There shall be night - Part.11 Morpheus x priestess! reader
On the outside, the building didn’t look too shady, (Y/N) thought. A regular hotel, maybe a bit old-fashioned on the edge but overall pretty much classic. But the dark aura emanating from it didn’t fool the priestess. She knew something was off inside, although not knowing what yet. Squaring her shoulders she gathered all of her courage and stepped inside.
The lavish decorum didn’t ease her discomfort, but the panel displaying the words “Cereal convention” certainly did make her frown.
Feeling the familiar dark pull of the Corinthian’s presence, she started to make her way curiously to the conference room's rooms direction, when a large hand stopped her by shooting in front of her face.
“Sorry ma’am, this is a private event you need to be invited”
(Y/N) shoot a look at the large man with droopy eyes – and a cat-eared black cap?
“Ah, sorry I’m actually looking for someone here–”
The man’s eyes squinted, clearly not believing her the slightest and the priestess sighed internally, scolding herself for not having elaborated a better excuse. But then, his eyes slightly lit up and he snapped his fingers.
“Oh, you must be the third person our guest of honour was waiting for! It must’ve clicked sooner, with the white hair and all. Hang on, I have your name tag somewhere–”
(Y/N) looked at him perplexedly while the strange man ruffled through a box full of badges. She was expected? Maybe the Corinthian had been hoping for her to come, after all.
“Here you go ma’am” said the reception guy handing her a badge, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the name tag and her throat tightened a bit. It had “The mother” written on it.
“Everything okay?” asked the man suspiciously – Funland, said his own badge.
“Yeah, yeah” she answered while putting on a casual expression. “It just always does something to see it written, you know?”
Funland chuckled “It sure does. I must say,” he added with a somewhat admirative tone “It is a true honour to meet his mentor. I mean, come on you’ve been so secretive no one knows about your work, we’re all eager to hear what stories you have to tell!”
She offered him a small smile “A true professional knows how to manage their skills and mystery”, she said playing the game.
He nodded “Amen to that. You’ll find the main meeting room at the end of the corridor”
“Thank you” she said with a nod before passing by the reception desk. But then she stopped and turned back to the man with the look of admiration. “Oh by the way…he hadn’t mentioned to me who the other guests were, he invited me last minute when he learned I was near the convention. Did they arrive already?”
“Sure did” affirmed the man, flipping some pages of his list to search for the names, “The ‘Vortex’ and her brother. I believe he’s off looking for them at the moment”.
(Y/N)’s eyes widened slightly but she kept a neutral facade.
She turned on her heels and strode to the corridor. Corinthian had been way quicker than she had expected, she had to move fast.
Following her confession to the Lord of Dreams and telling him about the nightmare’s whereabouts, the Endless had informed her of what he had learned on the vortex – Rose Walker. The young woman was searching for her younger brother, and at the same time growing in power more and more each passing day. From what he has told her, Rose had even managed to push him out of her own dream – something (Y/N) wasn't aware of being possible. It became even less evident that this issue had to be taken care of quickly. The priestess only hoped that no harm would be done to the young woman, if possible. Rose Walker had never asked to be a dream vortex after all.
Wandering through the corridors the priestess felt less and less at ease in this strange place. Every person in this "cereal convention" emanated something dark and definitely not reassuring. Ducking her head to avoid any eye contact she walked faster. She had convinced Morpheus to let her go at the Corinthian's localisation herself; not to confront the rogue nightmare, but to ensure that Rose Walker was safe. It had appeared to both of them that Corinthian would draw the vortex to him, and given Morpheus' last encounter with her, (Y/N) had suggested that she should go instead of him. After all, she had always been a comforting presence, surely the young and lost vortex would be glad to have some support. But the Dream Lord had made her promise that she wouldn't interfere with the Corinthian; according to him, it would be too risky, especially after their encounter in her dream. (Y/N) had agreed to this decision, although she felt guilty for not disclosing to him the extent of her dream. Maybe when all of this would be behind them, she would tell him about her vision. But now was not the time.
Suddenly, she felt a strong pull on her mind, like something was poking it. Twisting her head in the direction where she felt the pull, she saw a sign indicating the kitchen. Not wasting a second, she made her way to it. As she approached the double doors, she heard several voices inside the room; three, maybe four people?
Peeking through the round window of the door as she opened it, she saw indeed four people in the dimly blue-lighted room. Three of them were surrounding a trembling man, and his fear was palpable through the doors. The figure back turned to her though, was unmistakable.
