Chapter 10

As a general rule, gods tended to be petty, arrogant, some were cruel, and typically not the kind of beings to find themselves in a situation that would be considered embarrassing. The last part was more of a lie. Morpheus would know. He was living proof of that. His most embarrassing moment was being bound by a lower level demon that got the drop on him. This moment… it was an annoyance.

It was annoyance in the sense that it was a disruption in the natural order. His natural order, the natural order of his realm, was disrupted. And he was pissed at it. Pissed that he was bound to the whims of a being that was having a temper tantrum over things that were happening in the waking world. He was also worried.

This was the first time though that physical beings had invaded the dream realm. It was alarming that this being knew to use one of the gatekeepers to open the gate and it as left open, thus the bleeding of the two realms into one. He did have one thing stopping it though. Few knew about it and even fewer understood the intricacies.

It was risky to send his sister out into the waking world. She had never been there, being perfectly content with living in their home. He didn't like sending her there because she was all alone. She knew nothing of the creatures, some that were more devious and self-serving than others and then there were the humans.

Penelope's only interaction with humans were the few that she had in her favor. Mostly they were like the savant type dreamers. She could figure them out through their auras or something like. Her biggest purpose, and a secret amongst the gods, was that she was the stability. He may rule the place, but she provided the stability to realm.

So, Morpheus made the decision to get her out. It was a plan he had developed but hoped to never use it. Now it seemed that it was a reality. He knew that if his sister was corrupted, then the humans would really be in trouble. It would truly be an upset to natural order, and he would have Death on his ass. He was already pissed with the Winchesters, but that was alleviated because they had the balancing act.

Morpheus stood in the viewing chamber and looked at the images that were showing on the clear liquid. He thought things and how they got to where they were at. He had done what he could to protect the realm, but the being who bound him, knew things. It was odd, but then when he realized who it was, it made sense to him. There may be lines, but some were blurred when it came to the things that should be black and white.

"You know this isn't about you."

Morpheus didn't look at the intruder but instead continued to stare at the viewing pool. He glanced down at his wrists to view the near invisible bindings that had been slapped on him. They glistened like silver and probably were. Silver was still the go-to when it came to binding creatures that weren't human, including gods.

"Ignoring me won't make the problem go away."

Morpheus closed his eyes and felt them roll in annoyance under the lids. He opened them and looked at his captor, the irises like a swirling sea of silver and blue. "What do you want me to say? That I forgive you? Hardly, Eve." He looked away.

Eve approached the god. He hadn't even tried to leave the room even though she gave him carte blanche to move about his palace. Well, she did bind him and that was her insurance to keeping control. He knew that and it seemed he was just being difficult with it. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. Just telling you that it doesn't revolve around you."

Morpheus looked at Eve, his eyes narrowed swirls of silver. "Doesn't involve me? You came here, forced a gatekeeper into keeping the gate open and now the waking and dream world are melding together. It does involve me."

Eve was quiet as she looked at the god of dreams. She took in the narrowed look, well aware that he could do a few things despite being bound. He hadn't acted upon it and it had her suspicious. Or it could be that he was being his high and mighty god self and the whole thing about not interfering with the humans.

Morpheus snorted at her and turned away. He looked at the pool and it shimmered to show a dreamer. It was a little girl and she was smiling. At least her pleasant dreams were keeping her company. He wanted to chuckle at the sight of unicorns and teddy bears. Children's dreams were always a source of happiness. Most were innocent. Some were creative.

Eve turned to look at the poll. She smiled, "Children are precious, aren't they?"

Morpheus narrowed his eyes at her in suspicion, "Yes, they are."

Eve smirked at him, "Relax. I don't harm children. They are so precious. As a mother, I understand that."

"Of course. You're the mother of all the monsters in the world."

"But a mother nevertheless." Eve walked around the pool, so she was facing him. "You could say that I'm a patron of good mothers."

Morpheus shook his head at that. He had seen it mostly through dreams the concept of good mothers. Some were from mothers that were bad mothers. He couldn't really retort at her idea of what a mother was. He turned away to look at a wall.

"You know, you've had plenty of times to try one of your tricks," Eve said as she took a couple of steps. She ran her fingers along the rim of the pool. "But you didn't. Why?"

Morpheus looked at the bas relief in the walls and replied in an absent minded fashion, "Oh because of my self-righteous godly self." He looked at her and added, "I don't meddle with humans."

Eve couldn't help but laugh at that. "Now that it a load of lies. The gods have their loopholes, and some have an infatuation with local virgins. So, don't tell me you are an exception."

"Oh, I am," Morpheus replied. He raised his brow like she was silly for thinking otherwise. "I observe dreams. Occasionally, I amplify the nightmares, but only because they are the truth. Bad people deserve punishment. Don't you think?"

