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No. The molecular structure of water does not allow it to burn. Pure water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Though hydrogen is flammable, oxygen is not. The combination of the two is the result of combustion, as ashes are to a flame, as the lingering fragrance of one's recently-consumed meal. In essence, the water will not burn because it is the product of that burning process.
However, this holds true for pure water. Should the water contain additional materials, they may burn or further intensify the fire.
What has inspired this inquiry from you, Hong Lu?
However, this holds true for pure water. Should the water contain additional materials, they may burn or further intensify the fire.
What has inspired this inquiry from you, Hong Lu?
Edited 2023-11-14 14:44 (UTC)
I see. That is an accurate statement.
[ Because it is. He, of all people, should know that much. ]
I shall be there shortly.
[ He heads straight to Daan's office. Yi Sang has learned his lesson, certain that this encounter will go a little better than the one before. He's been diligent about applying medicine daily, and, to his untrained eye, it really does look a lot better.
He's not a doctor though. That's why he's here.
Yi Sang knocks on the door, left hand still wrapped in bandages. He takes a small step back, awaiting an answer. ]
[ Because it is. He, of all people, should know that much. ]
I shall be there shortly.
[ He heads straight to Daan's office. Yi Sang has learned his lesson, certain that this encounter will go a little better than the one before. He's been diligent about applying medicine daily, and, to his untrained eye, it really does look a lot better.
He's not a doctor though. That's why he's here.
Yi Sang knocks on the door, left hand still wrapped in bandages. He takes a small step back, awaiting an answer. ]
[The door opens.
This time, Daan is much less cold or irritable in his approach. There's more of that calm look in his eye, and he gives a nod to Yi Sang before gesturing him inside.]
Good of you to come.
[He wonders, absently, if Vergilius said anything to ensure that Yi Sang would behave more properly and see him for medical needs. Hard to say, but it is something he mulls over as he has the man come inside.]
Go ahead and have a seat in the examination room, and we'll have a look.
This time, Daan is much less cold or irritable in his approach. There's more of that calm look in his eye, and he gives a nod to Yi Sang before gesturing him inside.]
Good of you to come.
[He wonders, absently, if Vergilius said anything to ensure that Yi Sang would behave more properly and see him for medical needs. Hard to say, but it is something he mulls over as he has the man come inside.]
Go ahead and have a seat in the examination room, and we'll have a look.
[ There's a part of Yi Sang that wonders whether Daan's appearance belies some sort of hidden strength. Could it be that the man standing before him was just as powerful as The Red Gaze? Perhaps it's not a matter of Vergilius permitting Daan to give him an earful, rather, perhaps Vergilius was physically unable to stave off the doctor's admonishments.
Hopefully, he thinks, he'll never know.
He recalls the way to the examination room: first door to the left. Again, Yi Sang's shrugging his coat off and leaving it folded neatly on the extra chair in the room. The half-empty bottle of antibacterial lies nestled in its pocket.
He gives the padded chair a cursory inspection with a single glance before settling down in it. And once seated, he still looks around the examination room to check for anything dangerous, but he spends much less time checking compared to last time.
The unsettling associations are of no fault of Daan's. The doctor cannot help the fact that the last time Yi Sang sat in an examination chair was in the bowels of a Mirror Dungeon, cold metal clamped over his wrists as a needle sank into his flesh.
This isn't a Mirror Dungeon though, so he rests his hand on one of the armrests and waits. ]
Hopefully, he thinks, he'll never know.
He recalls the way to the examination room: first door to the left. Again, Yi Sang's shrugging his coat off and leaving it folded neatly on the extra chair in the room. The half-empty bottle of antibacterial lies nestled in its pocket.
He gives the padded chair a cursory inspection with a single glance before settling down in it. And once seated, he still looks around the examination room to check for anything dangerous, but he spends much less time checking compared to last time.
The unsettling associations are of no fault of Daan's. The doctor cannot help the fact that the last time Yi Sang sat in an examination chair was in the bowels of a Mirror Dungeon, cold metal clamped over his wrists as a needle sank into his flesh.
