Story 5, Rogue Nightmare
Silent as ghosts Morpheus and Miya, slinked through the night concealed within the inky depths of the shadows, the ethereal glow of the moon the only light to see by. They found themselves tracking one of the followers of a rogue nightmare - Deimos who found a sickening delight in torturing and murdering mortals - not content with keeping his terror to The Dreaming, he broke free and has been running from Morpheus since, tormenting and murdering as he pleases. Miya had picked up the trail on accident but clued Morpheus in and refused to let him handle it on his own despite his protestation.
Their journey led them through an old forest to a forgotten ruin, where time had eroded the grandeur that once adorned the now forsaken halls, overgrown by trees, moss and ivy that clings to and weaves in and out of the structures, and in some places seems to be the only thing holding walls together as they bulge, threatening to crumble.
Keeping to the shadows as they follow their target through the rubble, they move swiftly and silently, trying not to lose him in the night. He doesn't seem to consider the possibility of being followed, not once does he look around to be sure.
He leads them into a vast hall, its ceiling reduced to a skeletal framework, one of the broken arches beautifully framing the full moon and a scattering of delicate clouds hanging in the cool, still night air. Countless stars sprinkled against the velvety blackness, glittering like diamonds strewn across the celestial tapestry. What once was the ceiling lay in heaps on the floor, having crushed old benches but having left some to rot with the passage of time and seasons.
Pressing forward, they traversed the remnants before entering once-ornate side rooms, their walls whispering echoes of forgotten secrets, old tapestries and long rotten wooden decorations and beams lie decaying around the rooms.
Momentarily losing sight of their target they round a corner and spot him as he is enveloped by the shadows of a dark stairwell. They follow to the passageway, pausing to listen to what could be inside, water can be heard dripping in the damp, dark depths, wet, mossy bricks lining both sides of the dark decline as the sound of his footsteps fade, cautiously they follow.
With silent steps they make their descent down into the dark their senses become attuned to the environment, their eyes strain to see in the blackness but slowly adjust to accommodate. The eerie silence broken only by the footsteps of the henchman and the steady drip, drip, drip of water as they follow him into the labyrinthine depths.
At the bottom of the steps, they found themselves in a narrow corridor, devoid of light except for a solitary beam of moonlight filtering through a distant room with the crisscrossed bars of a wrought iron gate at the end.
Advancing steadily, the silhouetted figure pressed forward, his purpose unwavering. The gate emitted an eerie creak, as he pushed it open, before he passed beneath the ethereal ray of moonlight and disappeared into the shadows on the other side.
Exercising the utmost caution, they ventured closer to the room, concealing themselves within the enveloping darkness. Their eyes strained to discern any details within the room, but the walls remained shrouded in impenetrable shadow, obscuring the room's size and contents.
In the ensuing silence, broken only by the occasional drip of water, they listened for his footsteps, but they could no longer be heard. Mustering her courage, Miya peeks cautiously into the room, the obscurity made it difficult to make out anything. However, driven by a sense of curiosity and determination, Miya took a tentative step forward, her movements now on edge. Morpheus followed closely behind, his presence offering a reassurance in the unknown.
However, as he stepped across the threshold, an ominous roaring like that of a raging fire resonated through the air as a metal ring ignited with an emberlike glow that spread, following the edges of the circular room, faintly illuminating the base of the walls.
Before the blazing ring could complete its loop and encircle the perimeter of the room, a figure materialised from the shadows coming from the far back of the room, rushing through the streak of moonlight towards Miya and Morpheus with a menacing grin. They had fallen into his trap, it was all too easy.
Swiftly they moved out of his way, but Miya realised he wasn't coming for them but heading for the gate, she quickly reached out and clutched his jacket. In a sudden twist, he spun around, his fist connecting with her face in a brutal blow.
Pain seared through her cheekbone as the sharp edges of the ring he wore sliced her skin, leaving a crimson gash. Staggering backward, her vision momentarily blurred, giving the man time to rush through the gate, slamming it closed behind him with a resounding clang.
The assault on his companion elicited an intense reaction from Morpheus. His eyes blazed with an otherworldly fury, his emotions running high, he reached out instinctively to pry open the gate, his rage overpowering any sense of caution.