“Corinthian?...” she breathed out in an already shaky voice.
All of the faces turned to her, three of them with a mix of surprise and frowns, the last one with a delighted smile. But the look on the nightmare’s face made the priestess stop dead in her tracks. Something terribly sick dripped from his delighted expression, she didn’t recognize him anymore. Or maybe he had always been like this and she just came to the realisation.
“Great another witness” groaned the woman, pulling the priestess out of her shocked stare. “More work to do”
Her blade plunged into the trembling man’s neck with such nonchalance and speed that ‘Y/N) heard herself gasp a second later. Before anyone could add anything - or register that the woman had simply murdered someone in cold blood in front of her in (Y/N)’s case - the Corinthian raised a hand at the two killers.
“Easy now” he said in a suave yet firm voice “She’s my mother and she will have all the respect she deserves, mmh?”
Although pleasant, his tone left no place for negotiations. A beat passed, heavy with suspicious gazes, before the small bald man with glasses and the brunette woman eased themselves a little.
“Of course” said the little man with a tint of politeness “Forgive us for our manners, it is an honour to meet you, ma’am”
(Y/N) said nothing, simply struggling the hardest to ignore the bleeding man kneeling on the floor. She had seen countless atrocities in her life, but nothing made it easier to watch. But right now, she had to play smart; if the Corinthian stopped to back her up, she wasn’t sure if she could handle two killers - maybe three. While her lack of reaction made the two killers shrug and return to their previous task, the nightmare’s eyes were fixed on her.
The sound of stabbing and the poor man’s cries made her shudder.
“What have you done?” she whispered to him.
His pleased face and shrugging shoulders send her a wave of nausea. Suddenly the sound of closing doors resonated behind her and (Y/N) wiped her head. Her eyes met the frame of a small boy, whose gaze was flickering from the nightmare to the bleeding man back and forth, eyes growing at the horrible realisation. She turned back to Corinthian, face veiled with worry.
“No,” she pleaded. “Don’t”
The sound of the boy bolting away made her react in reflex; (Y/N) ran behind him as she heard the nightmare’s voice say “This one’s mine”.
She bolted through the corridor, running as fast as she could to try to get to the young boy. Whoever he was, he was certainly not supposed to be here. Bursting in the entrance hall, the priestess twisted her neck in all directions in hope to see the child in the crowd. The panic didn’t stop rising in her chest as he was nowhere to be seen.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for my- um my nephew” she asked the front desk lady “8 years old, striped shirt?”
“Oh– yeah, he was here a minute ago” answered the woman “He went upstairs with a friend of his I believe”
(Y/N) barely muttered a thank you before rushing to the elevator, punching the buttons like it would go any faster. In the elevator she fidgeted nervously. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go at all. She was supposed to meet the Corinthian before the vortex came to him, to try to keep him as far as she could from Rose Walker. But this distressed little boy changed things.
Voices shouting came to her ears just before the elevator’s doors opened. Bolting in the corridor, she came just in time to see the little boy hugging an older girl - probably his sister. The strange aura emanating from her made (Y/N) stop in her tracks for a second. This felt strange - familiar too - somehow distorted; then she understood, and her eyes widened. This was Rose Walker, the vortex.
An enraged cry pulled her out of her thoughts as the bulky man - that she honestly didn’t notice - forcefully grabbed the boy’s arm. That definitely made her snap back to reality as both of the children struggled against the man’s hold.
“Hey!!” she shouted while running to them “Let him go!”
The three heads turned to her, and the boy used the distraction to punch his elbow in the man’s belly, making him bend in pain. Using the distraction, the child ducked down and stumbled over his sister who took him protectively in her arms.
“He’s my friend” seethed the man between his teeth “He’s with me!”
The man - Funland, she recalled - tried to grab the boy again, but he had underestimated the speed of the priestess that stood now before him. The smallest amount of surprise draped over his face as he looked up to her, only to catch a glimpse of a punch falling over him. (Y/N)’s knuckles collided against his nose with all the strength she could put in it. The massive man stumbled backwards, holding his bruised face, and she used this second of distraction to turn to the children.
“Run!!” she ordered them forcefully.
They didn’t need to be asked twice and Rose grabbed her little brother’s hand before bolting through the corridor. (Y/N) glanced back at Funland, who struggled to regain his composure. Clutching her throbbing hand against her chest she rushed behind the frightened children. Hearing her footsteps behind them, Rose Walker peeked over her shoulder to meet the equally worried face of (Y/N).
