it, I'll shop around and try to have something before we go on our excursion.

Round...two? Back to the other side of the building, Leo?

From:

[Wrecked by logic and facts. He doesn't want to be a killjoy here, even though this is a lot. What had Yomikawa called relationships? Give and take? Shit, he isn't even sure if that applies here, because that whole so-called lesson from her and Yoshikawa went over his head.

Whatever. He doesn't want his original crutch to slow the turtles down, and he doesn't want to take a project away from Donnie. He'll have to dwell on this some more after they've liberated the equipment from the recycling facility.]

....

[Looking between Leo and Donnie uncomfortably, he doesn't argue with either of them. Instead he finishes fixing his hair silently, and once he's done that he reaches up to hit the switch on his choker.]

Ready.

From:

[Leo nods at Donnie's suggestion and waits for Accelerator to get himself ready. Once he's done, Leo flashes him another grin.]

Alright. Then back again, boys!

[And with that, he'll lead the way, slinking through the shadows and paying attention to how Accelerator is doing.]

From:

[Donnie lets the two have a head start on things, hanging back once again if only so Accelerator won't feel too pressured if he were right behind him.

He sets the crutch over his shoulders as he slips along after, not as accurately as Leo's lead but he's not the one taking lessons here. It's not difficult for him to be quiet though, and he's mainly watching to see how Accelerator handles himself with the replacement crutch.

At least something like that, Donnie can manage to maintain longer than other mystic-tech facsimiles. A crutch isn't too much different from his bō and much simpler than a battle shell, so he's confident it's not going to snuff out and leave the esper without support.]

From:

[It goes only slightly better this time. Accelerator's a fast learner, though there's only so much one can do when you're lacking years of built-up muscle, flexibility and balance that normal people would've developed from athletics. The crutch being retractable makes his life a whole lot easier, though - it's much less cumbersome and partially retracting it makes balancing in a crouch or on his knees go a bit more smoothly.

It's still kind of pitiful how bad he is at this, but he at least isn't hopeless.]

From:

[They get to the end, and Leo turns around with a grin.]

Well, you're definitely gonna win "Most Improved." But your execution was still clumsy.

[To say the least!]

It really would help if we built up your core muscles more... Did they have you doing any kind of physical therapy?

[That's probably an invasive question but Leo doesn't really think of it like that - he may be pretty social but he was still raised as cut off from society as the rest of them.]

From:

Agreed, that was definitely an improvement. [There is a heavy implication of 'because of my help' hanging at the end.]

I do not say this often but Leo's right- in this instance, it would benefit you to at least do some basic strength training. If you did have physical therapy it seems like it was the bare minimum if that.

[They're helping. ....]

From:

[God, he's pretty sure he's never going to get this. Getting only an 'improved' when he's who he is is like some kind of sick joke. No doubt the universe is laughing at him right now.

At least Accelerator doesn't really care about the subject of physical therapy. It's relevant, and the whole recovery process isn't something he feels like he needs to hide. It was basically one more medical event to add to the pile that makes up his life, just with more complicated reasons behind it.]

I did it when I was in the hospital, but after I got out I didn't bother keeping up with it. Once I got the hang of walking around with the damn crutch it didn't feel like I needed anything else.

[Obviously he was fucking wrong about that.]

I'm not about to start doing fucking gym class at school - [He's going to get a doctor's note to avoid that nonsense if he needs to] - but I can start walking around more.

From:

[Leo doesn't have anything readily available to throw at Donnie's forehead and so he just gets a tongue stuck out at him for that specification.]

Eh, I don't think gym class would give you what you need, anyway. It's mostly just playing games.

[Leo loves it, don't get him wrong, but it's not really what he's thinking of for Accelerator.]

Walking's good! Regular stretching would be great. Maybe fit a few sit-ups in there somewhere?

From:

[He'll throw a smirk back at Leo.]

Yeah, that much is obvious. [Just bluntly confirming they'd figured as much after
Accelerator admits he hadn't kept up with his own physical therapy.

There's just a small frown as the things dip into school talk, which Donnie plays off by busying himself with his computer.]

...mmhm, walking, stretching, sit-ups, maybe some arm work. Doesn't even have to be heavy weights or anything.

From:

[This. This is how he's going to die, doing sit-ups because these two recommended them. He is one hundred percent sure of this. He scrubs a hand down his face, taking a moment to accept his inevitable demise, before glancing between the two turtles. What's with the sudden interest in his computer? He can't really tell if that's Donnie being Donnie.]

Fine. When this kills me I'm going to blame you two.

From:

[Leo notices too, but unlike Accelerator, he has a guess. Sure, it's normal for Donnie to drop out of a conversation to play with his phone or computer, but Leo has a feeling that he's doing it this time specifically because school got brought up again.

He's still determined to get him there, but he's not going to talk about it with Accelerator here. Good thing there are other avenues of discussion.]

A few sit-ups won't hurt you, you big baby. Yeesh, for a guy who can allegedly tank a nuke you sure aren't intimidating.

From:

Believe it or not, this is to minimize the possibility of dying by embarrassingly mundane means.

[What's the point of being able to brush off a bomb when you couldn't dodge a punch?]

So how's the crutch working for you? Anything it needs adjustment-wise?

From:

.....................

[It's probably never not going to feel weird that neither of them are intimidated (though the noogie didn't help). And in the interests of not wanting to argue that point (despite knowing he should), he just goes silent and looks down at the crutch, fussing with it a bit more.]

It's fine. It could stand to be a little more stable where it hits the ground.

Edited Date: 2023-04-28 10:44 pm (UTC)

From:

[Leo nods along with Donnie's assessment. It would definitely ruin Accelerator's reputation if he died from something boring like that.

Crutch adjustments are not something he can really help with, though, so Leo pulls up the blueprints on his phone and gives them another look over while Accelerator and Donnie talk about it.]

From:

It'd probably make more of a difference if it has some actual weight to it, but I shall make note of it.

[He flips his goggles down to get more supplementary information from its readings, mostly measurements.]

Anyway, that's about all I can do on my end for now. Then you'll have to make do with this thing until I fabricate something you can actually use practically. But for now, work with that.

How 'bout it, Leo? We do an actual run-through? [He look over at his brother.] Or maybe a once over so we have a feel for where things are going to be before we try ninja-moding it up.

From:

Alright. [Donnie is already doing a lot here, so he isn't going to complain and will just keep fussing with the crutch to get used to it. It's a pretty damn decent substitute, so he doesn't have too much more in the way of feedback.

More interesting is that Donnie will be able to pick up on a field that's concentrated a few centimeters above Accelerator's skin before dissolving. It's sort of similar to his reflection, in that its effects seem to be a bit of a force pushing away from Accelerator.]

From:

Yep, once through and then we'll ninja it up. [Leo puts his phone away again, headed toward where he's set up his fake tape walls. Anything weird to be seen here? He doesn't know her.]

Don't use your collar for this, Accy, we'll save it for the final run.

From:

[Donnie's briefly paused in his computer tapping, his attention having been caught by something else. His brows go up before he frowns to himself, his focus shifting more towards Accelerator than the mystic-tech crutch although outwardly he doesn't change his position.

Well, it's not a weird glowing fireball ringed in creepy red arrays but whatever's emitting from Accelerator is subtle at a glance but has a lot more going on there once he fixates on it to get the readings.

He almost misses what Leo says, but at least he's not the one being addressed then. But he'll bring up the rear again, if only to get a bit more time to not at all creepily study Accelerator's mysterious energy aura while they head back.]

From:

Yeah, fine. [Even though he'd love to use his ability this time, because he's getting pretty tired. Complaining about it is only going to get more dunking though, so he decides very wisely to keep quiet about it.

It's definitely going to start effecting his performance this time, though. That, and his focus on the mystic tech crutch and trying to suss out any minute improvements that he could give to Donnie. Splitting his attention isn't great, but he figures he needs to right now.

Meanwhile, the readings Donnie is picking up will remain steady and consistent the entire time. There are no fluctuations at all.]

From:

[He should probably tell them if he's getting tired because Leo has no idea how to account for differences in stamina otherwise... but since he does not Leo forges ahead! He doesn't pay much attention to what Donnie is doing, because Donnie focusing on random things and typing away at his computer? Normal Tuesday.

They get to the start point, and Leo spends a second regaling them with what he thinks will be the best path inside without having to run into too much trouble. He can only hope he's right about this, but outwardly he's all confidence.]

Alright, follow me!

[He's not really doing anything super fancy this time, other than keeping his steps quiet and moving carefully around the "walls" of the fake building. He doesn't want to go too fast so Accelerator can't keep up.]

From:

[It's been surprising as to just how much Leo's been studying the building layouts, and with the care he's put into this setup, Donnie's willing to trust that his brother has things as nailed down as can be possible. There will be time to reconsider and adjust plans once they actually have a look at the place, but for now, this is fine.

...he might even be a little proud of Leo but he's not going to say something embarrassing like that to his face.

Like Leo, unfortunately Donnie's not paying too much attention to Accelerator's lack of stamina. Donnie keeps his goggles lowered to keep taking readings. It'll also somewhat hide the additional weird glow of his eyes whenever he accesses his bracer computer. It helps that since he'd programmed the thing, he knows it intimately enough that he can interface without getting completely lost in things.

That's kept to the minimum for now, his attention shifting to playing follow-the-leader again as they make their way along the set layout.]

From:

[He's stubbornly quiet as he listens to Leo's plan. Not having experienced anything else, Accelerator is assuming that strong leadership qualities just come naturally to him. Donnie is scientific-minded, and Leo has his leadership - that seems especially obvious what with all the confidence.

He's going to do his damnedest to keep up, in particular trying to keep the sound of his crutch quiet. There's probably a way to add that to the list of improvements, but for now he's acutely aware of the clacking his normal one makes when it hits the ground, so he'll try to mitigate by being more gentle with it.

It's all very tiring. He has no idea how the two of them do this on the regular.]

From:

[Not having significant brain injuries definitely helps!

They get to the end of the run through, and then Leo turns around and gives his hands a clap.]

Okay, so that's it! I guess this is the part where I ask if there are any questions, so... any questions?

[This is what leaders do, right? Is he even doing this right? He sure is trying!

This will be his first attempt at a mission without Raph around to cover for him if things get dicey, his first attempt at a mission where he's actually trying to lead (and there aren't world-ending stakes). He wants everything to go right and for them to get what Donnie needs without incident. He wants to at least look like he knows what he's doing in front of Accelerator. So he tries.]

From:

[Donnie's instantly gone back to tapping at his holo-interface again, adding in some notes on observations he'd made whenever he was watching Accelerator, like how the esper angled himself or the crutch, the force he was putting on the implement at given points. He's not aiming just to make a new crutch just for a stealth mission, after all.

It also keeps him from giving weird looks at Leo because he knows that probably won't help when his brother is clearly trying to take the lead on this. It's a huge difference from how they've usually run missions, and not only because Raph isn't there calling the shots.]