But, as soon as his hand made contact with the cold metal, a surge of pain coursed through his body, causing him to convulse in agony. The shock caused him to grip tighter, unable to let go. Miya, ignoring her own pain, acted swiftly, grabbing hold of Morpheus and pulling him away.
Severely weakened, he falls to the floor, Miya taking his weight and pulling him close as she cradles him as she sinks to her knees on the damp stone floor.
Severely sapped of energy, with barely enough strength to open his eyes, his gaze met Miya's worried expression, finding solace in Miya's protective embrace. She cradled the weakened Morpheus in her arms, her heart pounding with worry, her eyes filled with concern. His usual stoic and brooding presence, which once commanded attention and instilled awe seemed feeble and diminished as he lay in Miya's arms on the cold, unforgiving stone floor. The room was suffused with an eerie silence, broken only by malevolent laughter.
"Oh, how the mighty have fallen! The great Sandman reduced to a pitiful heap in the arms of a mortal. How delightful!" Comes a voice from the gate. Miya's grip tightened around Morpheus, her eyes burning with defiance as she turned to the dark-haired man in his tailored suit, a tall, menacing figure with a sadistic grin and a mocking glint in his eyes that even in this low light was shining brightly. It wasn't the man they followed, but it was the one they where after.
"Tell me, Miya, how does it feel to see your beloved Dream so vulnerable? To witness his power slip away like grains of sand through your fingers?" Miya's eyes narrowed but she refused to give him the satisfaction of rising to his taunts. He smirks "Ah, the Sandman always has a soft spot for pretty women, doesn't he? It seems fate has a cruel sense of humour when it comes to your companions, my dear Morpheus." Morpheus strained to lift his gaze, left with barely enough energy to stay conscious.
Deimos sneers through the bars "Look at you, Sandman, reduced to a pitiful speck of your former self. Are you enjoying your fall from grace? Pretty soon you'll be nothing more than a memory. A faded dream, soon to be forgotten. Don't you know dreams don't often survive in the waking world?" Morpheus struggled to lift his head, but the rage in his eyes was enough.
"Dreams endure." Miya barks, unable to keep her thoughts to herself any longer. "They are the sparks that ignite revolutions, they break bonds and breathe hope into the world and whispers that inspire greatness. You cannot contain them forever. Yet you, you're a creature born of fear. But no, I don't see the fears of others, I see you consumed by your own fear. You know what awaits you when we get out of here. An empty, endless void. An inescapable prison"
His cheek twitches for a moment before his laughter echoed through the room, reverberating against the walls.
"Brave words, my dear, do you truly believe that? Dreams and hope, mere illusions in the face of reality. Your precious Sandman is nothing but a helpless prisoner, drained of his power. And you, well, you're just a mere mortal, trapped in this little game of ours, clinging to a fading dream." Miya's jaw clenched, but she refused to let go of Morpheus.
"No? So all this, the elaborate plot to lure him here and trap him wasn't born out of your own fear of him finding you? So that you don't have to constantly look over your shoulder, out of fear that the next time you blink he will be there to banish you to the void?" Miya hisses venomously. The look on his face becomes one of irritation rather than amusement now.
"Oh, I do enjoy your delusions. But let me remind you, you are at my mercy, and your dreams are now my playthings." He bites back.
There's a moment of silence, the tension in the room growing with each passing moment. Miya doesn't take her gaze off him until Morpheus groans in pain.
"Look at you, Sandman, withering away in the arms of this mortal. How does it feel to know that your precious human is trapped here with you, slowly fading away?" Morpheus strained to lift his gaze, his voice shaky yet resolute.
"Miya's strength and resilience surpass your comprehension. She is not bound by the same limitations as you." And he should know, for he made the nightmare, just as he can and will, unmake him. Miya's heart swells at Morpheus' words about her and she can't help the small smile that tugs at her lips. The nightmare laughed derisively, relishing his cruel power over the weakened Sandman.
"Oh, how touching! But mark my words, Sandman, as time passes, your beloved human will suffer. You will watch helplessly as her life dwindles, and her very essence crumbles into dust." He laughs, his voice dripping with sadistic amusement. Miya turns back to Deimos, Her eyes filled with fury. With a wink and a grin at Miya he turns and begins to leave.
