Sardonic Operator in Morpheus' Realm

Why in the world did that foolish lunation even bother to develop such a thing? Bah, this really does get on my nerves. Guaranteed sweet dreams with every pill! It's bad enough when a few at a time take them, but three in a row? And knowing my luck, the entire damn manor will be taking some sort of thing soon, just so they will be in a good mood.

I wish that I could bother to go and fix the dreams myself. It is hard to coordinate from this switchboard. At this rate, I'm not going to even have enough wires to redirect them to good dreams. Hrm. Well, I suppose that a dream that they cannot remember in the slightest would have to be a good one, right? Only the nightmares are truly remembered. Especially if sister was involved…

Speaking of her, where is she? She better not be stalking that one human's dreams again. Had to give her enough of a talking to the last time I found out. Probably scared the poor mortal to death. Heh… To be an innocent devil once more.

Wait a second; the alarm is going off? Dream getting derailed… Well, if it's one of them, better just go on and dump that one out of it. Yup, it is. Dammit, Mugetsu… What do you think you're doing? Anything you try in one of those dreams could be compounded to become even worse.

Still dreaming… Hrm. Breach of containment most likely at this rate. Might just have to go on ahead and… Well, never mind. It looks like you decided to go on and bust through illusion and make your way here.

Yes, I'm talking to you, human. Bloody hell, it's not like I have enough to worry about on top of having someone else in the main headquarters… Well, if you're gonna go ahead and stay here, might as well go and grab a chair and kick your feet back. Or go and fetch me a cup of tea while you're at it. I can't be going anywhere at the moment, anywho, so go ahead and make yourself useful.

Who the hell do I look like, human? Can't you see the family resemblance? Or are you not… Yep! You're the one that she was stalking. How lovely… Well, she's still lost in what was left of your dream, so might as well not even bother worrying. Just go ahead and be a dear, and do what I tell you to. Alright?

Hrm. Cold, and there's not enough sweetener. Damn sight better than what I'm used to. So, human, what brings you all the way into here? The usual reaction to running away from a dream is not typically falling deeper and deeper into the mind. That is especially true when you have no knowledge of what may lurk beyond.

I know that you didn't know. But I suppose it's not all your fault. Most likely it was the sum of the effects of those damned pills that Yagokoro gave you. Things are driving me insane.

Well, of course they are! Why the hell wouldn't they? Oh, sure, go ahead and make something that gives people sweet dreams. Never mind that there are actually those that are working to give people dreams, and we can't always just pull a lever and bam, sweet dream.

Well, there are only a few scenarios that I can use on a constant basis. People are not always picky about the types of dreams they may receive. And even if it is a sight they have never seen before, they will not shun it if they find it interesting enough.

Tell me… Have you been to the see before? Seen the rollicking waves crash against the sand and stone? That alone is sufficient for some. The calm peace that is tranquility is enough for many. But that is hardly alone, and I could go on and on in my listing of them.

Try me, human. I can think of anything… And if I cared to, I could become quite more descriptor than I have been. You know my sister, do you not? Do you remember what she tempted you with?

I do. After all, someone had to run that dream… Of course, it was hardly helped when she came back and bragged to me about all that she had done. She finds you fascinating, after all. Although, perhaps it is not you yourself that interests her, but rather your company.

Good, you do remember. At least you've managed to control your blush since last time. From the way that Mugetsu described it, you were blushing like a virgin at even the barest hint of skin that was shown.

Yeah, I thought so as well. My sister can be like that at times. That does not make anything, if you do ask. I am like her, a devil, but I care not for those games that she plays. Even as much fun as it would be to go tease mortals as I used to, I have a job to do. And my job is quite important, at least in compared to hers. Or yours, for that matter.

It's Gengetsu. Heh, at least you bothered to ask. Most don't even bother to ask the name of another in this realm. They're a dream person, after all. They are whoever you need them to be. If there is one pleasure I continue to allow myself, it is the pleasure of upsetting that particular assumption. Oh, how fun it can be when a friendly person suddenly turns out to be the one in charge of everything bad happening to them.

But that would fall under the purview of nightmares, I am afraid. And we aren't having any of that, at least near you… Oh, look there. The elder Aki finally winked off to be. Considering the mood she's in… Hrm. Darker yellow, along with some pink and black… Definitely not a good mood. So, I think a nightmare would be appropriate here.

What are you getting on? I can't give them all happy dreams. I mean, look at the board! I've only got so many slots, and she's due for a dream. Too many days without one, and you start to get complacent. So, instead, she's going to get one that at least fits her mood.

Alright, give me a second to finish the dregs in this cup before I explain. I can't do that. It'd be pointless of me to give those that are taking a pill a slot that isn't a good dream. All it'd do is overload the setup here, and I'd have to spend who knows how long to piece it all back together.

I could. But there would be no point. I'm in charge of all dreams, human. As much as it pains me to deny your request, and believe me, it pains me little, I am going to have to turn it down.

After all, if I weren't here, how else would I know to extract you from that dream? You were actively doing something in there that was causing your emotions to go off the charts. Hence I know exactly where my sister was. She tends to do such things, especially when your body and mind are not quite synchronized, with one dancing as the other wants to stand still.

