Dream moved through the maze as though he were leisurely passing through, like a listless spirit drifting along the edge of awareness. There was no reason to quicken his steps, as the exit was not the destination he sought. He went where he felt he might be needed, where he sensed a pull of distress, his own horrifying manifestations flatly ignored in favor of locating the call of another. What use was the King of Dreams if he couldn't reach mortals faced with a waking nightmare? It also gave him something to do that wasn't sulking in misery. His sister would be proud.

Eventually, his winding path led him to someone engaged in a discussion with what appeared to be nothing. Dream waited a moment, lingering at a short distance, before speaking suddenly, his tone soft and even. "It cannot harm you." Perhaps he should have made his presence known before announcing it like this. Dream wasn't particularly good at first impressions, a fact made all the more obvious as he stood there, motionless, staring at the stranger with an unblinking gaze.

Helpful, this one.

His heart broke for the manananggal, so twisted beyond their true purpose. Kneeling, Dream gazed at the tortured creature, his expression darkened with concern and an undercurrent of anger. "This is not your function," he murmured softly, reaching out a hand. It hissed and spat, jerking away from him, but Dream made no effort to move. He waited, patience written into every line of his body, as though he could remain there for ages without tiring.

Eventually, with great reluctance, the creature seemed to grow used to Dream's presence. It peered at him from where it had climbed halfway up one of the hedges, still hissing lowly as though daring him to attack. He didn't. He continued to wait, his hand still held out, and his persistence was rewarded when the manananggal finally, finally grew quiet, relinquishing its iron grip on the foliage to begin a slow descent to the ground. It was just about to crawl toward Dream when the creature stopped abruptly, sensing someone else.

Glancing over his shoulder with an annoyed look, he made no move to assist this person when the manananggal shrieked and lunged at them. They had interrupted. And besides, he disliked fighting.

I don't understand. [ His whole face filled the screen, an uncomprehending and slightly annoyed look on his expression. At least his voice is nice. ] What is the purpose of this device?