A volcano...
That would certainly explain the poison gas and acid rain. If we're suffering these effects though, we should be close enough to at least see their source... Or it's a very large volcano.
In any case, it's best to be cautious. We know we're close enough to feel the effects of this volcano which are unpleasant if not lethal. Wearing a wet cloth over one's nose and mouth should help prevent breathing too much ash.
First the Licker and now this... I wonder if I ever get home if my family will even recognize me? I've never gotten this hurt before at home, even when-
...
Well, the point stands is that I should probably take better care. A dislocation is better than a break anyway. I want to get Ukon out of the library as soon as I can though. Once I'm out of hospital, I'll run over there.
All of this puts me ill at ease. This is a volcano, but it's not earth. While the concept is similar and, in the grand scheme of things, probably identical to earth's volcanoes, who knows what alien gases it's spewed and how we'll be affected?