His Laughter echoes ominously in the distance as he revelled in his success, leaving Morpheus and Miya trapped. She watched the gate, her heart pounded with a fierce desire for revenge and guilt, if it wasn't for her information Morpheus wouldn't be in this state.
Morpheus looks up at her, her face stained with a trickle of blood from the blow she had endured. With weak limbs, Morpheus reaches up, holding her face gently and with his thumb, wipes away the blood from Miya's cheek. A gesture of solace and gratitude amidst the darkness that surrounded them.
Miya, shifts her gaze from the gate, her eyes now filled with both concern and confusion. His touch, tender and caring, brought a sense of calm over her which resonated deep within her soul, extinguishing the flames of vengeance that had begun to consume her, but made her guilt increase tenfold. In that moment, her priorities shifted, and her sole concern became freeing Morpheus from his prison and ensuring his safety.
The world around her faded into insignificance as she focused solely on the vulnerable immortal in her embrace. She leaned into his touch, finding comfort in his presence despite their dire circumstances. Cradling him protectively in her arms, she felt the warmth of his body against her, a stark contrast to the chilling reality that surrounded them. Miya's thoughts shifted from guilt to worry, from revenge to escape, and from anger to protection.
Morpheus let his hand drop, his consciousness fading and Miya pulls him closer so they can be as comfortable as possible on the damp stone floor, her mind racing.
"Morpheus?" she tries to get his attention, but he doesn't respond. She looks around the room, searching for any glimmer of hope, refusing to succumb to the darkness.
The walls, made of huge stone bricks have several waterlines running along the brickwork as if it had previously been flooded and dried up on many occasions, the highest is knee height. Gothic support arches, meeting at the metal grating in the centre of the ceiling, secure it in place and separating the walls into twelve sections, in the middle of each are various metal symbols embedded into the masonry, also emitting an ember glow like the rune inscribed ring circling the floor at the base of the walls.
The silence would be deafening if not for the faint mystical lilting tone that seems to reverberate around the room from the glowing symbols and the ring. A quiet, melodious chiming that's hard to hear, but in the eerie silence it's almost too loud. The metal, etched with intricate symbols, gives off a faint amount of heat when in very close proximity, but not enough to keep the chill from getting to Miya as it starts to seep in through her damp clothes.
Miya realises that this is a giant binding circle. She could walk out of here if not for the wrought iron gate. But Morpheus couldn't.
For the next few hours Miya's mind raced with thoughts, blaming herself for their capture. She replayed the events over and over, dissecting every decision she had made. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on her shoulders. If she hadn't told Morpheus and checked it out first then only she would be in this situation.
Suddenly, Morpheus stirred, groggily coming to his senses. Miya, sensing his awakening, gently helped him sit up. His concerned expression mixed with pain was evident as he scanned their surroundings, but soon his eyes locked onto Miya. Before he could utter a word, she enveloped him in a heartfelt hug.
"I was so worried about you," Miya whispered, her voice filled with genuine concern and guilt. It was the first time they had ever shared such an intimate moment, and Morpheus took a moment to absorb the significance of it all. However, he wasn't given the chance to respond as Miya's self-blame spilled out.
"This is all my fault," she confessed, her voice tinged with regret and anguish.
Miya trembled, her body shaking from the cold that had seeped into her damp clothes. The frigid touch of the wet stone beneath her only intensified her discomfort. As she fought to control her shivers, Morpheus, still recovering from his grogginess, noticed Miya's discomfort. Concern etched across his face.
"You're freezing," Morpheus murmured softly, his voice filled with empathy. Realizing that Miya was chilled to the bone, Morpheus instinctively pulled her closer to him, creating a shield against the biting cold.
In a gentle yet protective gesture, he wrapped his coat around her, enveloping her in its warmth. As she nestled against him, she felt a sense of solace and safety enveloping her. In that moment, the weight of self-blame lessened, replaced by a shared vulnerability and a growing bond between Miya and Morpheus.
Miya leaned into him, seeking solace and relief from the icy grip of the room. His presence and the warmth of his embrace began to thaw the icy grip that had taken hold of Miya's body.
The coat, infused with Morpheus's essence, brought a soothing comfort that Miya welcomed wholeheartedly. In that fleeting instant, the embrace conveyed a silent understanding, a connection that transcended words.
