outer_divide | fifth scroll [video ; open

[Mulan's voice is muffled and part of her face is hidden behind the regulation gas mask she was issued at work, but for those that would recognize them her eyes and hair are still clearly visible. Likewise, the familiar armor that covers her upper body.]

For those of you that are more recent arrivals - I'm aware there are a few of you - it is to be advised you avoid coming into contact with the strange mists that have been filling the area the past couple of days. Breathing in this air can cause you to experience unpredictable and dangerous effects. [Her muffled voice turns even more grim and her eyes flash darkly as she recalls her own personal encounter with the fog's abilities, and she hurries on past giving herself time to reflect.] Though not everyone reacts the same, it can dangerous to your health for a multitude of reasons. The best course of action would be to remain indoors if you can, and avoid them completely.

If there are any small errands or tasks that would otherwise bring you out, I would be willing to undertake them for you. Obviously I can't get to everyone, but I'd like to help if I can, as much as possible.

The good news is that if I'm reading the signs right, there seems to be a storm brewing for later today. Hopefully it will be enough to blow all of this accursed fog away, so we can all breathe safely once more.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The most common experiences seem to be hallucinations, or alterations in mood. But really, it's all over the map. Some people are never effected at all. But I think it's much better to be safe than sorry.

Well I hope I didn't make myself sick going out for a walk yesterday.

You sound like you've been here a while, though. Does this fog come through often?

Far as I know, when people do get sick from it, it happens right away. If you're really worried you might want to seek advice from the staff at the hospital. A few non-natives like us work there.

I have been. And, it's not entirely a regular thing, but in the span I've been here it's happened at least three times. Often enough it's good to know about. And ward against.

Well...guess I'm alright then. Maybe I'll go talk to a doctor just in case...

[He's lying, of course. A doctor would stick him with a needle, and Goku hates needles.]

OH, right, I don't know your name. I'm Goku. I'm pretty new myself, I've been here about three days.

Mulan. It's been much longer for me. As I'm sure you can tell.

Haha, yeah, I can. Nice to meet you Mulan.

[The whole cultural reference and fairy tale thing? Totally lost on this dork.]

Say, this fog. Does it affect animals?

It might. I've never seen it happen myself personally, but I guess it can't be ruled out. Why?

Because...uh...I've been hunting and eating some of them. It'd be really bad if I got sick from that, right?

And I've seen some dinosaurs running around, those could get dangerous if the fog drives them this way.

Oh, I see. Whether or not the dinosaur creatures are effected by the fog, I've yet to see them ever get driven within the limits of the city. I think the population is enough to keep them sufficiently scared away, as with most wild beasts.

In fact, the only time I ever saw one of those anywhere near the city was when someone who lived here was keeping it as a pet.

I think you have to actually breathe the fog to get sick from it. But if you're that worried...best to avoid all wild game for awhile.

Yeah...guess so. But man, that's just gonna make it harder to get food. Dinosaurs have just enough meat for me and they taste okay if you cook them right.

[He'll probably eat them anyway...]

I think you're probably the first person I've ever seen try to hunt and eat one of the dinosaurs.

A few have tried to ride them, though.

Really? They taste pretty good, and there's a lot of meat...

And I don't really need to ride them. I can fly, and run faster than they can anyway.

You can fly? [Color her mildly impressed.] I've only met a few here so far who can pull off that feat, and most of them are spirits.

Haha, yeah! [He rubs the back of his head, wondering how he could really explain it.]

It's something anyone can do with the right training. You just have to learn to manipulate your ki around. Once you can do that you can do all sorts of awesome things if you're strong enough.

Edited 2013-09-30 02:43 (UTC)

[Raised eyebrows.] Manipulate your chi? You make it sound so simple.

Well, it does take a long time to learn to do the first time, but once you learn it's pretty easy.

If you say so. It doesn't sound like something that would be so easy. Where I come from, they hold it can take a small army of experts to help keep your chi flowing properly, and even then the most they can achieve is good health, or maybe an outpouring of fortune.

My grandmother considered herself something of a self-taught novice. Mostly she relied on charms and talismans. The results were...not always guaranteed.

Well it does help your health, and good fortune comes with hard work. At least, my grandpa used to say that. But you can't learn to fly and stuff with talismans. It's something you have to train to do, with martial arts.

I see. [She's really interested in asking if he could maybe train her, but considering this is someone she's never met before? Color her wary. It could just be snake oil, as they say.] And this is a common area of study, where you come from?

Uh...not really? Most people don't, but all my friends are fighters too.

[He's pretty used to people not believing him though.]

Say, would you like a demonstration?

I would, actually. If you don't mind?

Yeah, sure! I'll be right there.

[He puts his fingers on his forehead and concentrates. And all of a sudden Mulan is not alone. Goku's just...appeared right there.]

Hey there!

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