Eve smirked, "I knew you were not as self-righteous as you proclaimed."

"And sarcasm is something to be desired of beings like gods or a mother of all," Morpheus countered with a smirk. He sobered but kept the lighthearted look as he continued, "But I don't interfere. Humans are capable of getting themselves in and out of messes."

"Is that why you sent your sister to the waking world?"

Morpheus had turned back to the bas relief after saying what he said. He turned back around at Eve's comment and stared at her. "Family protects family," he replied in a near mocking tone. "Even I know the consequences when you use family as leverage."

"Then you know how I feel," Eve countered as she leaned across the pool. She narrowed he gaze at Morpheus and continued, "You know what it's like to hear your family cry out in pain when they are hunted down. It used to be we'd hunt a human and then they hunt one of us. Tit for tat and it was fine. The balance of all things. Now we are being massacred."

"And you are blaming this town for that? Now that is petty even for you," Morpheus countered, making a wry gesture at her.

"Oh, and letting me take over purposely isn't petty?"

Morpheus looked at her with a raised brow. "In case you've forgotten, I've launched my defenses at you, and it was all a distraction to get my sister out."

"And she just happened to end up in the hands of the very person I am looking for?"

Morpheus was not a poker player, but he had played enough intrigue games to know how to not show his hand. Plus, he picked up a few things from the gamblers who dreamed and a few from his particular favorite. He was not about to show the hand he had played because it had been executed without prior knowledge of all parties.

Sometimes, the best tactics are when you keep the cards so close to the vest that people doubt you at every turn. You can't fake genuine reaction no matter how hard you try.

Morpheus kept this play close and looked at Eve with a bland expression, "Any god worth his salt knows that his sanctuary can be invaded. Measures are taken. I just happen to know that it's an arrogant god that loses."

"So… you lost?"

"And it's a defeatist that thinks three strikes and you are out."

"I knew it!"

"Knew what?" Morpheus looked at her with a perplexed expression. He raised his brow in inquiry, "That what, I had someone, like a backup plan? My only plan was to hide my sister in the waking world. She may be simple at times, but she could surprise you."

"Do you think that I am stupid?"

Morpheus shook his shoulders like it was a possibility. "I don't know. I'm just telling you the truth."

"Don't lie to me!" Eve narrowed her eyes at Morpheus. It turned into a glare as she continued, "I know you sent your sister to the only one that has the power to thwart me. The only one that has been designated by God himself to protect these weak and pathetic humans…"

"Actually, the correct phrasing was that she would protect all beings," Morpheus pointed out like a know it all. "She cares and protects all beings who just wish to live in peace. It's somewhere in one of those texts that are lying around…"

"You know damn well what I mean, and we all know that when it comes down to it, she sides with the humans."

"And that's where you are wrong." Morpheus wasn't put out by the bad temper. He knew why Eve was there. He was just not letting it get to him, but he was worried. He was worried for his sister since she was being full on exposed to the darkness that humans jumped into. Brushing it aside, he stepped closer to his viewing pool and made a sweeping motion to clear it.

The pool's silvery liquid shimmered. It revealed the dreams of someone. He looked at Eve and said, "Now this one is not human. Yet…" He pointed at the pool, "He dreams about the day he was saved. Saved by her or someone like her. A hunter."

Eve looked t the dream being played out. There was no denying it and she didn't like that Morpheus was getting the upper hand on this. Then again, it seemed that he had played this game before and he wasn't intimidated by it. She clearly underestimated him. "And who better than to send your sister to. After all, you know better than anyone exactly what she is."

"I really have no idea what you are talking about and for the record, she picked up this town as a job. No idea it was you and I never sent a call for help." Morpheus shook his head, but he was growing concerned.

"You know what I am talking about. She is more than what the world sees. You think that God would have been able to keep a secret as big as her?"

Morpheus shook his head in exasperation, "You are giving more credit than should be given to a five hundred plus half human, half vampire, who was damned lucky her humanity won out and kept her on the path she's on." He looked at Eve with a firm expression, "Whatever fantasy you are harboring, if this is a test for her… know that you will get burned for forcing it upon her. Believe me, I have seen what happens when you do that."

"Which I look forward to seeing," Eve shot back. At the look she was getting, she giggled, "I mean, I know exactly what needs to be done to fix things. That she will have to physically come here to free you and to shut the gate. Of course, the danger is that she could die and whatever is the stuff of dreams and nightmares becomes much more potent, more real."

"And even if she did, she will triumph." Morpheus decided to let it slip, "Considering that she requested I train her for that sort of thing."

"And what of her companions? I know she travels with the Winchesters and they are the ones I am after."

