"Do you believe you're quite ready for this, your majesty?" she inquired, making Lucien concerned about Morpheus. "You haven't navigated these seas in a while."
"Do you think I've forgotten how?" Morpheus questioned.
"No, but..." Lucien sighs.
In the midst of a pitch-black, calm sea with ominous clouds, they were both standing on a long, narrow wool bridge. The ebony seas seemed to go on forever, motionless and lifeless.
Morpheus, a tall figure with a regal bearing, stood with piercing eyes and flowing dark hair framing his features, looked out into the black sea.
"I can't ask The Fates for assistance without providing them with something in return," Morpheus said as he turned to face Lucien. "Nothing remains from the Dreaming." Morpheus had made up his mind.
He explained, "I have to gather my offering from other people's dreams."
"I understand. It's just that, in your absence, these waters have become darker, treacherous, unsafe," Lucien murmured worriedly.
"Morpheus advanced to the edge of the bridge, knelt down, and looked down at the water.
"These waters are as much a part of me as I am of them," Morpheus said, releasing his sand-filled hand. "Gregory's sacrifice won't go to waste." Putting sand on the quiet sea, he claimed.
As he poured the sand, shadows and light emerged. Morpheus discovered his own reflection in the water, smiling and sporting blazing eyes. In a horrifying form with luminous eyes.
The appearance of Morpheus' shadow in the sea astounded and scared him."
The hands of Morpheus and his image in the sea were extended in the direction of one another, Morpheus approaches the water's edge.
Morpheus was dragged deep into the sea by the reflection.
Sand and dim light floating together deep within the ocean.
"You were right, Lucien," Morpheus reflected to himself. "The Dreams and Nightmares no longer appear to recognize their master. I shall remind them and take what I need from them."
Morpheus took control of the situation in the water, reached out his hand as he gazed below, and saw a picture of farmland.
As his hand suddenly and massively grew in size on the farm, taking the bridge, Morpheus said to himself, "Since one meets The Fates at a crossroads, I find myself in the dreams of a Cambodian farmer."
"The Hanged Man represents surrender and sacrifice for the greater good.
The gallows come from a young Japanese cinephile, her head full of British horror films."
Morpheus was hanged and released into the water by soldiers in the dreams, making use of water for transportation.
"The river is stronger and moving more quickly than I remember," he thought to himself. "I need to concentrate, open my eyes, and see what The Fate requires."
Suddenly, he found himself in a room beside a serpent and its egg.
A symbol of transformations of life, death, and rebirth.
The serpent almost bit Morpheus when he squatted down next to it. Morpheus opened his coat and used it to encircle the serpent.
The egg was taken by Morpheus. "Now, it is up to The Fates," he remarked.
In a cold, dark, and historical area was Morpheus. "I, Lord Morpheus, Dream of the Endless, summon The Fates... The Three-Who-Are-One," Morpheus summoned The Fates as a woman appeared.
Morpheus continued, "The One-Who-Is-Three. The Hecate." Morpheus laid a bow after the three women appeared.
Clotho - beginning of life, Lachesis - presence existence, Atropos - end of life.
They exist outside the bounds of time and space.
The Fates may appear as elderly women, each representing a different aspect of destiny, either old or maiden
"Morpheus, it's been a while. You look thin, love. Are you eating? Are you hungry?" Lachesis asked.
"He is, but not for food. Look at him. He wants something," Atropos declared.
"You've found me out. I do want something. I need your help," Morpheus said, using a calm voice.
"Help? Oh, listen to him, please. Like you helped us against Circe?" Atropos stated in a commanding tone.
Lachesis adds, "Circe is old business, sister-self."
"And he did bring nice things," replied Clotho.
As Morpheus offered Atropos a present, she extended her hand to accept it.
The serpent emerged from Morpheus' coat and into Lachesis' arms.
"Before opening her lips widely to allow the serpent to be swallowed by The Fates," Lachesis commanded, "You may ask us three things."
"After they had swallowed the serpent," Clotho stated, "And you get one answer from each of us."
Morpheus bowed briefly and said, "Thank you, ladies."
