All the World In Front of Me

[thepurpleone]

WHO: Donnie and you!
WHERE: Temba
WHAT: Trying not to roast
WHEN: Mid to late July
WARNINGS: N/A
NOTES: Will match tag format/preference!


I. Evaporate
One might have thought it impossible to kind of miss the Calibrations space but at least it was climate-controlled! The weather's been absolutely hideous, not to mention dry, something Donnie's not used to. It makes things difficult to concentrate on, even with a fan blowing in your face.

Even summers in New York were never this bad. He could almost be fooled into thinking he was stuck in stage one of the flu, except that it had never lasted for days. Then again, given how hard it is to tell the difference for the time of day with how consistent the temperature is holding, he's not sure how long it's been. Going outside seems out of the question, but he still risks it just so he can check on his poor plant experiments out in Blue-04.

This is definitely not an ideal climate for a soft-shelled turtle, but the boy can't not tend to his plants, even if what he can ultimately use is a soak in a nice big pool. He'd thought to lug some water out to the poor, wilting garden but now he's regretting not saving some for him to dunk his head in. He huddles in the meager shade of what's still standing of the ruins it resides in, trying not to cook as he tries to mentally plot the quickest course to finding cover.


II. Rest and Recharge
Thankfully the beach is more tolerable, and the water feels good to stand in. It's not the most ideal place to really relax for all the waves, but it's some respite from the heat at least. He might just go for a swim anyway.

Of course if any of those pesky lobsters get too close and prove to be a nuisance, they're going to see what it's like to be used as a giant croquet ball. They fly pretty far when they're whacked with a rocket-boosted mallet! Head's up!

Time at the beach is only partially for play, however. Donnie does have research to do, after all! He has some things to research and materials to gather in the caverns. And maybe at least it'll be cooler in the depths?


III. When Turtles Fly
Rocket-boots had never been something he'd ever considered making but now he wishes he had because. They. Are. Amazing!

Tony said these babies can break the sound barrier. Donnie is absolutely going to test this out.

As a self-proclaimed adrenaline enthusiast, there has been nothing stopping Donnie from testing their limits. Well, except for the heat, but if you go fast enough and high enough... Huh. What's the range on these anyway? Yet one more thing to find out.

It's both strange and exhilarating using tech that hasn't been built by him, that was made for him- maybe the most bizarre part of it. They're so much cooler than a skateboard- he doesn't need a ramp to do any tricks!

Heights have never been a problem for him and clearly neither have drops as he boosts himself up high and then lets himself freefall some before catching himself in midair and zipping along again. The heat may still be present but at least he doesn't have to walk in it!

Of course once he gets high up enough, he can catch a pretty good glimpse of that new rock formation to the southeast, and it does not look promising...


IV. DiY
((OOC: AKA choose your own adventure/wildcard!))

Comments

[thepurpleone]

"Definitely an option," Donnie nods. "Bodyboarding's a thing too, probably better because you're actively holding onto something and you can still get wet. I can't say for sure how big waves get here but at least if you stick close to shore it's not too bad, so far as I've seen."

He eyes Sonic. "But anyway, we should probably make sure you can walk before we consider anything else."

[spinsandneedles]

Oh yeah walking, that's kind of important. He takes a few steps, doesn't seem to have any issues. Then he starts pacing around in a circle for a moment before he's suddenly off like a rocket, because y'know, running so soon after a head injury is a good idea.

He doesn't wipe out or anything, though. Somehow. He runs a couple laps around the beach, kicking up a wave of sand before coming to a stop in front of Donnie.

"I think I'm good! You still have two heads, though. Maybe I just need to find some shade for a while."

[thepurpleone]

That's...a good sign, maybe? Donnie can't really say anything when the hedgehog's off and running. He reflexively brings a hand up in case the sand gets blown his way.

"Well, they say two heads are better than one, but not in this case I'm sure," he says before pointing up the beach towards the treeline. "Plenty of shade up there. Should still get some of the sea breeze too."