Of course, now you're blushing. Please spare me the thoughts of whatever that my sister was doing to or for you. I do not want that mental picture in my own head. And if you're not careful, and you won't calm down, I'll stick you back in it. So be a good kid, and go fetch me another cup, pronto.

Dammit, now who is it… Hrm. That Izayoi chick. Seems like she wants to kill… Heck, when does she not one to kill somebody? Hell, when does half of this damned land not want to do such a thing, even a little bit?

Never, that's the answer. Bah, why am I even_— Oh, you're back. Never mind. Good to see that you're so quick. For that matter, how did you know where my pot was? You've never been in this control center before…

Well, that's awfully convenient. I suppose I did leave the door open, earlier. Funny how those things work… Eh, realm of dreams. Probably best to not look too deeply into it…

Hey now, what do you think you're doing? Don't touch that dial! Did I say that you have permission to look into the dreams of others? Dam humans… Always not knowing when best to look into the business of those whom you have no reason to bother?

Oh, go on, don't mind me. I'm just the devil that runs the place. I'm certain that I don't have any particular reason to of course I'm not going to let you look. The nerve of some people, honestly… Alright, fine. I'll take a peek, and if it's anything important…

Huh. So you are involved. In both of the newcomer's dreams. Oh, yeah. There was another that fell asleep when you went away. Tricky thing finding something appropriate for the latter… But the former… Well, I'm not sure that you really want to know about it.

Fine… Fine. If you insist… Don't have to be so pushy. A devil has feelings too, you know. If I wasn't too certain, I would be sure that was an insult. But knowing Mugetsu… Eh. Who knows? Fine. Go ahead and hit the dial.

What am I going to do? Sister's gone… She's gone. How'd she go before me? Has more faith than I. She shouldn't have disappeared. I'm left alone. What reason do I have for this? Why would I have to make the leaves fall when the harvest isn't there to go along afterwards?

Must be mountain god's fault. Damn Kanako. Takes away everything. Our faith… Our lives… Mino… Why she'd take her away from me. Better go ahead and take her down. No other reason to keep going, right?

…Why can't I make any magic? Why aren't the leaves responding? Not a single bullet is coming to my fingertips. Why not? Am I too weak? Too pitiful? How come the end is like this? I don't know. It shouldn't be… It shouldn't be. Even if I have to bring about the end of that one, could I do it, for Mino? Could I end that one so I can avenge her…

Like I said, you probably didn't want to hear that. Poor girl has enough to bother with on her own. Before you start to fret, her nightmares haven't changed that much. The dear barely can stand up for herself, so why wouldn't she be afraid that one day it might cost that which is precious to her?

Sad to say that you've ended up as the point of contention. If I were you, I'd be going out of my way to try to ease her thoughts. What did you do to bother the goddess of dead leaves so?

Heh. And you call us devils. At least we're supposed to come back after we're killed. It takes a long time, not to mention a bit of magical playing around, but it's possible. Humans are supposed to stay dead, kid. You screwed up.

Granted, you could probably swear the rest of life to the goddess if you tried, but something tells me you value your freedom too much. Hence why you just left the dream my sister was influencing. Mugetsu does have a rather one-track mind at times, doesn't she?

That other dream? I'm still questioning whether to let you look at it. If she is any similar kind of relation to you… Ah, I see. Well, that is pretty good, then. If she hates you, it 'd be much more interesting to see. After all, you'd be a monster in her eyes, wouldn't you? I wonder what it's like to go from one end of the spectrum to another…

Oh, fine, go ahead. Not like we've violated enough people's privacy…

Damn fools, why did they come? What could they gain from destroying her? Beloved Mistress… They will all die for this. They will all die! Oh, just wait until I can slide the knife in…

What is that? No knife? Then I will do it with my bare hands. I need that lovely blood to come spurting out them. Damned horrors… Three eyes. What kind of hellish creature has three eyes? The worst of monstrosities, I do say! Along with that one that is bronzed. I shall melt her down, and present her to my Mistress.

Wait, she is dead. Kill them, yes I shall. They took her from me. She understands… She is the only one that understands. I need the blood. The blood will wash away their actions…

And that is the other reason I am careful about letting you see those things. So, been indulging in a spot of murder on the side, kid? Bah, what are humans up to these days? Now who was it? Not many round here that have their own maid, so I could probably guess it right off of the bat, but go ahead and tell.

So, does that make ya a devil killer? Even if you didn't throw the final blow on her, it seems like our little friend that is having her naptime certainly disagrees. Still, she looks perfectly mundane, aside from the rather disturbing liking for blood.

Surprised? Not all of us get off on hedonism. Not that I am anything like her… Bah. The Scarlet Devil was no true devil, even if we do mange to look similar. If I had the care to do so, I would probably be able to move in and assume her job. But why would I do that? Then I'd have to look like some damn child instead of a proper adult.