I think for the most part it's pretty straight forward. What's going to throw it off will be guards and security camera placement. The latter won't be a problem though, at least, although it'd still be good to keep in mind the locations.

From:

[Accelerator is very tired by the end of all this, but hey, they're done! He isn't feeling optimistic (he rarely does these days), but this might actually go smoothly. Maybe? It's so strange planning on something with other people, and not just reacting to various dangerous circumstances on his own with violence.

(It's kind of okay?)

He promptly ignores any encroaching thoughts of what that even means - he doesn't want to dwell on it, and Donnie has a good point.]

What do we do if we run into any guards?

[He assumes 'beat the shit out of them' isn't an option.]

From:

[Not getting weird looks does help. He can tackle his crises of confidence one at a time.

Instead he focuses on the question, because yes, "beat the shit out of them" is not an option. The guards are just doing their job, after all!]

Well, we could just act like we're dumb lost kids and see if they let us go nicely.

[He means that as a joke, because he knows that any guard would look at him and Donnie in their ninja gear and assume they're a threat. At least any guard worth the pay would.]

Otherwise we may just have to... knock them out?

[He's unsure. He's never had to deal with normal non-mutated human guards, Foot Clan soldiers aside.]

From:

I mean, ultimately we're trying to avoid them. But I guess having a backup plan is necessary.

[Donnie pauses from computing, lips twisting pensively. His thoughts aren't too far off Leo's. They've only ever had to fight against Foot ninja and mutants...and the occasional evil-bent yōkai.

Well, okay, there were those thugs he and Leo had to smack around back when Donnie first got here, but they had been asking for it.]

...that might be the route we'll have to take. So long as no one sees us.

From:

[Accelerator lets out a little snort at Leo's joke. Yeah, that would go over so well.

Knocking them out is a lot more reasonable.]

Alright. Should be simple enough.

[Between the three of them there's no way they'll have trouble knocking a guard or two out, if it comes to it.]

That's my only question. If you two think we've got our shit covered then we should be okay.

From:

[Thugs are a little different from people probably getting paid barely above minimum to guard a recycling facility of all places. Leo would rather not have to hurt some nobody. Criminals are a different story.

He may be fine with steal- recycling, but he's not going to do something immoral like seriously injure someone for some computer parts.]

Don't worry, we'll get in and out without trouble. Just work on that core strength, Accy, and think about how you move your body a little more.

And I guess that means we're done for today! Which is great because I'm starving.

[Definitely need an after training nosh.]

From:

Agreed, things shouldn't be too difficult. Aside from watching for guards, I'd say the only other thing we'd have to account for is transporting whatever we manage to gather.

Too bad we don't have the tank, but I guess around here subtlety would probably be in our best interests.

[He leans on Accelerator's crutch, nodding as Leo calls the session.]

From:

[Woo, core strength. Just what he wanted to work on, instead of doing something more interesting like taking a nap. Which is what he could use right now, honestly. That or -]

I need a coffee. [All this exercise has caused his caffeine levels to take a dive, and they still have to leave here and head back to the less industrial-y part of the city. It's tempting to use his choker for that instead of doing all the walking....

Hold on hold up.]

Wait, 'tank'? You guys have a fucking tank?

From:

[Leo can't help but grin at that.]

Back home we do! [He gives Donnie a big SMACK against his battleshell.] This guy here designed and built it himself.

[He may be proud of Donnie's accomplishments, but he still has to be a little violent about it.]

Man, starting from scratch has seriously been a real drag. Even when we had to move we still had some stuff...

From:

Ow. [More out of reflex than it actually hurting. Leo still gets something of a look though, because it's just called for. Of course he can still look smug about having built a tank.]

Yeah I did and it is amazing. [Humility, thy name is not Donatello.]

...I know, right? It just feels more complicated to do so around here. I blame the whole government and guild thing.

From:

... What the hell.....

[He has so many questions. How do some mutant turtles and their dad acquire all the parts for a tank? Especially when they were living in the sewers! Seriously! He'd assume this is a joke but neither of them seem like they're joking.]

I doubt the guilds would let you keep it even if it fell through a Confluence portal.

From:

[The benefits of a universe that bends to the comedic!

Leo makes a face at that.]

Seriously? They’d just steal our tank? I thought this was America!

[Rude! So rude!]

Maybe we should look into getting a new car…

[And no, he does not mean legally acquiring one. At least he and Donnie would only take an abandoned clunker!

Though he won’t push for that now. He knows Donnie likes keeping busy but Leo doesn’t want to overload him. It’s only been a few weeks.]

From:

[Simultaneously with Leo-]

WHAT?! If they touch my baby, it's war!

[Never mind the fact that things can pop up through portals- although he may have kind of already heard about that because some weird guy in armor apparently has an entire ship but anyway-]

-yeah, I know. It's on my list.

[Of course he'd already have a list (it's hard not to compile things when you keep getting hit over the head with 'oh right, we don't have that here'), although to be fair he'd had the thought for a new ride on there early on.]

From:

[They can't honestly think either of the guilds would just be cool with two teenage disasters having a tank with god-knows-what kinds of armaments racing around the country..........

He doesn't say that part out loud, though. It would probably cause more outrage.

He also isn't sure if them acquiring a car here is all that much better.]

I'm amazed you two can even drive.

[Assuming they can.

(Shit, they probably can't.)]

From:

[Oh, well, if it’s already on The List then there’s no getting it off, so Leo will accept that answer.

At that observation, Leo huffs, folding his arms.]

We can drive just fine. Especially me - you ought to see me when I’m on a Shellhog, I leave everyone in the dust!

[They aren’t licensed, but they also don’t have birth certificates so who cares. Official documentation? Never heard of her.]

From:

Driving isn't a problem. We've been doing it since we were fourteen, it's not that hard.

[No license, in a tank or on ridiculous motorcycles and in the streets of New York. Clearly they're experts by now.]

From:

[Accelerator is still looking very skeptical about all of this.]

Firstly, I don't know what that is. [Shellhog? At least they're sticking to their aesthetic with that name.] Second... how old are you two now?

From:

It’s a super cool motorcycle. Donnie made it, too.

[Leo waves a hand dismissively.] We’re sixteen.

[Two whole years of driving experience!]

From:

[That's plenty enough! They haven't run anyone over once! Close-calls do not figure into those statistics.

Donnie's poking at his phone, pulling up pictures as he steps over by Accelerator.]

Here, why are we even just talking about it- look, is this not amazing? And here would be where the motorcycles would launch...

From:

[God, they're older than him. He didn't expect that.

He sighs and looks at the pictures Donnie is pulling up, raising an eyebrow and realizing just how hard they are leaning into the whole turtle style thing.]

That's a lot of fucking effort put into the aesthetic. [Which is very commendable!! In fact -]

... Do you have any pictures of the motorcycles?

[Yeah okay he's curious.]

From:

[Better start calling him Leo-senpai!]

Hey, aesthetics are important. I wouldn’t be caught dead in something that didn’t look as hot as me.

[Luckily for them all the tank is very cool.]

From:

I know, it's not exactly subtle, but why travel in anything less?

Oh! I know I have a few...

[Donnie starts flicking through photos until he comes up with shots of the Shellhogs. Which may or may not have Leo and/or Mikey posing in some of them.]

From:

[He would die before that ever happened.

Accelerator is silent for several moments, glancing up at Leo, then back down at the photos. He wouldn't know anything about sex appeal and he's pretty sure saying that out loud is only going to introduce an opportunity for more sass that he would be absolutely terrible at handling, so he tries to skirt around that subject.

Even with the pictures. At least he knows what brother #3 looks like?]

They look like something out of a movie.

[Like Akira or some shit.

He also points at one of the photos with Mikey.]

Which brother is this?

Edited (Shut up I didn't forget to add this.) Date: 2023-05-02 03:52 am (UTC)

From:

[Leo is unfazed by Accelerator not saying anything to that. He just leans in to look at what picture he's pointing at, even though he has a feeling he already knows.]

That's Mikey. He's our little brother.

[Leo misses him so much but he can't dwell on it right now.]

If he shows up here you better tell me this time, Accy.

[He mostly means it as a joke, but... okay maybe he's still a little mad about it.]

From:

Technically the base vehicle for the tank did come from a movie...

[But he is totally taking that as a compliment, 'Rator.

Donnie's expression softens a little as he looks at the picture, a sharp contrast to his usual expressions. He knows he misses Mikey and Raph so he can't imagine how much more Leo does.

He does cast a mildly dry look at the esper with the implication of Leo's comment. It's not something Donnie cares to revisit himself, but the way he arches his brow at Accelerator suggests they'd both like to be in the know if any other turtles surface around this place.

But at least Accelerator had apologized on that rooftop, so he doesn't let the esper stew too long. He holds out the guy's crutch.]

Anyway, if we're packing up, I guess I'd better give this back. Sorry, you'll have to work with it a little longer. I know you're getting attached to that one but I'm not sure how long it'll last for you.

From:

[Right, name acquired. But at what cost, because that friendly reminder from Leo is causing a fresh wave of guilt to wash over him. He has apologized to Donnie, albeit poorly, but he has yet to do so with turtle #2 (#1 technically).

A kind person would say something right now, but Accelerator just feels awkward and a quickly increasing need to get out of this social situation and put himself in an environment that suits him better. AKA, go be alone.

His expression remains impassive the entire time.]

... I'm going to walk back normally.

From:

[And because there's a strange sort of comfort in it, he reaches up to hit the switch on his choker so he has his powers back.

Except he's still holding the crutch Donnie made.

There's a BANG!, like a gunshot going off, and a small explosion of sparkly light where the crutch once was. There's a shockwave too, a smallish one since his reflection isn't reflecting a whole lot. All of that is bouncing right off Accelerator harmlessly - he only looks down because of the noise, and the fact that this reflection is feeling entirely abnormal compared to normal instances.]

From:

[Leo isn't actually expecting an apology, so the lack of one doesn't faze him. He just shrugs in a sort of "you do you" way.

And then Accelerator switches on his choker.

At first Leo doesn't know what's happened, or even that the two events are related. All he registers is a sound like a gunshot, and his immediate instinct is to protect Donnie, but in that moment the only thing he can do to accomplish that is throw an arm in front of him (like that would stop a bullet).

And then he realizes that there's purple light debris and the crutch has disappeared, and as his brain catches up with the situation he lowers his arm again.]

Uh... whoa?

[He's seen Donnie's mystic tech get destroyed before (though not often), but the flashy method has him a little stunned.]

From:

[That sure is a near-heart attack he didn't need!

Donnie flinches back at the sudden reaction, mostly at the suddenly unexpected release of whatever concentration he was putting into maintaining that mystic-tech crutch. He shakes his head, looking past Leo at the remnants of his ninpō.]

What the...

[Immediately he's pulling his goggles down as he looks at Accelerator, piecing things together even if he's still not exactly sure what all had just happened.]

From:

[The light sprays outwards away from Accelerator, kind of like water, before dissolving into nothing. Like it was never there to begin with.

