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[Johnny sits on the edge of the Larmline apartment's roof, looking contemplative. His question today isn't as innocnet or light-hearted as usual but he still asks it in that generic 'observer's tone.']

Nightmare: 'A frightening or unpleasant dream.' Or: 'A terrifying or very unpleasant experience or prospect.'

Nightmares are the bane of every child's existence. They consist of monsters under beds or hiding in closets until mommy and daddy are safely gone and the child is vulnerable. Sometimes they consist of our worst fears warped into a seemingly impossible situation that feels real all the while you dream.

But, whether it's a monster in the closet or falling off a building or some mass-murderer come to hack us to pieces in our sleep, they're still just dreams, yes?

There's nothing really to fear from nightmares, is there?

When a child has a nightmare you comfort and sooth them, assure them nothing is going to hurt them, and send them back to bed. But what about an adult? Adults dream. Adults have fears. And adults know better than to believe the age-old promise of 'nothing will hurt you.' So what can you do for an adult whose fears grow out of control?

What if the nightmares are warped memories? What then? Is there truly nothing to fear from a nightmare or do we lie to children to let them get on with their lives until they realize the truth?

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[He froze for a moment. That struck a little close to home. Still, he nodded.]

I do, yes...the children of Adam and Eve.

In... in my world, after Cain killed Abel... Abel's essence scattered and was inherited by many over the years. I'm one of those people. That's complicated enough, but... Cain had it much worse than just what the Bible says.

He keeps reincarnating. And he remembers everything, each time. ... And the most recent incarnation is very close to me. I want to help him, but I don't know how.

[He's not tearing up he's not tearing up he's not tearing up - ;w; ]

[Johnny's quiet as he wraps an arm around Katsu, pulling him against Johnny's side.]

I know you'll think of something, Katsu. You're clever. Besides, you've got a lot of friends here who would probably help you come up with something.

[He leans against Johnny, quiet for a few moments.]

I know. I'll think of something. I just don't like seeing the people I care about in pain. I can't stand it...

I know what you mean; neither do I.

[He's quiet for a long moment. Well, this is uncomfortable.]

Do you want to talk about what you had a nightmare of?

[Let him help you. ;w; ]

[Johnny considers it a moment before nodding.]

...there was someone I knew back home...a demon....a Prince of Hell..

[A sigh.] I've known him almost all my life and...long-story-short he wasn't very pleasant.

My nightmares have been about him.

[... Oh. Well. He reaches up and squeezes Johnny's shoulder.]

As the King of Demons in my world, I officially declare that if he shows up here I'll kick his ass on your behalf.

[He laughed, but inside he was struck with fear at that prospect.]

I appreciate that but...really, Katsu, if he does show up here someday...promise me you'll stay away from him. He's powerful, manipulative, and merciless.

If he thought-

He'll kill anyone he perceives as 'being in his way.'

... I can't do that. I'd be a poor King - and honestly a poor friend - if I let demons run around doing stuff like that. I can take care of myself a lot more than you might think.

[His expression turned sad.]

Hopefully....it'll never come to that. I wouldn't want you to underestimate him and- [get killed. And it would be Johnny's fault.]

Aaah~ But, still, maybe he won't show~ [Mask: back in place.]

[... Come here. He wraps his arms around Johnny and hugs him tightly.]

[His fake smile falters and he returns the hug.]

[He rubs his back, humming softly before starting to sing. It's nothing complicated, just a lullaby his mother used to sing him. His voice isn't the greatest for singing, but he's doing his best.]

Hushabye, hushabye,
My good baby, sleep.

Where did my boy's baby-sitter go?
Beyond that mountain, back to her home.

As a souvenir from her home, what did you get?
A toy drum and a shō flute.

[As surprised as he is, Johnny relaxes. He hadn't been sung to since he was a child, still human, being lulled to sleep by his mother. It was...nostalgic. And nice.

He waits for Katsu to finish before speaking.]

Is that a lullaby from your home?

Yeah. My mother used to sing it to me when I was little.

[He reaches up and strokes Johnny's hair gently, trying to get him to calm down even more.]

Things are going to be okay. I promise.

It's nice.

[He wants to believe it...more than anything. Usually, his pessimism keeps him from any sort of faith....but, this time, he'll let himself find comfort in Katsu's words.]

Thank you...[He wants to ask what he's done to deserve a friend like this...but he holds back. For now.]

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