tramitem_net | Video post from the Bureau

[A new face from the Bureau appears on the screen - this is Ms. Garcia. She appears exhausted and stressed.]

This last week we investigated a disturbance referred to as 'the corruption' in the other universe. Today we can confirm that it has spreed to our universe. We have examined a number of individuals and monitored their symptoms. We can say for sure it is not a virus, bacteria, fungus, or pathogen of any kind. How it spreads is unclear to us at this time. We haven't ruled out a supernatural explanation.

We do know its symptoms,

[She reads from her clipboard.]

Which are as follows:

- Excessive violent emotions
- Compulsion to act on violent emotions
- Bloodshot eyes, with yellow-red tinged irises
- Sunken, darkened eye sockets
- Excessive sweating, though fever is not a symptom
- Nervousness and agitation
- Exhaustion, although individuals still seem to sleep a normal schedule
- Blackened veins showing through skin; however, when blood is drawn tests find no abnormalities.

[She looks up from her clipboard.]

We have heard reports that there are some measures a person can take to prevent catching this corruption. We are currently studying to see if these methods help so we can give a more definitive answer.

[She returns to her clipboard again.]

- Mindfulness techniques and meditation, to make yourself consciously aware of your emotions and to exercise self control.
- Selfless service to others, helping those in need.
- Possessing one of each stone from the other universe's Stone Festival will ward off the corruption

[She looks up from her clipboard again and lowers it]

No one has died from this condition that we know of. However, the compulsion to act on violent emotions is concerning. If you are experiencing symptoms of this corruption, we ask that you come into the Bureau building and seek our help.

Thank you for your time.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

I didn't remember the first time when I chose the second. It was just doing something I loved enough to sacrifice for.

Those memories, though. I remember nothing before the temple; I was there and being trained before I could walk.

How much do you remember now?

Everybody has an opinion on this. It's like you don't think he can stand up for himself, at all.

Anyway I may be a jerk but I'm no where near drunk. One has to actually drink first for that.

They start training people really young. Wonder if you were there as a baby even.

Quite a bit. The early years... before there actually were years... the Fall, the 'go up there and cause some trouble'... but I feel like there is a ton I'm still missing.

Shut up! I know he can handle himself but I can point out someone being a jerk when I see it.

A drunk is someone who lets themselves get drunk. You may not be drunk now but I only need to hear about you drinking once to know you’re just a lousy adult.

So it's been pointed out, gold star for you.

Are you a prohibitionist? You seem awfully young for that! Also from the wrong era... you missed the 20's.

Thanks for the condescension. So encouraging.

I am young and that’s why I know drunks only use drinking as an excuse to hurt kids. Just stay away from Elliott, and stay away from me too!

Well... you came flying at me with defensiveness and accusations of being a drunkard, what did you expect, a hug?

Or a backhand? I've never hurt a kid in my life! Looking back on it... I'm not sure I ever hurt one in the previous life either. Never had a problem with tiny humans, it's the adults I'm not always so sure of.

Heck no! Not now or ever!

You sure are showing how much you care right now. You went straight in demean Elliott’s willingness to help people. You think that doesn’t hurt? Shows just how much of an Adult you are.

What are you talking about? He's fiiinnnee. He even sent me a poop emoji!

Well then I guess everything is okay and we can all hold hands and get ice cream after this.

I could actually go for a simple mr. whippy with a chocolate flake.

If I see you at an ice cream place with a kid in tow I swear I’m calling the police.

Clarence, that's going too far. He's not like that.

Edited 2020-07-01 04:53 (UTC)

[ There's one of those statements that has you leaning back and staring at your phone in disbelief! ]

I'm not some child predator trying to lure anyone into my lair! You've got the wrong idea, completely!

You don’t know for sure! He was super nice to me before but now he’s being a total jerk. I can’t trust him after knowing what I know, and neither should you.

Sure, sure. Your nice act made me drop my guard before but I’m not going to fall for it again. You stay away from me, my cat and my friends!

All you know is he had a drink at a tavern once. I understand you have some hang-ups about drinking, but you can't just throw accusations at everyone like that.

can't even blame devilish or demonic behavior--seems in the Crowley nature to antagonize people

if you sincerely don't want to hurt anyone with your abilities, stop using them on people

you'll recall I was THERE for the aftermath of that little experiment with the fire

Even the cat? Look... whatever. It's still nothing like what you're thinking. People can drink without being on the prowl for kids.

[ Considering the source he thought this over before bobbing his head in quiet agreement. ]

Maybe you're right. Might be a thing with us, but you have to admit... If I were out there trying to stir discord, gain those demonic brownie points, I would have done very well today.

no 'maybe' about it. it is definitely 'a thing.'

is that what you were trying to do? bold work--if you pardon the pun--picking internet fights with teenagers, of all people. what merit badge did those brownie points earn you: gold star, you tried?

How should I know? I don't remember that part. I only remember the cause trouble bit not what happens once you have. Must be worth something to somebody or else why would I have been told to do it?

[ A beat. ]

Are you angry?

Only I noticed you weren't capitalizing anything.

Okay fair, but I’ve never met an adult who had “just one drink” before. If he told you that, he’s probably lying.

I don’t see why you’re coming to his rescue now. He never gave you a fair shake at that job and he disrespected you here in front of everyone. I think it’s pretty clear he’s not the good person I thought he was.

how very demonic, doing what you're told

OH, SO SORRY
IS THIS BETTER?
HAD NO IDEA YOU WERE SO TYPOGRAPHICALLY-MINDED

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