Accelerator notices the turtles' reaction in his peripheral vision, but his focus turns down to his now-empty hand. His reflection is back on, a reality-warping layer overlapping with his AIM field, which is normal for him, but that was anything but. When he reflects something he knows exactly what's going to happen, where whatever he's reflecting is going to go, and that....

It takes him another half second of thought before he's deliberately stepping further away from Leo and Donnie. He's doing his best to keep his expression measured, but he's tense and inwardly he's trying not to freak out. The last time his reflection did something unexpected the results were not pleasant.]

I didn't do that on purpose. [......... Y'know, just in case Donnie gets mad about that.]

From:

[Accelerator puts more space between them, and Leo leans back from Donnie, relaxing his body more slowly than he’d like. Man, his fight response triggers easily these days… (Can’t imagine why.)

But Accelerator says he didn’t mean to do that, and he probably didn’t. He looked as surprised as they were, even if he was more subdued about it. And it makes no sense anyway. So no reason for everyone to be so tense! Just an accident.]

I’m guessing… your esper powers have some weird reactions with our ninpo.

[He wonders what would happen if Accelerator tried to use one of his portals with his powers on, then thinks it’s maybe better they don’t find out.]

From:

[Donnie looks more annoyed than angry about it, and that's because he is.]

I should've figured that, but then again, I didn't realize the extent of your reflect until today, not to mention that funky aura thing you've got going on there...

[He's...more upset at himself for not having considered adding that possibility to his calculations, it seems. And he's back to tapping at his computer. More data, more notes-

...it occurs to him that it's probably a good thing Accelerator's choker wasn't actively on esper mode when he'd tried to take a look at it on the roof. The backlash from the sudden dispersion of his mystic-tech crutch was like being stung by a rubber band snap. He's pretty sure he doesn't want to find out what would happen with a bigger, more direct connection.]

From:

[An abnormal interaction with whatever mystic energy ninpō uses does seem like the most likely explanation, but Donnie's comment (" - the extent of your reflect - ") makes Accelerator inwardly wince. This shouldn't be a repeat of the incident when he was ten, he's had control of his reflection for years now.

But there's the new addition of this supercomputer, and he's uncertain chalking it up to ninpō is a good idea. What if the computer caused an irregularity in his calculations? Or what if being here was causing him enough stress - enough unconscious mental instability - that his calculations were just incorrect?

There are a lot of unknown variables here. It's making him agitated.]

That's probably my AIM diffusion field. [Unless the Confluence did something new, or the supercomputer is doing something to him right now....

Urgh, he doesn't like this. He reaches up to his choker again, hitting the switch. As soon as he does that his legs give a little wobble, and he quickly jabs his other hand out to take his normal crutch back.]

I need to go re-run some calculations, make sure it was just your ninpō and not anything else. [AKA he needs to go check his brain, preferably somewhere away from people in case his Personal Reality gets even more unstable.]

From:

[Funky aura? AIM diffusion field? Yeah, Leo has no idea what they're talking about anymore.

What he does know is that Accelerator seems kinda... freaked. Well, not that he's acting outwardly freaked, but he turned off his choker, so Leo thinks he's definitely shaken by what just happened.]

Are you gonna be okay? We can walk you back.

[He doesn't know exactly where Accelerator lives, but he figures they can just get him to his building, anyway.]

From:

AIM..?

[Preoccupied as Donnie is with trying to work out this new puzzle, he isn't really paying as much attention to Accelerator as Leo is.]

We could run some tests once you do that, that seems the clearest way to figure it out. At least I'll kind of know what to expect, but it'd probably be better to do something small scale...

[He blinks then, prying his eyes from his computer as Leo asks the esper if he's okay, finally looking towards Accelerator again.

It is hard for him to really gauge someone like the esper. He's used to dealing with his brothers who more often than not broadcast every emotion they're going through. Not someone more like...himself.

That realization makes him frown as his brow furrows, but he doesn't reiterate Leo's inquiry, though he is now giving them both his full attention.]

From:

Just a byproduct of being an esper.

[Getting into the details now would mean sticking around, which isn't something he wants to do. He shakes his head vehemently, reaching for his crutch.]

It's probably nothing. I don't need any damn help walking back.

[Let's run some tests is a reasonable suggestion to make, he knows this, but right now all it's doing is reminding him of the scientists back in Academy City. Follow our plans and participate in our experiments, they had said. Yeah, look how that turned out.

On top of that he really isn't used to being offered help. That's just - it's very uncomfortable for him. They mean well, and what does he even do with that except grumble and walk away as quickly as possible? Which makes him look like a huge asshole, though to be fair that's what he is, and at least he's holding back from berating them like he did when Donnie apologized back on the roof.

He clicks his tongue, irritated with himself.]

I'll figure this fucking thing out and get back to you two.

From:

[Yeah, that was definitely a dismissal. Leo can tell when he’s not wanted, the question is always whether he cares to acknowledge it.

But he will this time, because Accelerator isn’t family or even really a friend; if he doesn’t want help then Leo won’t force it.]

Alright, well, let us know what you figure out. Worse comes to worst we just won’t use our abilities around you while you have that thing turned on.

[It’s not like they’ve never gotten around without them before, Donnie especially. They can make it work.]

Come on, Dee. I wanna get food on the way back.

From:

Yeah...

[It's not exactly how he goes about making his brothers stop bothering him when he needs some space but he recognizes it for what it is now.]

I'll let you know once I get something together for that crutch.

[He nods at Leo then, gesturing for them to go. Not that he had been doing physically as much as the other two had but keeping his ninpō running in the long run does about the same thing for his appetite.]

Sure. Pizza or something else?

From:

Right. [To both of those things.

He turns to go, not bothering with a goodbye or anything, because that's just how he is. Have fun with getting food-that-is-probably-pizza!]

From:

[Off he goes without even so much as a goodbye. Wow.]

Pizza sounds good to me!

[He’ll wait until they’ve left the building and Accelerator is nowhere in sight to do a little debrief.]

So what do you think of this guy, actually?

From:

[Unsurprised, Donnie is, if only because he hasn't gotten a goodbye once from the guy before.

He's also not terribly surprised when Leo drops his question.]

Not very sociable, right? [Coming from Donnie, that's saying something.] He's pretty rough around the edges. But I guess considering what he told me about where he came from, it kind of explains some things.

Edited Date: 2023-05-03 07:24 pm (UTC)

From:

[For Donnie to declare someone “not very sociable” is definitely something.]

Yeah, his world sounds rough. [Accelerator said it was better than being created to be soldiers like they were, but Leo isn’t sure. And anyway, it’s not like they actually got used as soldiers.] Maybe it’s normal there. Ooor he just doesn’t want to get close to people.

[Leo shrugs.] He seems invested in helping you get tech parts and I don’t get the vibe that he’s going to horribly betray us, so…

From:

That's putting it mildly.

...I don't know. Maybe it was hard getting close to people there.

[Accelerator hadn't really gone into too much detail about how it was with the other people there, after all, but neither had Donnie asked.]

He offered to help when I mentioned I was pretty much building from the ground up. I figured it couldn't hurt if he found any places, anyway, and if he didn't, then it wasn't like it was going to change things.

Part of it did stem from when he mentioned that you two were looking into with that Fantastic guy.

From:

Yeah, maybe... When I first told him I was going to school here he got really weird about it so the whole place must be pretty harsh.

[Even though now he is going to school. Ah well, it's not Leo's business... (yet).

At the mention of their anti-Fantastic pact, though, he nods.]

Yeah, we've been... looking into whether all his heroic escapades are real. And doing some low level internet trolling.

[It's nothing impressive yet, but maybe if they can help build the negative internet buzz around him it'll help sink his campaign to run the Alliance.]

That guy sucks. If he takes over the Alliance it'll be bad news. Huvrye hates him too; I think he's trying to come up with a way to stop him too, but I don't know what he has planned.

From:

Because having a city of science purposely creating espers is totally normal otherwise, sure.

[Yeah, harsh is a word for it.]

Any results?

I'm surprised no one's dug any dirt up on him yet. No one can have a spotless record unless he's already somehow managed to make sure his bases were covered before he made a bid for Alliance leadership.

From:

Hey, everyone's normal is different, right?

[But yeah, it's definitely not good. Guess he can't blame Accelerator for being a little antisocial, given the circumstances.]

Some small things... saves he claimed credit for that probably aren't his, rumors that he stages crimes just to stop them... and I don't buy that he's truly invulnerable. Everyone has to have some weakness, right?

From:

Indeed. Our normal is an excellent example.

Having to adjust to the situation here is a thing, so I guess he's at least trying? And he didn't have to lend me his teleporter to get here, but he did.

...even if he neglected to mention the existence of family in this particular city.

[But it had worked out, and Accelerator had at least said he was sorry once Donnie grilled him for it. It was a very stressful day.]

Right. How long has this guy even been around here? Is he a local?

From:

That’s true… I mean he could be wreaking havoc. Even with just thirty minutes, you can do a lot of damage.

[As both of them well know.]

But yeah, that was a dick move. He had to know we were brothers! He messaged me after all, Hamato.

[He’s still mad about it! But… he did get Donnie here, so Leo will provisionally forgive him.]

I’m pretty sure Fantastic is local. From what I could see he’s been doing the hero thing since he was a kid. Seems really into the influencer side of things.

Kinda weird that he talks about us like we’re soldiers, actually… He looks like he’d rather have us all be TikTok stars repping Bang Energy.

From:

Ugh, did he?? That guy...

[Donnie sighs, shaking his head. He already spent all his emotional credits being angry at the esper so he forces himself not to backtrack. Anyway, he and Leo found each other somehow, so...it worked out.]

That...doesn't make sense. I heard about the ...he's an actor or something? But you're right, he doesn't look the part to be suggesting something like that. The Alliance hasn't talked about it at all?

From:

I know, right! [Maybe he can be a little more frustrated... But he can move on for now.] Whatever, it worked out, I guess.

As far as I know they haven't. I think there's some feuding going on at the top, but I'm too much of a low level grunt to hear about it. [He's been getting the money and the free housing and doing easy stuff here and there, but hasn't exactly been trying to get on anyone's radar.] It's definitely sus... Maybe there's something deeper going on.

From:

Most likely. I mean, I didn't get to look at everything but it kind of came up out of the blue, right?

...are you sure it's going to be okay sticking around with them?

From:

…No.

[He might as well be honest about it.]

I think we should get to work on the lair idea… have somewhere to bug out to if things get bad. Having money and the big apartment is nice and all, but not if some guy is going to try to use us.

[It’s their normal to scavenge and scrounge, so he’s not too worried about that part now that he’s not alone.]

From:

[It's both concerning and reassuring to hear, weird as that may be. But Donnie nods. A backup plan just seems the better idea, especially in a place where so much is different.

People may be more aware of their existence, but it's still been unfortunately proven that it hasn't changed things for the better, and for all that the systems in place look like they're trying to be helpful, there's a lot of things Donnie doesn't trust about it and he knows he's not the only one either.]