"My first question. I had a leather pouch filled with sand. Where is it?" Morpheus softly questioned.
The Fates gave him a vision that revealed who is holding his satchel.
It was purchased in London. Clotho stated in a heavy tone, "Last purchased by a magician by the name of Johanna Constantine.
Morpheus repeated, "Constantine," and thought to himself, "I knew a Constantine, but that was 300 years ago."
"You said last purchased? Does she still have the sand?" Out of curiosity, Morpheus enquired.
"Dream, you know better than that," Clotho softly chided him, calling him with a grin on her face. "You get one question, one answer," said Clotho, her voice heavy with echo.
Morpheus apologized.
He said, "My second question."
Lachesis encouraged, "Go on, dear."
He questioned, "My helm, what happened to it?"
He was given yet another vision on the magical usage of his helmet.
"It was given to a demon in exchange for an Amulet of Protection," Lachesis responded.
"To which demonic entity was it traded?" Morpheus inquired.
Lachesis smiled as she gave Morpheus the warning, "One question, one answer, love."
Morpheus asked his last question from Atropos.
"My ruby, who has it now?" he asked.
Showing Morpheus baby John and his mother, Ethel.
"Your gem was passed from a mother to a son," Atropos replied.
Morpheus asked for the location to find them but got The Fates angry.
"You have asked your questions!" Three-in-one said with voices heard in one face. Their faces kept switching on one body. Their voice echoed with thunder in their voice and vanished.
The Fates speak to Morpheus with a sense of wisdom and authority, their words carrying great weight and significance.
"Footsteps approaching."
After the confrontation with The Fates, Lucien picked up an egg that Morpheus had taken from The Dreaming and approached Morpheus where he was standing.
Lucien remarked, "My Lord, you didn't give it to The Fates."
"Because it was not meant for them," Morpheus replied as he turned to face Lucien.
Raindrops falling in a sandy cemetery. An arm emerged from the grave.
After killing Abel with a shovel, Cain buried him.
When Abel climbed out of the tomb and saw an egg in front of his grave, he excitedly carried it. Abel was drenched in rain and plastered with sand.
Abel calls Cain "brother."
"Thanks for burying me in such a shallow grave this time," Abel placed the egg on the table, "And for this."
"Who gave you an egg?" Cain was shocked.
"You did," Abel replied.
He was told by Cain that he didn't give him any eggs and that he had no reasons for doing so.
"As an apology for murdering me," Abel said.
"When have I ever apologized for murdering you?" Cain asked.
[Egg cracked.]
Excitement from both of them.
"Oh, Cain, look!" Abel gasped.
A baby dragon hatched.
"It's a baby gargoyle!" Abel's expression was filled with excitement.
After realizing that Morpheus had provided them with the egg, Cain was not impressed.
Cain was enraged, saying, "If he thinks leaving this creature on my doorstep makes up for Gregory."
"Do you believe Lord Morpheus is where he came from?" Abel asked.
"Who else, you moron?" Cain slandered.
Cain reassured himself, "He's trying to buy us off with a baby gargoyle."
Abel told Cain that Morpheus has noble intentions.
With the adorable newborn appearance, he temporarily lost control.
"He's pretty adorable, isn't he?" Cain gave the dragon praise.
"I believe I'll call him Irving," Abel said in reference to the dragon.
Cain repeated the name.
"You gully-guts, you can't give a gargoyle the name 'Irving'," said Cain.
"I like it," said Abel.
Cain muttered angrily. He took a book off the shelf. Abel was told that the dragon's name had to begin with a "G."
Instead, Abel opted to call it Girving.
A hot iron was pulled out by Cain out of frustration, and he used it to slay Abel.
The gargoyle was covered in blood.
"You don't pay attention, do you?" Ethel questioned as she went on. "Attractive males rarely do. They might not have to," she thought.
"Ethel, are you flirting with me?" he asked, turning to face her.
She replied, "You asked me where the tools were, and I told you I don't have them."
"Given your amazing accomplishment, I find that hard to believe," he continued.
She smiled.