"Then you better watch your step. She is…"

"Like a mother," Eve interrupted with a smirk. "I know that. And it's the secret of what she truly is. I would love to see the day when it all comes together."

Morpheus held his tongue. While he could verbally deny it, he knew that it wasn't a good idea. There were some things that were older than written record that had become nothing but myth for a reason. Most of the gods knew the truth. The celestials definitely knew, and they were the best at pretending nothing was out of ordinary, unless they truly didn't know. This… the god of dreams knew that there was a reason for her not knowing. He could only pray that she would fix this before someone said something before the appointed time. If there was one.

Shifa' please do what you have to do but be careful.

Gunfire was popping out and ricocheting off concrete. Dean huddled behind his cover with Sam as they tried to look for an opening. He had never really been in a fire fight. A fight with fists and shit, but this? No way, and he was in the middle of that first time for everything shit. Not that he could complain overmuch.

He didn't like the plan, but there was little choice. He wasn't thrilled with the possibility of facing his nightmares or anyone else seeing them for that matter. He highly suspected his girl knew his nightmares, but she was nice enough not to say anything.

They started out and things had been calm. A means of getting their guards down. Walter certainly was there when he got impatient. Angela had been alert the entire time and managed to warn them. Dean had been pissed at the fact that giant monster that chased him earlier had made an appearance plus a few things that belonged in a video game or in some twisted imagination.

The giant wolf was a far better sight though it was a giant and it looked ready to rip all of them apart. And the thing had a bead on Angela. The only she could do was run away. It was stupid since turning your back on an animal incited a chase, but Dean was sure that it was because it was much more dangerous than the ugly ass ogre that was there.

Bullets didn't really help since they were nothing but dreams. It was a waste of ammo, but they couldn't help themselves. They had to use what they could. Eventually, they managed to get rid of the initial attack, but Angela had not come back. Dean knew better than to think she ditched them. He figured that giant wolf was more of a job to handle.

It was Sam that said they needed to keep on going. Penelope was in agreement and said that Angela would show up. So, they continued on. They didn't run into anything else until they got close to the gate. Now, Dean and Sam were engaged with what looked like something out of a video game with a bunch of soldiers firing at them. And the bullets were real.

Dean gritted his teeth and growled, "Sonofabitch. What the hell Sam?"

Sam huddled as best as he could. His tall frame didn't allow him to be sufficiently covered, but he did the best that he could do. He peeked over and ducked just before a bullet hit the wall. The best he could remember was when they were stuck in TV Land and he ended up in a movie with a battle. But that was during D-Day. This… this was something different. He and Dean only had their handguns.

"Sam, we're stuck here, and Walter and Dana are…" Dean gestured over to where they were pinned down and trying to dire back. Penelope was with them and she was trying to do something. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be in the middle of spell chanting. He didn't know what and didn't care unless it was going to help them.

Sam knew the situation they were in. They hadn't been able to approach the gate because more of the whatever it was came from it. It was like it was preventing them from getting in. Angela had warned them about that, and she said that they would be more potent. This was proving it. More or less. He didn't want to think about what would happen once they made it into Morpheus' place.

Right now, he could see as well as Dean that they were literally outnumbered and out gunned. They couldn't use their guns. They'd run out of ammo for when they would really need it. Sam tried to think about what they could do. And then it hit him.

Thing about the dream realm, Sam, is that there are rules. Like anything we know in the waking world, there are laws that govern it, but… the rules can be bent. Bent, not broken.

Sam frowned as he recalled when he learned more about dream walking like Angela did. He had asked as a means of getting close to her and ended up learning more than what he did as a fluke under dream root. "Bent, not broken," he muttered.

"What?" Dean grimaced when debris flew in his face when a bullet ricocheted.

The dream realm manifests everything in your mind. Real and imaginary. The thing to remember is that you control it. Rules can be bent, not broken. Gravity is still gravity, but you can defy it if you fly. The how… that's up to you.

"Bent, not broken," Sam repeated out loud as he looked at Dean. He was well aware Dean wasn't getting it and probably thinking he was losing it, but he couldn't think about it now. He had to concentrate. He got to his and put his gun back in his jacket.

Dean watched as Sam started looking like Penelope. His eyes widened when Sam put his gun in his jacket. "What are you doing?"

"Bent, not broken," Sam replied as he looked at the ground and focused. "Gravity is still gravity, but it can be defied." He took a couple of deep breaths.

Dean was going to protest but the hail of bullets kept his taking cover. He thought Sam was vulnerable just sitting there, not paying attention until… He frowned and then his eyes widened as their gear bag appeared along with a few extras. He looked over and saw a similar bag appear near Walter and Dana. He was distracted when Sam shouted, "Walter, Dana, use what's in the bags!"

Dean looked at Sam, "Okay, what the hell?"