I've been looking- still looking, but Central's not New York. But there's gotta be some place.

From:

I'll help you look. [With everything going on he's getting behind on school, but that's fine - he can just get more behind on school, why not?] You're right that there has to be somewhere...

Or... [He frowns.] We could go to this world's New York.

[He's not thrilled about that idea, though. He's not familiar with Central, but that's because he just hasn't lived here that long - easily explainable. If he went to this different world's New York, he thinks it would hit him a lot harder when things aren't where they're supposed to be; when things are different from how he knows them to be.

He already had a minor crisis when he realized this world doesn't have Famous Lou-Mike-Tony-Toney's and that was just one pizza place.]

From:

[To be fair, Donnie's had the same concern and he hadn't even gone to this world's version of New York. Sure, it had been his initial plan, but in retrospect he wonders that it could have just made things worse.

But now there's no real reason to go there anyway. It's not their New York. It won't be home. Anyway, Leo's here, and he hasn't found any reason to go there. Except for perhaps the superior pizza. That he suggests it's an option means so much, especially when Donnie knows his brother's established himself here in Central to some degree. He...doesn't want to take that away from him.]

I don't know if I could take it, honestly. [It's a hard thing to admit.]

We'll figure it out here.

From:

[Leo is relieved that Donnie doesn't want to go there, which is such a weird thing to feel when he's never lived anywhere else before. But it's true - it's not home, and without their family New York is just a city like any other. A really big one, true, but still just that.

Ultimately all that matters is that they're together; the postal code is just the set dressing. (Though, he'd still rather not go to Kansas.)]

Yeah, me either. [Since Donnie admits it, he will too.] It'd be too weird.

We will figure it out. ...Just... don't work yourself too hard, alright?

[Seriously Donnie, how long is The List now?]

From:

Right?

[Kansas is definitely not on the short list of potential residences and only a little ways up from New Jersey.

Donnie snorts, rolling his shoulders back as he flashes Leo a smirk.]

No promises!

[The List, it never ends...

But it gives him things to do, because if he doesn't have things to think about and work out then he'll have time for ~~hopeless~~ other thoughts to pop in his head and he doesn't want to get sucked into that mess. ...no, it's probably not healthy but it's the only thing working for him right now.]

From:

[Uh huh... That answer is garbage, but Leo also knows that, outside of actual missions, he's the last person Donnie is likely to listen to.

Leo rolls his eyes, but he doesn't push the issue.]

Once we make you this lab you'll never come out... Just give me proof of life sometimes, huh?

[Shoulder bump!]

From:

I promise to text you.

[He says this solemnly, although it does make him pause a moment.

After all, it would be pretty dumb to be here and leave Leo still feeling like nothing's changed from the past several months he's been on his own.

...ugh, he hates this feeling that is probably guilt that he otherwise has no previous experience of whatsoever.]

...but in the event that I might lose track of the time- which I never do- [lies] -you can just tell me or something.

Edited Date: 2023-05-08 05:19 am (UTC)

From:

[Leo wouldn't want him to feel anything close to guilt, since it's not like they left him alone on purpose. But still, it means a lot to him that Donnie is willing to say that; it's quite the olive branch, given some of his tendencies.

He grins big at that.]

Of course. I'm gonna drag you out for movie nights and skateboarding time, after all.

[And plenty of other things too, if he gets his way. He was serious that as long as they're here, might as well experience some normal human things. Though really he doesn't care what they do as long as they're doing it together.

Behold Leo: giant sap at heart.]

From:

[That grin says plenty enough. Donnie smiles lopsidedly at that.]

Well I guess I can suffer through that.

[A blatant lie since it's been well-established that there are plenty of interests they've all shared, movie nights and skateboarding among them.

Truthfully it would be good to get him to take a break from all the things he's been amassing to work on, not that it's something Donnie realizes until he's doing things aside from work. It's funny how easily he can forget he likes having fun for all the boasting he does about his brain.]

From:

[Donnie may forget, but Leo won’t. He knows Donnie likes goofing off with the rest of them, even if he wants to act like he doesn’t have time.

Getting a safe place for themselves and studying the Confluence are both important, but he’s not going to let Donnie work himself to the bone over it.]

Speaking of, I think we earned ourselves some couch potato time with our pizza tonight. [He stretches.] I’ll even be nice and let you pick this time.

From:

[Leo heads him off on any scavenging plans for the night...well, there's always afterwards. But Donnie grins at the "generous" offer. Anyway, who's he to snub pizza and movie night?]

Jupiter Jim's Pluto Vacation IV??

From:

I regret letting you pick.

[It's actually no surprise at all that this is his choice but he has to razz him for his very incorrect Jupiter Jim opinions anyway.]

From:

[Someone's looking very smug, but he anticipated Leo's response, more or less.]

No takebacks!

From:

[A very exaggerated sigh!! But fine, he did offer so he'll stick with it.]

Okay... but next time we're watching Jupiter Jim Sails the Seven Galaxies!

From:

[He is going to enjoy every second of this because he can. The following from Leo is completely expected.]

I am willing to allow for that concession.

From:

[Maybe without Raph falling asleep or Mikey to fight with over the JJ helmet he'll actually pay attention all the way through this time. Or not. He's not as big of a fan of the musical numbers in Pluto Vacation IV as Donnie and April are.]

So sweet of you. [Said very deadpan!] But alright, let's get our pizza and get home.

[The sooner they start the sooner it's over!]

From:

Does your teleportation have a range or any weight limits?

[That has been on his mind, among other things, but he really, really doesn't want to interact with Leo's teleportation vectors to find out (for obvious reasons), so asking is his next best option.]

From:

uh
I teleported the tank to another planet once
just for a few seconds though

[Was this reply helpful? 👍 👎]

From:

[Hey.

Hey, Leo.]

What the fuck.

From:

[Heh.]

point is I don’t know if I have a max range or limit
but Im kinda bad at aiming when I move out of what I can see unless I know the area really well

like I could reach into my room from pretty much anywhere but going FROM my room TO anywhere is hard

Edited Date: 2023-05-04 12:39 am (UTC)

From:

[Shit, he doesn't think there are any esper teleporters who can match that. If they did they'd be level 5, for sure.

... Though, he isn't actually sure if there are any level 5 teleporters. It's not like any of the level 5s really interact with each other.]

So familiarity plays into it, even if you can still teleport somewhere you've never been before. Have you ever fucked up a teleportation really badly before? Into a wall, something like that?

From:

[Wow, just going to ask him about his screwups right out of the gate, huh? Because Leo loves talking about those.]

no never into something
ive gone to the wrong place a few times tho

like the other planet thing was a complete accident but I was a little panicked at the time

[He's not bringing up the Tahiti Incident.]

From:

[He's so tactful when it comes to information gathering.]

I see. I guess there's probably a little similarity there, but otherwise your ability to teleport seems completely different from the esper version.

From:

well I don’t have to do any math that’s for sure!

[Luckily he is very good at understanding physics intuitively.]

From:

Espers are still subject to shit like stress and panic, like you are, apparently. There might be other similarities, but an actual scientist specializing in this crap would be a lot better at finding them.

From:

yeah well
can't say id be super excited to have a scientist run tests on me

have spent my whole life trying to avoid that actually!

From:

I know. Chances are they'd chop you into pieces to be used as research material anyways.

[He isn't joking.]

From:

thanks for the mental image buddy

why the interest in my portals anyway?

From:

I was just wondering. Your method of teleportation looks completely different different from the esper version.

From:

but does it look COOLER than the esper version?

[The important question.]

From:

[The answer to that question is 'yes,' but like hell he's going to give Leo a straight compliment.]

Your teleportation has a much more clear visual cue to it. When an esper teleports you blink and they're gone. There's a lot less aesthetic to theirs.

From:

wow sounds pretty boring
even when I do direct teleportation I throw my sword

which looks siiiiiiick

From:

I want to see that sometime.

From:

no surprise there

soon as I get it working again ill show you

From:

Alright.

That was all I wanted to ask, anyways.

From:

k well I have some questions for you

that reflection thing
you told us not to touch you while you had it on but what would happen if we did?

From:

[Accelerator sighs. Fair's fair.]

Bare minimum, you'd break your arm.

From:

ok so we dont want THAT to happen

what about carrying stuff out?
will you be able to with your power on?

From:

Yeah, that's no problem. I can whitelist whatever I need to carry, or shut the reflection off in my hands.

[There are options that aren't 'shut off his entire reflection,' thankfully.]

From:

oh so you can whitelist stuff?

is that like a conscious thing you have to do?

From:

Yes. Once something's whitelisted though, I don't need to think about it. It's not like I'm constantly having to do the calculations to stop reflecting oxygen so I can breathe.

From:

wait you can reflect oxygen??

so could you like
smother somebody?

From:

[...................................]

Do you not know what vectors are?

From:

uh

its a word they have characters in scifi movies say when they want them to seem smart

From:

[Holy shit.]

Fucking hell.

[He only has himself to blame, for making assumptions and not explaining it to begin with....]

Okay, math lesson: no it fucking isn't.

A vector is the quantity you use to represent something, anything, that has a magnitude and a direction. There are tons of different kinds of vectors: a car's acceleration is a vector, your body weight is a vector, the velocity of an airplane taking off is a vector.

An object with vectors isn't limited to something tangible, either. Forces like gravity, and magnetism have vectors, even though you can't reach out and touch them. The size of an object doesn't matter, either. Molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide have vectors, and so do entire goddamned planets.

By altering something's vectors you can speed it up, slow it down, or change its direction. That sounds like dogshit, but it has a lot of uses. For our mission I can't change the density of some heavy piece of equipment, but I can alter its vectors upwards so it's easy to lift.

That's how I cracked the floor in that building when we were training. I can alter the vectors in my body to be stronger and faster than I look, but the kinetic forces involved in pushing myself off that hard broke the ground. It's along the same lines as you punching a window and causing it to crack, except all I did was tap my foot to start moving.

Does that make sense?

From:

[Damn, that sure is a text wall. Leo spends a minute just squinting at the length of it. Then he decides to go look at Twitter for a bit.

Then he comes back and actually tries to read this thing.

He has to admit that the explanation is pretty comprehensive, even with all the cursing. Accelerator acts annoyed with him but still spent all that time typing it up!

So this is what he meant when he said he uses math to manipulate vectors or whatever. Leo understands the broad strokes now, at least. Not that it matters all that much to him how it works as long as he knows how he can use it.]

yeah ok
so what im getting from this is

you COULD smother someone

From:

[Accelerator actually assumes for a little while that Leo has just abandoned any attempt at reading all of that. He probably should have made it shorter, or just said yes, but it's pretty important that he understands how vector manipulation works. If only so he gets how massively dangerous the reflection portion of it is.

That said, he is completely unamused by the reply that appears on his phone.

It's so good this isn't face-to-face because Accelerator wants to strangle him right now.]