[spinsandneedles]

Sonic's fast at everything, including recovering from extremely stupid head injuries. The double vision will clear in time. Probably.

"Looks good, maybe I'll catch a quick nap. Or, wait, sleeping is bad when you have a concussion, right? Ah well, it'll be fine."

How has he survived this long??

[thepurpleone]

"Yeah, you probably shouldn't-"

....

Donnie stares at him as they head up the beach. "Look, no napping at least until you're sure you're not seeing double. I can go find some ice or something maybe?"

[spinsandneedles]

"Aww. Napping is the thing you're supposed to do under a shady tree!" SIGH! Fine, he won't nap yet. After a whiny groan, he gets over his immature little outburst and accepts that sitting on his ass and doing absolutely nothing for a while is in his immediate future.

"Ice might be a good idea, otherwise I'm gonna have a lobster shaped lump on my head the size of my fist. It would be faster if I went and grabbed it... but I was probably already pushing it with that little run around the beach, huh."

[thepurpleone]

Donnie gives him a flat look. "Probably. But not to worry, just because I'm a turtle doesn't mean I'm slow. Just...not as fast as you. But, I needa go get my stuff- anyway!"

Once they're closer to the treeline, he points for Sonic to sit. "You stay put and don't fall asleep and I will be right back!"

Just gotta take a quick detour back down to the beach where he left his bag and his cool boots!!!

[spinsandneedles]

"I will definitely stay put." And he'll try to stay awake too, but that might take a little more effort.

He gives Donnie a little salute and finds a nice tree to sit under and lean against.

[thepurpleone]

UGggh sand is the worst! It takes just a little longer because Donnie has to try de-sanding his feet. He doesn't want to get the inside of his hover boots all gritty!

But soon enough, there is a blur and a whoop as he comes tearing up the beach making his own wake of sand as he goes whooshing by! "Haha!"

[spinsandneedles]

Sand is the worst, and Sonic's in the process of shaking some out of one of his shoes when Donnie zooms past. BRO, no fair going crazy fast while Sonic can't even race you!! He is very tempted though, know that he is exercising all of the self control he can muster and staying put like Donnie told him.

...Also the dizziness is still present and that might be playing a bigger part in keeping him on his butt, but he's totally gonna say it's self control.

[thepurpleone]

You have a concussion sir hedgehog, please! Anyway, Donnie's not prone to wearing shoes so it's been absolutely miserable trying to get around anywhere. Making boots that would effectively save his feet from frying and get him places? Tony's his new favorite person.

Donnie doesn't let himself get sidetracked once he's back in the city, and even though he has cool boots, he still moves at regular speed in between. He raids the diner fridge for some ice and some bottles of water while he's at it, and grabs a towel before he's zooming back.

Back he goes, and hopefully Sonic hasn't dozed off by the time he reappears from the path through the trees. "Mission accomplished!" he announces, holding out the towel tied up to hold the ice in in a makeshift icepack.

[spinsandneedles]

Sonic makes a good effort to keep his eyes open, buuuut he's under this nice shady tree and there's a nice breeze... Yeah Sonic totally fell asleep. But! It wasn't for very long so it's totally fine!

When Donnie announces his return, Sonic sits up with a start and a very graceful "Wh-I'm awake!" followed by a sheepish grin. He was totally awake the whole time! He reaches for the icepack and just pretends that's true.

"Oh man, that was quick! Thanks, bud."

[thepurpleone]

"Yeah, uh-huh," Donnie says as he arches a brow at him, but at least Sonic's responding so that's a good sign.

"Not as quick as you would have, but I don't think it was too bad- but you are welcome," he says, grinning then as he offered one of the water bottles before sitting down against one of the nearby trees.

[spinsandneedles]

Sonic pointedly ignores that smartass eyebrow arch by taking a water bottle and draining half of it. Hah.