Together, they huddled in the dimly lit room, finding solace and warmth in each other's presence. The world outside their confined space seemed distant and irrelevant as they leaned on one another for support, finding strength in their shared vulnerability.
As the warmth seeped into her, Miya felt a renewed sense of vigour coursing through her veins. The thawing of her body coincided with the rekindling of her determination. With each passing moment, her resolve grew stronger, fuelled by the flickering ember of hope within her.
Breaking the silence, Miya turned to Morpheus, her voice firm yet tinged with urgency. "We're in a binding circle," she says quietly, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. She had studied ancient symbols and mystical wards, recognizing the intricate patterns within the room's floor and walls.
Morpheus, his features etched with a blend of weariness and understanding, met her gaze. His voice, barely above a whisper, carried a weight of knowledge and resignation. "I know," he acknowledged quietly, his words laced with a touch of melancholy. "I can feel it." It's cutting off his connection to everything outside of it, yet he drew strength from the knowledge that they had triumphed over seemingly insurmountable odds before. As they sat together, locked within the cage, time seemed to stretch and warp around them. Conversations veered from whispered plans of escape to shared memories of their past exploits.
As hours turned into an eternity within the confining cellar, Miya's patience began to wane. They'd inspected the runes and symbols multiple times and still haven't thought of a way out. Frustration gnawed at her as she gazed at the barrier that stood before them.
Despite the warning signs, Miya's curiosity and determination pushed her to take matters into her own hands. Lifting herself to her feet and with a resolute stride, she marched towards the metal gate, her mind consumed by a theory that had taken hold of her thoughts and she knew that she had no other option but to put it to the test.
Morpheus was taken aback by Miya's swift movement, his worry for her intensifying. He understood the danger that lay before her, the potential consequences of touching the gate that had already delivered a jolt of electricity to his own weakened form.
He lunged forward, his voice brimming with concern, desperately trying to stop her. "Miya, no!" he pleaded, his words laced with concern.
Miya, her eyes now locked on Morpheus', recognized the genuine concern in his gaze. She understood the risks, but she also knew that their only chance of escape lay beyond that door. Her determination shone through her eyes, her resolve unyielding. She had made up her mind, fuelled by a fierce resolve and a refusal to surrender. The words she spoke, tinged with both defiance and determination, echoed through the chamber. "If I'm going to die in this hole, I'm not going without a fight" she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
A silence hangs between them for a moment. He can't get the thought of her potential death out of his head. He doesn't want to see her die, to watch her body decompose while he is trapped for eternity. He brushes some of her hair from her face and holds her cheek, just below the cut that's now dried.
"I should never have allowed you to come with me" He says quietly
"It wasn't your choice to make, you can berate me about it later" Miya makes a move for the gate again but he keeps hold of her.
"If we don't make it out of here-" He starts
"We will, just... Trust me" she says determined, looking him dead in the eye, confident in her theory.
Morpheus nodded, a mixture of admiration and worry in his eyes. He understood her spirit, her refusal to surrender in the face of adversity.
With unwavering determination, Miya reached out and grasped the gate, bracing herself for the inevitable surge of power. As her skin made contact with the cold, metallic surface, an electric surge coursed through her body. Pain shot up her arm, and her muscles spasmed involuntarily. The intensity of the shock threatened to overwhelm her, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to let it deter her. Morpheus watched in agony, his heart pounding with every jolt she endured.
Summoning every ounce of courage within her, she pushed past the pain. Morpheus watched, his heart pounding with trepidation, as the shocks coursed through her body. It seemed as though time stood still, his every instinct urging him to intervene, to protect her from harm. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the current ceased. The gate's power dissipated, leaving Miya weakened and breathless.
She stood there, her body trembling, her spirit unyielding. Her theory had proven correct, albeit at great personal cost.
Morpheus rushed to her side, his concern etched deep within his features. He gently cradled her in his arms, his touch infused with a mixture of relief and worry. Miya, though weakened, mustered a small smile, Holding onto him for support, her knees about to give in "Well... It worked" she said barely above a whisper, her voice faint but resolute.
Miya's body grew limp in Morpheus' arms, and despite his efforts to keep her awake, exhaustion overtook her, and she succumbed to unconsciousness in Morpheus' protective embrace, his ethereal presence emanated a soothing aura.