Yes, you son of a bitch. I could smother someone.

From:

wiiiiild

ok but now that I get it I see how it would be useful for a lot of things
so ill keep it in mind

[Leo's job is to get people where they need to go to use their skills most effectively, or at least, that's how it is in his mind.]

From:

Good. If you've got other questions, even if they're dumb as hell like that one, just ask them. I'd rather you have an answer than assume shit.

From:

hey I dont think it was dumb!
but yeah sure ill message you if I think of anything else

[Get ready for stupid questions at stupid o'clock, Accelerator.]

From:

[He's making the wild assumption that Leo has something of a normal sleep schedule.]

Alright. Anything else?

From:

[Surprise! You’d think going to school would even out his sleep schedule, but the ol’ insomnia means that sometimes he’s awake whenever.]

I think I’m good

From:

formerspybrat

[While Danny and Leo might not exactly be close, he was still just about the closest thing Danny has to a friend his own age. And as more and more shit starts hitting the fan that's enough to push Danny past any lingering social anxiety and get him to reach out. However hostile things were getting for the majority of Starfallen, it had to be a hell of a lot worse for anyone like Leo who couldn't hide their mutation without the help of the Guilds.]

Hey. Things are getting pretty crazy and it sounded like the quarantine still isn't coming down anytime soon. Just kinda wanted to check-in. How are you holding up?

From:

[Leo appreciates Danny reaching out. Having friends, or close to it, is always good.]

hey man

no idea whats gonna happen with that but im chill. not like ive ever done a lot of traveling

howre you?

From:

formerspybrat

i'm alright

[Definitely not quietly panicking and rolling a few really stupid and risky plans around in his head. Nope, nope. It's all chill. But speaking of stupid plans...]

say, how married are you to the idea of riding things out there as opposed to, like, sneaking out to a carnival in Little Love?

[It's really, really stupid. But with how fast things are going downhill he's got a bad feeling this could be the last shot at some fun before stuff gets real bleak, or at least before he gets himself into some real trouble.]

From:

[Oh? Oh ho ho, now we’re talkin’.]

I may be up for some infidelity

your not scared that im actually a pod person?

From:

formerspybrat

shit, i didn't think of that

are you a pod person?

From:

pod-sibly

but pod-brably not

From:

formerspybrat

oof! walked right into that one

I should leave you there just for the crime of being pun-ny [Awful pun gets a worse pun! Take that!]

From:

oh but wouldn’t you rather hear my jokes in person? they can only go up from here

From:

formerspybrat

i guess you got a point there

think you can meet me here? [He sends an address to a small side street inside the edge of the city, a decent way from any of the major checkpoints.]

security is pretty lax in this area

From:

sure thing

dont worry I can be super sneaky

[He says it like a joke but he can actually be sneaky.]

From:

formerspybrat

[He just sends a gif as a response.]

>>> Action

[Tucked up on a fire escape, he waits for Leo to hopefully pop up. Sitting with his legs dangling off the side, arms loosely crossed over the lower half of the railing. His presence might not be obvious to anyone just walking by, but he wouldn't be hard to spot if someone was looking for him. A duffle bag stuffed with clothes and supplies he'd snuck into Central City with him is set tightly beside him.]

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[And pop up Leo does, pretty soon after their scheduled time to meet. He's actually up on the roof, so he ends up leaning his head over the fire escape and whistling at him.]

Hey man, up here!

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formerspybrat

[The sudden whistle from above catches Danny off guard enough to get a yelp out of him. A knee nearly bangs into the lower rung of the railing in his mad dash to stand up and look up at the source of the voice. At the sight of the other boy, coiled stress bubbles out of him in a breathy laugh that he quickly forces himself to cut off.

Hot damn, Leo really wasn't kidding about being super sneaky! It's not often someone could manage to sneak up on him, especially when he's anticipating them. The last people to pull that off had been Joey, who was raised and trained by parents who were ex-military turned assassins, and Faraday...If Faraday had seen this he would have ripped into him and never let him live it down.

~ a press of cold metal to the back of his head "bang. you're dead kid." ~

One of many, many reasons to be glad he wasn't in this universe.

Leaving the duffle bag where it sat, he climbed the fire escape to join Leo on the roof, promptly giving him a teasing knock to the bicep with the side of his hand.]

Give a guy a heart attack why don't 'cha!

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[Well, he is a ninja! Combine that with years of having to avoid people, and he’s gotten really good at staying unseen and unheard.

Leo snickers, allowing the knock. He deserved that.]

Heh, sorry! Didn’t want to be noticed around here.

[He bounces on his feet.] So where are we goin’? I’m so ready to get out of here.

[All the quarantine stuff and the censorship and Fantastic’s rise has got him feeling antsy. He’d like to forget it for awhile.

He did notice the duffle, so he wonders what that’s all about…]

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formerspybrat

[Forgetting everything for a while was exactly what Danny was aiming for. They just had to figure out how to break back out of here first. Getting in wasn't hard, but he suspected they didn't exactly care too much about keeping people out.]

Well, I came in from that way. There were only two people patrolling the area that I saw. One on the ground and one in the air.

[Over the rooftops in the direction Danny points tword, a figure can be seen. Far enough away they shouldn't be spotted by them where they're at, but close enough to see that the figure is using some form of jet pack.]

I figure we get past them, out'a the city, and we can teleport to Little Love.

[Easy peasy! So long as they didn't get caught.]

Not sure what all powers they got, but the one on the ground seems like they can sense people from about a 15 to 20-foot radius. They lost interest in me when I got far enough into the quarantine zone though, so I don' know how long they can track someone after they catch wind of 'um.

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[Leo pays attention to this info, cataloguing it. Two people patrolling, one on foot and one in the air; shouldn't be too hard!]

Let's assume they can track for a pretty long time, just in case. The easiest thing to do is not get caught at all.

[Easier said than done, of course, but Leo sounds pretty confident.]

Usually I'd go by rooftop, but with that one flying around that won't help too much. We can take the streets, stay in shadow, and try to stay out of that tracker's range. [He grins.] Should be a piece of cake!

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[It's a few hours after Chaos Gate and Fantastic have disappeared that Accelerator is able to find somewhere halfway quiet and pull out his phone.]

You two better still be alive after all that shit.

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[Boy is Leo glad to see this message, Accelerator’s predictable bad mood aside.]

obviously we are
we can handle a little monster fight

how bout you?

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[Likewise Donnie's relieved to get that ping. He doesn't have to pull out his phone to make his reply.]

Can't get rid of us that easily Rator.

I'm assuming since you're texting us you're at least coherent.

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[Bluh please!!!]

Who the fuck do you two think I am? I don't have a scratch on me. This was nothing.

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funny way to spell "thanks for checking on me my beloved friends Leo and Donnie"

we saw you were right in the middle of it

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Yeah, I mean, even though you can literally make everything bounce off of you doesn't mean we can't show some concern.

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It's an incredible waste of energy, you idiots.

Anyways, when I touched Fantastic I picked up on some kind of fucked up vectors. It might've been magical or something, it reminded me of when I touched Donatello's mystic tech.

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[He's not bothering with a response to that first one.]

huh

did it have to do with the goddess thing you think?

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Not because of the whole...mutant bird thing going on, was it?

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I don't know. It felt like a connection, I guess, but it didn't seem to connect him to anything. It just disappeared in the air.

Not sure if these vectors existed back when Fantastic was a person. I didn't touch him until he was that giant goddamn bird.

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sounds ominous

when you touched D's mystic tech it exploded
did that happen with this?

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Concerning, but I'm not sure what we're supposed to do with that. Did you sense it before it dispersed? And would you be able to pick up similar...frequencies of that sort if it came up again?

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No. I think we're all fucking lucky it didn't interact with my reflection. I was feeling it through Fantastic's body since I was touching him, and my reflection was off in my fingertips. As far as I can tell it disappeared on its own.

I don't have the formula for it down, but I could probably sense it again if it attached to someone or something else. My ability works when a vector touches me, it's only remote when I pull out those wings from the recycling facility. I'm not going to do that, those things are a pain in the ass.

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oh yeah
you never explained what the heck that was

anyway weird
maybe whatever it was attaching fantastic to didn't want you to get too much data on it

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Gathering from what I'm assuming was the "Lady of Endings" had said during that broadcast, I guess it makes sense to assume it was some link with her and Fantastic. She basically used him, so either she was controlling him or using him as a host in a way? Both unpleasant to think about.

She did say something about being able to manifest if he managed to do his part. So either you accidentally broke the connection or like Leo said, it didn't want to be found out for whatever it might have really been.

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I've never run into a god before, or some being referring to itself as such. What a pain in the ass, she's the most likely candidate, isn't she? So either I broke it or she severed it.

[God, why did he have to sense that stupid connection.]

Fucking hell. I guess we can't leave it alone, can we? We should see if anyone else has information on this pissant 'god.'

By the way, I whitelisted both of you.

[Just casually dropping that there.]

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👀👀👀👀👀
oooooooooooo reeeaaallllllyyyy

[Sorry, he knows this god stuff is important, but Accelerator just said something way more interesting to him.

(This is how Leo gets un-whitelisted.)]

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Good to know.

[He's leaving Accy to his fate when it comes to encouraging Leo there. Meanwhile Donnie stays on topic.]

Well she did make quite the spectacle with that appearance. And apparently she's still got followers, which once again proves how crazy cultists can be. So if we wanted to look into it, I guess going after them would be the most obvious thing.

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[Leo. Leo, is this the life decision you want to make.]

Don't push it, Leonardo. I'll blacklist you again.

I suppose. If I can touch one of them without those power nullifiers going I should be able to tell whether they've got a tether like Fantastic's. Even if they don't they might know something about it.

[He's willing to do some... interrogation....]

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[You know the answer to that question.]

I promise I will not abuse this privilege

so we need to find one of their followers, get rid of the power nullifier, and let you go to town
guy on wombat said the followers sometimes leave behind magic traces when they cast spells
maybe D's goggles can pick up on it

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[Donnie gives it till the next chance they're all hanging out in person, or at least whenever Leo find himself in the same breathing space as Accelerator.]

Theoretically any sort of magic use will leave behind traces, so it depends on what type of spell and how recent. ...but if I can get a visual sample, that'll make it easier to identify any future instances in connection with them.

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[Accelerator is already having regrets.]

Hm. Arcadia probably has traces all over the place from the guards that were stationed there.

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sooo
we just sneak into arcadia?

[Seems to be what they’re leading up to here.]

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[Traces of other things too. Donnie tries not to think about that too much.]

I'm not too sure what the current status of it is after everything that's happened, but it's the most obvious place to start.

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[Accelerator isn't bothered at all.]

Alright. We start with Arcadia and go from there.

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[They'll just try to avoid that part.]

alright its decided
but if they have some dumb nightmare room were turning right back around this time

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I concur.

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Agreed.

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hey grab me a coffee from the fridge
I stole some cans from Rator

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your legs broken or smth?