“Keep running!” shouted the priestess. “Don’t stop!”
She could hear the loud stomps of Funland’s running but didn’t turn around and quicken her pace. She had to get the two children out of this hellish place, and fast. Her hopes flattered when they reached a closed door at the very end of the infernal corridor. Rose and her brother thumped and wailed against the dead end when (Y/N) finally joined them.
“What do we do now?” asked Rose with horror in her eyes.
(Y/N) couldn’t answer her, as the boy’s face turned into dread, staring at something behind her. The priestess flipped around, facing a panting and scarier than ever Funland. Standing in front of the children protectively, she beckoned the two of them behind her, standing tall.
“You hurt me” panted the manic man in a dark tone, “No I’ll have to kill you”
Rose’s brother let out a small whimper and ducked in her sister’s arms while (Y/N) braced herself for the impact. If it was to be her last action, she would protect these children, vortex or not. And she would face her demise eyes wide open. Funland’s arm rose halfway, but a loud thud interrupted him. The man made a gurgling sound before slowly falling to his knees, then face on the floor. Dead.
(Y/N)’s eyes followed his movements, frozen in place. Then, her gaze made its way back upwards, lingering on the knife on his back, the deep crimson puddle spreading from it, and the creme pants, to the familiar nightmare’s face. Eyes wide and mouth open she stared wordlessly at the Corinthian’s face. She barely even registered the horrified gasps from behind her.
The blonde nightmare bent down, extracted his knife from the dead body’s back and provided a tissue to meticulously wipe it clean.
“You okay here?” he asked casually.
(Y/N) couldn’t respond, too stunned to form any word. Her lack of response didn’t stop Corinthian from ducking his head to the side and gazing at the terrified young ones behind her.
“Come with me” he beckoned them – with a surprising reassuring tone “You’re safe with me”
Rose and his brother hesitated for a second; then, they slowly stumbled from behind the priestess, skirting around the corpse bleeding on the ground like the plague and carefully following the blonde man.
Without knowing if it was out of reflexe or the lingering effect of the shock, (Y/N) followed them silently.
The short trip to the Corinthian’s hotel room was foggy in (Y/N)’s mind. Her body was on automatic mode, just following the group. She could vaguely hear Rose and her brother’s - Jed, from what she gets - questions to the nightmare.
“You’re safe with me” he repeated as the four of them got inside the room, the door closed.
“You just killed a man,” retorted Jed.
The priestess leaned on a wall, hand still throbbing with the punch she threw earlier at the killer. She had almost forgotten how much it hurt to punch someone in the face.
“I just saved your life” fired back the Corinthian with his usual nonchalance. “And I’m trying to save yours” he added, looking at Rose.
This made the priestess look up at them, and Rose frowned.
(Y/N) immediately stood up and took a step in their direction. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by any of them, and the nightmare shot her a brief but snarky glance. Daring her.
“Who’s Morpheus?” asked Jed in a perplexed voice.
She internally sighed at the sweet boy’s ignorance. It was going to be a difficult time. Feeling the tension thickening in the air, Rose kindly asked her brother to give them a minute. Pouting slightly but obeying, Jed made his way to the bed to sit on it and wait. As he passed in front of her and tentatively looked up in her direction, (Y/N) offered him a kind smile. At least, it made him slightly more at ease.
She then reported her attention to the two other people in the room, as the Corinthian casually sat down with ease, under Rose’s inquiring gaze.
“You’re one of the missing nightmares” she realised, still staring at him.
He chuckled with delight “And you’re the vortex”
The young woman seemed slightly taken aback from this knowledge about her. Apparently, she didn’t expect anyone beside her and the Dream Lord to know of this status. Then she whipped her head toward the woman standing in the room not far from them, witnessing the whole exchange.
“And you, who are you?” she asked suspiciously.
“My name’s (Y/N)” she answered in a kind voice, yet tainted with worry and tiredness “I’m sorry I haven’t introduced myself sooner, Rose”
“You know my name?” asked the young woman with a deepening frown.
“That,” said the Corinthian with an unconcealed delight “is the priestess of Morpheus”
Rose’s gaze immediately hardened and she took a step away from (Y/N). That made the priestess whine internally, and her heart squeezed a little more. The look of betrayal and hurt on the young woman’s face was like a punch in the gut.
“You’re working for him?” she said in disbelief.