She poured herself a glass of wine and asked, "Do you think that the only way a woman can be successful is by using magic? Supernatural and sexist. You really are a nightmare, aren't you?" Ethel became drawn to him.
Corinthians wasn't convinced the tools didn't help her in succeeding and keeping her from looking her age.
"Now who's flirting?" She said while sipping her wine.
They starred at each other as Ethel smiled.
"When I left Magnus, I traded the sand and helm for my life in America," she explained.
"And the ruby," he asked.
"The ruby. As you know, it does have the power to make Dreams come true, but it also makes Nightmares come true," her voice trembling. "My son, John, took the ruby from me, and then the ruby took John," she added.
"Hmm…. Well, where is it now?" He asked
"I don't know. Don't want to know," she replied.
Still not believing a word Ethel said, Corinthians took off his glasses, revealing his button eyes.
He cleaned his knife before going up to Ethel and asking her if he could take her eyes out so he could collect everything.
"You will regret this. I promise you," she said fearfully.
Corinthians scoffs, "what makes you think that," he asked.
She confronted him and held out an eye amulet towards Corinthians, saying, "I don't need Dream's tools; I have my own."
He sees it and screams as he gets broken into pieces and disappears.
After the scene, Ethel left in comfort.
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The King of Dreams Chapter 8
When Ethel arrived at the heavily guarded building, the guards opened the entrance and greeted her as she entered gracefully. visiting Johnny, her son, in a light, white room. Ethel called out to her son, John, who was seated on a chair and wearing a hospital outfit, which he mistakenly thought of as a jail. With astonishment on his face, he raised his head and gave her a surprised expression. Ethel seldom paid her son any visits. He whispered "Hello, mama" Ethel inquired about his well-being. Johnny said that it was dull and lonely and that the location resembled a jail. Ethel corrected him, saying, "Hospital, John, and I can see you are getting better." Is that how you're checking to see whether I've forgiven you? John queriedEthel laughed and asked Johnny if he was okay as she turned to face him and acknowledged him. You're either trying to convince yourself or me, John smiled. "Am trying to speak with my son." Ethel said in a stern voice, "We need to talk."Johnny wasn't fol
The King of Dreams Chapter 9
Girving, the dragon, was approaching Abel's tomb, where Cain had laid him to rest. As soon as Abel spotted the newborn dragon, Abel dug himself out of the tomb. "Hello Girving, I mean Goldy," Abel greeted the dragon after sitting down. "For Cain's sake, I'll name you Goldy, but you'll always be Girving to me," Abel said to the dragon. Girving speaking to Abel in dragon language, Girving the dragon. "He's not to blame; he can't help it." Abel tries to explain to Girving why Cain keeps murdering and burying him every time he gets angry: "It's who he is, it's who we are." "First killer, first casualty. This is our story," he said."Do you even understand what a story is?" Girving was questioned by Abel." Should I tell you?" As he began his narrative, Abel grinned and adjusted his seat. "It's a secret story," he said. "It's a story of two brothers who were good to one another and who loved one other very, very much. Nice and compassionate. And...and brotherly, you know?" As he concl
The King of Dreams Chapter 10
To hide the fact that she was pursuing demons, Constantine insisted that they both repeat after her in Latin.The player started to grunt in discomfort and cough as soon as they began to repeat after Constantine. Princess, on the other hand, hoped that the footballer wouldn't become sick at their wedding.The Latin chanting of Constantine was resumed. As though a body was attempting to flee, a hand emerged from the baller's mouth.The baller's mouth gradually became larger as the body kept creeping out. The bodily portions were divided by the hands in the mouth. A tall, black, bread-haired, and demon with a deep voice was being reviled. Blood was all over the demon's body."Ric!" "You were right about the demon but wrong about the host," Constantine said as she called for the nun. Constantine gave the Nun the order to transport the princess to a secure location. The princess, who was covered in blood, fled the scene terrified. Demon growls, hearing Constantine chant, "You talk too
The King of Dreams Chapter 11
