Video post from the Bureau

[tramitis]

[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.

Comments

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[bearshermark]

And I already told you I was concerned about that.

You realize I'm one person, right? But apparently that's all we have to work with right now.

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[serpentinthegarden]

I'm sure you will fix it all.

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[bearshermark]

At least I'm going to try.

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[serpentinthegarden]

Don't be so eager for it. You might exercise a little caution... Wait until nightfall, that sort of thing. You're way too open.

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[bearshermark]

That barely makes any sense.

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[serpentinthegarden]

Let me put it into kid speak.

You're the kid in the front of the classroom who always is the first one to raise his hand when teacher asks a question. Perfect straight A's. Winner of the spelling bee. Overachiever on everything!

For some reason that's really annoying me today.

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[bearshermark]

That's definitely not me in school.

But anyway, I don't think we can really afford to just wait around.

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[serpentinthegarden]

I don't believe it.

[ A pout as he pauses between texts. ]

There's not much else you can do. It's not like you can go around forcing people to do good deeds, they have to want to do that on their own. Pretty sure it doesn't count otherwise.

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[bearshermark]

[So it turns out, they're talking about different things. Woops. Good thing he'd modified that last text]

I mean I have some sort of calming ability, so I really think that might help a little.

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[serpentinthegarden]

[ It can be difficult to tell over text. ]

There you go being too open again! Why don't you just tell the creepy lady everything about yourself?

You might keep away from me with that anyway. I think I had a negative reaction to it the last time. I don't really want a repeat.

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[bearshermark]

That's what I meant when I told you I hesitated. But I did the math, and if I can help people, then I think it's worth it.

..Are you being serious about the negative reaction thing, though? I've tried it a few times since to no ill effects on anyone that I've heard.

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[serpentinthegarden]

I'm serious. I wouldn't have typed it otherwise. It felt a bit like being drunk only I couldn't have been, I hadn't had but the one.

It didn't feel like that the first time either...

Maybe we're just incompatible?

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[bearshermark]

Maybe, but.. why, though? I hope it's not a common thing.

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[serpentinthegarden]

Maybe because you are this bastion of light and goodness, bending over backwards to help people... and I'm not.

[ A beat. ]

Or maybe it was something about that other world. The water or something.

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[bearshermark]

Yeah, the water maybe.

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[serpentinthegarden]

Difficult to tell. It was a very weird feeling.

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[bearshermark]

Well I'm sorry if it affected you negatively. I'll try to be mindful of that sort of thing.

Re: text

[serpentinthegarden]

And now you're apologizing!

Don't apologize! I'm being a jerk here. Tell me off, lose your temper, send me a poop emoji or something!

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[bearshermark]

I just don't want to hurt anyone with any of my abilities.

But I did almost lose my temper with you a few times, if it helps. Some solid backspacing happened, I promise.

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[serpentinthegarden]

It helps a little. Today backspacing tomorrow I'll have you using bold.

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[bearshermark]

So now you're trying to corrupt me?

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[serpentinthegarden]

[ BOLD! You just made his evening. ]

It is what I do. Or... what I did. It's all a bit confusing, but if it gives you an edge so you are so blindly self-sacrificing, all the better for you really.

text - a tad touchy due to the corruption

[temptationaccomplished]

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

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[bearshermark]

I didn't mean to.

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[temptationaccomplished]

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