“Oh, she’s also his companion” added the nightmare.
For the first time, (Y/N) felt a little guilty of this status. Because it wouldn’t help her to convince Rose Walker that she meant her no harm. The deepening of her frown confirmed that.
“Has he sent you to watch me?” she asked with suspicion.
“No” urged the priestess in a soothing tone “I didn’t expected to find you here so soon, to be honest”
“But you protected us from this man out there” continued Rose, still perplexed “Why?”
(Y/N) offered her a small smile “I couldn’t let him hurt your brother”
That made the vortex break a brief smile as a silent thanks.
“You think he’s watching you so he can protect you?”
The nightmare’s voice made both women turn in his direction.
“He’s watching you because the minute you fall asleep and start bringing the walls down between people’s dreams, he’s gonna kill you”
Rose let out a small gasp, and turned her head to (Y/N) in search of confirmation. The way the priestess duck her head down simply made it worse.
“Is it true?” she asked her, but (Y/N) remained silent.
“You’d become the center of the Dreaming” continued the Corinthian, “Should he fail to kill you. He’d be powerless and I would be free”
“Is it true?” she repeated, still looking at the ashamed priestess.
(Y/N) shook her head “I could be a menace to his power too, yet he hadn’t harmed me in any way”
The nightmare huffed in irony.
The priestess glared at him.
“You’re not innocent about this either, Corinthian” she reminded him harshly, and his eyes darkened a little.
A knock on the door interrupted them, startling her and the young vortex a little. Without a word, the Corinthian rose up and stepped outside in the corridor to handle the unexpected visitor. Silence took place in the room between the two women. Rose seemed to be thinking hard about everything that had just been disclosed.
“Will he really try to hurt me?” she finally asked.
(Y/N) remained silent for a few seconds before answering.
“I don’t know” she whispered “You being a vortex is a threat to the Dreaming, Rose. If there’s a pacific way to handle it, he’ll do it but…”
“But?” pressed the woman with an anxious voice.
“I don’t know if there is a pacific way” admitted (Y/N), finally looking up to Rose. “I truly don’t”
The young vortex hung her head low at the realisation, and a heavy silence took place again. (Y/N) felt so sorry, and so helpless for this girl. She wanted to do something to help her, but even with her newfound dubious powers, she doubted she could do anything.
The Corinthian entered again in the room, then said,
“I’ll be downstairs for like an hour. Will you wait for me?” he asked Rose.
She pondered his proposition for a moment, then “No. I’m taking Jed, we’re going home”
The priestess inhaled a sharp breath, fearing the nightmare reaction during the long seconds of silence following. But against her better judgement, he only shrugged.
“Okay” he said with a nod “You can go if you want; but obviously it’s not safe for you to be wandering around the hotel. And,” he added, eyeing the priestess closely “I could tell you that as soon as you leave the hotel Dream’s raven will find you, but it looks like we’re halfway here…”
“I am not here to track Rose on his behalf” snapped (Y/N).
“Are you not?” he mused “I don’t think you’re actually here for me, or you learnt nothing from our last encounter, mother”
The priestess squinted her eyes at him, like she was trying to warn him to not push it too far, as Rose’s eyes widened and flickered between the two of them.
“I’ll tell you what,” said the nightmare in a relaxed tone to the vortex “This is your room, you can have both keys”
He stood up and dropped a magnetic card on a table.
“I’ll come back in an hour, I’ll knock. If you want, you can let me in. But if not, I’ll go away”
Rose seemed still wary of him, but she had to give it to him, he was being pretty convincing.
“Lock the door when I leave, because you never know”
His sided glance to the priestess didn’t escape the concerned woman. It made her heart bleed a little more. As he turned away from the vortex and made his way to the door, (Y/N) grabbed his arm.
“I’m not playing games anymore, Corinthian” she whispered through gritted teeths “You shouldn’t have used those children in your personal grudge, this is unfair”
“You’re pretending to be better than me, yet you’re going to let him kill her, mmh?” he mused back “How amusing of you, mother”
Her grip tightened around his forearm “I’m trying to help you” she reminded him “Maybe you don’t want my help, but you do need it”
“What for?” he asked with a snare “To die by his hands? No thanks, I’d rather took the matter my way, but you’re free to stay and watch”
Letting go of his arm in defeat, (Y/N) sighed deeply as he exited the room. She pressed both of her palms on her tired face. Coming here, she knew that there was no more hope for her to save the nightmare, yet she had tried to convince him again. And failed.