Sam looked at the gear bag and pulled out a rifle and handed it to Dean. He took in his brother's look and said, "It's like with dream root." When that failed, he added, "Just go with it. I'll explain when we're not under attack."

Dean took that and took the rifle. He looked at it and was surprised that Sam managed to conjure a pretty decent weapon. He took it and aimed at one that been pissing him off. He took the shot and the guy went down. He grinned when he took another shot and things went well. All in all, they managed to take down the defenses. He breathed a sigh of relief when there was an all-clear. They came out and Dean looked at Sam and asked, "Alright, what did you do?"

Sam looked at Dean and shrugged. Before he could say anything, he flew and hit the wall of a building. He grunted and landed hard. Dean whirled and turned to see the demon he made a deal with to get Sam back. Before he could say something, he was thrown aside.

"Now, now. We've concluded our business. I am here for someone else."

Dean tried to get to his feet when he saw more demons grab Walter and Dana, leaving Penelope exposed. He wondered what the hell was wrong with her since she was just standing there. He felt some force push him down on the ground and it felt like it was crushing him. He looked up and saw the demon smirking at him. He grunted in pain since it felt like an elephant was sitting on him and he finally blurted out, "Zeppelin te voco meus. Nunc!"

At the same time, Sam managed to shout, "Moira!" He then gave a piercing whistle.

It was almost eerie when two lone howls sounded through the air. It wasn't dogs howling and it wasn't wolves. The demons paused when they heard the howls. The demon that Sam had killed so long ago looked at Dean and demanded, "What… was… that?"

Dean grimaced and looked up at the demon. He managed to smile one of his more endearing smiles and breathed, "Just something to ruin your day."

A low rumbling growl sounded, and the demon was tackled by Zeppelin in his hellhound glory, just not as ugly. It was clear though that he was out for blood as shown by the crackling red eyes and really sharp teeth. His sibling Moira was ten times worse as she charged the demons holding Walter and Dana. It didn't take much for them to make them disappear.

"Good boy, Zep," Dean rubbed Zeppelin's head. The Wilder hadn't shifted back to normal and wouldn't until he felt the danger had passed. He got to his feet, panting and looked over at Sam, "You all right, Sammy?"

Sam took a couple of breaths and nodded, "I'm good." He reached over and patted Moira's head and rubbed her ears. He staggered slightly as he got to his feet. "Everyone okay?"

"We're good," Dana replied as she walked closer. She gestured at Moira, "Pretty handy there. What kind of dog is she?" She frowned but grinned as she looked at the very large dog standing next to Sam.

"That is not a dog," Walter countered as he gestured at the two dogs. "That is…"

"They are Wilders," Penelope replied as she approached, "Bred for the hunt and only trainable by those they chose as worthy to work with." She looked at the two Wilders, still in their attack forms. She reached out and gave both a scratch on the ears. "Originally conceived to go after demons, but it was discovered they had a knack for tracking down other supernatural creatures. They can only be bred by those who bear the mark."

"Don't know about that. Angie just took over after their parents decided to outrun Bobby's hose," Dean countered as he took a couple of breaths. He looked at the gear bag that Sam had retrieved and gestured at it, "By the way, how did you do that? Make it appear?"

Sam looked at the bag in his hand and then at Dana who was holding an identical one and shrugged, "Bent, not broken."

"You said that, but what exactly does that mean?"

"It means," Penelope interrupted before it got to a shouting match. She looked at the brothers and then father and daughter before continuing, "That Sam remembered a fundamental rule of our realm. Like any other place, there are rules, but they can be bent. In dreams, gravity is still gravity, but you can still fly. The how… that's the bending of the rules." She pointed to accentuate he explanation. "Dreams are what the dreamer makes it. Sam focused on firepower and what he knew and…" She gestured at it.

"So it appeared out of nowhere?"

Penelope thought about it and shook her head slightly, "Yes and know. Like the rules of writing, you write what you know. The same goes for the people of this town. What you know, even if fantasy can come to life. And with the realms merging…" She leaned forward to drive the point home.

"Meaning what's in our heads can appear," Dana caught on.

"Exactly. Now Brother can fix it but we still have to find the gatekeeper and cleanse him." Penelope looked at the gate. "The gate is clear for now. Let's enter before he gets any other ideas."

Not willing to find out what else could attack them, everyone followed Penelope into the realm. Sam and Dean were apprehensive because Angela hadn't shown up. They were worried that she was in trouble but Sam couldn't sense anything. No pain or anything. Their thoughts were interrupted by Penelope, "Do not worry too much for the Princess of the Nile. She will come when she is needed."

A/N: Seems Eve and Morpheus have a conversation and Sam and Dean are making their way to the palace minus one. Stay tuned for more Sandman...