[ There's another pause as he considers what to say. A few things have occupied his mind since his arrival here, and most of them were personal. It felt inappropriate to burden another with his personal problems, but... ]
The staff at the music studio require my advice for their operations. Other than that, I have been looking into the nightmare phenomenon here. That has taken up most of my free time.
[ It's not just curiosity - it's personal. Nightmares have often been his accompaniment. ]
[Aether nods to that, then places a hand over his heart.]
I have heard a thing or two about nightmares... Would it be okay if I helped you with your investigation?
[Helping is one thing, but he also genuinely wants to know more about the phenomenon. He wants to make sure he understands it and knows how to deal with it in case one of his friends would ever get in trouble.]
[ Phantom seems surprised for a moment, though he quickly regains his usual composure. ]
It could be quite dangerous... though even if I said that, it would not dissuade you. [ Aether's that kind of person. ] I am seeking any magic or implement that could disperse nightmare's influence.
I may not look like it, but I fought dragons before and even faced against gods.
[Nothing is too dangerous to him, but then again, he's not foolish either. He knows his limits (forgetting about them when someone is in a pinch, but those are details).
Still, if this is something Phantom is involved in, he would like to help.]
Hm... I've heard nightmares appear because of negative emotions. Shouldn't positivity counter that or is it far more complicated?
[ He says nothing, simply looking at Aether for a moment. There's no suspicion in this gaze, only a clear sort of attention as he inspects the youth's face. Fighting dragons and gods is certainly a tall claim to make, but he doesn't suspect Aether of lying just from that. If anything, people who look young tend to have a higher probability of concealing hidden depths. ]
I see, [ he says finally. ] Thank you.
[ On the topic of nightmares, though... ]
Nightmares are dreams, and this is a world made of dreams. Thus, the fear and pain that nightmares bring will become tangible, similar to a form of corruption. You can think of it as a type of poison that has emotional side-effects. Simply cheering the affected individual will not remove the toxins from their dream bodies.
[Aether wouldn't be surprised if Phantom still doubted him, but he smiles softly when the other thanks him and goes back to the topic. As the nightmares are explained to him, Aether frowns deeply, nodding once Phantom finishes.]
That... really sounds far more complicated and dangerous. Has anyone ever managed to disperse the effects before?
[ This is definitely a long term effort, so he won't expect Aether to be able to solve it immediately. Still, having more people on the case is always a good thing. ]
I will keep you appraised. But for now... let us keep brighter thoughts in our minds.
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no subject
The staff at the music studio require my advice for their operations. Other than that, I have been looking into the nightmare phenomenon here. That has taken up most of my free time.
[ It's not just curiosity - it's personal. Nightmares have often been his accompaniment. ]
no subject
I have heard a thing or two about nightmares... Would it be okay if I helped you with your investigation?
[Helping is one thing, but he also genuinely wants to know more about the phenomenon. He wants to make sure he understands it and knows how to deal with it in case one of his friends would ever get in trouble.]
no subject
[ Phantom seems surprised for a moment, though he quickly regains his usual composure. ]
It could be quite dangerous... though even if I said that, it would not dissuade you. [ Aether's that kind of person. ] I am seeking any magic or implement that could disperse nightmare's influence.
no subject
[Nothing is too dangerous to him, but then again, he's not foolish either. He knows his limits (forgetting about them when someone is in a pinch, but those are details).
Still, if this is something Phantom is involved in, he would like to help.]
Hm... I've heard nightmares appear because of negative emotions. Shouldn't positivity counter that or is it far more complicated?
[It is definitely not that simple.]
no subject
I see, [ he says finally. ] Thank you.
[ On the topic of nightmares, though... ]
Nightmares are dreams, and this is a world made of dreams. Thus, the fear and pain that nightmares bring will become tangible, similar to a form of corruption. You can think of it as a type of poison that has emotional side-effects. Simply cheering the affected individual will not remove the toxins from their dream bodies.
no subject
That... really sounds far more complicated and dangerous. Has anyone ever managed to disperse the effects before?
no subject
[ And it's not something that he can accomplish alone. That much he knows. ]
Considering the nature of this world as a nexus, any keys to the puzzle are most likely to be found here.
no subject
[Well, it's just in everyone's best interest if they find more information on the matter.]
You can count on me. I'm good at solving puzzles.
[There's a lot he's good at.]
wrapping!
[ This is definitely a long term effort, so he won't expect Aether to be able to solve it immediately. Still, having more people on the case is always a good thing. ]
I will keep you appraised. But for now... let us keep brighter thoughts in our minds.
[ They have a festival to enjoy, after all. ]