This isn't a Mirror Dungeon though, so he rests his hand on one of the armrests and waits. ]
[It's like a replay from days ago: Daan nudging over a rolling stool, gloves on, ready to peel back bandages. The difference being, of course, that he lacks all of his frustration and sternness of then, forever unable to help himself but care and empathize. It's always a fatal flaw in him that he's never been able to really squash out.
Love and courage, is what Kaveh told him. Love and courage are things he is made of. Good man, people will say. Kind man. Yet none of those aspects have ever been born out of naivete, but out of the knowledge that the world doesn't pity its inhabitants enough. And so: a hand to be held out, when none were ever given to him.
Daan is careful, ever gentle but firm with his touch as he peels off bandages, giving a satisfied hum. The injury isn't as red or swollen, no sign of infection. The little needle marks of a bite are scabbed and healing.]
That's more like it. [Daan sounds satisfied.] At this point, you might not even need a bandage anymore. Letting the wound air out will help with proper scabbing and healing.
Just don't do anything foolish with that hand of yours, will you?
Love and courage, is what Kaveh told him. Love and courage are things he is made of. Good man, people will say. Kind man. Yet none of those aspects have ever been born out of naivete, but out of the knowledge that the world doesn't pity its inhabitants enough. And so: a hand to be held out, when none were ever given to him.
Daan is careful, ever gentle but firm with his touch as he peels off bandages, giving a satisfied hum. The injury isn't as red or swollen, no sign of infection. The little needle marks of a bite are scabbed and healing.]
That's more like it. [Daan sounds satisfied.] At this point, you might not even need a bandage anymore. Letting the wound air out will help with proper scabbing and healing.
Just don't do anything foolish with that hand of yours, will you?
[ Yi Sang studies Daan's expression silently. It seems his own assessment of his condition had been correct.
He nods, acknowledging the other man's instructions. ]
I will do so. ...shall I continue to apply the antibacterial?
[ All of Daan's advice thus far had worked very well, the medicine included. It doesn't look like there are any open wounds to risk reinfection, but that decision should be left to the expert.
Yi Sang glances down at his hand. ]
Yes, it must be in adequate condition if I am to assist you in the future.
[ It's a lot easier to remember to be careful when he has something concrete to latch onto. ]
He nods, acknowledging the other man's instructions. ]
I will do so. ...shall I continue to apply the antibacterial?
[ All of Daan's advice thus far had worked very well, the medicine included. It doesn't look like there are any open wounds to risk reinfection, but that decision should be left to the expert.
Yi Sang glances down at his hand. ]
Yes, it must be in adequate condition if I am to assist you in the future.
[ It's a lot easier to remember to be careful when he has something concrete to latch onto. ]
Maybe for another day, but honestly at this point, I genuinely don't think you're gonna need it.
[Daan shrugs, looking unconcerned. The wound seems to be adequately healing and close to finishing.]
And I will look forward to that day, but also try to just take care of yourself so I don't have so much work to fuss over, hm?
[He disposes of the bandages, peeling off his gloves following.]
Are you settling into the city so far?
[Daan shrugs, looking unconcerned. The wound seems to be adequately healing and close to finishing.]
And I will look forward to that day, but also try to just take care of yourself so I don't have so much work to fuss over, hm?
[He disposes of the bandages, peeling off his gloves following.]
Are you settling into the city so far?
[ In that case, it sounds like he's been doing a good job at taking care of the wound.
Yi Sang returns his hand to his lap. It feels a little strange having it exposed to air after keeping it wrapped for the last few days. Briefly, he considers touching it, just to see what it feels like and remind himself of what a scab feels like.
It's been awhile, after all, since he's had one of those. ]
I believe so, yes. ...those I have met thus far have been quite kind to me.
[ He gifted a paper crane to a girl who looked a little lost, but seemed to regain her spirits at the sight of the bird. And -- ]
...I may have joined someone's choir.
[ It's never been easy for Yi Sang to say no to others. Again, he sinks back into his thoughts. What else was there? ]
Ah. I... have also said hello to Vergilius. He advised that I mind myself, but to seek your assistance in cases of emergency.
[ Advised, warned, same difference really. ]
Yi Sang returns his hand to his lap. It feels a little strange having it exposed to air after keeping it wrapped for the last few days. Briefly, he considers touching it, just to see what it feels like and remind himself of what a scab feels like.