Morpheus was in the dimly lighted hallway and was making his way toward a door. When he opened the door, Morpheus saw Constantine struggling to stand and chanting in Latin as she attempted to throw a demon back to hell. While completing her task, a girl shouted out to Constantine and went towards her. The girl was told by Constantine to return, but it was already too late. The girl was dragged inside by the demon, which was on fire and going to be sent into hell. Though she attempted, Constantine was too late to save the girl. She was in disbelief as she sat on the ground and watched as the girl vanished, leaving just her half-hand with Constantine.Constantine quickly awoke from her dreams, gasping for air. "For fuck's sake," she said as Constantine noticed Morpheus standing in front of her. She said, "How did you find me?""You were dreaming," Morpheus said. "It wasn't just a dream, was it?" he asked. "This is a memory. No surprise you don't sleep." He added. "Maybe I don't deserve
The King of Dreams Chapter 12
"Hmm. Yes, clown. Morpheus was made fun of by the demon, who questioned, "So, where is your crown?""Guard your tongue, demon," Morpheus advised the demon, "because the ruler of Hell will not be kind to one who insults an honored guest," he stated with an irate expression. Morpheus becomes enraged. "And I am a guest in this realm as I am a ruler of my own," he adds. "So, where's your ruby?""Will you let me use it to haunt your dreams? And your awake time, too?" asked Morpheus. "Or will you allow us in by opening the Gate of Hell?" Morpheus' tone turned fierce. The demon unlocked the gate for Morpheus and his raven after being frightened by Morpheus' threat."Now take us to the palace," Morpheus commanded. "There is one at the door," Demon kept repeating the words on their way to the palace. They encountered a dry, dark woodland that was covered in fog as they made their way to the palace, with the demon leading the way."Any clue, where we are?" Matthew the raven enquired."The la
The King of Dreams Chapter 13
Johnny is on the street, looking around at the unfamiliar house and areas. He got on the road when he almost got into an accident with a car. He fell and got scared using one of his hands to guide himself as another car parked in front of him. A lady rushed out of the car to assist Johnny in standing up. "Thank you," Johnny said, grateful. Johnny was trying to look for his slippers, "I lost my slippers somewhere.""Oh, here you go," the lady found his slippers and helped him put them on. Johnny acknowledged the lady and indirectly apologized for being underdressed. She told Johnny it wasn't a big deal as it is a normal thing. "You live nearby," she asked"No, I uh… I've no idea where I am, actually," Johnny looked around. "Do you need a ride somewhere? I'd be happy to take you," she offered him a ride. "Do you know where Mayhew is?" Johnny asked. She smiled, "It's on my way. I live in Cumberland," stretching her hand to introduce herself, "I am Rosemary. "Johnny did the same b
The King of Dreams Chapter 14
Now Morpheus and the demon are to choose their champion. Lucifer asked them both to choose who to represent them in battle. "I shall represent myself," Morpheus frowned. "Choronzon, whom will you choose to represent you?" Lucifer asked"Hmm… I choose you, sire," Demon referred to Lucifer while staring at Morpheus. Lucifer smiles, his cloth changed to black, both opponents stared at each other. "Apologies , Dream, but the laws of Hell demand that I become his champion. But if you would not fight ms," Lucifdr calmly said. Morpheus turned to demon, "I have accepted the terms," turning back at Lucifer, "Let the challenge begin."The demon introduced the tournament to the crowded demons, "welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Today for your entertainment and delectation, a formal challenge," crowd cheering as demon continues. "The challenger Dream. Once the master of the Realm of Sleep," demon introduced Morpheus. "As the challenged, I've selected my champion. Ruler of Hell, Lucifer Morning
The King of Dreams Chapter 15
Johnny went to a café to have a drink and use the ruby to manipulate people's thoughts. He sat at the back sit monitoring every customer and waitress inside. Bette, the waitress approached Johnny with a smile, "How are you doing today," "How am I doing? Well, I'm feeling better than I have for quite some time. Thank you," Johnny responded. "Mmm. I could use some of that. What's your secret?" Bette trying to make Johnny comfortable. "Shall I tell you the truth? This is my secret," Johnny showed her the ruby. "It makes dreams come true."Bette asked Johnny what his dreams were. "A new world. A most honest one," Johnny responded.The both of them continued having a nice conversation until Bette, the waitress, was needed by the other customers. She had to excuse herself and told Johnny she would bring in his coffee. While Johnny was waiting for his coffee. He kept watching everyone and listening to their every conversation. Johnny decided to use the ruby on them to bring out their i