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I'm busy and I know you're not doing anything

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excuse you! my time for doing nothing is super valuable!

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See, you're only proving my point

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[Leo going "UGH!" at the top of his lungs can likely be heard through the wall.]

fine ill get your coffee but only because im the best brother in this and all possible worlds

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[Victoryyyyy. Leo can't see it but Donnie is totally smirking while he continues to browse through sites.]

uh-huh

[Could he have just asked him to come over there or just gone himself? ...yeah. But what fun would that be?]

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[The fun would be in Leo not having to be his errand boy!

But fine, he's going to the kitchen and getting the coffee. While he's in here he might as well grab a soda for himself before heading for Donnie's room.

It's a little tempting to throw the coffee at Donnie once he gets there, but knowing their luck it'll conk him in the skull and the last thing he needs is more head trauma, so Leo walks over nicely and clunks the can down.]

Alright, what are you so busy with that you can't walk thirty feet to the fridge.

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Research.

[Naturally Donnie doesn't even look up as he scrolls through a laptop, glancing between that screen and the holo-one hovering in the air above his forearm.]

-thanks.

[He at least remembers some manners, though he frowns at his screen while he reaches over to pick up the coffee can. There might be some names that catch Leo's eye if he looks at the screens, particularly D'Amico.]

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[Just a one-word answer, wow. Leo is pretty happy to be spared any infodumping, and is about to be on his way, just offering Donnie's thanks a hum and a slurp from his own drink. That is, until he catches a glance at that screen, and...]

Wait, the D'Amicos? What are you looking them up for?

[That's definitely not a name he expected to see.]

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[SLuuuuuurping coffee.]

Mm? Oh. Well technically I wasn't looking for them specifically...

[He sits back a bit from hunching over the laptop but the holoscreen continues to scroll and click through things as he sips his coffee.]

I know I've heard the name around but I never actually looked into them until now.

[Finally Donnie does cast a look at Leo, out of the corner of his eye.]

You're familiar with them?

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...Not directly.

[At least, he hasn't gone looking for them. Even though he learned their name, he didn't go after revenge. And so many other things have happened since then, it ended up low on the priority list.

But now Donnie is looking into them, for... some reason. Which worries him, mainly because...]

Remember when Huv got shot? That was them.

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[That effectively gets the movement on the holoscreen to halt as Donnie turns his head to look at Leo.]

Oh. Ooh. ...

[He grimaces a little as what snippets of that heated conversation he'd caught between Leo and Huvrye that night surface in his mind. Not that it hadn't become clear enough that the D'Amicos are dangerous the moment he started pulling up articles.]

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Yeah.

[Though he hadn't actually learned that from Huvrye. Getting any info from him about it had been like pulling teeth. And without that source, Leo had had to look for another.

Which leads him to the most obvious question:]

But why are you suddenly interested?

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Uh.

[There's just a slight hesitation, but Donnie turns his attention to the screens to pull up some key windows as he does what he does best, infodump.]

Well, I was looking up info on a completely different group called the Bronze Owls. They were a big deal back in the past I guess, but I'd never come across the name in the present. Turns out the daughter of the original leader of the Owls ended up marrying into the D'Amicos.

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The Bronze Owls...

[Never heard of 'em. But it sounds like a classic case of one crime family merging with another via marriage.]

So what's their deal? Did you have a run-in with them back in the past or something?

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[It's a pretty obvious assumption but Donnie can't help but look more than a little guilty as he quickly flicks a look back and forth from Leo to his compiled research.]

Errr...

Kind of?

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[Yeeeaaah... he doesn't like that answer at all.

Immediately Leo is leaning into Donnie's space, sliding an arm over his shoulder.]

Gonna elaborate on that?

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[Donnie tries to lean away anyway, making a face before pointedly looking anywhere but Leo-wards.]

...as in I may or may not have thwarted a bank robbery they were involved in and ended up getting the attention of their leader. And kinda sorta gotforcedintobreakingintothebanktogetwhatshewanted.

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[He’s liking this less and less.]

“Got forced into” as in… [Leo pulls his arm off Donnie’s shoulders, but doesn’t fully move away.] She threatened you?

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Well. Ye~s?

[Donnie still remains leaning away, his expression souring slightly at the admission. He let down his guard and isn't particularly proud that he'd gotten caught but he's not about to tell that part to Leo.]

-anyway, saying yes was about the only option at the time, short of trying to fight off her whole gang.

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[Donnie’s thinking of how he let his guard down, and Leo’s thinking about how some gang leader got ahold of him and Leo didn’t even know. She didn’t hurt him, but if she had…

Leo takes a deep breath before his mind runs off down dark paths. Donnie’s fine, he’s right here. It’s not like he never ran afoul of villains without Leo or the others around before.

(They just feel a lot less invincible, these days.)

Leo straightens up and out of Donnie’s space, but still puts a hand on his shoulder. He’s here, he’s fine.]

…So what did she want?

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[Not mentioning the bat to the head, nope!

Donnie tenses slightly under Leo's hand before relaxing again. It really isn't too difficult to guess at where his brother's train of thought might have gone. He just hates the delayed guilt in not having let Leo know about it, but he still figures it wouldn't have made much of a difference. Things had happened, he'd managed to get out of it and more importantly, avoided further trouble.

Leo's question prompts Donnie to reach for a sheet of paper he has tucked under the edge of the laptop. He holds it up, a listing of seemingly random numbers, frequencies, one can determine by the Hz written after each. Some are crossed out, others circled with question marks.]

It was in a lock box. I realized all the circled numbers are within the range for ultrasonic sound, but I'm not sure to what purpose. But I figured if it was in a lock box in a bank and a crimelord wanted it so badly, it probably wasn't something to just hand over.

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[Probably for the best if he doesn't!

Leo takes the paper, finally letting go of Donnie in the process. He looks it over, sipping his drink while he does. Unsurprisingly, this all means jack shit to him, but Donnie has it figured out already so that helps put the numbers in... at least some context.]

And then not-Godfall happened and we all got out of there. [He hands the paper back.] Ultrasonic means... the frequency's too high for people to hear, right?

[So a list with some values crossed out and some circled with question marks... maybe the results of a test? Or maybe a specific frequency is needed for... something. But if Donnie doesn't have any ideas, Leo sure doesn't.]

I wonder if not getting her hands on this changed history at all...

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[Donnie's just glad Leo hasn't focused on the part about him breaking into a bank. He nods, reaching for his can of coffee again to sip from.]

Yeah, anything above twenty thousand hertz is beyond the range of standard human hearing. But the application isn't purely in sound, but in vibration. Anyway, there's a broad potential for it and not knowing exactly what it was intended for is all the difference, in this particular case.

[Frowning again, Donnie, pulls up some articles he'd grabbed from his research endeavors. He taps at the picture that comes up in one of the windows, a grainy picture of a blond-haired woman in a fitted business suit.]

Halone Reach. She was head of the Bronze Owls, which was made up of both metas and normal humans, a big name during that time in Central. From my digging, it seems she had it out for Atomight in particular, and not too long after we left, she personally went after him but it ended pretty badly for her.

[She hadn't died, but reports mention Atomight had saved her from the building collapse, though unable to avoid saving her leg from being crushed.]

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[They destroyed millions of dollars worth of art in one night for a “team-building” exercise, Donnie breaking into a bank is the least of his problems.]

So her daughter stepped up. Joined the D’Amicos. And they have beef with that Red Hood guy, which is what lead to Huvrye getting shot.

[And he’s totally unrepentant! Though… Leo hates to admit it, but he doesn’t think the guy is a monster. Just a jerk.]

Nobody knows you have that, right?

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[Excellent point. Not that this will really help dissuade him from future potential infractions.]

Pretty much.

...the Backbreakers, right?

[He'd come across the names, and while he didn't really formally go through any introductions with the guy when he'd helped Red Hood out during the fight out in Excelsior, it hadn't been hard nailing down a name to put to face- or mask, in this case.]

Not to my knowledge. [Donnie shakes his head as he tucks the paper back under his laptop, falling silent for a bit as he mulls things over his coffee.]

I mean, I'm not sure if anyone had attempted to break into the bank after I never followed through with a delivery, much less if it was successful and they found the box empty.

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[If he becomes a full time villain then Leo may have to do something about it. For now Leo doesn’t… think he has to worry about it.]

Yeah. Not a very inspired name, but what do you expect coming from a guy who names himself something as basic as “Red Hood”?

[As though Leo is really one to talk here, since he has only ever used his own name, but anyway.]

It was like, almost forty years ago from their perspective, right? They probably think you’re long gone by now, maybe even dead.

Then again… [He sighs dramatically.] Our gorgeous green skin and movie star looks do tend to stick in people’s minds. Plus you’ve got that big forehead.

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Heh, true.

[At least Raph had put some effort into making his alias an acronym...which...really wasn't much of a difference in the end.]

I was thinking along the same lines. Of course, I have no idea if Elena Reach-D'Amico is holding any of her mother's grudges.

[He shoots a glare over at Leo then, suppressing the urge to finger his poor head. No, not at all self-conscious shutup Leo.]

...you know, the Bronze Owls practically dissolved in existence not too long after she married into the family, and the D'Amicos aren't exactly fans of metas. Now, I'm just theorizing, but if this information was to be applied against a certain meta by some means or another, then there's a chance Elena's still got whatever her mother had been planning or working on.

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[Leo has to razz him, it's his duty as his only other middle brother.

But picking on Donnie aside, this is an interesting point he's bringing up now.]

And so... if someone were to find out where Elena Reach-D'Amico keeps all her important villainy stuff, they may be able to solve this mystery. And perhaps even prevent her from using it on any unsuspecting metas in the future.

[Just, you know... a non-specific someone or someones.]

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Exactly. Entirely theoretical, of course. If it's purely information-based then it'll be harder to get a hold of.

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True...

[Leo turns it over in his head. He has a suggestion, but he kind of hates it.]

...We could ask Hoodie himself. Since he's all up in their business, maybe he knows something about it.

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[Donnie peers at him as he sips at his coffee again.]

It couldn't hurt. What better way to get some dirt on people than from someone who's been intimately involved with them?

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Alright. [He grimaces.] Uh, just so you know, he's not super forthcoming. At least not with me.

[Which is rude, because really, doesn't Leo look like a person you'd want to tell everything to?]

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...what did you do.

[Because clearly something must have happened.]

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Why do you assume I did anything?

[Don’t answer that.]

I just… went to have a friendly chat with him after Huvrye got shot, that’s all.

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[That eyebrow ticks up a notch, but Donnie simply waits this time until Leo makes his explanation.]

..."Friendly" doesn't seem to fit in that context.

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Well, it was! It's not like we fought or anything...

[It's a low bar, but he cleared it.]

He wasn't too intimidated by me. [Or impressed in general, which, rude!] But that's okay. Maybe it's better if he's not expecting much.

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[Donnie sighs at that.]

Well, if we're doing this, then maybe try not to instigate anything, huh? Or maybe I should just do this on my own.