"You got rocket kicks or something?" Sonic says, leaning back against his tree and pressing the icepack to his head. The sudden cold makes him wince just a bit, but he'll live. "I know a guy back home who's got something kinda like that."

[thepurpleone]

"Yeah I do!" the turtle confirms as he kicks up a foot to show off one of the boots, some kind of repulsors built into the sole and what looks like a booster in the heel, the toe articulated for the unusual shape of his feet. He also almost falls backwards with the movement, but thankfully he's got a tree behind him.

"I admit, not my design. Tony made these for me. But they sure make it so much easier to get around when the ground is on fire."

my god that icon killed me i'm dead

[spinsandneedles]

"The ground is pretty hot lately, huh." He would know, he's small and very close to it. WEIRD THOUGH, right?? Gee wonder why that is hmmm.

Anyway, that's not nearly as fun to talk about as ROCKET KICKS.

"Oh, I've heard of that Tony guy! Pete said he built some kinda crazy invincible armor! If he can do that, those boots must be awesome!"

cackle

[thepurpleone]

"Really not digging Agrian summers, that's for sure," Donnie mutters, making a face. It's probably just some funky weather phase.

"Oh, his armor's amazing! I haven't actually seen him use it, but ugh, I'd love to take that it apart and see how it all works!" But Tony wouldn't appreciate that and frankly, Donnie can understand the sentiment there. He wouldn't care for anyone taking apart any of his babies either.

"But yeah, these things are so cool- he said they can break the sound barrier, I'm not sure if he was exaggerating or was just you know, being Tony but they are still pretty darn fast!"

[spinsandneedles]

Yeah, Sonic knows a nerd or two back home that wouldn't love for people to take their tech apart. That never stops Sonic from busting Eggman's stuff on purpose every chance he gets of course, but that's a little different.

"With speed like that, you could almost keep up with me!" Almost. "If you ever wanna test those babies against a Professional Fast Guy, just give me a holler!"

[thepurpleone]

Donnie uncaps the other water bottle to take a gulp. The beach is more tolerable than the city but it's still pretty warm out. That offer however makes him smirk.

"Hey, I'm game! Maybe just not right at the moment. Do I still have two heads?"

[spinsandneedles]

"Kinda, but they are starting to merge back into one. Maybe I was a bit dehydrated too."

Given the heat, it's entirely possible. Summer is the worst season, actually.

"Maybe we should let it cool off a bit before we start racing around. I think this weather is affecting my performance."

[thepurpleone]

"The ocean is nice for cooling off but not great for drinking," Donnie laughs. "But I agree there. It is pretty terrible out, especially with things even hotter back in the city. This turtle is not made for dry heat."

He sighs as he leans back against the tree, draining more water from his bottle. "Wonder if it's always like this when it's summer. When I first came it was winter so that was fun." No, not really. "This is a whole different beast."

[spinsandneedles]

"Pretty sure I caught a mouth full of sand and nasty ocean water when I fell..." Blugh. The thought makes him take another drink of his water. At least Donnie had been the only one around to watch him eat shit?

"Winter I don't mind as much, because I want to keep moving to stay warm, but I can see how other people wouldn't jive with it."

[thepurpleone]

Ocean water isn't exactly great to get a mouthful of even when you hadn't been clobstered. Donnie makes a face. "At least it was just a mouthful?" Would've been worse if he hadn't been there to pull Sonic out of the water. ...although if he hadn't been there whacking lobsters, Sonic probably wouldn't have been drinking seawater in the first place.

He shakes his head then. "I'm a turtle so cold weather without being properly equipped for it is no bueno."

[spinsandneedles]

Water under the bridge, bruh. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger?

"Ah yeah, reptile stuff. We need to get you one of those fancy heated jackets or something."

[thepurpleone]

"That'd be ideal. Although at the moment being warm is the last thing I think I need to worry about right now," Donnie notes. "Just trying to do anything in the city right now makes me feel like my brain'll melt."

The heat's really been putting a damper on his wanting to work on any projects, that's for sure.