It's been awhile, after all, since he's had one of those. ]
I believe so, yes. ...those I have met thus far have been quite kind to me.
[ He gifted a paper crane to a girl who looked a little lost, but seemed to regain her spirits at the sight of the bird. And -- ]
...I may have joined someone's choir.
[ It's never been easy for Yi Sang to say no to others. Again, he sinks back into his thoughts. What else was there? ]
Ah. I... have also said hello to Vergilius. He advised that I mind myself, but to seek your assistance in cases of emergency.
[ Advised, warned, same difference really. ]
The people here aren't typically what one would expect. And... I mean that in a good way.
[Time and again, Daan has been surprised by them as well. The majority of the people here seem to want to help each other, and finding bonds has not been difficult, strangely enough.
If Daan can gain friends, family, and loved ones here, anyone can. That is what he thinks.]
Huh. A choir? Hopping right into the hobbies and clubs, I see. Well, it'll probably be good for you.
[Get out. Do things. That sort of thing. People do that, he thinks wryly.
There's a brief pause, because he does know that the two of them spoke. How could he not? Not that Yi Sang would know better. Still, he does not mention this.]
Good. Then you know I mean it when it comes from him. I've mended him, and I'll do the same for the rest of you.
I'd much rather not have to berate you and your ... hm. Coworkers? Friends? I actually don't know how you all feel about each other, but my door is open to all of you all the same.
[Time and again, Daan has been surprised by them as well. The majority of the people here seem to want to help each other, and finding bonds has not been difficult, strangely enough.
If Daan can gain friends, family, and loved ones here, anyone can. That is what he thinks.]
Huh. A choir? Hopping right into the hobbies and clubs, I see. Well, it'll probably be good for you.
[Get out. Do things. That sort of thing. People do that, he thinks wryly.
There's a brief pause, because he does know that the two of them spoke. How could he not? Not that Yi Sang would know better. Still, he does not mention this.]
Good. Then you know I mean it when it comes from him. I've mended him, and I'll do the same for the rest of you.
I'd much rather not have to berate you and your ... hm. Coworkers? Friends? I actually don't know how you all feel about each other, but my door is open to all of you all the same.
[ He hadn't meant to get roped into that activity, but she'd looked so sad and mourned over how much she missed music. How could he say no to such an earnest desire? ]
...I suppose it shall be a welcome distraction, given the futility of all efforts to leave this place.
[ And because they're all stranded here, it's... nice to know people are generally ready to lend a helping hand.
But the last time someone had called him a "friend," it was with a karambit's blade pointed at his neck. Or... had it been in that white hall, tile floor frigid against his bare feet? Maybe it was last uttered with that person's final breath as Yi Sang drove his blade into their chest, finally freeing them from the birdcage of their mutuals pasts.
Thinking of that term still stings a bit, like a fresh wound ready to begin healing. ]
They are my... coworkers, yes. Colleagues. But given enough time, perhaps they may become my companions.
[ Small steps, he thinks. After all, he's only recently remembered his desire for connections had always existed within him. It was always there from the start. He'd simply forgotten along the way.
Yi Sang studies Daan for a moment, as though he were inspecting the condition of his own tools. ]
...does your desire to assist us stem from your friendship with Vergilius?
...I suppose it shall be a welcome distraction, given the futility of all efforts to leave this place.
[ And because they're all stranded here, it's... nice to know people are generally ready to lend a helping hand.
But the last time someone had called him a "friend," it was with a karambit's blade pointed at his neck. Or... had it been in that white hall, tile floor frigid against his bare feet? Maybe it was last uttered with that person's final breath as Yi Sang drove his blade into their chest, finally freeing them from the birdcage of their mutuals pasts.
Thinking of that term still stings a bit, like a fresh wound ready to begin healing. ]
They are my... coworkers, yes. Colleagues. But given enough time, perhaps they may become my companions.
[ Small steps, he thinks. After all, he's only recently remembered his desire for connections had always existed within him. It was always there from the start. He'd simply forgotten along the way.
Yi Sang studies Daan for a moment, as though he were inspecting the condition of his own tools. ]
...does your desire to assist us stem from your friendship with Vergilius?