“You’re his mother? Like…really?”
The voice of Rose Walker made her sigh again, and she slowly let her hands down, turning her exhausted face toward the young vortex.
“In a way, yes” answered the priestess with a tired voice “I’m not literally his mother, but…that’s how he sees me”
Rose seemed to think hard about it, trying to organise her thoughts.
“Is he…will he keep his word? About Jed and me?”
“I…yeah. Yeah I think so” said (Y/N) after a brief moment of hesitation “He used you and your brother to get Morpheus’ attention for sure but I don’t think he’ll hurt you”
He doesn’t want to be like his creator, she added internally.
“And you?” asked the vortex again “Why are you here, actually? If you’re Morpheus…girlfriend, or wife or I don’t know, aren’t you going to lead him to me?”
The priestess looked at her with sorry eyes. She understood Rose’s worry; and as a servant of the Dreaming, the logical choice was to ensure the realm’s safety and her own beforehand. She knew what a vortex’s presence could do, (Y/N) had experienced it. But she couldn’t resign herself to lead this young woman to her death. Not if she could buy Rose some time, by searching for another better solution.
“No, sweet child” she said in a soothing tone, and coming closer to her “I came here to try to save my family, just like you. I thought that Corinthian would try to hurt you, and I believed it was my job to stop him”
She paused, blinking away some tears.
“But it seemed that I was wrong. He didn’t hurt you or Jed, and I certainly can’t stop him for whatever he had planned. But that doesn’t mean I have to turn my eyes from it”
“He’ll try to kill Morpheus”, understood Rose in disbelief.
(Y/N) nodded “Or at least he’ll try to buy you enough time to consume the Dreaming. He will”
“And you’re…okay with that?” frowned Rose.
“I’m not” she said softly “But I cannot stop you. I’ve spent centuries serving the Dreaming, and I’m certain that I cannot save it. I know, I tried. Now, it is time for me to try to save my family, just like you did”
The priestess stopped again, her throat tightening with emotion.
“I can’t save my son, but I’ll try everything to prevent him from killing the man I love. I’ve done enough for the Dreaming”
Rose slowly nodded, like she understood what she meant. She too had gone to extremes to save her family, her brother. (Y/N) herself was surprised by what she was saying. Centuries ago, she wouldn’t have thought about abandoning the Dreaming, would have been even for Morpheus’ love. But the dream she had about their family and the dread that had consumed her at the sight of her infant murdered had risen something new in her. A fear of loss like she had never felt before, not even when Beatrice’s health had started to decline. It was time for her to cling on to the happiness she finally had, and defend it. The Dreaming could be gone in a matter of days now; she will use this time to stand for what she had always believed in. In Morpheus.
“So…you can’t help me, can you?” muttered Rose.
She shook her head in a sorry manner “I can’t. If we find another way to allow you and the Dreaming to coexist, I promise you we will do it, sweet child” she assured with a gentle hand on Rose’s shoulder. “But now, my mission lies with my lover, and yours with your brother’s safety. Do you understand?”
Rose nodded “I do. I…you don’t have much choice. And…thank you for protecting us, earlier”
(Y/N) smiled softly at her. “You’re very welcome. I swore to help dreamers in need of help, and vortex or not, you are a dreamer Rose”
The younger woman smiled at her. Even if this priestess seemed to be on the Dream Lord’s side, she felt like she could trust her. She had no reason to lie to Rose after all, and she was being honest; she couldn’t do anything for her, and both of them were just trying to help their loved ones. Plus, the priestess was kind; Rose could use kindness these days.
“You shouldn’t stay here” said (Y/N) after a long comfortable silence. “This place is full of dangerous people, it isn’t safe for either of you”
“Agree” answered Rose “We’ll leave soon, after we rested a little”
At his sister’s words, Jed jumped from the bed and came closer to the women. Then he hugged (Y/N) on the side without any warning, surprising them both. After the initial surprise the priestess responded to the embrace by encircling his small shoulders with her arm.
“I like you” said Jed against her hip with a joyous voice “You’re nice”
Both her and Rose chuckled softly “Thank you Jed. You’re a gentle soul”
The way he turned his head to her and offered him the brightest smile made her heart melt.