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Chapter 110
Matthew, determined to uncover the truth, flapped his wings and swooped closer to Constantine’s window, perching on the ledge just outside. He could see her inside, tossing and turning in her sleep, her face contorted in distress. Whatever nightmares plagued her, they were relentless.Just as he was about to take another step forward, a surge of dark shadows erupted from the room, slamming into him like a forceful wind. The impact sent him spiraling backward, his feathers ruffling as he barely managed to regain balance in midair."Bloody hell!" he cawed, shaking himself off. "What was that?"The shadows loomed menacingly around Constantine's home, writhing like living tendrils, barring his approach. It was as if they sensed his presence and rejected it outright.Matthew steadied himself and tried again, this time keeping to the darkness, hoping to slip past unnoticed. But the moment he drew near, the shadows lashed out again, pushing him away with an invisible force. It was clear—some
Chapter 109
Matthew flapped his wings, gliding silently above the rooftops as he continued tailing Constantine. She moved with purpose through the streets, her hands tucked deep into the pockets of her long coat, occasionally glancing over her shoulder as if she could sense something watching her. If she did, she didn’t let on.The raven perched on a streetlight as Constantine paused at a small occult shop, its windows dimly lit by flickering candlelight. She pushed the door open, and a tiny bell jingled, announcing her arrival. Matthew swooped to a nearby tree, peering inside through a dusty window.Inside, Constantine exchanged words with an elderly man behind the counter. He wore thick glasses, his long white beard curling like smoke from a dying fire. The conversation was hushed, but Matthew’s sharp ears caught snippets.“You don’t just find books on binding entities lying around, love,” the old man muttered, rubbing his temples. “You sure you want to go digging into this?”“Got no choice, ma
Chapter 108
As Matthew fluttered above Constantine, keeping a careful distance, he watched as she strode through the streets with purpose. He wasn’t sure what she was up to, but it was clear that she was hunting for something—or someone. The way she occasionally glanced over her shoulder made Matthew wonder if she sensed him. Still, he was good at staying unnoticed. At least, he thought he was.Just as Constantine turned a corner, Matthew suddenly felt a strange pull in his chest, like an invisible string yanking him backward. His feathers ruffled as his vision blurred for a moment. He knew this sensation all too well—he was being summoned."Oh, come on!" Matthew squawked in frustration, flapping his wings furiously to resist the pull. "Not now! I was just getting to the good part!"But there was no stopping it. The pull of the Dreaming was absolute, and before he knew it, the waking world faded away, replaced by the ethereal glow of Morpheus’s domain.Matthew found himself in the grand halls of
Chapter 107
Matthew glided over the city, his keen eyes scanning the streets below as he searched for Daniel. The night was calm, the occasional flickering streetlight casting eerie shadows across the pavement. The waking world always felt different from the Dreaming, less fluid, more rigid. Still, his task was clear: observe Daniel without interference.As he circled over a familiar street, he spotted movement below. Constantine, dressed in her usual rugged coat, was stepping out of a dimly lit pub. A cigarette dangled between her fingers as she exhaled smoke into the cold air. Matthew hesitated mid-flight. He hadn’t expected to run into her, not so soon at least.Constantine paused, her sharp eyes narrowing as she caught sight of a shadow moving in the sky. A knowing smirk tugged at her lips. “Matthew,” she called out, tilting her head up. “Come down here, you sneaky little sod. I know you're watching.”Matthew sighed, knowing there was no point in pretending otherwise. He swooped down, landing
Chapter 106