Mm. It's not my first time being stuck in a city. This has just been a longer period. So... I'd say a few hobbies to pass the time is a good idea.
[Fair enough about the coworkers statement. Similarly, Daan would not call the other contestants friends, either. Necessary comrades in the state they were in, stuck in the Termina Festival. He didn't dislike any of them; really, he even liked them all, but ultimately it wasn't the bond he had with, say, Heine or something.
At the question, Daan shrugs, appearing indifferent.]
Maybe a little. [Maybe a lot.] Ultimately, it's more because your medical choices are exceedingly slim. So if you don't come to me, where the hell are you gonna go while your manager isn't here?
[Daan also chronically has issues ignoring the plights of others, but it's hardly a subject he needs to discuss!]
[Fair enough about the coworkers statement. Similarly, Daan would not call the other contestants friends, either. Necessary comrades in the state they were in, stuck in the Termina Festival. He didn't dislike any of them; really, he even liked them all, but ultimately it wasn't the bond he had with, say, Heine or something.
At the question, Daan shrugs, appearing indifferent.]
Maybe a little. [Maybe a lot.] Ultimately, it's more because your medical choices are exceedingly slim. So if you don't come to me, where the hell are you gonna go while your manager isn't here?
[Daan also chronically has issues ignoring the plights of others, but it's hardly a subject he needs to discuss!]
[ "Maybe a little" he says, which Yi Sang thinks is, in fact, saying quite a lot.
Daan's insistence on receiving everyone when they are injured reminds him of a man with chronic issues with ignoring the plights of animals. Those memories have Yi Sang glancing down at his hand, gazing at the small bite marks on his hand.
...they look a little like the marks a kitten's teeth might leave. It's a mark he recalls that man often wore, depending on how irritated their workshop's cat felt that day.
He clenches his hands, nails digging into his palms to resist the temptation of picking at the scab. That's right; without Dante, every bruise, every scar, would leave traces behind even after healing over. ]
...that is a reasonable response. I have heard that people occasionally go missing here, and thus we would be in some trouble if you were to vanish without a trace.
Daan's insistence on receiving everyone when they are injured reminds him of a man with chronic issues with ignoring the plights of animals. Those memories have Yi Sang glancing down at his hand, gazing at the small bite marks on his hand.
...they look a little like the marks a kitten's teeth might leave. It's a mark he recalls that man often wore, depending on how irritated their workshop's cat felt that day.
He clenches his hands, nails digging into his palms to resist the temptation of picking at the scab. That's right; without Dante, every bruise, every scar, would leave traces behind even after healing over. ]
...that is a reasonable response. I have heard that people occasionally go missing here, and thus we would be in some trouble if you were to vanish without a trace.
[The way Yi Sang clenches his hands does not go unnoticed, albeit Daan is not certain what words triggered the reaction. He doesn't ask, not at the moment, but he think about what words could have caused it.]
...That is something that comes to mind, sometimes.
[The big picture: how would the rest of the city fair? If Shoko was still here, they could get by, but what then? And thus, Binah's suggestion itches his mind.
The smaller picture: how Daan's disappearance might impact Vergilius. Oh, the Red Gaze would manage, of course he would, but Daan would rather maul himself a thousand times before even dreaming to hurt the other man in such a way.]
So I'm thinking of taking on an apprentice or two. I'd be a terrible teacher, but there aren't many options, are there.
...That is something that comes to mind, sometimes.
[The big picture: how would the rest of the city fair? If Shoko was still here, they could get by, but what then? And thus, Binah's suggestion itches his mind.
The smaller picture: how Daan's disappearance might impact Vergilius. Oh, the Red Gaze would manage, of course he would, but Daan would rather maul himself a thousand times before even dreaming to hurt the other man in such a way.]
So I'm thinking of taking on an apprentice or two. I'd be a terrible teacher, but there aren't many options, are there.
[ The new direction of conversation is a welcome distraction from his thoughts. The tension eases a bit in Yi Sang's hands, skin stretched less taut over his bony knuckles. An apprentice -- it's yet another reasonable and wise idea from Daan.
He is beginning to understand why Vergilius trusts this man's word. ]
Patience is a valuable asset for an educator.