“I’ll get you both to your car when you’re ready to leave” she promised, looking back at Rose. “I’ll only be at ease when you’re safe”
“Thank you” answered Rose in a warm tone. “That means a lot to us”
The two children climbed on the bed, making themselves comfortable to try to get some sleep. Jed quickly fell into a comfortable slumber, cuddled on his side. Rose laid down too, under (Y/N)’s comforting gaze. Before closing her eyes and welcoming a much-needed sleep, she asked her,
“What will you do after we leave this place?”
“I will find Morpheus” answered the priestess
“But won’t he be able to find me?” asked Rose with worry.
(Y/N) could only offer a sorry smile “He will. But I will give you enough time to get Jed as far away from this sick place as possible. That’s all matters now”
Rose nodded slowly, disappointed that (Y/N) couldn’t help her on her own case. But she was also grateful that this stranger helped her with her brother’s safety.
“Thank you (Y/N)” said Rose with a yawn “I’m glad you’re here”
“Me too Rose” whispered the priestess as the younger woman drifted to sleep “Me too”
She gently made her way out of the bedroom area to give the young one privacy on their sleep, when she felt a slight tug on her mind. Snapping her head up, she immediately recognised the feeling. Morpheus was here.
Looking back at the sleeping siblings, she pondered for a moment whether or not she should leave them alone. But she needed to see Morpheus.Grabbing one of the key cards, she pushed the door open carefully, checking the corridor to the left and right before leaving the room. She reached the elevator quietly, patiently waiting for it to arrive. As she entered, she started to feel somehow dizzy, like a distant faintness. The presence of the Dream Lord felt stronger and weaker at the same time, like a distortion of it.
A wave of nausea started to slowly crept inside of her, that didn’t ease her worry. She feared what could ensue from Morpheus and the Corinthian’s confrontation, but something told her that it was more than that.
The feeling of heaviness and nausea didn’t ease a bit as she stumbled to the entrance. She used her bond with the King of Dreams to feel his presence, and made her way to the main lecture room. As she came closer, she felt the energy of dozens of dreamers. She frowned and realised that they may be the cause of her uneasiness; because they weren’t asleep, yet dreaming, in creations of their own. There was something so dark about all of their dreams, it felt overwhelming and sickening to her. But as she approached the room, she could hear Morpheus’ voice.
“You were my masterpiece”
Pushing the double doors weakly, she dragged herself into the lecture hall. Dozens of people were sitting on their chairs, eyes closed and building up their own fantasies while the King of Dreams and the rogue nightmare faced each other on the stage. Engrossed in their confrontation, they didn’t hear or see her entering the room.
“A dark mirror made to reflect everything humanity will not confront” continued Morpheus, unaware of his lover’s presence in the very same room.
The Corinthian, also oblivious to her presence, nodded “That’s what I am. That’s what I’ve done”
“No” said the Endless “Look at you, walking this Earth for over a century infecting others with your joy of death, but what have you given them? What have you wrought? Nothing”
(Y/N) watched with a bleeding heart the way Morpheus’ face slowly lost its mask of neutrality, to give space to pain and sadness. He too, was upset, for he had not only failed his creation, but also the dreamers.
“Just something else for people to be afraid of” carried on the Endless, voice heavy with anger and regret “That is all”
The priestess winced and stopped her slow walk to the stage, holding her head. Gods, the nausea was becoming so strong it made her mind dizzy. Something was definitely wrong with these dreamers.
The sound made the two men turn in her direction, finally noticing her presence. The Endless’ face painted with surprise and concern, as she finally reached him, a few feet away from the stage. The Corinthian on the other hand, only snorted.
“So what now?” he mused “Now that the whole family’s here, you send me back into their dreams?”
Dream’s gaze flickered to his jacket as the nightmare pulled out a knife.
“ ‘cause I won’t go willingly”
“A knife against a dream?” retorted the King of Dreams with a sort of amused face.
“It did worked against your priestess” he teased in sick tone “So I’ll take my chances”
(Y/N) choked on a sob and Morpheus’ gaze darkened. The priestess wasn’t even mad that he mentioned the incident; but she was way more hurt by the fact he didn’t even refer to her as his mother anymore.
“You don’t think dreams can die? Let’s find out” asked the nightmare as his creator came closer.
From her spot not far from the stage, (Y/N) could only stare at the exchange helplessly as dark spots started to cloud her vision. She felt her body starting to collapse under the weight of this many dreamers all at once, in such a strange setting she didn’t quite understand. But she was willing to bet that a vortex’s presence nearby had something to do with it.
“Enough” snapped Morpheus in a sharp tone.