Constantine sat across from Sister Agnes in the quiet sanctuary of the church, the scent of burning incense lingering in the air. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the ancient stone walls as the nun observed Constantine with a calm but knowing gaze."So, what brings you back to the house of God, Constantine?" Sister Agnes asked, folding her hands on the table before her.Constantine smirked, tapping her fingers against the wooden surface. "I need a new job, Sister. Something to keep me busy. Any demons running amok? Possessions that need handling?"Sister Agnes let out a soft chuckle and shook her head. "No fresh cases of possession at the moment. Seems the devil’s taking a holiday."Constantine scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "That’s a first."The nun studied her for a moment before speaking again. "But, there are some individuals who have been seeking guidance. They’ve heard of you—your skills, your knowledge. They wish to learn."Constantine raised a skeptical eye
Chapter 105
The night was heavy with an eerie silence, but Constantine's sleep was anything but peaceful. Shadows curled along the edges of her room, whispering like ghosts against the walls. The Rune on her skin pulsed, a soft glow bleeding through the darkness, tying her to the prison she now kept sealed within her.Her dreams—or rather, her nightmares—began the same way each time. She stood in a void, the same void where she had faced the Emptiness. But here, it was different. The Rune no longer burned with power; it trembled like a dying ember. The prison wavered, its walls barely holding together, and beyond them, the formless mass of the Emptiness lurked, pressing against its boundaries with unseen force."You cannot hold me forever," a voice rasped, hollow and endless, echoing in the chasm of her mind. It was not a singular voice but many, an amalgamation of fears, regrets, and lost souls.Constantine clenched her fists, her breath sharp and ragged. "Yeah? Well, watch me."The Rune seared
Chapter 104
Morpheus stepped through the grand entrance of his throne room, his cloak billowing behind him like a shadow refusing to be left behind. Lucien stood waiting at the base of the dais, ever dutiful, with Matthew perched on her shoulder, his feathers ruffling slightly in anticipation.Lucien adjusted her glasses and gave a respectful nod. "You're back sooner than expected, my lord. I assume the return of Lyta, Daniel, Rose, and Jed went as planned?"Morpheus inclined his head. "Yes. They have returned to the waking world safely. The chapter of their time in the Dreaming is now closed—for now. But there are still matters that demand our attention."Lucien, ever perceptive, stepped forward. "What would you have me do?"Morpheus's expression was unreadable, his gaze drifting momentarily to the swirling mists beyond the throne room’s high windows. Then, he turned back to Lucien, his voice measured and commanding. "Gather the nightmares and the fairy tale creatures. I would address them."Mat
Chapter 103
Morpheus stood in the dim glow of Cain and Abel’s home, his dark presence casting long shadows across the uneven ground. The two brothers, as different as night and day, watched him expectantly. Abel fidgeted, rubbing his hands together nervously, while Cain crossed his arms, his ever-present scowl deepening."Cain. Abel," Morpheus began, his voice as steady and measured as ever. "You have long been the keepers of this land. Tell me, what would you wish for your home? I will grant you this, as a token of gratitude."Abel blinked, looking at his brother for guidance, but Cain simply scoffed. "Gratitude? That’s a rare gift coming from you, Dream Lord. But if you are offering, I won’t refuse."Abel cleared his throat, stepping forward cautiously. "I… I would love a garden. A real one. With flowers and maybe a pond," he said hesitantly, wringing his fingers. "Something peaceful. And—and a place for Goldie to play!" His face brightened as he mentioned his beloved gargoyle, who lay curled u
Chapter 102
As Morpheus stepped back into the Dreaming, the air shimmered around him, adjusting to his presence like a living thing recognizing its master. His long coat flowed behind him as he moved through the grand halls of his palace, the echoes of dreams whispering in the walls. Lucien stood near the great oak table, surrounded by books, scrolls, and floating symbols of pure knowledge. She had been waiting, as she always did, diligent and prepared. Nearby, perched on the back of a high-backed chair, Matthew the raven ruffled his feathers, his sharp black eyes tracking Morpheus’s movements. Lucien acknowledged his arrival with a nod. “You’ve returned.” Her voice was calm, but there was a subtle curiosity in her tone. “And Constantine?” Morpheus took a few steps toward the table, his expression unreadable. “She is where she must be. The Rune is a part of her now.” Matthew let out a low whistle. “Man, that’s rough. She didn’t ask for any of this.” “No,” Morpheus agreed, his gaze dista