[ As is Daan's desire to pass on his knowledge for the benefit of the City's residents'. That, alone, speaks volumes. ]
...perhaps my words do not carry much weight, but I believe you would be more than capable of effectively sharing your knowledge.
[ It's just a hunch from someone who might have been a teacher in some other lifetime. ]
He is beginning to understand why Vergilius trusts this man's word. ]
Patience is a valuable asset for an educator.
[ As is Daan's desire to pass on his knowledge for the benefit of the City's residents'. That, alone, speaks volumes. ]
...perhaps my words do not carry much weight, but I believe you would be more than capable of effectively sharing your knowledge.
[ It's just a hunch from someone who might have been a teacher in some other lifetime. ]
[Briefly, Daan is quiet as he thinks on the matter.
He'd been afraid of becoming a father, because of his own childhood. Hardly much of an example to work off of, after all. And the only example of a mentor he has in mind is one who had been obsessive, stern, and cold. Daan would loathe to be like that as well.
Bleeding heart, Binah called him. Made of love and courage, Kaveh said.
Kind. Good.]
Well. It's neither here nor there, yet. I'd actually have to find an apprentice that not only wants to learn, but is capable of it. Those can be two very different things.
...But thank you, Yi Sang.
He'd been afraid of becoming a father, because of his own childhood. Hardly much of an example to work off of, after all. And the only example of a mentor he has in mind is one who had been obsessive, stern, and cold. Daan would loathe to be like that as well.
Bleeding heart, Binah called him. Made of love and courage, Kaveh said.
Kind. Good.]
Well. It's neither here nor there, yet. I'd actually have to find an apprentice that not only wants to learn, but is capable of it. Those can be two very different things.
...But thank you, Yi Sang.
[ A horse can be led to water, but it cannot be made to drink. ]
Given your trade, it seems likely that you shall become acquainted with a variety of personalities. Surely, there shall be proper candidates, even if you are unable to locate an ideal one.
[ Very few things are truly considered impossible to Yi Sang. Very few things are truly considered impossible to someone who's glimpsed into the the realm of potentials.
He wears a pensive expression as he observes the thoughtful look on the doctor's face. ]
Perhaps you may wish to begin with offering basic medical training, both to assess your teaching abilities and to begin spreading rudimentary knowledge throughout the City.
[ Trying to wrack his brain for solutions, ironically, is what puts Yi Sang at ease. His words come a little freer as he ponders what he perceives to be a puzzle laid before him. ]
Given your trade, it seems likely that you shall become acquainted with a variety of personalities. Surely, there shall be proper candidates, even if you are unable to locate an ideal one.
[ Very few things are truly considered impossible to Yi Sang. Very few things are truly considered impossible to someone who's glimpsed into the the realm of potentials.
He wears a pensive expression as he observes the thoughtful look on the doctor's face. ]
Perhaps you may wish to begin with offering basic medical training, both to assess your teaching abilities and to begin spreading rudimentary knowledge throughout the City.
[ Trying to wrack his brain for solutions, ironically, is what puts Yi Sang at ease. His words come a little freer as he ponders what he perceives to be a puzzle laid before him. ]
I see, I see.
[ narration: he does not, in fact, see. ]
So it shouldn't? Ah, then perhaps I found the rare kind of water that does.
The pot exploded this morning while I was boiling water~ It left quite a burn on my hand.
Ah, Yi Sang, do you know where I am? Doctor Daan is asking.
[ narration: he does not, in fact, see. ]
So it shouldn't? Ah, then perhaps I found the rare kind of water that does.
The pot exploded this morning while I was boiling water~ It left quite a burn on my hand.
Ah, Yi Sang, do you know where I am? Doctor Daan is asking.
[ Oh that. That sounds bad. Note to self, never let Hong Lu boil water unattended... ]
Are you all right?
The doctor is correct, you should report to him immediately about the burn.
[ And... as for where Hong Lu stands presently -- ]
I was under the impression you were visiting The Welcome Diner to seek additional resources for those newly-arrived. Have you strayed from that location?
Are you all right?
The doctor is correct, you should report to him immediately about the burn.
[ And... as for where Hong Lu stands presently -- ]
I was under the impression you were visiting The Welcome Diner to seek additional resources for those newly-arrived. Have you strayed from that location?
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