As she lay unconscious in his lap, Morpheus cradled her gently, keeping her off the floor as much as possible, his arms and coat wrapped around her, his powers flowing through his touch, weaving dreams that would bring her comfort and respite from their dire circumstances. Despite being cut off from everything outside this cell, he could still reach Miya in her dreams.
Morpheus found himself lost in his own thoughts. The weight of their entrapment pressed upon him, and he couldn't help but contemplate the grim fate that awaited Miya. A sense of helplessness settled upon him as he imagined watching her mortal body decay and crumble, reduced to mere dust within the confines of their prison.
As Miya stirred from her slumber, she found herself enveloped in Morpheus' protective embrace. Confusion flickered across her face as she gazed up at him, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Am I...dead yet?" she asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with humour. Morpheus, his expression soft yet enigmatic, met her gaze and shook his head gently. "Not for lack of trying" he responded, his voice carrying a touch of warmth. An amused smile tugged at the corners of Miya's lips, though it was slightly tempered by the lingering pain in her body.
"That explains the pain" she mused, a touch of wry humour in her voice. Morpheus chuckled softly, his laughter echoing in the confined space. She realises that she's sitting in his lap, her head resting on his chest, but as comfortable as it is, they need to get out of here. She attempted to rise, her determination urging her forward, but Morpheus gently restrained her. "Rest for a moment longer, Miya." he advised, his voice laced with a protective tenderness. Concern evident in his eyes.
Miya shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "We can rest once we get out of here." she asserted, her determination resolute. A spark of admiration ignited within Morpheus as he recognized the unwavering spirit within her.
"How long was I out?" she asked as she stands up and stretches painfully, her joints complaining and clicking.
"About a day" is his simple response, knowing she won't be happy to find out
"A day?!" she turns back to him surprised. Wishing she had stayed cuddled up to him a bit longer.
"Why didn't you-"she stops knowing what his answer would be and decided to change her question. "Anyone come down here since?" she asks. But he just shakes his head.
She turns her back to him and crouches as she starts looking at the glowing circle, looking at the runes and details carved into it.
Her eyes fell upon the lock securing the cell door, and a glimmer of hope sparked within her. She reached into her hair and pulled out a lock-pick which doubled as a hairpin. Now the enchantment won't effect her when she touches the gate, she fiddles around with the lock before it clicks open.
Morpheus watched her with an intensity that bordered on awe, marvelling at her resourcefulness and unwavering will.
Now turning her attention to the binding circle, Miya realises that breaking at least one of the symbols was their only way out. She took a deep breath, her determination unwavering, knowing that she would have to make a blood sacrifice to disrupt the dark magic that held them captive.
"There's good news and bad news, the good news is I know how to break the binding circle... The bad news is; You're not going to like it"
With a steady hand, she pressed the sharpest edge of her lock-pick against her palm, drawing a deep cut that pooled in her hand. As the blood dripped onto the floor, Miya spoke the incantation. The room quaked and groaned then she touched the ground with her cut hand and the floor cracked violently, spewing up dust which hangs in the air.
As the dust settled, the metal circle that activated upon Morpheus stepping into it slowly dimmed as it's power faded. Morpheus, heart pounding with fear, rushed to Miya's side. She lay on the ground, her body still, covered in dust, blood, and bruises. His heart sank at the sight of her injuries, a profound sadness welling within him. She had endured so much for his sake.
Gently, Morpheus cradled Miya in his arms, relief washing over him as he felt the soft rise and fall of her chest, indicating that she was indeed alive. Tenderly brushing away the dust from her face, he whispered words of comfort, his voice filled with gratitude and concern. "You've done it, Miya." he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of awe and relief. "Rest now, I will return the favour"
With great care, Morpheus carried Miya out of the cellar, once they emerged from the darkness, he transported them to her home, where he gently laid her down on a comfortable surface. With meticulous care, Morpheus tended to Miya's injuries, cleaning her wounds and applying soothing salves. His touch was gentle, filled with a tenderness that belied his ethereal nature.
He hovered by her side, watching over her as she stirred in her sleep, his heart aching at the thought of the pain she had endured for his sake. As Miya gradually regained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open, meeting Morpheus' concerned gaze. She managed a weak smile.
Together, they began the slow process of healing, both physically and emotionally. Morpheus remained by Miya's side, offering her solace and the comfort of dreams as she recovered.