The Endless raised his hand and let sand flood toward his nightmare, ready to take him down. But before anything could happen, the Corinthian gripped his knife and smashed the blade through his creator’s hand.
“NOOO!!” cried (Y/N), collapsing to her knees as she responded to her lover’s wound. It seemed that she too felt the pain of the blade entering his pale flesh.
Morpheus dropped to his knees too, breathing heavily and clutching his bloody hand, staring at the gush in disbelief. The priestess barely heard him ask how it was possible before losing consciousness.
She woke up a second later in a dark room, with the scent of rotten flesh assaulting her senses. Blurry at first, her vision steadied after a few seconds to disclose the sight of a man, butchering a dead body like it was a hobby. A new wave of nausea hit her but she realised that everything seemed…very far. On her left, she saw a woman, opening up a living man; on the right, an older man indulging in similar disgusting activities. But her mind seemed tuned out, like she was in cotton wool. Rose Walker bursted in the place with Jed, and although everyone was seeing her, none of them seemed to have noticed the priestess. (Y/N) realised that because of the vortex, Morpheus’ abilities must have weakened; and thus, also hers.
She could only witness all of the scene like a distant play; the Corinthian, then Morpheus appeared, talking urgently to Rose but she couldn’t grasp any of their words. She just felt so…numb and far away from all of this. Rose Walker seemed to be thinking hard, and then suddenly, she made all of the other dreamers disappear. As she felt herself regaining consciousness and leaving this very strange dream, (Y/N) caught a glimpse of Morpheus’ comforting gaze to her.
Taking a sharp breath, the priestess felt the weight of reality coming back to her all at once. Her nausea had left her at the same time she had escaped the dream, and the feeling of dizziness faded away gradually. Getting herself up on shaky legs, she saw the king of Dreams and Nightmares and the Corinthian standing still on the stage, probably still in the dream. She slowly approached them, climbing the few steps to reach Morpheus’ side as the both of them came back to reality too. Her gaze fell on her lover’s hand, good as new, noo traces of blood in sight. Which could only mean that Rose Walker wasn’t dreaming anymore, and that he had regained his powers.
Contemplating his healed limb, the Endless turned his head to her when she stepped by his side. He immediately brushed his hand against her own in a silent sign of support. Meanwhile, the Corinthian slowly took off his glasses, with shaky hands and ragged breaths.
“If you think,” he started with a trembling voice that made (Y/N)’s head snap up “that I’m going back to the Dreaming with you–”
“You’re not going back” interrupted Dream slowly.
The nightmare turned his face to him in surprise. The sight of his bare face, without glasses, displaying in toothy-eyes, didn’t make the priestess flinch the slightest. She had seen him before; but the look of vulnerability on him made her eyes wet with tears. (Y/N) wanted so badly to go at him, to hug Corinthian and tell him that everything would be alright. But she knew it wasn’t true. The King of Dreams had made his decision, and deep down she knew it was the right one.
“I brought you into this world to serve humanity” explained the Endless, and (Y/N) knew that somewhere in his deep voice, she could sense regrets “Not to feed upon it”
“Do you know why I do it?” asked the nightmare slowly, taking him slightly aback. “So I can taste what it’s like to be human”
His confession teared off a quiet sob out of the priestess. The nightmare turned his face back to her with a softened expression for half a second.
“I’ve tried to be a good son, mother” he said softly. “You’ve been the only one that made me feel human during all those years. And I love you for that. Even if I had made mistakes, I truly do”
She tried to offer him a smile through her tears, but the emotions rocked her body and she cried harder. Her heart ached so much it hurted.
Putting his hardened expression back on, the nightmare turned his face toward the Endless again.
“But you, you don’t care about Humanity” he sneered “You only care about yourself, and your realm, and your rules”
Something in the nightmare’s voice also held regrets; deception, a deep feeling of betrayal toward the Lord of Dreams. (Y/N) knew; she had felt the same for a time.
“I contain the entire collective unconscious” argued Morpheus “Without my rules, it would consume me. It would consume her” he added, looking at his beloved priestess.
The nightmare’s throat tightened. Even if he was right, he still didn’t want to admit that his creator had any other interests in mind than his own. He had always been selfish, and he had no right to use his mother figure against him.
“Humanity would be consumed” he continued on.
“Or,” interrupted the Corinthian “you might actually feel something”
His sentence seemed to have punched the Dream Lord in the gut. Speechless, he let the words of his most beloved nightmare sink deep into him. Had he really been this blind and selfish?