Good boy. Seems like being around a bunch of females has taught you well. Although I imagine a fair bit you learned out of a desire to survive. Eh? Oh, well, I think I'm done for now. Most of them are settled in, and it's going to be quite a while before we see anyone else drop in. Most of the youkai woke up already. The satori and vampire here just fell asleep, which is odd enough. It's rather amusing seeing a vampire sleep at night, but whatever floats her boat.

Ah, I see. It certainly would keep her from attempting to lift the manor of all of its valuables. Pity. When you wake, do ask her to take a fair few of those dream pills? I wouldn't mind a brief respite from this nonsense…

Oh, wanting to see into the mind of another? Well, if it's that one, kid, I ain't about to let you do that. That mind is much too dangerous for one as mortal and as sane as yourself. Even if she has calmed down much considering how she used to act…

No. She never did. That one always is running in her mind. Running from something, running from anything. It's quite sad, to be honest. That girl doesn't have to run, but she is so lost to her powers and emotions that she doesn't even care anymore. After all, would you bother trying to face the demons lurking in the back of your mind if you could just close your eyes and make them go away?

Hell, that is why I'm not letting you in. I don't want you to see what may be on her mind. Even if you are her friend… Well, still not going to happen. So don't get any smart ideas.

After all, I've watched her dreams. Trust in. They're getting less hectic as of late, but that doesn't mean that it would be safe for you to venture inside. Oh, trust me, you're going to venture inside if you so much as even catch a glimpse. I know your type. White knight and all that. Isn't that the case, human?

After all, I've seen your dreams. You just can't say no to that girl, can you? Could you say no to any of these girls, if they were kind? Hell, I bet that if a youkai came up to you acting all sweet, you'd be eaten faster than you could realize that they had teeth.

Dumb, that's what you are. Although, I do suppose that your deaths aren't your own fault. Remember what I said, I've seen you. That first one was assuredly out of your control. The second one… Even if you had the better sense to run away, you probably wouldn't have escaped. Or that girl might have just considered it a game.

That third one was your fault, though. Honestly, what kind of idiot would go up Youkai Mountain and not expect something like that to happen? You, I suppose. At least it gives you some rather interesting dreams that can be good entertainment.

Sure, I remember them. You remember even a little bit of any of them? Not surprised that you don't, kid. No reason for you to remember them, as they were mostly just odd shapes and colors. Visions of people reminding you to do favors of them.

Although, it makes me want to know something, kid. You from the outside? If'n I'm right, you are. So tell me, why is it that you never dream of your life out there? I know that you remember something, but even the odd time I've sent you a good dream that wasn't interrupted by Mugetsu, it was about the people of this land. If you could call them people…

Would you call me a person? Hell, you still look funny whenever I grin. Although, that could just be because of Mugetsu's influence. Damn thing about being so close to each other in looks… You know what? If we're going to have a nice long conversation, go fetch me another cuppa. I could use it. All that I really have to worry about now is for anyone overreacting to their dreams, and I have to go ahead and shut 'em down.

Aye, thank ya. Now, about that… Well, look here… Seems that another of the rabbits is starting to overreact. Don't touch the cord, human; I'll take care of it.

That poor dear barely is holding herself together. You should see it. Night after night she has the dreams. Even if I send a good one to her, they only end up bitter sweet. If there were ever someone I'd wish that Yagokoro would use those pills on, it'd be her. But since she refuses to take them…

No? I cannot smell anything at the moment… Although, it is getting a little smoky in here. Are you sure you took the pot off of the burner? Even that metal can start to melt if you leave it on long enough. Trust me, it's happened before. Left it on when I had to deal with a nasty shrine maiden once upon a time. Still not sure how she made it in here…

I suppose I can start with this one. Not that I particularly am gifted at telling stories, mind you. Don't have much experience. Since you're going to be here, though, and that it'll keep you from trying to sneak a peek at those that are dreaming…

Wait a moment. I smell it as well… Odd. Very odd. Go check on the stove real quick. Make sure that you moved it off of the burner… Hrm.

Well, this isn't good. Got a few lights winking on. They shouldn't be waking up… Oh dear. All rabbits. And now we've got the lunarians falling…. Gotta redirect them, just stick them into the black. Dammit.

Hey, kid! You might want to be waking up about now! Something tells me that the smoke isn't coming from here! Yeah, get going! I'm not going to tell you twice, unless you fancy the idea of…

Fine, I'll do it the hard way. Just get over here… Good. Bend over… And now to kick you in the ass so you can go back to your real world.

Oh, now that was cathartic. I should do that more often… Where is Mugetsu when you need her… Bah, now I need a smoke. At least I've got a cigarette that I can bum. Pretty sure that kid had a light, too. I'll need to go find my own here in a few.

Well, kid, if you can still hear me… I've got one word of advice. Seeing what's happening here… Better get ready to run for your life.

Main Quest: Run For Your Life

A/N Well, howdy all once more. I really felt this Gengetsu here, as I had her mostly done last night. Just had to put the finishing touches up on it today. As for why she is a switchboard operator? Because I thought it would work. That, and it makes her the complete opposite of what her sister is.

Mr. Muss, I was aiming for that. However, you will find out soon enough.

Digressing, please read and review as always, and until next time!