It isn't without its challenges, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[ Entirely true! For now.

Maruki is... not pleased with the blood, still, but trying to ignore it. He leans down to roll his pantlegs up higher, knobby knees sticking out – at least he has the advantage of height working for him. He tries to speak casually as he does. ]

If you can believe it, this actually isn't the first time I've shared a dream with someone that I don't know. Or the fifth, or the tenth... It happened quite often in the reality that I'm currently in. Would you rather be here in this ocean of blood, or in my counseling office?

[ A cheery joke! ]