Story 3, A Hunter's Fate

In the realm of dreams, where reality twists and imagination runs wild, an unlikely bond had formed between a mortal named Miya and the enigmatic Lord of Dreams, Morpheus.

Through a series of extraordinary dreams and chance encounters, their lives had become intertwined, and a deep connection had blossomed between them. Miya, a successful supernatural investigator and supernatural hunter, had encountered all manner of creatures that dwelled in the shadows.

Her unwavering determination and sharp intellect had earned her a reputation among the supernatural community, but also made her a target for those she had crossed paths with. Among them were a few vengeful demons who sought retribution.

One fateful night, as the moon cast its silver glow upon her tranquil home, Miya sat in quiet solitude, savouring a moment of respite from the chaos of her profession. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the world held its breath, sensing a storm on the horizon. Unbeknownst to her, danger lurked just beyond her doorstep.

Suddenly, the tranquillity shattered as the front door splintered under the force of a powerful kick. Miya's heart raced as she shot to her feet, adrenaline coursing through her veins, as a dark figure emerged from the shadows. The intruder was tall, red skinned with a large patch of blackened, charred and cracked skin which covered half of his torso, half of his face and his entire left arm, a demon sent to silence her forever.

He slammed his arm into her sofa, sending it flying towards her but she was able to duck out of the way and quickly doge as he lunged at Miya, his intentions clear, he wanted her dead. A fierce struggle ensued, each blow and parry a desperate bid for survival. Amid the chaos, Miya managed to reach for a small glass vial, filled with a potent mixture of magical powder.

Summoning her inner strength, Miya uncorked and blew the powder toward her assailant, simultaneously uttering an incantation that resonated with ancient power. The room erupted in a cloud of smoke and dust, obscuring the attacker's form. A guttural roar of agony reverberated through the air, expelling the demon from this plane.

Casting her gaze through the dissipating haze, Miya saw her assailant vanish, consumed by the raw energy she had unleashed. However, victory came at a high price. Her body trembled, weakened by the wounds that marred her flesh. Blood seeped through her fingers, dripping to the floor beneath her. She swears under her breath and collapses to the floor.

In the realm of dreams, Morpheus sensed the crippling distress that gripped Miya's spirit. His essence flowed through the ethereal corridors, drawn to her side. With a flourish of ebony robes, he materialized in her presence, his eyes filled with concern as he found Miya, her pale face etched with pain, her body slumped against the wall and the trail of blood from where she had dragged herself. The sight of her sitting in a pool of her own blood tore at his immortal heart. Without hesitation, Morpheus knelt at her side, his hands trembling as he gently examined her injuries.

His touch was as delicate as a whisper, seeking to understand the extent of the damage inflicted upon her mortal form. But even as he assessed the wounds, he knew, deep within the recesses of his soul, that there was nothing he could do to save her. A tumultuous surge of emotions washed over Morpheus, threatening to drown him in despair. He had become intimately familiar with the ephemeral nature of mortal existence, witnessing countless lives flicker and fade like stars in the night sky.

Yet, the thought of losing Miya, the one who had shown him kindness and love amidst the realm of dreams, shattered his heart into a thousand fragmented pieces. Tears welled in his eyes, glistening like a thousand stars. He fought to maintain his composure, to be the embodiment of the calm and collected Lord of Dreams, but the pain was too great, too overwhelming. Gently, he cradled Miya's head against his chest, his voice a tender murmur.

"I do not wish to lose you, Miya," he confessed, his words laced with a raw vulnerability. Miya's own eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she mustered a weak smile. "Well, that's just too bad, Morpheus," she whispered, her voice filled with a touch of her usual spirit before defiantly adding "I'm not going a where, I've got far too many things to do to die just yet. I've got an appointment tomorrow, can't miss it" Despite the pain that ravaged her body, a soft chuckle escaped her lips, a testament to her unyielding spirit.

Morpheus couldn't help but be captivated by her unwavering determination, even in the face of imminent mortality. "You always did have a way of finding humour in the darkest of moments," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.

Miya's gaze locked with Morpheus', a profound love emanating from her weakened features. "My dear Lord of Dreams" she speaks softly as she looks up at him, a trickle of blood leaving her lips, her voice barely a whisper. "For as long as I am here, let me be the one to bring light to your realm, just as you have brought peace to my dreams." Morpheus nodded, his eyes shimmering with unspoken promises. Tenderly, he brushed a strand of hair away from Miya's face, his touch conveying a depth of love that transcended the boundaries of their disparate worlds. And so, in that moment of shared vulnerability, they embraced the fleeting nature of their connection, cherishing each passing second as if it were an eternity.

A hunter's life is never easy, and neither is it long, sooner or later you'll meet your fate, Miya knew this, she accepted it. But being friends with the lord of dreams meant that she didn't suffer her nightmares, her dreams where the one place that felt safe. In her final moments as he cradled her, he let her dream and find peace.