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[Ouch, that hurt a little. Not that Leo is going to let it show on his face.]

Awww, come on! I'm the face-man, remember? You can trust me!

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You already admitted that he's not been very forthcoming with you! [Just pointing that out. Should he replay it?]

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So what, you think you can do better?

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As a matter of fact? Yes. Yes I do. Didn't have a problem talking with him before. Also he thinks my mystic-tech is cool.

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You… Wait, when did you talk to him!?

[Has Donnie just been hanging out with crime lords on the regular??]

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[Donnie sighs exasperatedly at that. What's with that response?]

During the big fight out in Excelsior! I helped him out when we were fighting those weird monsters and things that took other forms.

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[What is with the sigh! At least the context isn’t as bad as he thought…]

Society got ordered to help with that, too. It doesn’t mean he’ll be nice to you if you just show up on his turf.

Edited Date: 2023-12-04 05:57 am (UTC)

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We got along fine! Anyway, if he does happen to have any attitude problems then I can just say he owes it to me.

[He decides against telling Leo that he'd offered his assistance if Hood ever thought he might need it.]

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[Leo grumbles under his breath, rubbing at his forehead, before he finally speaks where Donnie can hear him again.]

Listen, even if he is cool with you, it’s dangerous to be around him. Did you forget the part where Huvrye got shot just for being seen working with him?

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No, because I just found out about that part. [He arches a brow at Leo, almost challengingly.]

If that's the case, then I just won't be seen.

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[Right, okay, fair… Still!]

You say that, but then you tell me that you already had a different criminal forcing you to rob banks!

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How was I supposed to know the job I thwarted was under a big-name crime lord, there was no internet!!

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That doesn’t matter if you don’t get seen!

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Oh like you were staying out of sight yourself!!

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I was only noticed by the people I wanted to be noticed by! Like a good face-man!

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[Donnie rolls his eyes.]

Uh-huh, yeah. Anyway, I stayed well out of sight after I didn't deliver the lock box.

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Well thank goodness for that! It’d be pretty hard for me to save you from a kidnapping when I don’t even know about it.

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I could have saved myself just fine but I didn't want to blow things up with my mystic-tech. The timeline was already getting screwed up as it was with us just being there.

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Both you and the timeline would be just fine if you avoided getting caught in the first place!

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OKAY! So I screwed up! I admit it!

[He sighs exasperatedly, crunching the coffee can until a golden glow envelopes it in his hand, and it's just suddenly not there any more.]

Want me to go build a time machine so I can go back and fix that? Okay, fine, sure, yeah, I'll just do that.

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[That… was a weird thing that just happened, and Leo almost gets derailed. But the time machine comment pulls him back.]

No, I don’t want you doing that! Maybe just lay off the traveling for the foreseeable future!

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[Donnie forces a laugh at that.]

I was being sarcastic! -and what are you going to do, ground me? I'm sorry- one, you're not dad and two- you know that never works anyway!

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Well maybe I ought to ground you! Hmph!

[Leo throws his hands up.]

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Well you can't!

[He huffs and starts gathering his things.]

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Where are you going now?!

[Leo wasn’t really serious about the grounding thing (Donnie’s right anyway, none of them have ever abided by a grounding), but he’s still annoyed (and a little worried) by the sudden turn.]

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Somewhere where I can actually think and not have to deal with this situation!

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Well… fine!

[Leo leaves the room ahead of Donnie, going to his own room and slamming the door behind him.]

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[Donnie continues getting his stuff, sliding it into a backpack, not even bothering to look back as Leo storms out. He does cringe at the sound of the door, pausing a moment at the distasteful reminder of too many an argument between Leo and Raph. At least Mikey's not here to have to listen to it.

It does leave a bad taste in Donnie's mouth though, and shaking his head, he goes to grab his hoodie and a jacket, pulling both on before slinging the backpack over his shoulder. Then he heads out, only then sparing a look towards Leo's door before he goes.]

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[Left on whatever clear spot he's able to find at the time: A map. It's a printout of the city with the apartment circled- a starting point, and ...a QR code with Donnie's trademark symbol in the middle of it. When scanned, it provides an overlay to the map, purple lines blazing along streets from the apartment to a point marked with the familiar insignia inscribed on their belts. It's not an overly complicated venture, as much fun as that might be, but Donnie's just as eager to see Leo get to the goal than he is to watch his brother jump through as many hoops as possible. ...that and there's the chance that Leo might realize when he's just getting yanked around and cheat.

The end destination is an old garage, part of an abandoned auto tune-up joint. The rest is in shambles, but the garage is actually locked up tight. The door however will start to open once Leo comes within a couple feet of it, spotlights turning on to highlight what's parked inside: a motorcycle trimmed in iridescent electric blue. Okay, it's not a lightcycle, its previous life was that of a more standard motorcycle body than a sportsbike but its got some thick wheels that could have been lightcycle worthy, not as big as but reminiscent of those on the Shell Hogs. The real fun is when it's turned on, activating a blaze of neon lighting that streaks along the chassis from head to exhaust, and along the rims of each side of those wheels. It's been set to turn on for the inauguration run, but has a switch to turn them off and on otherwise. Because let's be real, the best time for this baby to shine is at night!

...and because it's Donnie there's of course an owner's manual, but thankfully it's not encyclopedia-sized. It is however still light novel-sized.]

Edited Date: 2023-12-20 08:03 am (UTC)

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[Leo is confused when he sees the map at first, but once he scans the QR code he figures it out. Leave it to Donnie to be super dramatic about what Leo assumes is his Christmas present!

(He isn’t really complaining.)

He tucks his own present for Donnie under his arm, then makes his way to the spot marked on the map, arriving pretty quickly all things considered. He’s tempted to portal inside when he sees the locked door, but it opens for him before he has to.

When he goes inside, his jaw drops, and he very nearly fumbles the present he’s holding.]

No waaaaaaaaaaay!

[He sets the present down gently in a clear space, then skips over gleefully to the motorcycle, running his hands and fingers over the handlebars, the seat, the rims. Donnie has built lots of cool things, and the Shell Hogs were always a favorite of Leo’s, but this bike is so clearly specifically in his style that it instantly jumps to the top of the list.]

Oh mama, I am going to get so many speeding tickets with this thing.

[He finally pulls his eyes away from the bike, searching the derelict building for any sign of Donnie. He’s gotta be here somewhere.

(The user manual is going ignored for now.)]

From:

[Donnie's sitting at the top of a rolling stepladder that's been pushed to the side and had been watching Leo's progress in making his way over. In the end he's kind of glad he hadn't made it overly complicated because waiting in a cold garage is pretty boring. At least his efforts have not been wasted as Leo's tracker finally arrives at the door, and he swipes his screen off, turning his attention down below.

He grins at Leo's reaction, kicking his feet back and forth as he watches his brother scope out the motorcycle. Nothing makes him happier than seeing his brothers actually excited about anything he's made, especially if it's for them. Sure, their conversation about lightcycles might have been offhand but these are things Donnie always takes into consideration. The project had been ongoing since then, and the payoff, well, hardly anything needs be said as he sees his brother go round and round the motorcycle.

When Leo finally manages to pry his attention away from the bike, Donnie gives him a little wave once he looks in his direction, getting up to drop down to ground level.]

From:

[Leo spots the wave, and waits for Donnie to join him, bouncing on his feet. His grin is big enough to hurt, eyes wide and sparkling, looking every bit as excited as he ever did for Christmas as a turtle tot.]

Dee! This is insane, dude! [He flits around it again, as though he has to show it to Donnie himself.] You actually made me a lightcycle!

[Sure, it's not literally one, but Leo gets the inspiration.

Finally he lets go of the bike and holds open his arms, still grinning.]

Come on, you know I gotta hug you for this one.

From:

[Wow, Leo looks like he's about to explode. Has Donnie ever seen him this happy since he'd gotten here?

He lets out a laugh as Leo makes another circuit around the bike.]

As close as I could manage anyway. A lot of leeway on interpretation, admittedly, but anyway! I take it you like it.

[The gesture isn't surprising- it's more of a surprise that Leo's managed to peel himself away from the motorcycle. Donnie forces a sigh with a roll of his eyes, mostly for appearance's sake as he eventually brings his arms up.]

Okay, fine. Bring it in.

[All the same, he'll offer a tight hug. He's so glad they managed to make up with each other, it would have made things so much more awkward.]

Merry Christmas, brother.

From:

[Leo’s glad they did, too; he hates being mad at his brothers anytime, or them being mad at him, but on Christmas? That would have been criminal.

But he’s been trying to be good and give Donnie more space since their argument. Not in a distant way, but just so he isn’t hovering. He can’t help worrying but he doesn’t have to make it Donnie’s problem.

Which is how he missed out on Donnie scoping out abandoned chop shops for his Christmas scavenger hunt. Not that Leo worried much about that particular activity.]

I love it. Seriously.

[Leo hugs tight, too - not just for the gift. It’s Christmas! And he’s not going to say it for the sake of his reputation, but he’s happy they’re together.]

Merry Christmas! And, oh-

[He ends the hug so he can jog back to his gift and bring it over. The wrapping job is a bit messy and haphazard, and there’s an envelope taped to the top, but Leo has never been one for presentation when it comes to these things.]

This is yours!

[Inside the box is a bomber jacket that Leo caught Donnie waffling over during one of their more recent shopping trips. It was a little pricey, but Leo made it work (he maybe dipped in for a little extra on one of his Society jobs before he officially returned to the Alliance - no one has to know!). It’s a deep plum color with satiny lining, and there’s room for patches - Leo took the opportunity to go ahead and add one, the dark outline of a rocket affixed to one of the sleeves.

As for the card, it’s simple on its own (Season’s Greetings, with to D from Leo scribbled on the inside), but what’s in it is more interesting.

1. A coupon for a Hawaiian pizza. Leo is still Leo and always has to slip a joke gift in somewhere.

2. A brand new library card, with Donatello written across the front.]

From:

[Donnie's happy they're together too, but he figures that much is obvious enough to go unsaid. He lets himself enjoy that embrace for what it is before Leo releases him. Hm? Oh right, he'd brought something too.

The wrapping is utterly atrocious but thankfully Donnie knows his brother enough not to expect a fantabulous job there. It doesn't keep him from being curious about the contents, of course. He starts with the card because there's a certain order to things, his smile turning dry at the coupon, giving Leo a flat if amused look there because of course Leo would. He figures the card is a gift card but he's so glad he's wrong then as he instantly recognizes it for what it is once he gives it a proper look.]

GASP is this really- ohmigosh it is!

[It's amazing how excited a guy can get over a library card but here we are. But Donnie remembers that there's more to this than just a card, so he tucks the library card (and the coupon) into his pocket so he can get to ripping off the rest of the wrapping on that box, letting everything fall to the floor as he pulls out what's inside.]

OH my gosh you did not!

