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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[darkforcerising]

Are you really picking a fight with a teen?

Aren’t you like fifty?

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[bearshermark]

I'm okay; I can handle it. I know we aren't going to agree.

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[darkforcerising]

It’s still not cool for an adult to do this. People can disagree without being rudely antagonistic.

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[bearshermark]

He's being really reasonable by internet standards.

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[darkforcerising]

That's not a good metric, that isn't even the bare minimum of decency. You deserve better than that.

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[bearshermark]

Well thanks I guess, but I don't think defending me is really going to help.

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[darkforcerising]

It's still the right thing to do.

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[bearshermark]

I understand.

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[serpentinthegarden]

On my lunchbreak!

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[darkforcerising]

You’re not being funny. That’s actually really not cool.

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[serpentinthegarden]

Yeah, I know. I'm a being a real devil.

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[neverjedi]

No, just a bully, actually. Maybe try for constructive evil, if you insist on evil? Also, I meant to tell you - more memories, still no information about the source of the scars

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[serpentinthegarden]

Constructive evil? I'm going to have a good laugh over that one.

Maybe you don't remember getting them. You might've blacked out. Might be for the best if you don't remember.

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[neverjedi]

Maybe just aim for the profound element of evil, then. Not sure poking teenagers counts.

I wouldn't mind not remembering the event itself but I would like to get some knowledge of circumstance beyond whipmarks. I guess we'll see.

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[serpentinthegarden]

I'm going to regret asking this... But how do you think one aims for the profound element of evil?

Yeah. The memories will either come or they won't. Which memories did you get? Or... maybe mention that later when we aren't on channel Bureau.

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[neverjedi]

I don't know, but there always seems to be some element of dignity.

PRobably, but if they're behind it they know the memories and if they're not then it really doesn't matter. the memories I have now are just all of me being a kid.

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[darkforcerising]

You're making a choice. You don't get a pass because you're a demon in your memories.

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[serpentinthegarden]

I never asked for one.

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[darkforcerising]

So you don't think what you're doing is okay?

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[serpentinthegarden]

Of course not! It's why I'm doing it.

There wouldn't be much point at all if it were the right thing.

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[darkforcerising]

That is a terrible justification.

If you're concerned about him, contact him off this network and tell him what you really mean.

Don't play games with communication, that shit messes with people.

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[temptationaccomplished]

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

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[serpentinthegarden]

[ 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.

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[temptationaccomplished]

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?

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[serpentinthegarden]

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.