Sorry these chapters are so short! It's sorta by design, I only have so much already written on the computer and really wanted to try the daily posting thing.

Another Experience

It was only his first time having such an experience, but Delancey was already one hundred percent sure of one thing: He. Hated. Flying. With the fiery passion of a thousand suns. Or at least the way the night-watchman seemed to feel about that baseball junk.

Gagging slightly, he glared at Fulton, who had the rudeness to still look fresh-faced and fine. "...This isn't something turtles or humans were meant to do, damn it. What the hell makes them think they can act like birds?"

Fulton grinned. "This whole airplane is a result of years of scientific research-- and it works. I'd bet that that is what makes them think they can fly. It's really quite interesting..."

God, he tasted bile in his mouth. This was so disgusting. So wrong. "I... really don't give a damn. We've already been on this thing for four hours too long. I want off!"

"What happened to 'They can do whatever'?" the other turtle sounded actually curious.

"What happened to you not wanting me to puke in your lap?"

"Oh for the love of--" His companion trailed off. "You really don't look good, Dela. I'm going to get someone in here. There's no reason for you to suffer..." And before Delancey had a chance to protest, Fulton shouted for Rick, one of the zoologists accompanying them on their journey to where-the-hell-ever.

Rick came into their area-- where both turtles, sick and healthy, awaited in their pen-- with a needle in one hand, looking nervous. "Oh dear, it does seem Delancey here isn't very fond of flying."

"Cut the sweet-talk and just give me the damn shot."

Fulton rolled his eyes. Delancey made a rude gesture at him. Rick gave him the shot.

Then, thankfully, he slept.

From a distance, he heard speaking. Several people, none of them sounded like Fulton, though Delancey had the distinct feeling he wasn't far away.

"...pecial exhibition. I'm sure... Christopher is just as... few months, years if funding..."

"...DC off high-horse... get last one... exciting. Hope this... isn't trouble..."

"Not with... been keeping him calm... shame when time comes..."

"...elp opening this? Almost..."

Then he heard Fulton's voice, comforting and close. "Dela? I think we're here."

Bright. It was too -bright-. Funny looking trees waved at him from the periphery of his vision and the other turtle-- the one rapidly becoming a real friend-- was leaning over him, expression gentle.

When did it become so hot?

Fulton nodded to the scenery around them. "If this is where I think it is, then everything I heard certainly has done this place justice. Biggest exhibit area I've ever seen. And look over there, real rock!"

"Tha's nice, Ful..." he muttered, not even bothering to shrug off the hand that was helping him up. His legs felt wobbly and somehow apart from him, like they belonged to someone else. "So 'nother zoo, then? Big whoo--"

"YOU ARE HERE! YOU ARE REALLY HERE! THEY SAID YOU'D COME BUT IT TOOK SOOOO LONG!"

The next thing he knew he was on the ground, trying to figure out what the hell just happened. Fortunately, Fulton was beside him, looking just as surprised.

Another turtle was on top of them, arms still tightly wrapped around their middles. Looking up, Delancey was struck strongly by the impression of youth-- though this new turtle seemed to be the same age as him and Fulton, there was something about his wide eyes and excited expression.

Oh and the fact he was bouncing up and down like a kid in front of the monkey exhibit across the way. After said kid got that ice-cream stuff he always saw them eating when it got hot out.

"This is going to be great!" babbled the turtle, still clinging tightly to his dumb-founded fellow turtles. "What are your names? You have them... right? I'm Christopher, but they call me Chris for short! It's a nice name, isn't it?"

"...Better than 'Park Avenue'." muttered Fulton, sounding dazed.

"Huh?" Chris blinked, looking confused. Then he seemed to finally notice the position they were in. "Oh sorry!" He leaped back athletically, offering both his arms in case they needed a hands-up. "They told me you were coming weeks ago, and it's just been so exciting... er..."

"Fulton."

"Delancey."

"Boy, did I luck out when it comes to names." laughed the new turtle, not unkindly. "Yours' is funny!" He then laughed, louder, leaving Delancey unsure if he should laugh too or give the kid a smack.

"Well, let me be the first-- since it looks like those keepers there aren't gonna bother. Hi guys!" Chris gave them a cheerful wave. "--To welcome you to sunny beautiful California and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Hope you dudes love it!"