[Insert little happy dance here. He holds it at arms-length to give it a good look over, front and back, oohing over the patch already applied, rubbing his face against the satiny smooth lining and then scrambling to pull the jacket on because it needs to be worn Right Now.]

From:

[Seeing his brother so excited over the gifts makes Leo smile as big as as he had over the bike. Gifts may not be his main way of showing affection, but he’s happy when he gets it right.]

Eh, you’ve been too busy to get your own, so I did it for you. Now you can stop mooching.

[He says this about the library card, but his tone is lighthearted. It wasn’t a big deal, now that Donnie’s more or less a recognized citizen.

Donnie puts on the jacket, and Leo gives him a thumbs up. He’s leaning back against his bike like he just wants to stay in contact with it.]

Ah yeah, looking stylish, bro.

From:

Right, right- so now you can use your own card to its full extent without having to worry if the books you borrow go over the limit.

[He says so with a grin. They can't be too mushy so of course there have to be some friendly jabs, but the fact that Leo had gotten him his own library card still means so much to Donnie.

But it is all about the jacket right now, and he strikes a pose or two because he certainly feels stylish!]

I'm never wearing anything else again. Okay, that's an exaggeration but that is to say, as someone who does not express emotions, I love this.

[He gives himself a hug because he's embarrassing, and then he spins around and steps over to pick up a box from under an old worktable, pushing it into Leo's hands.]

Here, it goes with the motorcycle. Admittedly I cheated with that one but I figured a custom motorcycle needed something to match.

[In this case he means a brand spankin' new motorcycle helmet, matching the blue of the bike itself, with two streaks of red slashed across the front in mimic of Leo's own facial markings, though the reds taper farther back along the top of the helmet. It also features a mirrored visor, and closer inspection of the interior suggests speakers and a mic built into it so it can be synced to Leo's phone.]

From:

Hah, yeah, suuure. That's what I was thinking.

[He rolls his eyes at that. But he can't help but grin, watching Donnie pose in his jacket. He's glad Donnie likes it, and he sure hopes nothing weird happens to this one.

(He's still not totally sure what happened to the last purple jacket, actually...)

Donnie starts getting embarrassing with it - filming him is tempting, but it's Christmas so Leo will be nice.

But now there's another gift!? He blinks in surprise as the box is shoved into his hands, but when he opens it...]

...Oh yes. Oooooh, yes yes yes.

[He is putting this baby on right now.]

This is sick! You nailed it! [He strikes his own pose.] How do I look? Amazing? I look amazing, right?

From:

[He shall never speak of the fate of his poor satin purple jacket; a tragic story about love, betrayal and revenge...

It's far from his mind anyway. Donnie cackles as Leo puts the helmet on, whipping out his phone. Oh, they look so good right now- he's so taking pictures.]

Man, I'm almost jealous and I made the thing! I'm so glad it came out all right- but you make that look good. Get in here!

[Because he's getting a shot of them and the bike if he can manage the right angle.]

From:

[Leo laughs from inside the helmet, hopping in to take the selfie with Donnie.]

I think we can safely conclude we are the most stylish turtles in the multiverse, hermano.

[With the mirrored visor it's impossible to see his expression, so he settles for a thumbs up with his hand instead, tossing his other arm around Donnie's shoulders.]

Be sure you get your jacket and the bike. Gotta show the whole picture.

From:

Way ahead of you, bro.

[He mystic-tech's a selfie stick to make sure they get the best of everything.]

Aaaaand Merry Christmas suckaaaz, you wish you were as cool as us.

[Telling the multiverse right now, even if he's not sticking this on any socials.]

From:

Merry Christmas suckaaaaz!

[He'll happily echo the sentiment. They are absolutely the coolest, for real.]

From:

[Donnie snaps a couple shots before retrieving his phone to look them over with Leo.]

So. Accy's next home screen, yes/no?

From:

[He takes off the helmet so he can look. Yep, that’s two handsome turtles right there.]

Absolutely yes. He’ll love it.

From:

[Donnie goes ahead and sends the pics to Leo. He smirks, nodding.]

Consider it done.

From:

[Leo will probably set that as his home screen later; his lock screen stays the picture of all of them together.]

Sure - but right now you wanna see what my new baby can do?

From:

[As if Donnie's grin couldn't get any bigger.]

Oh, you know it!

From:

Then hop on, hermano!

[He pulls his shiny new helmet on and hops on himself, turning the key and crowing excitedly as it fires up.]

Oh, this is soooooo nice.

From:

Yessssss!

[Donnie conjures up his own helmet, pausing to grab the instruction manual because haha, silly Leon, you must have just forgotten about it in your excitement- before settling onto the bike.

Sure, he's heard the engine and seen everything function during his tests but it is always satisfying when the person he's made it for is witnessing it for the first time.]

A considerable upgrade from the Shellhogs, I might add. Shall we?

From:

[Oh yes, the instruction manual, which he definitely meant to grab.]

It’s sweeeeeet! [He grins back at Donnie, best as he can with the helmet, before focusing on the open door.]

Let’s hit it! Hot soup!

[And he’ll peel on out of there.]

From:

[Uh-huh. Yeah.

Donnie gives Leo a thumbs up, setting the door to start closing because he's quite certain they'll be out of there well before it gets too low. The sudden burst of speed nearly makes him lose his balance so he's forced to throw his arms around Leo, but once they're off, he lets out a whoop.

It always feels good when his plans come together.]

From:

robintohood

[The next time Leo ~~invades~~ visits the penthouse, there’s a box waiting for him.

Inside the box is a polish and cleaning kit for his sword]

From:

[Leo is surprised - he wasn’t expecting any presents from the penthouse crew, especially Jason. He appreciates it, though; he does take care of his swords, so the supplies are nice.

He shoots Jason a message later.]

hey man thanks
you didn’t have to get me anything though

[Seriously; housing his family for as long as they did was more than enough.]

From:

robintohood

It’s fine

Plus, your brother surprised me with this

[Jason then sends a picture of what Donnie gifted Jason]

From:

[Ooooh, a grill. That’s definitely a Donnie special. And if Donnie went this far…]

hah guess you really made an impression on him if he’s makin stuff for you now
better appreciate it

[This is lowkey a threat.]

From:

robintohood

[Oh the hilarity of the turtles not knowing he’s the Red Hood on top of all that]

It could’ve been an excuse for him to just make more stuff

From:

maybe
he does like projects

but usually it means he likes you

From:

robintohood

Well that’s good to know

Even after he nearly burned down the kitchen

From:

your first mistake was letting him in the kitchen

From:

robintohood

Apparently I overestimated his ability to control the stovetop

From:

ah hes just not used to it cuz our baby bro does all the cooking

give him time
hell figure it out

From:

robintohood

In the meanwhile, fancy kitchen gadgets

From:

for sure
play your cards right and he might make you a waffle iron next

From:

robintohood

Ooh. Maybe a blender too

From:

shoot for the stars

like I said
as long as your appreciating it

From:

[It's a few days after Christmas, but Accelerator will be delivering a book.

He's forcing a window open and leaving it on the coffee table, along with Donnie's gift. Leo's will be unwrapped, and there will be a simple note attached saying "For Leonardo."]

From:

[Leo gets up a bit later than Donnie, so he finds his gift later. He turns the book over, reading the back curiously - it’s definitely piquing his interest.

He texts Accelerator after flipping through it a bit.]

thanks for the non-specific seasonal gift
I love it

From:

[Well, Accelerator is pretty sure that's sincere. If Leo was teasing him he'd be a lot more obvious about it.

Then again, he could just be acting nice.]

Whatever. It's yours, so you can do what you want with it.

[Including tossing it if he really doesn't like it.]

From:

im gonna read it duh

DON’T spread that around

but yeah it looks good. you picked good

have you read this one?

From:

Don't worry, I won't say anything.

[Who on earth would he spread it around to?]

Yeah. There's a manga too, but the light novel came first. The concept and characters are interesting.

[He actually likes Keiji a lot! The guy goes through an absurd amount of suffering but, at the end of the day, doesn't give up. He's a real hero.]

From:

sweet
ill have to check out the manga too

you like comics?

From:

Manga, sometimes. I've never read a Western comic.

From:

ah man
another thing I need to educate you in

From:

You really don't.

From:

I really do
all my good ones are back home but I have some good series im following here

From:

[He can always use more stuff to read for fun, especially since the normal series he'd been reading back home either aren't here or aren't easy to get ahold of......

He sighs.]

You're going to give me the titles whether I want them or not, so what are they?

From:

was that so hard?
here:

[And he'll send him a bunch of comic titles ~~that I'm too lazy to come up with~~. There are only one or two superhero comics; the rest are all focused on space or sci-fi concepts.]

From:

[Some of those titles sound pretty sci-fi, so................. he's a little interested. A little!!!]

Do you know if any of this crap is at the library?

[He doesn't have access to his Academy City bank account, so he's working with limited funds here.]

From:

[Success!]

most of them! thats where ive been getting them
im not exactly rolling in dough over here either

$levelshift: https://twitter.com/oyaumi_zzz/status/1309491560606658560 (:\)$

From:

[Well, that's good!]

It's a pain in the ass. I'm not used to budgeting.

[.............. Maybe if he didn't eat out all the time he'd have more cash.....]

From:

are you like
rich rich?
back home I mean

From:

I guess.

Since espers don't live with their families in Academy City and can't rely on parental wages for support, we're provided with scholarships for the experiments we're involved in. The more prestigious the school you attend and the higher your level, the more you receive. The trade-off is that you have to be involved in more research. Level 0s only have to go through the minimum of tests, Level 5s will have hundreds of scientists at any given time studying them.

[Which is a very long way of explaining he basically got paid super well to kill the clones. Fun stuff.]

From:

wow

no offense but id be good being poor

From:

I've never given it much thought.

[Which is kind of true, he's never thought about all of those experiments in terms of money, and he certainly has never thought about what kinds of tests Level 0s go through.

He's kind of wondering that now. Specifically, about a certain Level 0, and how normal his life must be since he still has to do normal things like budgeting for groceries and school supplies.]

I suppose most of the espers back home do, though, since about 60% of them are Level 0.

From:

well now you have life here to compare it to

having money is the new experience for me personally

[Not so much for Donnie, who seemed to get ahold of money somehow, but certainly for Leo.]

$levelshift: https://twitter.com/oyaumi_zzz/status/1309491560606658560 (:\)$

From:

Yeah, guess so.

It hasn't gone to your head, has it?

From:

moi?????

nothing goes to my head

From:

That is absolutely and completely untrue.

From:

slander! lies!

From:

Go ask your brother if you really think that. See what he says.

From:

ohhhhh no im not falling for this trap
hes NEVER on my side

[This is literally not true, but Leo is right that Donnie won’t be on his side for this.]

From:

I wonder why that is.

[Now he's just being a smarmy jerk.]

From:

nerds cant handle my swagger

From:

[.................]

I'm going to take a nap.

From:

have fun with your boring nap

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Leonardo Hamato-Lou-Splinterson

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