“That is not true” quipped the small voice of (Y/N), bringing both of their attention to her “He does not refrain himself from feeling things. He never had” she added, briefly looking at her lover with soft eyes before returning to the nightmare. “Just because you don’t agree to the rules doesn’t mean they’re useless, Corinthian. Remember what you did when you broke them, my son. Remember what you did to me” she said, tugging at her collar to show her scar. Her tone was by no means blameful; but she wanted him to admit something. To admit he did something wrong.
The nightmare gulped slowly, and a tear escaped one of his eyes. At this moment, the priestess thought how cornered he must be feeling, for allowing himself to shed a tear in front of Morpheus. His guilt toward her had never disappeared; and knowing that she still held a scar because of him, even if she had forgiven him, was the last straw for the Corinthian.
“I’m not the problem, Dream” he mumbled in a tight and tired voice, looking back at his creator.
The Endless nodded slowly “You’re right. This was my fault, not yours. Not any of yours” he added for (Y/N). “I had so much hope for you” he said to his creation. But I created you poorly then”
The priestess ducked her head down, knowing what the next words of Morpheus will be.
“So I must uncreate you now”
The nightmare’s lower lips trembled as he tried to smile. But he couldn’t hide the deep feeling of sadness and hurt. He slowly turned to the priestess, who had come closer to him.
“Do you think the same, mom?” he whispered with a trembling voice. “Have I been created poorly to you?”
With infinite softness, she cradled his cheek with her hand as he leaned into her touch. He felt like a small child at this instant.
“Never” she answered in a gentle voice, stained with tears “I’ve always thought the world of you, my son. But I can’t let you fall into this darkness anymore”
He choked on a sob “I’m sorry, mom. Not for what I’ve done to them, but for what I did to you. And to haven’t be able to protect you from him”
“I know” she assured him “And I forgave you a long time ago, my son”
Offering him a small smile, she pressed her lips to his cheek softly. Then, in an agonising slow motion, she let go of his cheek and let her hand slide slowly to his own. Grasping it tightly she couldn’t make herself let go yet. She had promised herself she’d be here until the end.
Morpheus slowly raised his hand and sand slowly started to twirl again. The Corinthian’s skin started to disappear in red harsh burns, but he didn’t look away from the priestess’ tearful face. She watched as every bit of him turned into ashes, the menacing face strained with tears as life disappeared from his very form. She felt his hand in her own fading away slowly, and she shut her eyes trying to stop the never-ending tears.
“I am only sorry,” she heard the nightmare one last time “I won’t be here to see Rose Walker do the same to you, Dream”
A small thud echoed his last words, resonating in her ears far too loud. Slowly opening her eyes she choked on a loud sob at the sight of the pile of grey ashes where the nightmare had stood only a moment ago. Morpheus knelt beside it and collected a small object carefully. As (Y/N) let the tears fall freely on her cheeks, the King of Dreams approached her slowly. Taking her hands with his with utmost care, he placed something in it. Opening her palms, the priestess could help but let another sob rock her frame. The small skull with teeth in its eyes laid in her hands, like cradled in a nest.
“He deserves to be with his mother” muttered Morpheus in a tight voice.
It took her all the strength in the world to slowly nod her head. Cradling the skull against her chest, she let herself fall against Morpheus’ shoulder in exhaustion. When his arms enveloped her in a comforting embrace, she let all of her tears be muffled in a gut-wrenching scream, without any shame or regret.
After all, she just lost her son.
A/N: Hey, I’m not dead! Another chapter, another angst :DDD
(plz kill me)
There will be 2 more chapters (minimum), we’re getting close to the end! I might be actually crying because of Corinthian’s passing :’(
Also, depression is still here but at least I have some great news! I’ve just graduated from my Master Degree in Museum studies, with the highest honours!
(I’m still unemployed tho lmao it is so hard to find a job in the very specific field I’m looking to)
The thing is, I’ve finally finished my 5 years in graduate studies and it feels both relieving and scary at the same time! But I haaaave my diploooomaaaa~♫
Each liking, comments and rebloging are making my day, I love y’all so much blblbllblbHope you’re all doing okay, take care of you ♥
Taglist: @endlessdreamqueen @boofy1998 @layla2-49 @witchxlove @ londonbrandcandy@pearlstiare @andieperrie18 @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @emiemiemiii
Plz tell me if I have forgot you in the taglist
