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

Especially Cheddar.

And how do I know you aren’t lying? Guess I’ll never know because I’m never speaking to you again after this!

Now... now your caps lock seems to be stuck?

[ He makes a face at his phone which doesn't translate well into text at all. ]

Fine. Won't see you around then.

[He isn’t even going to respond. Just blocking Anthony’s number.]

INDEED. I have been stuck in caps lock all day, metaphorically speaking. I suggest you don't push my buttons, Anthony J. Crowley.

Full names? We're using full names now too? That is bad... Only mum does that.

[ And its enough to cause a wince even though he is on the opposite side of town. ]

Maybe you should do a good deed? Help some little old lady across the street? Leave and extra generous tip at your favorite coffee shop?

Good deeds? A DEMON is suggesting I do Good Deeds?

Weeellll, you don't sound yourself really.

[ This not reading quite right he altered it. ]

Aren't typing quite like yourself. Might help... if you have caught a bit of that malaise that's been going around.

Oh, yes, I see. Sweet little Aziraphale might not be so understanding and complacent as usual, seems a bit touchy, so surely he's ill. Surely nothing you could have done, hm?

I might have had something to do with it... But you said you've been stuck in caps lock all day and you've only just seen the mess I caused.

Oh, you certainly have had something to do with it.

[But let's not play the blame game. Deep breath...]

I've tried to make it go away in the ways one does when they're in a foul mood. Thought I might relax and try to do some painting of my own and instead I slashed the canvas when the fellow from the neighboring studio visited and threw off the whole process. How do I go out and help other people when other people set me off?

I didn't mean to.

yes and I suppose I'm to understand your hand slipped?

He touched it on purpose to test it. His sleeve catching was an accident. I tried to help!

[ There was a measure of pride taken in being able of ticking Fell off as much as everyone else, unfortunately with Aziraphale there was so much sympathy as well it easily overwhelmed anything else. ]

You could call it modern art? Sell it for more than the canvas is worth.

How many of those stones did you end up with? Maybe I could give you mine, help complete the set. It might work.

Edited 2020-07-01 14:30 (UTC)

I was. The Temple not the ice skating.

That is... going to be a lot to have shoved into your head if the memories keep coming.

Wait, wait... hold up. YOU'RE the one who burned my cousin!? WTH! Why did I not know this?

A may be a jerk but at least I've never set anyone on fire!

[ Wait for it. Profound reply incoming. ]

I'd like to see an ice skating baby.

[ A pause as this plays out in his mind. ]

I doubt they would have the balance for it... And it's not like they would make skates small enough. They would be too sharp too. Guess that's why there aren't too many of them.

But yeah... If I'm really some timeless demon there will be centuries to remember. Maybe that's why my mind has been wandering lately. Hey, other than that first time, have you ever had a memory so powerful it actually knocked you out?

Do you even read!?

[ Good thing this is text - that he burst out laughing isn't obvious. ]
I have a couple of students who are a little under 2, but technically they're toddlers, not babies.
Balance is complete shit, though, mostly because their heads are still too big. They tend to be better at falling than adults though - less likely to hurt themselves.

[Why is he engaging with this? Who knows.]

Nothing since the first that's knocked me out, and nothing since the first that replays over and over in my dreams with increasing clarity. Definitely some that intrude and they all seem to carry emotion over into this life, which gets awkward.

Yeah, he might be a jerk, but that doesn't mean he's abusing anyone. That's all I'm trying to say.

Well, they are closer to the ground.

[ He is a man with a sense of humor! ]

That can get awkward... Especially if you are dating a girl but discover new feelings for a guy you have just met.

[ Very sage nod. ]

I've been there. They all have been so vivid but every now and then there is a memory that takes everything you thought you knew and knocks it on it's ass. I could do with less of those.

Seeing someone and discovering feelings from memories sounds awkward as hell. Might be time to talk about nonmonogamy.

[And also, as a second message:]

So could I. Cutting a guy in half was a little much.

[There are several moments of debate, several times his words are written then erased. He finally settles on:]

You don’t understand

Maybe I don't, but you can't just throw blanket accusations at people, either.

Page 5 of 6

Video post from the Bureau

Re: Text

text

Text

Re: Text

text

text

text

text

text

text

Re: text

text

text

Text

text

Re: text

Text

text

Text

Re: text

Text

text

Re: text

Re: Text

text;